Whilst licking their paws in aus.pets on 08 Aug 2003, Troy purred:

That is not true at all. The expensive brands like IAMS, Hills, etc.
are standard diets for cats - they cost more because they are made
with higher quality ingredients and are completely balanced diets. It
is true that you can get specialist diets from these companies but
they are only available at vet practices and should ONLY be used if
prescribed by a veterinarian - I am referring to kidney/heart/reduced
protein/liver problems - not over the counter diets like light,
active, furballs, senior, or kitten which you can get most places.

Cheap brands contain lower quality ingredients and a less balanced
diet - they may state that they adhere to some of the AFFCO standards
but they do not pass as complete and balanced diet.

If you look carefully at my original post, I said that the Vet brands are
*usually* used for special diets - not always. Yes, I agree that the
products you purchase from a Vet is by far and away better nutritionally
than anything you can get from a Supermarket. But they are limited in
flavours and they are quite costly. Seeing as this poster was writing to
ask about a large range of varities and a cheaper price, the Vet products
were probably not going to suit this person.

Also, extra expense does not always equate with extra quality. Some of the
better known brands available in Supermarkets, like Wiskas and Friskies to
name just two, are very close nutritionally to the products available from
the Vet (although they are usually too high in some additives and too low
in some essential vitamins and minerals). But buying some of the more
expensive Supermarket brands like Dine or Fancy Feast doesn't give you any
extra nutrition at all. It's like they reach a level of nutrition in the
Supermarket brands and they don't get any better than that no matter how
much more they cost. Of course, the brands available at the Vets *are* a
good step up from all of the Supermarket brands and their extra cost is
well worth it when you realise you are getting the best nutrition for your
cat.

But I stand by my original post. The most likely source for the largest
variety of reasonable priced cat foods in Australia will be the local
supermarket.

--
See ya!

Vicki Whyte

http://www.kittecat.com
Take out the litter to email me.

Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get
used to the idea.