Friskies Special Diet canned cat food no longer available...

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by JohnZ, Jun 16, 2015.

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  1. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2015
    Hi All,

    I've been to 2 different Walmart stores and 2 different Shoprite stores and the shelves are empty of all Friskies Special Diet Pate cat food!

    I suspected (and feared) that Friskies Special Diet Pate cat food was no longer available.

    Did a google search and found the following from Examiner.com... If it's true we are losing a major source of what was a readily available, low cost, good quality, low carbohydrate canned cat food. Might be a good idea to buy any Friskies Special Diet Pate cat food you can find! Thank goodness 9 Lives still has many low carbohydrate cat foods (Meaty Pate's), although my cats don't like it as much.

    From Examiner.com:

    Purina nixes Friskies Special Diet cat food

    Pet food maker Purina has decided to stop producing Friskies Special Diet canned food, which was formulated for adult cats prone to urinary tract problems, a company representative said June 15.

    “We discontinued the items due to slow sales and declining consumer demand, ”Purina spokesman Bill Salzman told Examiner.com. “We offer a wide variety of cat food options in wet and dry form, and consumers ultimately determine which ones stay in the market.”

    Special Diet was low in magnesium, a metallic substance that can contribute to crystal formation in the urinary tract. The food came in five varieties: beef and chicken, chicken bits, ocean whitefish, salmon, and turkey and giblets. The product line was introduced in 1995, Salzman said.

    The news will likely disappoint some cat parents. The main non-prescription wet food alternative is Purina Pro Plan’s Urinary Tract Health Formula—Chicken Entree, a premium brand that typically costs several times more than Friskies. Prescription food prices also far exceed those of Friskies.

    “Bring back Special Diet; I depend on it,” an anonymous person wrote on a Friskies website. “Prescription food and the other alternatives are too expensive.”
     
  2. Megan & Oren

    Megan & Oren Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2015
    @*$&#. I ran into the same problem and was wondering if it was just my stores not carrying it anymore. What a huge disappointment. I did buy up all the last turkey and giblets recipe available last time. It figures, why should us sugar kitty parents get any kind of break...
     
  3. Karen & Rudy

    Karen & Rudy Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2014
    My regular store, Meijer, clearanced it all out a few weeks ago. I bought all they had at Walmart. I haven't been back yet to see if they got more, but it sure looks like they won't :-( I switched to wellness for now. Looking into EVO since it is less expensive than wellness. lets keep the alternative ideas rolling ;-)
     
  4. Sev

    Sev Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    Just when I was starting to save some money.
    It was nice paying 8 cents an ounce instead of 41 for the Hills c/d.
    Now I am going to have to make 2 different batches of raw for the cats if I cant find something reasonably priced.
     
  5. Sev

    Sev Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2011
    Purina Pro Plan UR is 34.6 cents an oz in 5.5oz cans from Petfood direct.
     
  6. Melanie and Smokey

    Melanie and Smokey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2010
    That really stinks for CKD cats :( I am guessing I am too late, but will have to go by PetSmart and see what they have left today. Thankfully it wasn't the only thing we feed Taz.
     
  7. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    What are you all switching to now? I'm not sure what to try since I switched to it for the lower carbs and to help the constant UTIs in my house.
     
  8. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2015
    For now- switching to mostly 9 Lives Meaty Pate's and some Fancy Feast Classic ... for the low carbs... but they probably won't help with UTI.
     
  9. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Well, that's just great of Purina. :p We were using the Special Diet for Rosa's diabetes and for CKD in one of our other cats as it's low phosphorus. We do feed the regular pates as well as our CKD girl seems to do just fine with her phosphorus levels on a mixture of the 2 but I don't want to switch Rosa away from the Friskies because she loves it and is doing well on it...but feeding the regular pate is too much phosphorus for our CKD kitty to have at every meal. So, a question for anyone who might know - all our cats eat from the same bowls. Only one requires low phosphorus. How bad is it for the ones that don't need low phosphorus food if we add a binder to the regular pate? Is it going to leave them short of the phosphorus they need or is it safe for all of them? At this rate we're going to have to start separating the cats - and as they all free-feed (again, I'm not prepared to change that because Rosa does well on it), they'd have to be separated just about all the time.

    In the short term of course, I'm about to go empty the shelves at both Walmart and Petco of all the Special Diet cans they've got.
     
  10. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2015
    We're doomed! :(

    Just tried another Walmart... not a single can of the Special Diet!

    We've got 11 cats... one of which is diabetic and needs a low carb diet (and is on Lantus). We slowly switched them all over to mostly Friskies Special Diet Pates. There'll not going to be very happy.
     
  11. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Our Walmart had quite a bit left 2 days ago - I'm just hoping they've still got some when I get there in about another hour. If not, then I guess I'll be heading to the next closest one about half an hour away to see if they've got some too. I've got enough for about another week as they get some of that and some of the regular pate, but a week isn't all that long to figure out a solution especially if we have to work out how to separate the cats. :(
     
  12. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2010
    I found it still listed online at www.friskies.com


    But can't find it 3/16/2015
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2015
  13. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    Nooooooooo, Special Diet Ocean Whitefish was my go-to lowest carb option! I might have to buy out the flats from my local grocery.
     
  14. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Unfortunately, Friskies have confirmed on their official Facebook page that the Special Diet range has been discontinued. I bought what I could find locally today - not a huge amount unfortunately, but it'll give me another week or so to figure out what to do next. The Ocean Whitefish was actually pretty much the only flavor I was able to find on the shelves here so with any luck you might be able to find some where you live too.
     
  15. Misty&Bast

    Misty&Bast Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2012
    Petsmart also discontinued the large cans of the Pate' that I was feeding. :-( WHY??? I was going to switch to the special diet. Well CRUD!!!
     
  16. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    I'm not happy about it at all - I emailed them this morning. Then I commented on their Facebook page...their response to that so far was that they do have another food that might be suitable, but it's higher carb. I said that's no good for a diabetic who's diet controlled and that I can't find anything else in their range that will work for us. Still waiting to see what they have to say about that!
     
  17. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    This crappy news since Mischief was diagnosed with CRF this week.

    It has been almost 10 years since I have had a CRF kitty. I am going to look at the food list for other choices. What is the maximum phosphorus level I should keep the foods under?
     
  18. kidsandliz

    kidsandliz Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2015
    I was told try to keep it 0.5 and under but definitely 1.0 and under. I have the same problem. Diabetic cat in stage 2 renal failure.
     
  19. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    I hit the mother lode! 82 cans of Special Diet Ocean Whitefish at the nearby grocery. Now where to put it......?
     
    Laura & Heffernan and manxcat419 like this.
  20. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Jan 14, 2015
    The Ocean Whitefish was the only one anywhere locally here still had left too...I can only assume it was the least popular flavor, but in the absence of any other choice I emptied the shelves at our local Walmart!!
     
  21. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    Yeah, at 4% carbs it's a wonderful LC option for those times when Jenks' numbers start to creep. Plus, he and the civvies all enjoy it. It's a shame they're discontinuing it and instead focusing on the types of foods that got kitties into trouble in the first place :(
     
  22. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Our lot love it! They'll choose that over some of the other Friskies flavors. I'd been avoiding buying too much of it because it's fish, but if it's fish or a food that's too high in phosphorus, I'll risk the fish!! It really is a shame that they've just introduced yet more food in gravy or sauce of some kind (though I really wish at least one of the new pates was low carb because all the cats here would love something with bacon in it) but stopped a whole line of foods that so many of us were relying on. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do when we run out of the supply I just bought - I give some of the Special Diet and some Classic pate because they all seem to do well on it, but I don't want to increase the phosphorus in their diet beyond that mixture.
     
  23. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2015
    Got lucky!

    Was poking around the web looking for some online store that had the Friskies Special Diet... and found that petco.com had 8 24 can cases of the Whitefish Dinner in stock ($14.40 a case, free shipping if order is over $49.00)... had no choice but to grab them all!...

    If anyone is interested- they are still showing the Friskies Special Diet With Salmon in stock (but no others)... these probably wont be available for long. Just a heads-up- these are a bit higher in carbs (7)... link...

    http://www.petco.com/product/11298/Friskies-Special-Diet-Canned-Cat-Food.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2015
  24. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2015
    Well- looks like the Friskies Special Diet With Salmon is now out of stock... did anyone get any? The web site does say... Expected Back in Stock 06/25/15... interesting.
     
  25. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    Check out local grocery stores. The other day I was lucky and found the special diet turkey and giblets at two different Publixes (Publixi?). Also, we have a super shady looking Pet Supplies Plus that still had lots of special diet. I mean...they USED to have it...I bought it. :)
     
  26. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
    No- say it's not true! :)
     
  27. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

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    Feb 3, 2014
    JohnZ likes this.
  28. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
    Just a heads-up... the Friskies Special Diet With Salmon is now back in stock...
     
  29. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    Someone must have bought it all because it's out of stock again online.
     
  30. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
    That was quick :eek:
     
  31. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    I had a hunch this was going to happen. :(
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2015
  32. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    However, I contacted my local Petco and they claim to have Friskies Special Diet Turkey and Giblet in stock. So worth checking around again.
     
  33. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    I called another Petco and they have a variety of Friskies Special Diet in stock.
     
  34. johnp

    johnp New Member

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    Jun 9, 2015
  35. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    Just checked online and the Friskies Special Diet is back in stock. Grab 'em while you can! Better yet, run to your nearest Petco (better to call first)!
     
    manxcat419 likes this.
  36. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

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    Oct 6, 2010
    They're probably emptying the warehouses.
     
  37. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 9, 2012
    Yesterday I ran to santa fe for dr appt and went and looked at stores.

    I found special diet beef and chicken....special diet salmon pate .... and special diet turkey and giblets
    if anyone is interested, I'll look at my receipt... tell you what I paid.... and if you pay postage.... you can have what I found. I know how it is when things disappear.... especially with our kitties....

    if no takers, I can just return it.....
     
    JohnZ likes this.
  38. kidsandliz

    kidsandliz Member

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    May 31, 2015
    Sent you a private message. Due to Max's kidney disease I need low in phosphorus which is the turkey and giblets
     
  39. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    It seems Petco still has a lot left in their warehouses. I was able to get a lot of the Special Diet salmon, ocean white fish, and turkey/giblets. It helps to call around to different Petco stores. If out of stock in the store, ask them to order more for you.

    Salmon is still available at Petco online.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2015
  40. kidsandliz

    kidsandliz Member

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    May 31, 2015
    I just discovered that. When I called them before they were out. Now they aren't. I had them pull all the turkey and giblets from the shelves for me since that has the lowest phosphorus to get later today. Manager of that store was unaware that it was being discontinued - yet many of us, myself included, have confirmed it has been with the company. He said they have discontinued a number of foods and introduced a ton more; that the overall shelf space for that company was the same in their store (companies pay for shelf space, which shelf... so for that reason it seems logical to discontinue something if they want to introduce something since they can't just get more shelf space).
     
  41. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

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    May 21, 2015
    Great that you are able to get the turkey and giblets.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2015
  42. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
    If you still got any left- I may be interested in the special diet beef and chicken... how many do you have?
     
  43. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 9, 2012
    I have 20 cans of beef and chicken.... paid 60 cents each... tax is 8%..... have to go to post office to find out postage...

    and I have 17 cans of the salmon pate.... for anyone else asking....
     
  44. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2015
    Sure I'll take the beef and chicken... thanks for doing this... now- can you send me a PM? Not sure how to do that.
     
  45. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    you click on the picture for the person you want... click on their name.... then click on start a conversation.....
    the conversation is a private message to whomever you invite only....

    I have paypal.... do you?
    and I'm out the door at this moment....
     
  46. JohnZ

    JohnZ Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
    Yep- sure do...
     
  47. Louellen

    Louellen Member

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    Apr 3, 2015
    Sadly, as we, Canadians are finding out (moreso than Americans), we are really up a creek because pet food manufacturers are quickly dropping both lines of foods as well as being willing to ship it to Canada. We are really ticked because it allows Purina, RC and Hills to overtake the "special foods" with vets who will push the prescription formulas so, their profit margins are higher in this method.

    It's just my 2 cents worth but, I have a feeling that even Purina will eventually drop anything "mid-range" in quality and go with their lower supermarket quality brands and nothing until we get to prescription formulas. That's sad but, I keep getting the same responses..."it's a financial decision" out of them all then, some sort of spiel about them having other foods available or none (to Canadians) and no alternatives. That forces us back to vet's offices for prescription, over priced, lower quality foods.

    Up here...it's marketing abilities. They cannot market foods as for special needs without it becoming a prescription formula and most people, by the time they get their pet diagnosed with an illness/disorder, will do whatever their vets tell them to do and that....is usually..."buy the prescription foods...we have it here". Uh-huh.

    (BTW...we couldn't get Friskies Special Diet up here anyways. We can't get EVO or Young Again either)
     
  48. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    for Canada, can't you get nature's variety? If mine would eat it every meal, that's what I'd like to be feeding.
    My next cat is hopefully going to eat it up every meal.
     
  49. Louellen

    Louellen Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2015
    Yes, that is one that we CAN get up here, Rhannon. Unfortunately...like everything else I go to try with Morrigan, she won't eat it. :( I have a bag of the kibble and cans of the wet food. Several of the canned foods, I've been lucky enough to return and exchange. :(
     
  50. BWR

    BWR New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2015
    Listen up all... I'm in a similar boat with the Friskies Special Diet...and I want us ALL to put social media pressure on Purina to bring back the product.

    Would everyone please Tweet using "#FriskiesSpecialDiet" asking #Purina to bring back the product. If enough of us do it, they just may rethink their poor decision to discontinue such a great product.

    And btw, I promise, it wasn't a "lack of sales" why they discontinued it, as Walmart and Petco, the 2 biggies in Pet Food sales always carried it, and they don't carry products that are slow sellers...just saying.

    Now, please EVERYONE tweet and retweet with "#FriskiesSpecialDiet" ...and... "#Purina" and we may just save the product for our furry friends.

    I'm sending my first Tweet now! Hope to see you all retweeting it.

    Please help spread the word on this effort to everyone you can!
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2015
    Reason for edit: Forgot something
    Critter Mom likes this.
  51. Megan & Oren

    Megan & Oren Member

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    Jan 30, 2015
    @BWR, i wondered the same thing; could the pressure of social media be brought to bear... I don't have a twitter account, but can we try leaving comments on their FB page as well? I have, and I've seen a number of others also, quite unhappy with their decision. Purina continuously responds with "It was a difficult decision but needed to be made. Private message us for other recommendations", which are no doubt more expensive, and less healthy. So frustrating...
     
  52. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    I commented on their Facebook page (I don't have a twitter account either). Apparently, the diet they're pushing is the Purina UR (of course at double the price for half the can size - no wonder they don't want to make that recommendation publicly)!! While the carb and phosphorus levels in it are acceptable, it's listed as actively increasing urine output, which is the very last thing either a diabetic cat or one with kidney problems needs!
     
  53. Megan & Oren

    Megan & Oren Member

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    Jan 30, 2015
    SMH. I will say, they seem to have gotten a lot of feedback about the discontinuation, people are not happy. However, I doubt they'll reverse course now. Damn, We're squeezed so hard as it is with all the extra costs of caring for these special needs kitties. And now Mark's Marine in CA is out of stock of Lantus, for an undetermined length of time.
     
  54. Jeanne

    Jeanne Member

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    Jan 18, 2015
    Has anyone checked amazon as of yesterday they had a lot left. My mother cat can only it it.
     
  55. BWR

    BWR New Member

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    Jul 6, 2015
    Thanks for the replies!

    Twitter is the #1 social platform to "force change"...Facebook posts are good, too...but, Twitter is the monster on the side of the consumer.

    So, if you really care about trying to change Purina's course on this, and you don't have a Twitter account, CREATE ONE...as that's no excuse...it only takes 2-3 minutes...unless you really don't care, and you're happy to pay 3-4 times for a similar product and quantity.

    Viral twitter posts has forced many companies to do an "about-face" after a hoard of people have objected to their position on something.

    One of the main reasons I'd like to see Purina reverse course is I've had 2 males over the last 25 years, and both "plugged up" after eating Friskies regular canned and dry foods...which both cost my over $1500 to have the Vet save...but, once on Special Diet, one lived for 12 more years (to 18) and the other, still with me, has lived healthfully for 2 more years, so far and he's going strong.

    C'mon, let's all attacked this head-on on Twitter...it may turn the tide in our favor! #FriskiesSpecialDiet!!!
     
  56. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 9, 2012
    I have a twitter account that I access with email.... I'm trying to figure out how to post... what to post.....
    I don't have a fancy phone and I really don't know what I'm doing.....:rolleyes:
     
  57. BWR

    BWR New Member

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    Jul 6, 2015
    You don't need a smart-phone to post on twitter, you just need internet access and a twitter account (which is free).

    Here's what I posted on twitter and you can feel free to use it:

    Hey #CatLovers of #FriskiesSpecialDiet... Lets all tell #Purina that we need them to bring back #SpecialDiet #cat food. #DontLetUsDownPurina

    Be sure to always put a "#" (hashtag) before "FriskiesSpecialDiet", before "Purina" and before "Cat"...like in my tweet above. That will help it go viral.
     
  58. stacia

    stacia Member

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    Aug 12, 2014
    A note - put an @ before one of those Purina mentions instead of a # - then it will ping Purina's feed. Otherwise, they'll likely see it because they should be monitoring for all mentions of Purina. But they will definitely see it (unless they're completely social media incompetent) if there's an @. As will anyone who goes to their feed and looks at all their mentions. The hashtag doesn't serve the same purpose.
     
  59. BWR

    BWR New Member

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    Jul 6, 2015
    Stacia, You're 100% correct...thanks. I overlooked using the @Purina.

    So, hey All, the tweet should be like this:

    Hey #CatLovers of #FriskiesSpecialDiet... Lets all tell @Purina that we need them to bring back #SpecialDiet#cat food. #DontLetUsDownPurina

    Be sure to always put a "#" (hashtag) before "FriskiesSpecialDiet", and before "Cat"...and an @ symbol before Purina like in my tweet above.

    I just tweeted it...now we need everyone else to do the same!

    That will help it go viral.
     
  60. stacia

    stacia Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2014
    I sent a couple of tweets earlier w/ my own wording. I'd suggest everyone use #FrisikiesSpecialDiet and @Purina but it may have more impact to write your own tweet. I used:

    Disappointed @Purina is discontinuing #FriskiesSpecialDiet - it's important for my diabetic/kidney-diseased #cat. Please bring it back!

    (and)

    C'mon, @Purina - how can you say no to this face? She needs her #FriskiesSpecialDiet! pic.twitter.com/HAzlgvhXxa

    I've had several retweets and favorites from friends since sending, as well as several replies that copy @Purina asking what's going on and hoping the food will come back. Because everyone who knows me knows my Tasha-beast so they're all pulling for her.
     
  61. ursa68

    ursa68 Member

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    Feb 27, 2014
    I'm tweeting too!! and I'm not normally a twitter person, but I'm pissed at Purina!
     
  62. Megan & Oren

    Megan & Oren Member

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    Jan 30, 2015
    I've been hitting the FB page; and there are several people petitioning for the return there; posting stories of many rescued kitties, and kitties who won't eat anything else, the company is responding, but always w/ 'pm us for recommendations of other products' which is invariably the new UR line, smaller cans, twice as expensive. They are now also saying they are passing along the comments to 'their team'...I got this response myself. I have commented on other folks posts in various places on the page, to keep it and in their face.
     
  63. stacia

    stacia Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2014
    Purina has responded to my tweet. This was their response there:

    "We'll let our team know you'd like to see this back on the market."

    It's not much (similar to the FB response), but if we keep telling them we want it back, it could help.
     
  64. BWR

    BWR New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2015
    Thanks to those tweeting using #FriskiesSpecialDiet and @Purina.

    So far, I only see that Stacia, Jackie, Kim and myself have tweeted about this.

    C'mon people if you want to get Purina to rethink this poor decision, we're going to need a lot more people tweeting...a LOT more!!!

    (BTW, I'd bet that "Special Diet" outsold "Senior Diet", but they continue to produce it.)
     
  65. Ronee koz

    Ronee koz New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2015
    This timing could not be worse. It is all my 4 year old will eat. Also just brought a new kitten home. Even though she just hears him, in separate room for awhile, she is having hissy fits and relates her lack of her food with him. If anyone find a tasty substitute please post. Have tried the Purina pro plan, but she is hit and miss with that.
     
  66. Sydney T_FL

    Sydney T_FL Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2015
    I noticed that our Walmart here hasn't had it in over a month. However this morning while at Walmart they had it restocked!
     
  67. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    just went to grocery store....
    they had 31 cans of SD beef and chicken entree pate at 30 cents a can clearance.

    I also still have 15 cans of SD salmon pate.... that were 60 cents each....

    tax is 8%.

    I have figured to put them in a flat rate postage box.... so that helps with the shipping.
     
  68. BWR

    BWR New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2015
    HEY ALL!... After only 3 tweets using, #FriskiesSpecialDiet and @Purina in my tweets, Purina replied to me directly with this...

    "Jul 08 @Purina We didn't mean to inconvenience you. Send us a private message on our Facebook page to talk more at https://www.facebook.com/purina."

    So, PLEASE everyone that cares about them discontinuing Friskies Special Diet, post a message on the Purina Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/purina

    If you want change, then you have to take action...and not just complain about it, then sit on your thumbs. C'Mon!!!

    PLEASE HELP ALL OF US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    Sandra Downie and Sydney T_FL like this.
  69. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 9, 2012
    added to facebook page....
    come comment with me..... find Lora Rhiannon Bristol-Cossey
     
    BWR likes this.
  70. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    Just jumped into the Twitter war! Thanks for the instructions on how to post. I had no idea how the hashtag thing actually worked! Here's hoping!
     
    BWR likes this.
  71. Larry W

    Larry W New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2015
    I only found out today about Purina discontinuing the special diet can foods. I have noticed it being in short supply in the local stores which carried it but didn't give it much thought until today. I was able to find all of the flavors on-line by shopping on three different supplier sites, so I bought up what I could afford. Then I sent Purina a message on facebook and they replied back in a few minutes with another of their products which I guess will be the replacement. Anyway, here is the link they sent me.
    https://www.proplan.com/cats/produc...tract-health-formula-chicken-entree-in-gravy/ I hate that they only have one flavor of this.
     
  72. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    And I hate that their replacement has gluten and corn starch. How much carb does it have?
     
  73. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    I like that they didn't try to tell me about the replacement.....
     
  74. Megan & Oren

    Megan & Oren Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2015
    Ha, I wondered if that was someone from LL!! I have been over there too, on a few pages.. they keep responding to me that "my comments will be forwarded to the Purina team" rah rah. I don't know, maybe if they get enough noise about it they will bring it back, but so far they're holding to the 'it was a difficult but necessary decision' to discontinue it... At least they should get an earful for a while so they know we're pissed!
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  75. Megan & Oren

    Megan & Oren Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2015
    yup, I pointed that out to them too. So it goes from bad to worse...smaller amount, twice the price, crappier ingredients. Perfect.

    my comment:
    wheat gluten and soy are both in the Pro plan, also not good for kitties. Cats are obligate carnivores, and should get their protein from meat, not plants. The special diet foods, especially the Turkey and Giblets variety, was low in phosphorus, low carb, relatively high protein and most importantly, AFFORDABLE for kitties w/ special needs, like kidney disease, diabetes and UTI issues. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reconsider discontinuing this product.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2015
  76. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    I saw your comment over there! I wondered when I read it if that was someone from the board. :)
     
  77. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2015
    Will do so at the weekend. Just WAY too tired today...for various reasons, I got less than 3 hours sleep last night and just can't face doing anything this evening. I do know it's important and I will create an account just for this.
     
  78. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    i think if we keep it going over a long period of time.... we'll have more luck.....
    if we all jump on at once..... then it's a flash in the pan.....

    you want to keep stoking this fire....
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  79. Gabriela Sousa

    Gabriela Sousa New Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2015
    Any thoughts on Authority® Pate Adult Cat Food at Pet smart. It's on the List of food on 8% carbs but it has Brewer's Rice in the ingredients...is this safe guys?
     
  80. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    @Gabriela Sousa
    actually lots of the friskies have rice ....
    if your cat is carb sensitive, you might want to avoid it.....
    My cat was not carb sensitive.... she actually did better with a little carb....

    pretty much, the goal is all the choices under 10% carbs....
    so try it, see what influence it has.....
     
    Gabriela Sousa likes this.
  81. Gabriela Sousa

    Gabriela Sousa New Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2015
    Thank you rhiannon and shadow....it is under 10% but i am hearing from a group on FB thats it is not recommended because of where Brewers Rice is listed in the ingredients...errrr
     
  82. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    i'd rather avoid things like carageenan ( emulsifier / thickener) and soy.
     
    Gabriela Sousa likes this.
  83. BWR

    BWR New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2015
    Hey All, I have a call with Purina tomorrow to discuss the Special Diet issue.
     
    BJM, Cat Ma and Jeanne like this.
  84. BWR

    BWR New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2015
    For those looking for a wet-food alternative to Special Diet here's what I found at Petco:

    10-12¢ per ounce = Special Diet < Discontinued.

    22-24¢ per ounce = Wellness "Complete Health" < This price in 12.5 oz can. 5 flavors. No grains.

    32-35¢ per ounce = Purina Pro Plan. < 1-flavor only. Costs the most. Has Gluten & Corn Starch.


    So, the "Wellness Complete Health" is double the price of Friskies, but its 1/3 less than Purina Pro Plan and it has 5 flavors.
     
  85. Ash0709

    Ash0709 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2015
    Just a thought.... I too am totally taken back by the discontinuation of a great canned food. Since my cat is currently having dental issues at the moment, I've been feeding her the Purina One uti formula dry food that has been watered down. She's been on it for years to with no issues. Why couldn't I continue this indefinitely so she's still getting the uti formula in a moist setting.?
     
  86. Cat Ma

    Cat Ma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    @BWR , did you get a response from Purina?
     
    Psuemster, Jillian Keller and Jeanne like this.
  87. Richstanley

    Richstanley New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2015
    Purina is doing this so they can provide a more expensive alternative to the Special Diet product. I've been using this product for many years but refuse to buy their new alternative. If I'm going to pay more it will be with another company not one that wants to squeeze every last dime out of those who can least afford it... Boycott Purina/Friskies until they bring it back!!!
     
  88. Jillian Keller

    Jillian Keller New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2015
    This is killing me.. My cats don't have diabetes but I still feed them low carb food. My Mom's cat DOES have diabetes and she has had him on the friskies special diet for a year now and now his levels have gone way down and they are taking him off the insulin, and she's afraid to switch foods but she has no choice! I have an email in to 9 lives...

    Here's what I have found via chewy.com for prices.. next best thing from Fancy Feast is Best Feline Friend..
    friskies - was 9 cents per oz
    fancy feast is 16 cents per oz
    Best Feline friend 2 carbs 18 cents per oz if bought in 10oz cans. or 22 cents in 5.5oz
    purina pro plan focus adult urinary tract health is 2.5 carbs and 22 cents and oz (their formula that they claim is closest to the special diet is NOT low enough in carbs) this is their lowest carb formula.
    Hounds and Gatos is 23 cents per oz
    artemis .25 cents an oz
    Wellnes 12.0z cans are .20cents per oz.
    TIKI CAT in the 6 oz cans is .20 cents an oz
     
    Ronee koz likes this.
  89. Sandra Downie

    Sandra Downie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2015
    I used some 9 Lives & within a month my diabetic cat's levels went off the charts & now he's back to monthly testing. I have 9 cats (most elderly) & I've relied on Friskies Special Diet for years. I think we ALL need to contact Purina & voice our opposition!!
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  90. shay

    shay New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    Hi All,
    I'm new to this forum, but am having the same problems with getting Friskies special diet cat food...I called Purina today and asked them to send me all that they had in there warehouse...he agreed and to also send me coupons for thier new product. I am not on twitter or facebook but did call them 800-778-8864..you may have to wait 10-15 minutes to talk to someone, but if they get enough complaints via tweeter, facebook and calls, I'm hoping they will reconsider...the guy I spoke said they were getting many complaints...worth a try...amazon still has some white fish....ebay has nothing....
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  91. Psuemster

    Psuemster New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2015
    Any news? Did they just give you the usual run around... "It was a difficult decision blah blah blah...try this new expensive crap blah blah..."
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  92. Sandra Downie

    Sandra Downie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2015
    I got a reply from Purina.... "will forward your concerns to our team... " but I'm not expecting much success. Hopefully enough people will contact them. I'd hoped they would discontinue their Tasty Treasures and replace it with more flavors of Special Diet since none of my cats will eat TT (in fact the strays I feed won't even eat it!). Purina said there weren't enough sales of SD... the only reason that might make sense it because the shelves are usually empty so how can they profit when their customers can't buy it?
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  93. Sandra Downie

    Sandra Downie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2015
     
    Jeanne likes this.
  94. Sandra Downie

    Sandra Downie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2015
    I've posted on purina.com & their Facebook page that I've been feeding my 9 cats Special Diet for years & spend $100.00+ a month on it but rather than purchase their "alternative" I will buy another brand. Most of my cats are elderly with health issues, including one diabetic, so I'd much rather stay with the Special Diet since it's been working for them.
     
    KJO and Jeanne like this.
  95. KJO

    KJO New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2015
    I do believe it's important to not only tell Purina that we want Special Diet back, but that we will refuse to buy any Purina products in the future. I don't believe for one second the "poor sales" nonsense. My local grocery store was sold out of it on a regular basis, and based on all of the posts I've been reading, it sounds like that was happening all over the country. If Purina gets a large number of threats to go to another company, that may make them reconsider.
     
    Critter Mom and Jeanne like this.
  96. Merlin

    Merlin Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    I saw the shelves emptying here in Phoenix about six months ago of the Special Diet. The store managers had no idea why they were not getting their orders filled so I think even the stores were perplexed. I knew something was up. Anyway, I did contact Friskies recently as well and shared with them how much I am going to miss SD T&D and that I will not be purchasing their replacement. He has done so well on Special Diet T&G these last couple of years. However, since I had to switch to another product, Merlin is doing well. It seems that since I switched to Wellness Turkey Grain Free, his numbers have improved.
     
  97. shay

    shay New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2015
    I also buy Purina chow for urinary tract...I hope they don't discontinue that also...I will look at wellness...my problem is for my 12 year old male who has uti in the past,,,special diet was a god sent he has done so well...I don't know what else to feed him.... any other suggestions are welcome.....
     
    KJO likes this.
  98. Sandra Downie

    Sandra Downie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2015
     
  99. Sandra Downie

    Sandra Downie New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2015

    I've posted to purina.com, purina's Facebook page and called them yesterday. I said I was extremely disappointed with this decision. I mentioned Special Diet was always out of stock so if they'd provided enough product they would've made their profit. My stores had to make room for Tasty Treasures which makes my cats sick and the strays won't even eat it. I suggested they add to the Special Diet selection and get rid of Tasty Treasures. They made suggestions to more expensive food but I said I've been spending over $100.00 a month on Special Diet and other Purina products but will not purchase anything from them in the future unless they change this decision.
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2015
    Jeanne likes this.
  100. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I agree wholeheartedly.

    I'm no social media expert but I have some idea of the principles.

    As well as asking for support from Purina customers who buy the Special Diet Flavours, why not ask for support from ALL Purina customers by running a #BoycottPurina type campaign. You could maybe create a short post on Facebook and maybe set up a simple website petition telling all Purina customers why the food matters so much to cats with diabetic/CKD/urinary problems and how it will affect kitties' health if they discontinue it. Then you could ask all Purina customers to support the campaign by boycotting the whole general range of Purina foods until they agree to reconsider their decision. The Twitter campaign could then include a link to the web page or Facebook post to tell people where to find out why the food is so important to kitties' health and wellbeing (and ladle on thick just how nigh on impossible it is to find foods that help them).

    Just my two penn'orth.
     
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