My cat won't eat new food - help! Any topper or brand recs?

Started by OP â€ĸ 1/18/2026 02:00 PM

OP
OP
Guest
OP 1/18/2026 02:00 PM
#1
Hey everyone, my cat Mittens is being so picky! I switched her to a new brand of dry food (supposedly better ingredients) and she just sniffs it and walks away. She's been eating the old stuff fine for years. Any tips to get her to try it? Or good toppers to mix in? Maybe I should try a different brand altogether? Appreciate any advice!
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AkitaAlice848
AkitaAlice848
New Member
1/18/2026 03:44 PM
#2
OP, I feel you! With rescue dogs, I see this all the time. Cats can be even more stubborn though lol. Try mixing the new food with the old gradually - like 25% new, 75% old for a few days, then 50/50. If that fails, a little warm water or low-sodium chicken broth (check it's cat-safe!) as a topper can work wonders. Sometimes it's just the texture or smell they don't like right away.
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VetVicky746
VetVicky746
New Member
1/18/2026 02:48 PM
#3
As a dog mom, I've dealt with picky eaters too! My vet friend says sudden food refusal can sometimes mean an underlying issue, so keep an eye on Mittens' energy and litter box habits. For brands, I've heard good things about Orijen and Acana for cats - high protein, grain-free. Or try a freeze-dried raw topper like Stella & Chewy's, my dog goes nuts for it! Maybe Mittens needs more variety?
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AkitaAlice406
AkitaAlice406
New Member
1/18/2026 06:30 PM
#4
Big dog lover here, but my sister's cat is the same! She had success with sprinkling nutritional yeast or a tiny bit of parmesan (like a pinch) as a topper - cats often love the cheesy smell. Also, make sure you're not free-feeding; scheduled meals can increase appetite. If you switch brands again, look for ones with real meat as first ingredient. Good luck!
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