Hi Marnie -
I have used just about every formula there is... My Favorite powdered formula is Fox Valley day one, Then Breeder's edge then KMR. I see constipation in varying degrees with all of them. I have also seen constipation with the ready to feed canned milks as well, Just not as severe . My Theory had always been Micro clumping in the mixing (tiny clumps of unmixed formula at a level that is unseen by eye) and have used various shakers and mixing devices like a milk frother that add higher shear to the mixing to see if it helped. I don't see a difference, and the other bottle feeders in my rescue have the same constipation issues.
I had a very sensitive stomach kitten recently that has taken me down the goats milk path, which has lessened the constipation concerns and seems to be the best solution so fare - I use the commercially available Meyenberg Goats milk - Fresh prefered but the canned works just as well.
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Jennifer Johnson
Los Gatos Foster Animals
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2024 07:15 PM
From: Marnie Russ
Subject: Constipation and longer feedings / formula
Hi Jennifer- thank you so much for your email and for sharing your experience. We haven't had that problem as the matter of fact we rarely get constipated kittens. I will reach out to the vets we work with and see if this is something they have seen. What kind of formula do you use?
I would love to learn more about the possibility of this. I will also reach out to other groups and see if they are seeing more constipation and let you know if there are other folks dealing with this.
thanks so much!
marnie
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Marnie Russ
Founder, Program Administrator
Kitten College
VA
Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2024 03:21 PM
From: Jennifer Johnson
Subject: Constipation and longer feedings / formula
I've been bottle feeding for 15+ years, one thing I've noticed is that my bottle babies seem to get more constipated the longer feeding intervals I do. I normally have to overdilute the kitten formula (3:1 minimum) add karo syrup or they require enemas when I am using frequent intervals, I worry that longer intervals will just make the issues more difficult - any Thoughts?
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Jennifer Johnson
Los Gatos Foster Animals
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