There are a number of great products on the market that can help with various health issues associated with FD.   Most are listed here.  Please do not be taken in by "snake oil" products that claim to heal FD - only insulin and a species appropriate diet can do that.

When giving pills to cats, please do not dry pill as this can cause choking!  Always follow the pill with a syringe containing at least 6cc of water, or with some food afterwards.

Neuropathy (weakness in legs)-

Methylcobalamin B-12, usually given by mouth, 3mg to 6mg daily.   Do not confuse it with Cyanocobalamin, which does not help.  A new product, made specifically for FD cats is Zobaline. If you aren't able to get Zobaline, check your local vitamin stores for Methylcobalamin B-12, but read the label to be sure it has no sugars or other bad ingredients.  Recommended dosage is 2 to 4 tabs daily, depending on the severity of the neuropathy. These tablets can be crushed and mixed with food if necessary.

Liver and pancreas:   

Sylmarin - recent studies indicate the properties in sylmarin are capable of regenerating cells in both the liver and pancreas.  There are many different products containing sylmarin which are recommended for cats. 

SamE (no prescription required, use as directed), Denemarin  and Denosyl:  (prescription required, use as directed by your vet).  The brands contain a number of ingredients to help support the liver and pancreas and are considered well-rounded support. The enteric coated tablets must be given on an empty stomach an  hour before or after meals to ensure the pill dissolves in the gut.  They can be given wrapped in a small amount of wet food, a piece of cheese or a portion of a Pill Pocket.   The amount of sylmarin in each varies.

Milk Thistle:  The recommended level for Milk Thistle is 80% sylmarin.   MT can be obtained in both capsules or tincture formulas. As with all supplements, look for as much purity (no sugars or flours) and in the case of liquids, as little alcohol/grain ethanol as possible.   Both MT capsules and tincture can be mixed with food.  MT has a very bitter taste so it is recommended to start with a small amount and build up to your cat's optimum dose over a few days.  MT "can" be used in combination with SamE, Denemarin and Denosyl to maximize the healing properties (please see the manufacturer's websites for clarification).  Recommended daily dosage of MT is 1/6th to 1/10th of a human dose depending on the size of the cat and is best split into two doses over the course of the day.

L-Carnitine – is an amino acid which helps the system break down fats and cholesterol to process them the liver. As our cats age, they stop producing LCarnitine.   NOT at all suitable for cats are Acytel Carnitine or D-Carnitine (toxic to cats).  Make sure to get the purest form of L-Carnitine you can find!   Daily dose is 250mg, and is best split into two doses over the course of the day. Here’s a great article on the benefits of LCarnitine - follow the links to “learn more”…the sidebars have great info as well.   In humans, the use of LCarnitine is not recommended for those who have seizures, are using blood thinners, or have HypOthyroidism.

Immune system Support:

Dr. Hodgkins highly recommends the use of  Agaricus Blazeii mushroom compounds as immune system boosters for our cats. In fact, her words are "give your cat a quarter tablet daily, then take the rest yourself".  It comes in both powder and liquid forms. The liquid form is more powerful and is therefore recommended for cats with compromised immune systems.

Arthritis:

Dasuquin is recommended over Cosequin, but both are acceptable to assist with joint pain.   

Constipation:  

Just like humans, there are times when our cats become constipated.  Adding any kind of animal based fat to food will work wonders.  One or two drops of salmon oil, a pat of real butter (not margarine), a teaspoonful of bacon or sausage grease, can be given as needed. 

Slippery Elm Bark is also helpful to coat the intestine, helping stool pass easier (daily dose is 1/8 to 1/4 tsp), but it cannot be given within two hours of any other supplement or medication.  It is available at health food stores and online sources. 

Miralax (aka Restoralax in Canada) - there are time when constipation in our cats can be more severe or chronic.  The active ingredient in Miralax is Polyethylene Glycol 3350OK.  Recommended dosage is 1/8 tsp once a day until the constipation is resolved.  In severe cases, some have given Miralax twice a day. Extra water should always be added to food when using Miralax, as the product pulls moisture from the system to soften the stool to make it easier to pass.  Do NOT  use other human laxatives as they are not appropriate for cats.  Many vets will recommend Lactulose, however this product is NOT suitable for FD cats.

Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting:

 Pepcid AC or its generic equivalent is helpful when kitty isn't feeling very well, for example, when certain antibiotics are being used, or during a pancreatitis flare up.  For generic brands, the active ingredient is Famotidine, 10 mg.  Do not use Pepcid Complete.  The dose for Pepcid AC is  -  1/4 tab BID, preferably 20-30 min before feeding or medications.  

Updated Oct 2011