Special Cat Feeding Guide
Which is healthier for your cat—dry or wet food? Experts in pet nutrition agree that each has advantages and disadvantages but cannot provide a conclusive response. A combination of both is advised by some. After comparing dry and wet cat food using this advice, see your veterinarian to determine which diet is best for your cat’s age, weight, and lifestyle requirements.
How many times should a cat eat each day?
Age, reproductive status, and individual metabolism can all affect a cat’s calorie and nutritional needs. Always get a daily meal recommendation from your veterinarian based on your cat’s weight, health, and lifestyle requirements.
What is the recommended amount of wet food for cats?
Adult cats typically consume one to three plates of food each day. Your veterinarian will weigh your cat, calculate her ideal weight, and suggest how many calories she should consume each day to reach or stay at that weight. Your cat’s daily allowance is calculated by dividing the recommended daily caloric intake by the caloric content of each serving. When calculating, don’t forget to account for the calories your cat gets from dry food and treats.
Why feed wet cat food?
Compared to dogs, cats need up to three times as much protein in their meals. Because obligate carnivores like cats rely on animal proteins to meet their nutritional needs, wet cat food frequently contains a high protein content.
Given that cats typically don’t drink enough water, wet cat food, which is 75% water on average, can also help your cat achieve their daily hydration needs. Wet food’s high moisture content may help cats with kidney illness, diabetes, or urinary tract issues stay hydrated.
Additionally, wet cat food comes in a wide range of flavors and textures to suit all kinds of cats and is frequently more enticing than dry food.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty to thirty minutes. Keep any leftover cat food in the refrigerator and feed it within 72 hours because canned food doesn’t keep as long as dry food. Compared to bigger cat food bags, wet food has a longer shelf life before being opened and is easier to stock up on because it comes in smaller, stackable containers.
How much wet food should you feed a kitten?
Kittens ought to eat roughly three times every day. To keep your kitten’s food under control and prevent overeating, it’s a good idea to establish a feeding schedule, such as morning, afternoon, and evening.
Can kittens consume wet adult food? The nutritional requirements of an adult or mature cat differ from those of your kitten. Make sure the food is labeled as full, balanced, and designed especially for this healthy growth life stage by looking at the package, whether it is dry or wet kitten food. Additionally, DHA and ARA, which promote brain and eye development, can be found in kitten food.
AAFCO.org has a comprehensive list of criteria for pet food labels.
What are the benefits of feeding dry food?
High-quality dry cat food usually contains up to 10% moisture, an animal protein source, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients and can feature a delicious variety of meat, poultry and seafood.
You may leave dry food in your cat’s bowl for them to consume throughout the day, which makes it convenient. Don’t forget to keep any leftover dry cat food in a cool, dry location.
Pro Tip: To help maintain the nutritional content and flavor of dry recipes, keep them in their original bags and store them in airtight containers. Before using, make sure to verify the expiration dates.
Should I feed both wet and dry cat food?
Mixing wet and dry cat food offers a wide range of flavors and recipe combinations, making it one of the greatest ways to attract a picky cat. However, be cautious of weight gain. Your cat may develop obesity if they consume an excessive amount of dry or wet food. Whatever cuisine your cat likes, make sure to serve her a diet full of wholesome, high-quality ingredients that will keep her healthy for the rest of her life.
