The Risks of Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food can be dangerous for cats if not formulated properly. Many dry foods contain high amounts of carbohydrates, which cats have difficulty digesting. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a high-protein, low-carb diet. Excess carbs can lead to obesity, diabetes, and urinary tract diseases in cats.
One study found that cats fed a dry food diet are at a higher risk for developing urinary tract diseases like feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) compared to cats fed a wet food diet. The study suggested this is likely due to the lower moisture content of dry food [1].
Dry food is around 10% moisture whereas wet food typically contains around 75% moisture. Cats have a low thirst drive and often don’t drink enough water to make up for the lack of moisture in dry food. This can lead to chronic dehydration, which puts stress on the urinary tract and kidneys.
The high carb content in many dry foods also causes unstable blood sugar levels in cats. This increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Obese and diabetic cats are more prone to urinary crystals and infections.
Overall, it’s important to choose a high-quality dry food low in carbs and high in protein. Cats fed only dry food require ample extra water intake. Veterinarians recommend feeding a mix of wet and dry food to optimize hydration and health.
Cats Need High Moisture
Unlike humans and dogs, cats have a naturally low thirst drive and generally do not drink enough water on their own. According to Thirst Drive in Cats, cats’ ancestors obtained most of their moisture needs from their prey. As a result, cats developed a low thirst drive and became efficient at concentrating urine to retain water in their bodies. This makes cats prone to chronic mild dehydration and related urinary tract issues if they don’t get enough moisture from their diet.
Because of their low thirst drive, cats do not adequately replace water lost through respiration, digestion, and urination. According to Reasons Why Your Cat Should Drink More Water, studies show that cats on dry food diets drink only half the water they actually need. Cats fed wet food have higher water intake and healthier urinary tracts. This demonstrates the importance of feeding cats a high moisture diet to support hydration and urinary tract health.
Look for Quality Ingredients
When selecting a cat food, it’s important to read the ingredient list and look for high-quality ingredients. According to veterinarians, the most important ingredient is a named animal protein source, like chicken, turkey, or salmon (Source). Meat, poultry, or fish should be the first ingredient listed. This provides essential amino acids that cats cannot synthesize on their own.
You’ll also want to look for natural fiber sources like vegetables, fruits, and grains. Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need high amounts of carbohydrates, so a cat food with minimal grain content is ideal. Added vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids like taurine, vitamin E, and omega-3s are also beneficial (Source).
Avoid cat foods with low-quality fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. Artificial preservatives and coloring should also be avoided. The best cat foods will have short, high-quality ingredient lists with plenty of animal protein and limited carbs or fillers.
Avoid Fillers and Artificial Additives
Many dry cat foods contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. While these inexpensive plant-based ingredients may help hold a kibble together, they offer limited nutritional value for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a high amount of protein from meat sources. Fillers like corn and wheat can sometimes cause allergic reactions in cats as well.
Artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives are also commonly found in dry cat food. These additives serve no nutritional purpose and may introduce potential health risks over time. Studies have linked artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5 to behavior changes and organ stress in animals. The long-term impacts are still unknown. It’s best to avoid cat foods with any dyes, artificial flavors, or chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.
Instead, look for high-quality ingredients like real meats, fish, eggs, and vegetables. Avoid mystery or by-product meals, which could contain parts like hooves, bones, and feathers. Select cat food with recognizable ingredients and minimal artificial additives.
Consider Your Cat’s Needs
Cats have different dietary needs depending on their age, activity level, and health condition. It’s important to feed your cat a diet tailored to their specific requirements.
Kittens require a high-calorie, protein-rich diet to support their rapid growth and development. Feed kittens food specifically formulated for kittens until 12 months of age, and feed them small, frequent meals throughout the day (1).
Adult cats need balanced nutrition to maintain an ideal weight and health. Look for cat food labelled for “adult maintenance” and feed according to portion guidelines (2). Active cats may need more calories, while less active indoor cats require smaller portions to prevent obesity.
Senior cats have lower energy requirements and may need food that is highly digestible with extra vitamins and antioxidants. Feed senior formulations and monitor weight closely, as older cats are prone to weight loss (3).
Cats with medical conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or food allergies may require specialized therapeutic diets recommended by your veterinarian.
Pay attention to your individual cat’s needs for a long, healthy life.
Combine Wet and Dry Food
Feeding your cat a combination of wet and dry food provides balanced nutrition and variety. Wet food contains higher moisture levels, providing hydration that helps urinary tract health. Dry food can help clean teeth and provides calories for a healthy weight. Transitioning to a mixed diet can ensure your cat gets the benefits of both.
When first introducing wet food, mix a small amount with the dry food. Gradually increase the wet food ratio over a week or two. This allows your cat time to adjust to new textures and flavors. Aim for a 50/50 ratio if your cat tolerates it. Feed wet food separately from dry food, as the textures don’t combine well in one bowl. You can serve wet food as a meal and leave dry food available during the day (Untamed Cat Food).
The key is keeping an eye on your cat’s food intake. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to ensure proper nutrition. Separating wet and dry food allows you to better monitor consumption. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the optimal diet for your cat.
Encourage Drinking Water
It’s important to encourage your cat to drink more water, as chronic mild dehydration is a common issue for cats on dry food diets. Here are some tips for keeping your cat hydrated:
Invest in a cat water fountain. The moving water encourages drinking, and cats seem to prefer flowing water sources. Models with filters keep the water fresh. Place water fountains away from food to prevent contamination.
Try adding some low-sodium chicken or tuna broth to the water to increase palatability. Only use a small amount of broth so the water doesn’t get too salty. You can also try products designed to flavor cat water.
Elevate water bowls or fountain water level to at least chest height. Cats like to drink from higher places.
Wet the cat’s paws to provide a licking stimulus before meals. This triggers drinking instincts.
Feed wet food rather than dry when possible, as the moisture content is higher. Place dishes of wet food and water far apart to promote hydration between bites.
Regularly change water to keep it appealing. Wash bowls thoroughly to prevent bacterial buildup.
Monitor water intake and watch for signs of dehydration like lethargy and dry gums. Consult your vet if issues persist despite encouragement efforts.
With patience and creativity, you can find ways to entice your cat into drinking more water for better hydration and urinary tract health.
Monitor Your Cat’s Health
It’s important to monitor your cat’s health for signs of dehydration or other issues that may be caused by a dry food diet. Dehydration occurs when a cat loses too much fluid from their body and can’t replace it quickly enough. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, lethargy, weakness, sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity, and reduced urination according to PetMD. Severe dehydration can be life threatening, so contact your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Urinary and kidney problems are also more common in cats fed dry food diets. Crystals and stones can develop in the urinary tract from highly concentrated urine. This leads to symptoms like blood in the urine, straining to urinate, frequent urination, and crying out while urinating. Obesity is another potential issue since dry food is calorie dense. Obese cats are at higher risk for diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other problems. Monitor your cat’s body condition and weight at home.
To stay on top of your cat’s health, bring them to the veterinarian for an annual wellness exam. Routine bloodwork, urinalysis, dental exams, parasite screening, and vaccinations will help catch any brewing issues early. Alert your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms at home in between visits.
Homemade Food Considerations
Homemade cat food has become an increasingly popular option for cat owners in recent years. While homemade diets can provide nutritious and balanced meals for cats when carefully formulated, there are also risks to consider. According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, homemade cat food recipes often lack key nutrients or contain unsafe ingredients.
Potential benefits of homemade cat food include the ability to control ingredients, cater to food allergies/sensitivities, and provide fresh whole foods. However, homemade diets require research and planning to formulate recipes that meet all of a cat’s nutritional needs. According to PetMD, many homemade recipes are unbalanced and lack essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, or protein. This can lead to malnutrition over time. It’s important to consult with a veterinary nutritionist when formulating homemade cat food recipes.
Guidelines for balanced homemade cat food include: using high-quality lean proteins, supplementing taurine and other essential nutrients, providing fiber from vegetables/fruits, adding healthy fats like fish oil, and ensuring the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio. Cats have unique nutritional requirements, so it’s essential homemade food is nutritionally complete. Monitor your cat closely when feeding homemade diets and have regular veterinary checkups to help spot any nutritional deficiencies early. While homemade cat food can be a good option if done correctly, work closely with your vet to ensure it will meet your cat’s needs.
Consult Your Veterinarian
When choosing the best cat food for your feline friend, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance based on your cat’s unique needs and health history. Some things to discuss with your vet when selecting cat food include:
Age – Kittens, adult cats, and senior cats have different nutritional requirements. Your vet can recommend foods tailored for your cat’s life stage.
Health issues – Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, food allergies, and urinary issues often call for special dietary needs. Vets can suggest cat foods to help manage these problems.
Activity level – Less active cats may do better on calorie-controlled foods. More active cats need foods with sufficient protein and fat content.
Flavor preferences – Some cats are picky eaters. Your vet can suggest tricks to transition finicky cats to a new food.
When looking at cat food brands, a veterinary seal of approval indicates the food meets key nutritional standards. These foods have undergone feeding trials and adhere to vet recommendations. Reputable brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are good options to discuss with your vet.
By working with your veterinarian, you can find the ideal cat food to keep your feline healthy and happy.
