Ditch the Dry Food Only Diet

One of the most frequently asked questions that TEAM receives is:

Should I feed my cat wet (canned) food?

Simple answer: YES!

Cats are carnivores. In the wild, they hunt for rodents, birds, and bugs—no fruits or vegetables!

Unlike dogs and humans, cats do not need carbohydrates in their diets. But most dry cat foods consist of up to 60% carbs and very little meat, the opposite of what cats need to stay healthy.

Meat and fish must be the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Feeding only dry food may create long-term health problems, like obesity, insulin resistance, chronic dehydration, and urinary tract diseases.

Dehydration and Kidney Issues

Today’s cats descended from desert-dwelling animals who depended mostly on what they ate for hydration. If your cat does not receive enough water from food sources, he may end up dehydrated. This is not good for the kidneys or the rest of the body. Canned cat helps hydrate your cat; dry food does not.

From Free-Feeder to Meal-Feeder

Another reason cats gain weight is that food is often left out all day to allow them to “graze.” Though it may be convenient for you, it can result in a fat cat.

To help your cat eat at specific meal times instead of free-feeding, try the following:

Instead of making food available for 24-hours, reduce access to four hours in the morning and four hours at night. After a few days, reduce it to two hours a.m. and two hours p.m., and then finally for only one hour each time. Call your cat to meals so that he learns that now is the time to eat.

Did You Know? Feline 411

• Contrary to popular belief, dry food does not help prevent dental disease.
  • Healthy teeth need proper nutrition. Good quality diets increase all-around health and decrease susceptibility to gum disease.
• Does your cat take medication?
  • If you must medicate your cat, it’s easier to administer medication by mixing it with wet food instead of dry.

We hope that these tips will help you to keep your cat happy and healthy for many years to come!