Wet or Dry Food - Which is Best for Your Cat?
For a long time, people have debated which is better for a cat, wet or dry
food? As with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages with
both. The discussion is even more complicated today with so many
varieties of food on the market that promise specific nutrition and
health benefits.
Bottom line from most experts is that it's really a cat's choice! Cats have fewer taste buds than dogs or people and they pay a lot more attention to food texture, feel, size and smell. (Some cats will only eat pate-style canned food and some really like the slices and gravy.) All of those things will impact what a cat chooses to eat.
From the Catster.com article, here are the basics facts on wet and dry food.
"Dry food:
* Tends to cost less than wet
* Is easier to store because it does not need to be refrigerated
* Enables cats to gobble down calories quickly due to being nutritionally dense."
The authors note that dry food has one-third of the moisture of canned food, so if your cat tends not to drink a lot of water, a dry-only diet would probably not be an ideal plan.
As for wet food:
"* It’s easier to hide medication in wet food for cats with medical issues
* Wet food contains more water content than dried food
* It tends to emit a more beckoning aroma that could attract older cats who may have trouble eating kibble."
On the down side, the authors note that wet food is also more expensive than dry, and, once a can is opened, it needs to be refrigerated.
Taking in all the facts and experience, in general wet food is best for cats. It's better for their kidneys by helping them stay hydrated and good quality wet food doesn't have the added starch products like corn that cats don't need.
Pet parents need to be observant, flexible and patient! Be aware of how much water your cat drinks. Be sure to note what foods - dry and wet - they like and tolerate. Age, condition of your cat's teeth and medical status should be considerations for finding both the wet and dry the foods your cat will eat. Finally, take your nutrition questions and concerns to your vet!
CLICK HERE to read the whole article.
Bottom line from most experts is that it's really a cat's choice! Cats have fewer taste buds than dogs or people and they pay a lot more attention to food texture, feel, size and smell. (Some cats will only eat pate-style canned food and some really like the slices and gravy.) All of those things will impact what a cat chooses to eat.
From the Catster.com article, here are the basics facts on wet and dry food.
"Dry food:
* Tends to cost less than wet
* Is easier to store because it does not need to be refrigerated
* Enables cats to gobble down calories quickly due to being nutritionally dense."
The authors note that dry food has one-third of the moisture of canned food, so if your cat tends not to drink a lot of water, a dry-only diet would probably not be an ideal plan.
As for wet food:
"* It’s easier to hide medication in wet food for cats with medical issues
* Wet food contains more water content than dried food
* It tends to emit a more beckoning aroma that could attract older cats who may have trouble eating kibble."
On the down side, the authors note that wet food is also more expensive than dry, and, once a can is opened, it needs to be refrigerated.
Taking in all the facts and experience, in general wet food is best for cats. It's better for their kidneys by helping them stay hydrated and good quality wet food doesn't have the added starch products like corn that cats don't need.
Pet parents need to be observant, flexible and patient! Be aware of how much water your cat drinks. Be sure to note what foods - dry and wet - they like and tolerate. Age, condition of your cat's teeth and medical status should be considerations for finding both the wet and dry the foods your cat will eat. Finally, take your nutrition questions and concerns to your vet!
CLICK HERE to read the whole article.
Comments
Post a Comment