The good thing is that almost every cat food available on the market, whether dry or wet, is rich in proteins and substances that your purring friend needs. In other words, if you feed your cat cat food, you can’t go wrong.
However, keep in mind that in order to raise a healthy pet, you need to take into account several circumstances – its weight, its overall health (whether it needs something specific or not) and what your budget is.
Whether you choose mainly dry or wet food or combine them, you will decide together with your veterinarian. Let’s learn a little more about both types!
What are the main differences between the two types of food
The main difference between dry and canned (wet) food is the amount of water that is contained in each of them. Dry food contains approximately 10% water, and the remaining 90% consists of dry substances – proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins. Canned food contains approximately 70%-80% water. It is not by chance that they are called “wet food”.
• Production process
Given the higher water content in wet food, they are usually prepared with fresh or frozen meat, combined with additional protein, which mainly comes from grain additives. The meat is mixed with water, fat and vitamins and sealed in cans, where after heating, the destruction of dangerous substances such as pathogens that are found in the food is guaranteed.
Dry food is made after mixing and cooking meat, vitamins, minerals and fat at high temperatures. Sometimes additional fat is added to ensure that the food is tasty and that your purring friend will lick his paws.
• Nutrients
Dry cat food usually contains more carbohydrates than canned food. Wet food is usually a bit richer in protein and has a lower carbohydrate content. The amount of fat and protein varies in both types of food. Some dry foods also have probiotics added, which are necessary for certain health conditions.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Wet Food
The biggest benefit of feeding wet food is the higher water content.
If your meowing companion suffers from kidney disease, diabetes, or lower urinary tract disease, consuming more water will be beneficial for his condition.
Also, wet foods are very tasty, and most capricious cats would choose them over dry food.
A major disadvantage of this type of food is that it is slightly more expensive than dry food, and this plays an important role in the final choice of food. It can also lead to dental problems, as it sticks to the teeth of pets if they are not brushed. Its storage is a little more difficult, as it usually has to be eaten within 24 hours of opening the can.
If your purring friend has not managed to cope with the can, you can store it in the refrigerator, but it must be covered with a lid so that it does not dry out. Pet stores sell lids of various sizes and make it easier to preserve food in an already opened can.
In addition, if the wet food remains uneaten in the bowl and after a few hours your meowing pet gets so hungry that he decides to eat stale food – there is a risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
Advantages and disadvantages of dry food
This is the cheaper option, so it is a great choice for owners who adhere to a stricter budget. The good thing about dry food is that it does not spoil for a long time, it is stored outside the refrigerator and can be left in your cat’s bowl for a long time without any problems without being dangerous for him. With it, you certainly will not have to throw away uneaten spoiled food.
In addition, you can fill it in automatic feeders or puzzles and make feeding your cat more fun.
Regarding the disadvantages, since this food contains a higher amount of carbohydrates, it is usually the culprit for obesity in cats. This food is almost constantly filled in the bowl and owners often do not realize that their purring friend eats all day long, which can lead to him gaining weight.
If your cat suffers from any dental diseases or for some reason some of his teeth have been removed, he will certainly have a lot of difficulty chewing it.
Balance between the two foods
You can already assume that feeding only one type of food is not a good solution.
To perfectly balance the benefits and disadvantages of both types of food, it is best to combine them and feed your meowing friend with both.
If you are wondering when to give your cat a certain food – your veterinarian can advise you best.
Every cat is different, so the amount of food is strictly individual. Some owners feed their purring friends wet food first, and after that is eaten, they add dry food. Others choose wet food only in the morning or evening, and the rest of the time the furry roommate eats dry food. There is no universal formula, so your veterinarian would be best able to calculate the appropriate amount of both types of food suitable for your cat.
A few things to watch out for
Avoid feeding your furry pet with homemade food prepared by you. Of course, you can give him a bite or two of your food, but in no case should you replace cat food with human food. Since my meowing friends are strictly carnivores, they need a huge amount of protein every day, which is contained in cat food.
In addition, these foods are rich in taurine, which is an essential amino acid, without which purring animals cannot function fully. It is no coincidence that cat food is intended for cats. They contain all the necessary nutrients that furry animals cannot produce themselves.
Involving your veterinarian in your decision on what to feed your cat is very helpful, as you won’t find a better source of information and advice. It’s also important to consider your purring companion’s tastes. Since cats are very picky, you may encounter some difficulties while “feeling” for the right combination of foods.
Illustrative photo: https://www.pexels.com/search/cat%20eating/
