can i feed my cat different brands of dry food

You happen to have one of those finicky felines who prefer to eat only dry food. Here is one more link about feeding a raw diet to cats: http://catnutrition.org/, How to Choose the Best Harness & Leash for Your Dog, Why Kittens Bite (and How to Make Them Stop). Sh … read more. And some other ones, I just didn’t like the ingredients on the back. 9Lives. If any of them are missing an ingredient from the above list of cat nutrition requirements, then you ought to switch to a cat food that does list them all. Is it ok to change cat food? So, the next question is – what should you look for on the back of the food package? omega-3 and omega-6. Canned food can be better than dry food because it does provide the added moisture, similar to if a cat ate “raw” prey in the wild. In order to decide which is best, a complete nutritional … A cup of dry cat food weighs between 120-130 g and contains between 300 to 500 calories depending on the brand. I was the same until I really did my research. Taurine is an amino acid found in muscle meat and organs like heart, kidney and liver and in seafood. It is not a good idea, however, to free feed the dry kibble, even natural dry cat foods. Dry food can be a very efficient way to provide calories in thin cats with food volume limitations and allows for the use of food puzzles and food toy dispensers. Instead, cats need food low in carbohydrates and high in animal fats and proteins. Is it ok to change cat food? Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Quality brand of cat food follows the nutritional guidelines suggested by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). I know it may seem counterintuitive, but giving them a sense of routine around the clock helps their body stick to that routine. For example, if your veterinarian prescribes a combination of Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U wet cat food and Blue Buffalo Veterinary Diet W+U dry cat food, do not make a substitution without first talking to them. According to the Association of American Feeding Control Officials (AAFCO), there is no right or wrong in terms of feeding only dry food or cat food. Avoid preservatives. And, after asking different veterinarians everytime I took my cats to the vet, they agree. This includes type of meat, dry food, and water. As a result of that, there are more and more brands of cat food out there that uses only the good ingredients and eliminates what is unnecessary and bad for cats’ health. Purina nutritionists recommend feeding a combination of wet and dry food, though. September 19 2018. This is also found in meat and fish. Arginine is another amino acid, like taurine, and aids the kidneys to remove waste and boosts immune system and help injuries. Some dry food can work out at around 40p a portion – less than the premium brands – and while it can cost slightly more than budget options, the meat quantity is often higher. And dry food is mostly preferred by cat parents who free-feed their cats. The micro minerals they need in their diet are: boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. Plus, cats don’t need to drink as much fresh water if they’re eating canned food. Receive first-hand access to exclusive offers, expert tips, and free shipping + 15% off your next order! Finding the right dry cat food to feed your cat is important to ensure your cat is healthy and happy. How to Use a Natural Flea & Tick Squeeze-On. Answer: There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding a variety of brands and flavors of wet food to your cats. The source of their vitamin comes from meats. If your cat is NOT drinking enough water, hell no – go read this and get your cat to drink more water. With a good feeling, routines can offer the best of both worlds. The first thing you must know is how much your cat weighs and how much a cat with similar length of limbs and bone structure should weight. I don’t have the strength to go back and read what I wrote… But, I did my best to share with you what I’ve learned up to now on a cat feeding guide that I am happy with now. But, he’s a big boy and is not active at all. How Do Fleas, Ticks, & Mosquitoes Find Your Pet? You can feed your cat dry food in the morning. i tell her that’s not normal, no one wakes up in the middle of the night to feed a cat!! These formulas usually contain lower-quality meats and a greater amount of filler. Both dry and wet food have pros and cons. Using wet cat food to supplement or 'top dress' dry kibble is popular practice. Cats as wild animals would hunt animals smaller than them. He weighs about 17 pounds. “Each cat is different, but it seems like, overall, palatability tends to be a little higher on wet food for cats.” Many of their preferences develop in their younger years. If you offer both canned and dry food on a daily basis, you are already doing this to some extent. Dry Cat Food Reviews. Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. It has a creamy consistency with added milk which cats really like, although keep in mind this may make it a bad choice for your kitty with a dairy sensitivity. |. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Hi, I’m Jane! dairy, eggs), unrefined grains, and sources of fiber. Other things you should look for on the labels are: It may sound obvious, but I think there are a lot of people who don’t actually know that they should follow the feeding guideline on the back of the cat food package. To maintain … calories to their food, and can result in cat obesity. I usually reply, “If possible, both.” I base my recommendation on the fact that cats tend to form early and strong opinions regarding what they will and will not eat, and that by offering both, owners can keep all their options open. (And How to Stop Them! Talk to your veterinarian about complementing your dry dog food or dry cat food with a canned food that compliments his or her dietary needs as well as the … Timed feeding not only controls how much they eat but it also helps to stop your cat’s begging for food. Different Types of Cat Food. she never eats the dry. For Charlie, he can afford to have a little less than 2 cans of wet food. 9Lives was founded in 1959. Mixing in a different type of food, even if it is labeled for weight management or urinary care, could lead to undesirable weight changes or urinary problems. And, 75% of ⅔ cup is ½ cup. Since I give him ¼ can, he can still have almost a full cup of dry food. Although all these minerals come from various sources, you would capture all these minerals when you feed your cat a healthy mixed diet of the following: Meat (including flesh, bone, liver), fish, poultry by-products (i.e. Rather than giving them one type of meat everyday, give them a variety of meat and fish- everything in moderation. In fact, I’m still trying to get Charlie to lose a couple pounds, which is really hard because he begs for food (MUCH less now than before). The strict feeding amount has also allowed them to stay in the right range of weight. Nala is a svelte and small cat who weighs 9 pounds. After hours and hours of research and many many dollars spent trying different cat foods, here is a collection of helpful tips on the best cat feeding guide and what I feed my cats (for both wet and dry). In fact, research shows that many cats that eat a therapeutic dry cat food are also eating a wet cat food from a supermarket. But having said that, I’ve tried a lot. All cat foods should have taurine for cats to form bile. Mixed feeding can be defined as serving canned food as a twice-daily meal and dry food is freely available. It’s important for your cat to be on a diet in terms of how much to eat, because obesity in cats is really dangerous for your cat’s health. Their sources of protein, fat, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals all. Teeth: the texture of dry cat food can help protect the cat's teeth by scraping off plaque and other dirt. And the wet food can says give your cat 1 can of wet food for every 6 – 8 pounds of your cat’s weight. Niacin is found in. Cats can go for many hours between meals and commonly do so in the wild. And what about leaving out dry kibble for them during the day while I am gone? Arginine is another amino acid, like taurine, and aids the kidneys to remove waste and boosts immune system and help injuries. Charlie is a ginger gentle giant Maine Coon mix. How much dry food should I feed my cat? So, I give him about ⅔ cup of dry food. Big Heart Pet Brands is owned by the JM Smucker company. I went to a vet and she wants me to change my cats diet to. They are also sold in various formulae depending on the health status of the cat. Even though it’s not bad for the cats, this just. according to AAFCO for the major nutrients are: To summarize, cats are carnivores, so they don’t actually need carbohydrates. i give her a quarter of a can in the morning and night and leave the evo dry during the day. Timed feeding is especially important for multiple cat household, because one might be more dominant than the other and always eat more than the other. my sister doesn’t listen to me that she feeds her two cats way too much, she feeds them 3 sometimes 4 times daily . They don’t have food sensitivity, they genuinely enjoy it and their coat is shiny and healthy. Obviously, cats need water. We drove across country together from California to the East Coast and then flew back from the East Coast to California, where we now live. She’s skinny & needs to eat. Low in calories and high in meat protein, this feline … while keeping the wet food the same? Cats need the same basic nutrition requirements as humans, but there are certainly some things that differ. It’s important to stress that every cat is different in terms of their sensitivity to food and what works the best. There was a controversy decades ago when cat food brands neglected taurine in the cat food and that caused deficiencies in cat health that jeopardized cats’ health. Plant protein has incomplete amino acids, so a plant-based diet for cats would be nutrition deficient. Expert. Mid-range. Every article I write is thoroughly researched to help fellow cat lovers raise the healthiest and happiest indoor cats, with anecdotes from my own experience. They didn’t eat plants or beans. Arginine is found in, Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid that acts as an anti-inflammatory response and aids in the functioning of gastrointestinal systems. Can I Feed My Cat Different Brands of Food, Only Natural Pet Full Spectrum Soft Chews, Only Natural Pet Non-Toxic Repellent Collar, New Look! . I agree to my personal data being stored and used to receive the newsletter, I agree to receive information and offers about Only Natural Pet. This includes type of meat, dry food, and water. One of the first questions I had about what to feed my cats was whether cats should be fed dry food or wet food. Your cat disdainfully looks at the bowl of freshly opened expensive canned food, puts her nose up in the air and walks away. Dry food is also considered good for your cat’s thyroid health. In fact, it is actually a good way to ensure they are receiving a well balanced diet. You can mix things up even more by mixing two or more types of dry food together in the bowl, which also works if you feed dry food only. We gave her dry food years ago & she ballooned to 20lbs so we stopped giving it to her & switched to wet food on vet orders, Now she has depressed appetite & vet says she is preferring dry cat food, What dry cat food do cats … The following is a dumbed down version of the nutrition requirements for cats that AAFCO recommends: Cats needs complete amino acids, which come from animal protein: meat, fish, eggs, poultry. Also, for full disclosure, I want you to know that some products I recommend are affiliate links but I only recommend them if I’ve actually tried, tested, and like the stuff. In the long run you are not doing your cats any favors. This helps ensure she gets plenty of moisture in her diet, plus the dental benefits of dry food, all while adding variety to keep her interested. Cat food can be divided into three main categories: dry, wet, and raw. Cats cannot convert plants into vitamins. Since cat food can come in bags of varying sizes, we've examined the price per pound. omega-3 and omega-6. These options all have their unique benefits and downsides. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, ORAL, Chicken, Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil for Pets, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), NOOO, They Got Fleas Again! “Should I feed wet or dry food, doc?” That’s one of the most common questions I get from cat owners. Nala is an intelligent & independent Abyssinian mix. But then both my cats would eat when they’re bored and they would get lazy and this cycle would perpetuate. Plant protein has incomplete amino acids, so a plant-based diet for cats would be nutrition deficient. Once you know how much they weigh, do the math based on the back of the food package. Especially if the cats are on a dry food-only diet, they should be consuming as much water as possible. I feed my cat one brand only and switch her between the flavors every day and she's fine with it, but if I were to switch brands, I would mix it in a little at a time until I had switched her completely over to the new brand just to be sure she could take it without any digestion problems like excessive gas, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Buy … I used to volunteer there so I know it is a great organization. How to get rid of fleas on cats fast [UPDATED]. … Cats have different nutritional needs than dogs do. Dry food can be heavy on grains and cats are not designed by nature to digest grains. Each subcategory has both dry and wet cat food variants. (If you have any questions on figuring out the math, then leave a comment below. Here are the worst consumer rated dry cat food brands for 2020. What they do advise is that you feed them a variety of foods in moderation. I confused myself so much in the beginning and had to write it down one by one..). His limbs are super long and his paws and shoulders are massive compared to an average cat. Especially if the cats are on a dry food-only diet, they should be consuming as much water as possible. © 2021 Only Natural Pet All Rights Reserved. Look for brands that say they meet the AAFCO standards. The source of their vitamin comes from. This Hill’s brand of cat food products is divided into 5 categories according the health issues: Metabolic for weight management, i/d for digestive care, d/d for skin and food sensitivities, c/d for urinary care, and k/d for kidney care. Arginine is found in meats like turkey, pork, and chicken. For Nala, she can afford to have 1 can of wet food since she falls within the “1 can per 6 – 8 lbs.” Since I give her ¼ can of wet food, that means she needs to be fed 75% of food requirement. It is not a good idea, however, to free feed the dry kibble, even natural dry cat foods. Should i switch the dry food brand? For some, Nala & Charlie reacted with their dislike to it. You can monitor appetite at least partially when you feed them wet food as a specific meal at a set time of day. Meet Nala and Charlie. | Full Disclosure: Indoorcatguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. In fact, I’m still trying to get Charlie to lose a couple pounds, which is really hard because he, begs for food (MUCH less now than before), It’s important for your cat to be on a diet in terms of how much to eat, because. Feeding free choice dry food can contribute to the development of bladder and kidney problems. What I give them is almost the same for each meal. Cats cannot convert plants into vitamins. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I had heard that “wet food is bad for cats’ teeth“ but “dry food can give cats kidney stones because they don’t get. “Cats are funny—some cats will only eat dry food, and some will only eat wet food,” Dr. Fascetti says. This canned wet food for adult kitties—considered by many sources to be the number one selling wet cat food brand in the United States—has real chicken and liver as its first ingredient. Overall, wet food with a primary meat source is more similar to a cat’s natural diet than dry food is. Understanding the different types of cat food available today will help you decide what’s best for your cat. It’s currently owned by Big Heart Pet Brands (formerly Del Monte Corporation), which produces, distributes, and markets pet food in the United States. The minimum requirements according to AAFCO for the major nutrients are: To summarize, cats are carnivores, so they don’t actually need carbohydrates. But hey, I’m not judging. I hope you found this helpful and leave me a comment if you have any questions or suggestions! He weighed 18 pounds at one point and my Vet said he can afford to lose a couple of pounds, so he’s since lost a pound after following a strict diet. Wet food is more expensive and less easy to use but can be beneficial in cats prone to lower urinary tract disease, constipation and that are overweight. This fatty acid is also found in meats and also in poultry products like eggs and dairy. Question: Can I feed my cat different brands of food? But he has another pound to go. Include in their diet dry food, wet food, various meat such as chicken and turkey. Associate Veterinarian. I know it may seem counterintuitive, but giving them a sense of routine around the clock helps their body stick to that routine. Hills Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food — Best Premium Dry Food. For example, the dry food I give my cats says that for a cat that weighs x lbs, give x cup of dry foods. So, in summary, I give Nala ¼ can of wet food per day and ½ cup of dry food per day. Best dry food for healthy indoor and outdoor cats When your feline is generally healthy and divides her time between a sunny window sill and bird watching in the … is really dangerous for your cat’s health. Some food kept making my poor Charlie throw up. Most brands these days offer information as to how many calories the food … Feeding free choice also keeps them snacking all day which is not good for their digestive systems. Nutrition: although it may not always be as good as wet cat food, a quality dry cat food will still be able to meet all of a cat's dietary requirements. What about mix? I had heard that “wet food is bad for cats’ teeth“ but “dry food can give cats kidney stones because they don’t get enough water”. before when we would give her purina dry and Friskies wet she would also eat the dry Purina. Canned and dry cat food. The average cat requires around 30 calories per 450 g (1 lb) of body-weight. Except your Fluffy. Ultimately, your cat will decide whether she prefers dry or wet cat food. Bartonellosis: What is Cat Scratch Disease and How Can You Prevent It? It depends on your cat's tummy and if your switching from one brand of cat food to another. Simply speaking, think about their origin. This is also found in, Just like humans, cats need an array of vitamins. And, for Charlie, I give him ¼ can of wet food per day and ⅔ cup of dry food per day. Adding canned food to dry food is another way to increase the moisture content and enhance the flavor of the meal, while allowing you the flexibility of buying different types of food that fit your budget. When you’re considering meat, give them a variety of meat products, such as chicken liver and hearts as well. Brand Name: Dr. Elsey’s. I used to free feed my cats in the beginning – this is basically leaving food out all day for your cats to nibble on throughout the day. and worse of all the cats will wake her up in the middle of the night and she will FEED them!! Niacin is found in chicken and turkey as well as liver and tuna. It might help your cat slim down if he/she is on the unhealthily bigger side. At the sound of a can of cat food opening, cats, even those pretending to be busy sleeping, will come running in a stampede. This fatty acid is also found in, Niacin is a type of Vitamin B, which without it can lead to loss of appetite and inflamed gums. Also give them fish such as tuna. Just like human junk food, if there’s a chemical you can’t pronounce, then don’t get it. After a lot of research and trial and error, what I feed my cats are as follows: Well, folks, I applaud you if you read the whole thing above. But, after a lot of editing different foods, what I’m feeding my cats now has been the best combination. (She has Napoleon Syndrome so she goes and whacks Charlie simply because he’s bigger than her.). Then, I work backwards on calculating how much dry food I should give them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding a variety of brands and flavors of wet food to your cats. While some dry foods do contain an acceptable amount of carbohydrate with little or no grain or vegetable products, these are often specialty brands. 1,803 satisfied customers. Picking my cat up from the vet she’s getting treated for cancer. ), Flea Larvae: The Hidden Enemy You Can't Forget About, How to Protect Your Yard & Home from Fleas, Written by: Dr. Jean Hofve, Holistic Veterinarian, DVM | September 19 2018, Written by: Only Natural Pet Team Advantages: Combination feeding allows your cat to eat multiple, small meals of dry food per day on their own schedule. Let’s go over them in more detail. What you should look for on the packaging label of wet cat food is the same as dry cat food, except for moisture level, since moisture will be already high in wet food. Can I feed my cat different brands of food? The macro minerals are: calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and sodium. I give him wet food 2 times a day but he also has dry food to free feed. Final Thought – Mixing Wet And Dry Cat food Blended and mixed both wet and dry cat food can be a good solution. Budget. So, I shifted to timed feeding. Rather than giving them one type of meat everyday, Quality brand of cat food follows the nutritional guidelines suggested by the, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Avoid grain or corn meal fillers in their ingredients list. Obviously, cats need water. The 8 Worst Cat Food Brands 1. nutrition requirements as humans, but there are certainly some things that differ. I feed my kitten innova evo for cats and kittens. 4. According to the Association of American Feeding Control Officials (AAFCO), there is no right or wrong in terms of feeding only dry food or cat food. Is any of this true? Poultry by-products such as eggs and dairy also have the essential protein cats can benefit from. . Just like humans, cats need an array of vitamins. Receive first-hand access to exclusive offers, expert tips, and 25% OFF your first order! More specifically, essential fatty acids, e.g. And what about leaving out dry kibble for them during the day while I am gone? The normal weight for her is about 8 pounds. It is very important that the therapeutic cat food is fed exclusively in order to work effectively. Here are a couple articles that might be of interest: Freeze dried foods are better than more highly processed dry kibble and wet foods, but are still not as beneficial as raw food. Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid that acts as an anti-inflammatory response and aids in the functioning of gastrointestinal systems. Probably what you’re all looking for. … Sign in to manage subscriptions, track orders, and faster checkouts! In fact, it is actually a good way to ensure they are receiving a well balanced diet. There are macro and micro minerals that you cat needs in his/her diet. I share my experience raising healthy & happy indoor cats. I think I should cut back and also begin to change to adult food. The good thing is that the pet food industry is so competitive and pet owners are getting more conscious about what they feed their cats. I’m the human behind Indoor Cat Guide. If … Cats needs complete amino acids, which come from animal protein: . Their sources of protein, fat, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals all come from meat. So for dry food, she can have ⅔ cup. Mid-range dry cat food costs between $1 and $2 per pound. Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry … Do consider mixing canned and dry pet food. I give them food at 7am in the morning and at 7pm at night. The following tips may help you to introduce your cat to dry food: (1) Try different brands of cat food that are age and breed appropriate for your cat in regards to kibble shape, size, hardness and texture as described above. What about mix? Only Natural Pet Powerfusion for Cats, Only Natural Pet Easy Strider Hip & Joint Care. Best Limited Ingredient: Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Cat Food. Niacin is a type of Vitamin B, which without it can lead to loss of appetite and inflamed gums. These top rated dry cat foods are full of healthy ingredients that cats need and none of the fillers and unhealthy preservatives that can cause health problems. Timed feeding not only controls how much they eat but it also helps to. For example, my Charlie who is a Maine Coon mix of some sort is a big-boned guy. Full disclosure that I’m still trying to search for the best food for Nala and Charlie. Place dry food next to her wet food, soon she will become curious enough to try it. My cats are more than just pets; they’re family. 10 Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food. If you’re currently free feeding, I would encourage timed feeding, and see how that goes. Budget dry cat food tends to cost between $0.60 and $1 per pound. More specifically, essential fatty acids, e.g. The nutrition requirement on the cat food label will show you how much minimum percentage of the daily intake that package of cat food consists of. Based on the weight Nala and Charlie should be, the feeding guideline is: Now, I give my cats wet food as well. Now to the piece de resistance. I adopted them at the Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles, a no-kill shelter with a spacious & clean facility. I give the cats ¼ cup of wet food per day. If your cat is NOT drinking enough water, hell no – go read this and get your cat to drink more water. One way to hedge your bets is to rotate through several different types of cat food in the hopes that, in the aggregate, they will supply just what is needed. Good luck! Compared to wet canned food, dry cat food (Click here to see if you can add water to dry cat food) is less expensive and thus a more economical option for cat parents. What they do advise is that you feed them a variety of foods in moderation.

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