special feeding guide for cats
Which is better for your cat, wet or dry food? pet nutrition experts don’t have a definitive answer, but agree that each has advantages and disadvantages. some recommend feeding a mixture of both. Use this cat feeding guide to compare dry vs. wet cat food; then ask your vet to recommend the best food for your cat’s age, weight, and lifestyle needs.
How many times should a cat eat a day?
The caloric and nutritional requirements of cats can vary based on age, reproductive status, and individual metabolism. always ask your vet to recommend the amount of food your cat should consume daily, based on your feline’s weight, health, and lifestyle needs.
How Much Wet Food Should You Give Your Cat?
On average, adult cats eat about one to three servings of food per day. Your veterinarian will weigh your cat, determine her ideal weight, and recommend the number of daily calories needed to achieve or maintain that weight. Divide the number of recommended calories per day by the number of calories per serving to determine your cat’s daily allowance. remember to include the calories your cat consumes from dry food and treats when you do the calculation.
why give wet cat food?
Fats require up to three times more protein in their diets than dogs. wet cat food is often high in protein, benefiting obligate carnivores, such as cats, that rely on animal protein for their nutritional needs.
Averaging 75% water, wet cat food can also help your cat meet daily hydration needs, especially since felines tend not to drink enough water. The high moisture content in wet food can be beneficial for cats with urinary tract problems, diabetes, or kidney disease to stay hydrated.
plus, wet cat food is often more palatable than dry food and comes in a wide variety of flavors and textures to please all types of felines.
pro tip: don’t let wet cat food sit in your cat’s bowl for more than 20-30 minutes. Canned cat food doesn’t stay fresh as long as dry food, so be sure to refrigerate any leftover food and serve it within 72 hours. on the plus side, wet food has a long shelf before opening, and with smaller stackable containers, it’s easier to store than larger cat food bags.
How much wet food should you give a kitten?
Kittens should eat about three times a day. It’s a good idea to set up a feeding schedule, such as morning, noon, and night, to make it easier to monitor your kitty’s diet and make sure she doesn’t overeat.
Can kittens eat adult wet food? Your kitten has different nutritional needs than an adult or mature cat. Whether it’s wet or dry kitten food, check the package to make sure the food is labeled complete and balanced and formulated specifically for this healthy growing life stage. additionally, kitten food may contain dha & ara, which help support brain and eye development.
You can see a complete list of pet food label requirements at aafco.org.
what are the benefits of feeding dry food?
High-quality dry cat food typically contains up to 10% moisture, a source of animal protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, and can include a delicious variety of meat, poultry, and seafood.
Dry food is convenient because it can be left in your cat’s bowl to eat throughout the day. remember to store unused portions of dry cat food in a cool, dry place.
pro tip: keep dry recipes in their original bags and store in airtight containers to help preserve their nutritional value and flavor. be sure to check expiration dates before using.
should i feed dry and wet cat food?
one of the best ways to entice a finicky cat is to mix wet and dry cat food for a variety of flavors and recipe combinations, but watch out for weight gain. Eating too much wet or dry food can make your cat obese. no matter what type of food your feline prefers, always feed a diet that contains high-quality, nutritious ingredients that can help your cat stay healthy throughout her life.
