Whether to feed your cat canned or dry food depends on your cat’s age and health. Ideally, a cat should be fed a diet of at least 30-40 percent fat and 50-60 percent protein. You should also avoid giving your cat raw bones, cooked bones, or meat that has been processed and has skin or sulphite preservatives.
Cats are true carnivores and they require animal protein in order to survive. Canned food is a great source of protein. However, cats are prone to dehydration and can develop constipation. This is because they do not drink independently of eating. A dehydrated cat is also more likely to develop kidney and bladder problems. The best way to avoid this is to provide your cat with enough water.
Canned cat food is also more expensive than dry food. You should also know that the shelf life of the product may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. When you purchase canned food, it is important to check the expiration date. Also, be sure to store the food in an airtight container. This will keep the flavor and nutrients from deteriorating.
You should also be aware that most canned cat food is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry food. Canned food contains 125 calories for every three ounces. You can buy smaller cans to minimize the quantity of food that you buy.
You should also make sure that the food has a complete and balanced nutrient profile. If you plan on giving your cat a treat, make sure that it does not exceed 10 to 15 percent of its daily caloric intake. If you are looking for a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, you may want to look for a product that has been tested by the AAFCO. The AAFCO testing method will determine how well the nutrients in the food are absorbed by the cat.
If you choose to feed your cat wet food, make sure that it is stored in the refrigerator. It is also important to serve the food within a few days of opening. Depending on the humidity in your home, you may want to leave it out for a longer period of time. You can also use FortiFlora, a nutritional supplement, to give your cat a little extra nutrition. You can also add warm water to the opened can to help the food remain moist.
It is also important to make sure that you check the ingredient list on the back of the packaging to make sure that it is complete. Some products include raw meat, which is a great source of nutrients, but can carry bacteria and can cause urinary tract crystals. Other products contain meat by-products, which have been processed and may contain sulphite preservatives.
When it comes to feeding your cat, you will find that it can be quite difficult to balance the amount of food that you give your cat. The best approach is to choose a variety of foods, based on the types of food that your cat prefers. Some cats will eat dry food every day, while others will prefer to graze on wet food. You can also try mixing both types of food together for a healthier meal.
