Cats Are Carnivores,
So They Should Eat Like One

Cats are obligate carnivores and get the hydration they need through the meat that they eat – not the water they drink. When we replace that moisture-rich wet food with dry kibble, they don’t get enough hydration through lapping water. If your cat is primarily eating dry food, it may have a harder time staying hydrated. All dry foods are low moisture, so cats that eat only dry foods consume less water and are more prone to dehydration – which can lead to liver, kidney and urinary issues. Wet food is an ideal way to keep your cat healthy and hydrated.

Dry food diets can present health challenges because they are typically high in fat, carbohydrates, and calories. In fact, a high-carb diet can lead to obesity and diabetes. In addition, a dry food diet may also upset your cat’s stomach, since cats are not “built” for carbohydrate digestion and absorption. 

Regardless of what brand you choose, the best canned, soft, and wet cat food is like a freshly-killed mouse in a can. It’s juicy and delicious while providing all the protein, fat, and micronutrients your cat needs to stay fit and frisky. It doesn’t contain excessive carbohydrates, cheap fillers, or additives that might harm your cat. And of course, it comes from a company with a reputation for safety and customer satisfaction.

As always, before making any dietary changes or decisions, please consult with your veterinarian. Additionally, cats are sensitive to dietary changes. If you decide to change your cat’s food, transition cat food slowly.

*The below are suggested brands, but you will have to find what your cat prefers. Any brand of wet food, is better than dry food.*

Ideal Wet Food Brands

·       Tiki Cat

·       Weruva

·       Feline Natural

·       Dr. Elsey’s Clean Protein

·       Fussie Cat

·       Hound & Gatos

·       Pure Vita

·       Stella & Chewy

·       Ziwi Peak

·       Freely

·      Solid Gold

Good Wet Food Brands

·       Nulo Freestyle

·       Instinct by Nature

·       Wellness CORE

·       Purina ONE

·       Inception

·       Rachael Ray Nutrish

·       Tender and True

If they are picky and won’t eat the above wet food brands

·       Blue Buffalo

·       WholeHearted

·       Royal Canin

·       Hill’s Science Diet

·       IAMS

·       Friskies

·       Fancy Feast

·       Whiskas

·       9 Lives

Freeze/Air-Dried Food Brands

·       The Simple Food Project

·       Stella & Chewy

·       Instinct

·       Smalls

·       Feline Natural

·       Primal

·       Ziwi Peak

The worst cat food brands are filled with plant-based proteins, low-quality meat ingredients, and chemical preservatives.

The best way to mimic a cat’s natural diet is to either feed them canned food that has a protein content of 40 percent or higher and a carbohydrate content of 10 percent or lower or a raw food diet. Avoid giving your cat fruits and vegetables unless your vet has given you permission. Think feathers and fur! Chicken, turkey and rabbit are best.

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to keep your pet safe from potentially harmful foods and to take your cat’s dietary needs seriously. Better food is going to cost more, but you can pay for the good food now, or pay the vet later.

MORE INFO: catinfo.org and feline-nutrition.org