Is it okay to give cats wet food every day
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Feeding Your Cat the Same Food Every Day
Cats are incredibly picky eaters, and trying to choose the right food for them can be a challenge. Many pet owners are tempted to take the easy way out and feed their cats the same food every day, but is this really the best option? In this blog post, well explore the benefits and drawbacks of feeding your cat the same food every day. Well look at how doing so can affect your cats diet and health, and offer some tips on how to ensure that your cat is still getting a balanced diet. So, lets get started!
When it comes to feeding your beloved cat, you may be wondering if its best to feed them the same food every day or give them variety. There are both pros and cons to feeding your cat the same food every day, so its important to carefully consider the impact each option could have on your pets health.
The Benefits of Feeding Your Cat the Same Food Every Day
The primary benefit of feeding your cat the same food every day is that it helps to ensure that your pet gets all of the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to stay healthy. Since cats have relatively small stomachs, they need to consume a balanced diet in order to get the necessary nutrition. Feeding them the same food every day makes it easier to ensure their dietary needs are met.
Additionally, by feeding your cat the same food every day, you can more easily monitor for any potential health issues. If your pet shows any signs of illness or distress, it will be easier to pinpoint the possible cause if youve been consistently feeding them the same food.
Finally, feeding your cat the same food every day can help to prevent finicky eating habits. If your cat is used to eating the same food every day, theyll be less likely to turn their nose up at new or unfamiliar foods.
The Drawbacks of Feeding Your Cat the Same Food Every Day
One of the primary drawbacks of feeding your cat the same food every day is that it can lead to a nutritional deficiency if your pet is not getting the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. This is especially true if your cat has a sensitive stomach or digestive system, as some breeds are more susceptible to these issues than others.
Additionally, feeding your cat the same food every day can lead to boredom, as cats can quickly become accustomed to the same tastes and textures. If your cat is not getting the variety and stimulation they need, they may become less interested in eating and may even refuse to eat altogether.
Finally, feeding your cat the same food every day can lead to unhealthy weight gain if your pet is not getting enough exercise. Cats are naturally very active and need to move around in order to stay healthy, so if your cat is not getting the necessary physical activity, the constant consumption of the same food can lead to weight gain.
Conclusion
Feeding your cat the same food every day can have both benefits and drawbacks, so its important to consider the potential consequences before making a decision. If you decide to feed your cat the same food every day, be sure to provide them with variety in terms of texture, flavor, and nutrition in order to ensure that theyre getting all of the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy. Additionally, make sure to provide your cat with plenty of physical activity to prevent any potential weight gain.
In conclusion, there are both benefits and drawbacks to feeding your cat the same food every day. While it may reduce the risk of digestive issues and help with portion control, it can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and boredom with the food. Ultimately, the decision of what food to feed your cat should be based on your cats individual needs, as well as your budget and lifestyle. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian and do some research to find the best cat food for your beloved pet.
Is wet food bad for cats? A vet weighs in
If you're considering a diet change for your cat, you may be wondering, is wet food bad for cats? The truth is that there are advantages to the best wet cat food and advantages to the best dry cat food. Each food type has its own unique pros and cons.
Wet cat food is a healthy option for many cats. If your cat has a history of kidney disease or urinary tract disease, wet cat food may even be recommended by your veterinarian as a better option than dry cat food. Wet food promotes hydration, which can decrease the strain on certain body systems, such as the kidneys and bladder.
However, there are potential drawbacks to wet cat food. This food doesnt remain fresh when left out at room temperature, so you will need to meal-feed your cat. If you work long hours or travel frequently, this may be challenging. Additionally, some cats are reluctant to eat wet cat food if they have grown up eating dry food, due to the difference in texture.
Before making any changes to your cats food, it's important to understand the pros and cons of any cat food. Research food brands carefully and talk to your veterinarian to learn whether your cat has any specific health factors that suggest a need for one food type over another. Read on to learn more about wet cat foods and whether this type of food may benefit your cat.
Benefits of wet food for cats
There are several benefits to feeding wet food to your cat. One of the biggest benefits is that wet food has a very high moisture content, making it the best cat food when it comes to helping your cat stay hydrated. This is especially important for senior cats and those with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or urinary problems. It can be difficult to convince a cat to drink more water, so transitioning to a canned food diet is an easy way to increase your cats daily water intake and improve overall hydration.
In addition to being high in moisture, wet food diets also tend to be lower in calories than an equal volume of dry cat food. Wet food diets are also higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than dry food diets, which can help to maintain a lean body mass. For cats that need to lose weight, a wet food diet can be particularly helpful in this process.
Disadvantages of wet food for cats
The biggest disadvantage to feeding wet food to your cat is that it is messy and requires more clean up compared to the best dry cat food. Wet food also should not be left out for long periods of time as it will quickly spoil and begin to grow bacteria, which is unhealthy and unappetizing for your cat. After opening a can of wet food, it should not sit out for more than 20 minutes before being refrigerated.
Because wet food is lower in calories than dry food, youll also need to feed more of it to make up your cats daily calorie intake. This can quickly become more expensive than feeding dry food, which is why many pet owners choose to feed some dry in addition to wet food.
Does wet food cause dental disease?
A common misconception is that dry food is better for a cats teeth than wet food. We now know that this is not the case! Unless you are feeding a prescription veterinary dental diet, the type of food you provide for your cat has little to no impact on his or her teeth. The propensity to develop dental disease is influenced far more by factors such as genetics, conformation, and your home dental care routine. The best way to prevent dental disease for your cat is by brushing his or her teeth daily. This practice removes food particles and prevents plaque buildup. If you are unable to brush your cats teeth daily, doing so at least a few times a week is still beneficial.
Is wet food too rich for cats?
Another common misconception is that wet food is too rich and will cause an upset stomach or diarrhea if fed to your cat. While there are certainly some cats who may not be able to tolerate certain wet foods due to food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal illnesses, in general wet food is easily digestible for most cats.
If youre concerned about your cats ability to tolerate a wet food diet, start slowly and offer only small amounts of wet food at a time until you have had a chance to see how your cat reacts to it. If your cats stools are normal and there has been no change in his or her appetite or energy level, then it is okay to gradually offer larger portions of wet food until you reach your desired portion size.
How to choose a wet cat food
There are many factors to consider when choosing a wet food for your cat. First, youll need to find a wet food that is appropriate for your cats species and life stage. Check the back of the can for the AAFCO Statement (US) or the Statutory Statement (UK) which should say something like for the maintenance of adult cats or for growing kittens.
Youll also want to ensure that the wet food you choose is from a reputable company, which you can do by utilizing the World Small Animal Veterinary Associations guidelines on selecting pet foods or by asking your veterinarian for a product recommendation. For more information on how to select a pet food, you can learn how to read a pet food label or check out the recommendations from board certified veterinary nutritionists.
Want to learn more? Find out is dry cat food best? Or how to stop a cat from spilling its water bowl.
Small animal general practice veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth Racine, is a specialist in pet health and wellness. She covers everything from veterinary behavior, internal medicine and nutrition. Away from her surgery, Dr. Racine writes for major companies in the industry from the American Kennel Club to Elanco and CareCredit to Bayer PetBasics.
How often should I feed my cat wet food? Daily portions improve digestive health this way
15.03.2022
How often should I feed my cat wet food? Daily portions improve digestive health this way
Nutritionists are gushing about the benefits of wet cat food. It isnt as processed as dry food and usually mimics the nutrition profile of the natural diet of hardwired carnivores like cats. So, how often should I feed my cat wet food, and is it an ideal dietary solution for house cats?
Wet food is usually the best choice among store-bought products, but cat parents should pay attention to the quality of a particular item and the feeding frequency for optimal results. A poor-quality wet food or an inconsistent feeding schedule will do more harm than good to your kitty.
Weve compiled all the necessary info for you in this hands-on guide to help you tailor the best and tastiest diet for your kitty.
Wet meaty meals taste like heavenI can eat this every day for the rest of my nine lives! Is that okay, hooman?
Image (c) Untamed
How often should cats eat wet food? What do vets recommend?
Wet food is not a special meal or an occasional treat. Cats can and should eat wet food every day because it agrees with the feline digestive system better than dry or semi-moist food.
Wild cats hunt and eat bugs, rodents, and small birds. Their bodies are used to processing raw meat, which is high in protein and has almost zero carbs. With that in mind, most vets recommend feeding only high-quality wet food to cats because of the:
- Nutritional valueQuality wet food typically contains more animal protein and fewer carbs than dry food. Cats do better when they absorb essential nutrients from whole meat rather than overprocessed dairy, legumes, or animal derivatives, which are often primary protein sources in kibbles
- TasteSince wet food usually contains real meat and animal fat, it is tastier to felines than dry food
- HygieneB.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Feeding) diets may be popular with some cat parents, but the storage and handling of raw food from the human supply chain can cause bacterial contamination, even with strict precaution measures. Wet food is made from cooked meat packed in sterilised cans, so the risk of infection is practically non-existent
- HydrationCats need 50 millilitres of water per kilogram of their body weight. Since wet food contains 7080% moisture, kitties on daily wet meals dont suffer from dehydration, consequently avoiding urinary and renal ailments like cystitis, bladder stones, chronic kidney disease, etc.
Why do cats need wet food every day when they do fine on dry food?
Dry food is convenient because it is easy to store and serve. Most cats usually don't mind a nice portion of biscuits on their plate. So, why switch to wet food?
The negative impact of dry food is not visible in the beginning. Even if the product is tagged as high-protein or complete cat food, it could cause several issues in the long run, including:
- Malnutrition or malabsorptionDry food is usually a highly processed mix of meat derivatives. Exposed to extreme heat, the ingredients lose their nutritional value and bioavailability. Cats on a kibble diet may develop protein, mineral, or vitamin deficiency over time, which often leads to lethargy, excessive shedding, frequent hairballs, poor dental health, etc.
- Poor digestionDry food contains hard-to-digest (and cheap) vegan ingredients like grains, soybeans, vegetables, and potato or rice starch that tamper with your cats natural digestive strength. Frequent consumption can lead to constipation, food intolerances, bowel diseases, and stomach sensitivities
- ObesityBiscuits are high in carbs. Even a high-protein dry food may have 2040% of carbohydrates as binding agents. Cats dont need dietary carbs as they get their daily calories from protein and fat, so eating dry food regularly generates a calorie surplus, causing weight gain and diabetes
- Kidney diseaseKitties on a dry food diet tend to develop kidney ailments as they grow older, mostly due to the prolonged lack of adequate hydration
While dry food may help cats get by, they need regular wet meals to stay healthy and thrive.
Will regular wet meals affect my pet pantry budget?
Many cat parents stick to dry food because its affordable, but the math is not that simple. Feeding only dry food compromises your kittys quality of life and consequently increases your vet bills.
Wet food is more expensive, but the switch won't affect your budget significantly. Cats feel satiated with a small serving of meat-loaded wet food, so youll probably save on the amount. Gravy and jelly dishes also improve eating habits in felines, so there should be no overeating, undereating, or throwing up undigested food.
If switching to regular wet food meals is not viable for you financially, opt for a mixed meal plan of both wet and dry meals.
You should strive to include at least one wet meal every day for cats on a hybrid diet. Give them:
- Complementary wet food served as a standalone snack or with biscuits
- Complete wet food as breakfast, lunch, or supper
What if wet food gives my kitty a tummy ache?
If your cat rejects wet food because it makes them sick, don't revert to biscuits. Find out what triggers an upset tummy, and switch to a different product if necessary. Here are some common reasons:
- Low-quality meatCats have a keen sense of smell, so stale and rubbery meat is a turn-off for them. If your cat frequently retches or acts finicky while eating, switch to a product made from fresh whole meat and organs
- High fat contentFat improves the taste of food, but too much can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Eggs, oils, milk, or other dairy products can also make food tastier yet cause gastrointestinal issues
- Too many fillersWet food can also contain fillers like coarse grains, fibre, and vegetables to make up for the low meat content. Such products have low digestibility and taste bad, making cats lose their appetite
- Harsh additivesMany manufacturers add artificial flavour enhancers and chemical preservatives to improve the taste and shelf life of wet food, but these additives can irritate the feline digestive system or even trigger an allergic reaction
Sometimes, it all comes down to your kittys taste preferences. Some cats like thick gravy dishes, while others prefer the lighter flavour of jelly.
What should I look for in wet food?
When choosing wet food, pay attention to its protein, fat, and carb content. The table below presents the optimal ratio of these nutrients:
Nutrient | Quantity |
Protein | More than 50% |
Fat | Up to 20% |
Carbohydrate | Less than 3% |
Both outdoor and indoor cats respond best to grain-free, high-protein, low-fat wet food made from highly digestible whole meat.
A clever trick to evaluate any cat food is to scan its first ingredient. Cat food ingredients are usually listed according to their weight, and the first component often indicates the primary protein source. Avoid products with vegetable proteins, meat derivatives, and chicken or fish meals (meals are also processed byproducts) at the top of the ingredient list.
Check out the following table to get the bioavailability of common protein sources used in cat food (the percentage of protein cats can effectively absorb):
Source | Bioavailability rate |
Chicken | 98% |
Tuna, salmon, sardines, and shrimps | 92% |
Pork or ham | 87% |
Soya | 68% |
Corn, sweetcorn, wheatgerm, or other vegetable proteins and meat derivatives | Below 65% |
Wet food supports your kittys health day in and day out, so give Untamed a go!
Image (c) Untamed
Do you want to offer nutritious and yummy wet food to your kitty? Get Untamed!
If youre looking for complete and balanced wet food that perfectly satisfies your feline's nutritional needs, try Untamed. Our meals are made with the best cuts of fresh, human-grade whole meat and organs to optimise digestion and minimise tummy troubles. We refrain from harsh processing and gently steam our food to preserve its bioavailability, making it a perfect, nutrient-dense everyday meal for your furry companion! You can choose:
- Complete gravy food with 63% whole meat
- Complementary jelly food with 60% whole meat
Untamed is the best choice for your kitty because it is:
- High-protein and low-fatWe offer twice as much protein as the industry standard and keep our meals low-fat to ensure your cat stays lean, muscular, and active. Our dishes are free from iffy fillers like grains, sugar, vegetable proteins, and meat derivatives
- Formulated by vetsCat nutritionists collaborated with us on every Untamed recipe. Our food is rich in essential micronutrients like taurine and vitamin E that keep seasonal illnesses at bay
- HypoallergenicWe use natural ingredients only. All our products are free from common allergens, harsh preservatives, or unhealthy taste enhancers, making them suitable for allergy-prone cats or kittens with weak digestion
- DeliciousOur preparation methods preserve the natural palatability of meat. Itll be hard for any kitty to resist the taste and aroma of our tasty morsels
Wed love to get to know your kitty. Take our TRY NOW quiz today and tell us about their taste preferences, allergies, food sensitivities, and life stage. You can tailor-make a meal plan and get a taster pack at the best rate!
Worried about how much or how often to feed your cat? Youre in control with Untamed!
Untamed comes in conveniently-sized tins, so you can control how much or often your cat eats. Whether youre dealing with an adult cat on a low-calorie diet or a weak senior cat who needs to gain weight, all you have to do is tweak the number of cans you use in a day.
If your cat loves variety in their meals, Untamed delivers precisely what they need. Check out our various protein-rich dishes:
- Chocka Chicken in Gravy and Jelly
- Chocka Chicken with Duck in Jelly
- Chocka Chicken with Ham in Gravy
- Tuck-in Tuna in Gravy and Jelly
- Tuck-in Tuna with Shrimp in Gravy
- Tuck-in Tuna with Salmon in Jelly
- Full-on Fishy in Gravy
We believe in ethical cat food production and ensure our meat comes from cruelty-free sources. Our seafood is also sustainably fished and dolphin safe.
Kitties dont fuss about food when they have the best at their pawtipsUntamed delivers unmatchable deliciousness in each can!
Image (c) Untamed
From kittenhood to old ageUntamed helps your cat stay fit and fun
Our formulas work for cats of all breeds and ages. Heres how Untamed helps them develop and thrive:
Our satisfied clients noticed continual improvements in their cats health after switching to Untamed. Heres the expected timeline:
Timeline | The Untamed effect |
One week |
|
Two months |
|
Four months and beyond |
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Untamed delivers to your doorstep
We offer free home delivery of cat food foreveryone because we value your comfort and convenience. Heres how to get your taster pack:
- Complete our TRY NOW quiz
- Make a customised meal plan
- Place your order
Your taster pack will be delivered to your doorstep within a day. Once your kitty approves our meals, we will replenish your Untamed supplies every month.While we make it easy for you to buy cat food online in bulk, you can still modify, postpone, skip, or cancel a delivery anytime.
We run sustainable and eco-friendly operations, so our carbon footprint is neutral, and our packaging is recyclable.
Cat food with a heartwe are Carbon Neutral Certified and use recyclable packaging.
Image (c) Untamed
How often do cats need to eat in a day?
Most cats eat about two to three full meals a day. The frequency depends on their:
- BodyweightMost cats need about 4050 calories a day per kilo of their body weight. Large breeds like Ragdolls and Maine Coons may eat more frequently or consume bigger portions
- Activity levelIf your cat is a playful trooper, theyll eat more often. Active breeds like Bengals and Siamese may need three meals a day, and laid-back British Shorthairs and Persians will thrive on two
- CircumstancesPregnant and lactating queens may need more than three meals a day until their litter is weaned off
The protein content in cat food also impacts the number of servings, as this nutrient makes felines feel full and satiated. A cat on high-protein wet food should feel fine on two meals per day.
What about kittens? How many times a day should a baby cat eat?
Kittens have higher caloric needs than adults. Once kittens are ready to be weaned off, they must eat about four to five times a day for a few months (usually six) for steady growth. When they reach their optimal weight, you can gradually reduce the number of meals.
Avoid giving dry food to kittens as its coarse texture can be harsh on their tummies and lead to sore gums. Feeding balanced portions of high-quality wet food will ensure they develop a muscular physique and healthy eating habits as they grow into adults.
How often should you feed a senior cat wet food?
If your cat has been eating low-fat wet food with plenty of meat every day as an adult, you should stick to the same feeding regime after the age of ten. In case your cat has been eating only dry food or a combined diet, gradually transition them to grain-free wet food to support healthy ageing.
Seniors need gently cooked meat served in light gravy or jelly for effortless digestion. Avoid giving them any cat food with too many fruit and vegetable fillers like carrots, bananas, strawberries, and apples. Such products are advertised as rich in vitamins, but cats are wired to absorb vitamins from meat, not plants. The cellulose in plants is indigestible to cats and can trigger a nasty bout of diarrhoea in older felines.
I need the same old meat to have the best adventures in my twilight years. Don't bother me with fruits and veggies, human!
Source: Alessandro Simonetto
How often do I feed my cat wet food when theyre sick?
Even though wet food is ideal for sick cats, they may not be up for their usual two or three meals per day during recovery. You should follow your sick kittys instincts and offer them one or two wet meals in a day, along with the following homemade dishes:
- A nutritious broth made with bones (make sure to strain out the bones before serving)
- A light soup made with boneless chicken
Dont use seasoning as cats cannot handle too much salt, pepper, and spices, especially when theyre unwell. Avoid adding the following forbidden ingredients (they are poisonous to all felines):
- Onions, garlic, chives, and other allium vegetables
- Grapes and cherries
- Green tomatoes or potatoes
- Wild mushrooms
You can return to your cat's regular feeding pattern when they completely recover. Contact a vet if your cat refuses food for more than a day.