Do Cats Actually Want Moist Meals? Diet Info & Suggestions

Final Up to date on: July 24, 2023 by Crystal Uys

Ever stood within the pet meals aisle, scratching your head, asking your self, “Do cats actually need moist meals?” Properly, you’re not alone! Quick reply: Cats can completely stay on dry meals, however including some moist meals to their weight loss plan is usually a well being recreation changer and make their mealtime extra thrilling.

Understanding Cat Diet

What’s on the Menu for Cats within the Wild?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which is a flowery method of claiming they’re born meat lovers and wish a weight loss plan made up of at the very least 70% protein with a purpose to survive. They’d sometimes snack on small animals like rodents and birds within the wild. These little critters not solely fulfill their protein wants but additionally include a aspect of hydration since they comprise fairly a little bit of water.

Breaking Down a Cat’s Dietary Wants

Like us, cats want a balanced weight loss plan, together with proteins, fat, carbs, nutritional vitamins, and minerals. However being obligate carnivores, they want sure vitamins present in animal tissues. Two biggies are taurine, good for his or her coronary heart and eyes, and arachidonic acid, a sort of fatty acid that helps them burn fats and produce vitality.

Hydration Station

Hydration is tremendous vital for cats, however right here’s the catch – cats don’t have a powerful thirst drive. So, in the event that they’re solely consuming dry meals, they may not be ingesting sufficient water. And we positively need to keep away from any urinary tract points or different well being issues associated to dehydration.

Advantages of Moist Meals for Cats

The Hydration Issue

One of many greatest causes to go for moist meals is its excessive moisture content material. Similar to their pure prey, moist meals is about 70–80% water, so it’s a improbable method to hold your cat hydrated, which is tremendous vital for his or her urinary tract well being and total metabolism.

Extra Protein, Please!

Moist meals sometimes has extra protein on a dry matter foundation than dry meals. Since cats want a number of protein, it is a huge win. Moist meals typically incorporates extra meat and fewer carbs, making it a very good supply of high-quality protein. Together with moist meals in your cat’s weight loss plan might help them meet their dietary wants and contribute to sustaining wholesome muscle mass and a powerful immune system.

Yummy within the Tummy

And let’s not overlook the style. Many cats discover moist meals yummier than dry meals. The smooth, meaty texture of moist meals is just like the prey that cats would naturally eat, and the completely different flavors could make them lick their whiskers. This may be particularly useful for choosy eaters or older cats who may need misplaced their urge for food because of age or sickness.

Drawbacks of Moist Meals

Dental Dilemma

However hey, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns with moist meals. One draw back is that it doesn’t assist a lot with dental hygiene. In contrast to dry meals, which might help clear your cat’s enamel once they chew, moist meals doesn’t present this profit. Common moist meals consumption with out dental care may result in oral well being issues like plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum illness.

Storage Struggles

Additionally, storing moist meals is usually a little bit of a trouble. As soon as opened, it must be saved within the fridge and used inside 2–3 days. In case you wish to feed your cat small parts all through the day or are sometimes away from residence, this may be inconvenient. Alternatively, dry meals could be saved at room temperature for longer.

Value Tag

After which there’s the price. Moist meals is usually pricier than dry meals as a result of it has extra protein and is available in particular person cans or pouches. However take into account this – together with moist meals in your cat’s weight loss plan may lead to decrease vet payments in the long term.

Balancing Moist and Dry Meals

So, what’s the answer? A balanced method. Together with each moist and dry meals in your cat’s weight loss plan can supply one of the best of each worlds. Moist meals might help with hydration and protein consumption, whereas dry meals can contribute to dental well being.

In case you’re planning to introduce moist meals into your cat’s weight loss plan, do it steadily. Cats can have delicate stomachs, and a sudden change in weight loss plan can upset their digestive system.

The Significance of Common Vet Test-ups

Common vet check-ups are tremendous vital to verify your cat’s weight loss plan is working for them. These visits might help catch potential well being issues early on, and your vet can present recommendation on dietary changes if wanted.

Suggestions for Getting Extra Moisture into Your Cat

Cats aren’t all the time one of the best at staying hydrated. Listed here are 10 suggestions to assist guarantee your cat will get sufficient moisture of their weight loss plan:

• Feed Moist Meals: Moist meals is usually about 70–80% water, making it an effective way to extend your cat’s water consumption.
• Add Water to Dry Meals: In case your cat prefers dry meals, attempt including some water to it. This may make it extra hydrating and doubtlessly extra interesting.
• Present Recent Water Day by day: Ensure that your cat has entry to recent water always. Change the water day by day to make sure it’s clear and interesting.
• Use A number of Water Bowls: Place water bowls in a number of areas round your own home. Cats typically want to drink in numerous spots, so having a number of choices can encourage them to drink extra.
• Put money into a Cat Water Fountain: Some cats want transferring water. A cat water fountain can stimulate their curiosity and encourage them to drink extra.
• Strive Flavored Water: Add a little bit of taste to the water, reminiscent of a splash of tuna juice or rooster broth (be certain that it’s low-sodium and onion-free). This may make the water extra engaging.
• Feed a Uncooked or Do-it-yourself Weight loss program: Uncooked or do-it-yourself diets typically comprise extra moisture than industrial dry meals. Nonetheless, these diets ought to be fastidiously balanced to make sure your cat will get all the mandatory vitamins. All the time seek the advice of together with your vet earlier than altering your cat’s weight loss plan.
• Provide Ice Cubes: Some cats get pleasure from taking part in with and licking ice cubes. This is usually a enjoyable and interactive method to improve their water consumption.
• Hold Their Water Bowl Clear: Cats usually tend to drink from a clear bowl. Make sure you wash your cat’s water bowl commonly to forestall any buildup of micro organism or algae.
• Monitor Your Cat’s Hydration Ranges: Commonly examine your cat’s hydration ranges by gently pinching their pores and skin. If it doesn’t spring again rapidly, your cat could also be dehydrated. Additionally, look out for indicators of dehydration reminiscent of lethargy, sunken eyes, and a dry mouth.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, whereas cats don’t completely want moist meals to outlive, it can provide them some well being advantages and make mealtime extra pleasurable. Whether or not you select to feed your cat moist meals, dry meals, or a mixture of each, an important factor is to make sure their weight loss plan is balanced and meets their particular dietary wants. Common vet visits are key to monitoring your cat’s well being and adjusting their weight loss plan if essential. With the best diet, your feline buddy can stay a wholesome and comfortable life.

Featured Picture Credit score: New Africa, Shutterstock

In regards to the writer

Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely little one. For now! All through her life, she has been launched to the particular love that may be discovered within the bond with a cat. Having owned a number of felines, she is greater than sure that their love is unmatched, unconditional and in contrast to another. With a ardour to coach the general public about every thing, there’s to find out about felines, their habits, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating certain that every one cats and their house owners know the significance of acutely aware residing – and loving!