Cats have a wealth of food options. They include canned wet food, dry kibble food, and whatever food you make yourself. Dry cat food has many advantages. But there re also drawbacks, especially when your pet only consumes dry food. It is good to recognize what the pros and cons of dry food are so you are better able to provide your cat with a diet that is healthy and balanced.
The Pros
Among the main reasons, a lot of cat owners choose dry food for their pets is cost. It is lower in price than the canned wet food alternatives. It can also work out cheaper than homemade food.
The effect dry food has on a cat’s teeth is also in favor of kibble. It scrapes off the plaque and food residue that would otherwise be left on the animal’s teeth. This, of course, prevents a build-up of tartar.
Kibble also causes cats to feel full for a longer period, so your pet is less likely to have hunger pangs.
Dry food can be left down for longer without going bad, even for a relatively long time. This means you can stock up without worrying about the food being wasted. Plus, it’s possible to keep dry food in your pet’s food bowl without it drying out like wet food would if not eaten straight away. Indeed, canned wet food can lose freshness in under two hours.
The Cons
There is typically less protein in dry foods than in any canned food alternatives. This matters because some cats need higher amounts of protein to lead active lives.
Another downside of dry cat food is that it doesn’t contain any water. This can lead to your cat becoming dehydrated if it is not able to drink the amount of water it needs to stay healthy. This is why cats with health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections are not encouraged to have dry food. Indeed, cats that have dry diets are at increased risk of developing diabetes.
The carbohydrates that are present in dry cat food are unnecessary in the diet of cats and carbs in excess can cause cats to become obese.
On top of this, there are dry foods that have ingredients that include salt and sugars. These are not healthy. Nor are the unhealthy fillers that can make up as much as 40% of low-grade cat food. Maine Coons have a long silky coat but when they aren’t getting enough nutrients it can become dull and lifeless.
Research is needed to find out what is the best dry cat food for indoor cats.
The Alternatives
Canned food offers cats an adequate quantity of water, which is beneficial for the animal’s health.
Canned wet food also contains a higher amount of proteins than a cat can gain from in dry food. Canned food also contains fiber, which helps a cat’s digestion and prevents digestive problems like constipation.
It’s also worth noting that cats who consume wet food suffer fewer issues with hairballs. But one downside of canned food is that it does not offer cats any dental benefits.
Homemade food can have many benefits for your cat. The ingredients are likely to be fresh. But, preparing food can take time and you have to be sure you are feeding your pet the necessary ingredients or health problems can ensue.
