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, Earthborn, Wellness CORE, Solid Gold, Nulo Freestyle, Instinct by Nature, Inception, I and Love and You, Stella & Chewy, Ziwi Peak, Feline Natural, Fussie Cat, Pure Vita, Open Farm, Tender and True, Dr. Elsey’s Clean Protein, Hound & Gatos, Merrick Limited Ingredient

While some seafood can be offered to cats in moderation, it's generally recommended to avoid making it a primary or frequent part of their diet. Remember “feathers and fur” are best – think chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, etc. Avoid by-products, fillers, grains and artificial colors and flavors.

Raw, Frozen or Air-Dried Food Brands

·       Stella & Chewy, Instinct, Smalls, Feline Natural, Primal, Ziwi Peak, Northwest Naturals, Vital Essentials

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

Example of a good ingredient list:

 Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, New Zealand Green Mussel, Chicken Bone, DL-Methionine, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex), Dried Kelp, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Salt, Taurine.

Example of bad ingredient list (contains vague meat descriptions (What type of poultry and fish? What type of liver?), meat by-products, vegetables, artificial flavors, etc.):

 Poultry, Water, Meat By-Products, Liver, Poultry By-Products, Fish, Rice, Carrots, Tomato Concentrate, Pea Flour, Spinach, Paprika, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Corn starch, corn gluten meal MINERALS [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Choline Chloride, Taurine, VITAMINS [Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Salt. F605723