How to Feed Your Cat Healthy Food Even When They Say No

How to Feed Your Cat Healthy Food Even When They Say No

As cat owners, we need to provide a diet that enables our cats to live longer, healthy lives. Cats, unlike dogs, think they know far more than humans.  This can make feeding a healthy diet difficult. 

What is a healthy diet for cats and why?

Cats are truly carnivores; their diets need to be meat-based and grain free.  Grain acts as a sponge, soaking up all moisture in the gut.  Cats need more moisture than dogs in their system to keep proper urinary health. Feeding grain free allows proper digestion and helps maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Cats in the wild, eat rodents, birds, lizards and anything that moves basically.  This food source is grain free, low carb and protein rich. I know our cats have evolved and diet is different for domesticated cats.  Keep in mind though that a feline is always a feline.   Their genetic make up for allergies,  digestion, and urinary issues, have all been brought on by commercial pet foods. 

Variety is important!

Variety gives them a wide assortment of nutrients, and makes them feel in control.  Cats that eat a diet of dry food only, get about half the amount of moisture of those eating only canned foods.  Dry cat foods require moisture to digest. Without the proper moisture, proper digestion can’t happen due to the altering of protein during digestion. Altered proteins can cause immune reactions in cats, causing food , urinary, and bowel issues.  A diet high in carbohydrates will lead to obesity, joint problems, liver and kidney disease, and diabetes.  Not fun stuff!

 To ensure that our pets are getting balanced nutrition and the appropriate amount of moisture in their diets, feeding them canned food or a raw diet is a must.  Canned foods should contain the appropriate high protein, grain free, nutrition for a healthy diet. The high moisture content in can food promotes healthy bladders and kidneys.  Raw feeding for cats is well liked, and the best nutrition possible.  There are many premade, raw diets, for cats.  Raw is quickly broken down, absorbed and provides great moisture.  I also believe adding an additional tablespoon or so of water to their food is a good idea.  Anytime you can get additional water in a cat, do it.

My cat doesn’t like can food.

Many cats will turn their nose up at the texture of canned food.  We have found that some cats prefer pate’, and some prefer shredded.  The trick is to try several textures, flavors, and brands to find some that your cat likes.  Many cats do not like fish.  Try a food that is fish free, and contains a protein they have liked in a dry food.  Start with a tablespoon of canned or raw food per meal. This gives them a taste rather than a meal.  Some cats are happier to have a small amount to eat more often, instead of a large portion once or twice a day.

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In our homes, our pets have access to fresh water, but because they have a low thirst drive, they typically do not drink a sufficient amount of water.  In order to prevent dehydration, that can lead to kidney and bladder disease, we must supply a diet that has a balance of water, protein and no grain.  Some prefer water fountains made specifically for cats to drink from.  The fresh moving water is enticing to them!

Feeding both dry kibble, and can food will help balance your cat’s moisture content as well as add variety to their diet.  You will be helping to promote healthy kidney and bladder function also!  Remember, quality, grain free kibble, canned food or raw diet are all acceptable.  The key is learning your cats likes and dislikes so that you can feed them a diet for longevity.

Annette Clark

Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer

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