When it comes to your feline pet’s health, you should never take things lightly. It is a must to be knowledgeable about what they need to be strong and healthy.
You should, therefore, take the time to understand the different food options available for your cat.
Before diving into the pool of cat food choices in your neighborhood pet store, take time to learn about them first. This is the ideal first step to take if you do not wish to end up spending on unnecessary products.
Table of Contents
The Difference Between Dry And Wet Cat Food
Keeping The Body Better-Hydrated
Easier And Better Portion Control
Wet Cat Food Safety Precautions
How Much Wet Food Consumed Daily
Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Feast In Gravy
Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts In Gravy
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Food For Cats
Best Wet Cat Food
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The Difference Between Dry And Wet Cat Food
There are two main categories that you will first encounter when it comes to commercial food for your domesticated felines. Below is a summary of the similarities between and the differences between the two.
Dry Cat Food
When you say dry food for cats, kibbles come to mind. By definition, these are pellet-shaped food pieces designed for feline consumption and made from ground grains, meat, and vegetables. They are dry in texture and usually packed in large bags.
Since they contain less moisture, they have longer expiry dates. Because of this, they are more budget-friendly. Additionally, they can stay out in the open for later consumption in case your pet needs to eat while you are out or away.
Another good thing about this food type is its crunchy texture, which results in less plaque and buildup of tartar. Generally, kibbles are equipped with the nutrients required by cats to maintain a healthy body. These include, but are not limited to, vitamins as well as minerals like biotin, iron, and zinc.
Wet Cat Food
The wet variety usually comes in cans or pouches. As the term itself implies, this comes with a greater percentage of moisture. As a result, bacterial growth is more pervasive, so it should not be left out for a long time. In fact, once it is opened, it should be consumed right away.
Generally, one can or pouch of cat food is good for one meal serving. Because of this, wet food can sometimes be considered indulgent by some.
Knowing the benefits of wet cat food though will surely change your mind.
The Benefits Of Wet Cat Food
While its dry counterpart has a number of beneficial aspects, you can rest assured that you are not wasting your time learning about wet cat food. The following are some of the top good things that it offers.
Having A Leaner Body Mass
One of the biggest advantages that wet cat food brings is the high level of protein it contains. This promotes the development and supports the maintenance of strong muscles. It also aids in keeping the muscle mass at a healthy level as cats enter their elderly stage.
A cat’s muscles and organs serve as the chief origin of metabolic activity, which aids in essential functions such as immunity and mobility. They are part of the LBM or lean body mass, which naturally deteriorates in felines as they age.
With the huge amount of protein in wet cat food, they are able to maintain their LBM even as they start to venture into old age.
Keeping The Body Better-Hydrated
Water is not a cat’s best friend. Felines do not like still water because of bacteria’s tendencies to reside in it. They do like drinking from faucets or water fountains more but are still not able to get the amount of water they need from that.
However, they have a huge need for water in their body as it makes up around 60 percent of their bodies. In order to keep it at a healthy level, they should take in water in ample amount.
This is where wet cat food can make a difference. It does not fully complete the water requirement, but it does make a significant contribution. It contains a minimum of 65 percent moisture, so daily consumption of it results in better hydration for your pet.
Getting More Food Variety
In the same way that you do not like to eat the same type of food every day, your pet definitely does not want to eat kibbles all week long. Some cats’ personalities even drive them to generally crave something different at times.
This is why it is ideal to keep a combined diet for your pet. While dry food works for those days when you cannot be around during their mealtime, you should take the time to give them wet food when you are present.
This makes your pet healthy as well as happy. They get a chance to try other interesting flavors and textures such as gravy, creamy sauces or pates.
Easy To Digest
Because of the moisture content of wet food, they have a softer consistency. This makes it easier to chew for kittens and takes less effort to digest for both young and adult cats. This is also the reason why this food type is most recommended for felines with sensitive digestive systems.
Pets with kidney and urinary tract problems benefit from this characteristic of wet food. It adds water inside the body, lessening the chances of forming crystals and keeping dehydration at bay.
Easier And Better Portion Control
If you are dealing with overeating pets, wet cat food brings an additional advantage in its serving size. It is available in small sizes only, so keeping their portions controlled is way easier. The same thing works for lazy cats who quickly gain weight due to the absence of physical activity.
Wet Cat Food Safety Precautions
Leaving Food Out In The Open
The moisture content of wet cat food makes it very vulnerable to bacteria of many kinds. It comes in sterile packaging, but once it is opened, you will not have an assurance that it remains safe. Dangerous elements in the surroundings easily and quickly make their way to the food.
Examples include Ecoli, listeria, and salmonella.
Manufacturers have different suggestions on the time limit that you can keep your pet’s wet ration outside. Some recommend a maximum of one hour while others say four hours as long as it stays in a cool area.
You should read the instructions and follow the recommendations that come with the product that you decide to purchase.
How Much Wet Food Consumed Daily
Basically, the nutritional requirements of your pet cat depend on a number of factors. One of the basic considerations is his weight. However, you should be wary though that his body condition also has an impact.
A lean, large-bone feline needs more nutrients to maintain its weight than a small-boned one who weighs the same.
In addition to that, there is the age factor. Kittens are in the growing stage and require more calories to sustain the growth and current activities. Their activity levels also obviously play a role. The one who is more active use and need more calories than his lazier pal. Pregnant and nursing cats also have higher needs.
Top 5 Wet Cat Food Reviews
Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Feast In Gravy
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Aptly marketed as a feast, this wet cat food will make your pet love you more. It comes with tender cuts that have been grilled and then slow-cooked in gravy that complements, resulting in an enhanced taste for your feline to enjoy.
The seafood flavor is made of ocean fish, salmon or tuna and shrimp. The beef flavor comes with real beef and the chicken flavor is from real poultry meat. This means your pet gets the nutrition right from its very source. You get the assurance that your pet has a complete and balanced diet. It contains a maximum of 80% moisture, so your cat gets all the benefits that wet food has to offer.
The attractive aroma is an additional feature that increases the tendency to get the full serving finished up to the last bit. Even your most picky eater feline will find his preference in the variety of flavors from Purina’s Fancy Feasts. You also get the additional assurance that the recipe is made in the US using quality, safe and wholesome ingredients.
Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts In Gravy
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This product comes in unique and more convenient packaging. It comes in small trays that can be opened very easily and contains one serving for your pet to finish. You do not have to worry about any leftovers.
It has a very soft texture, so your kittens or elderly pets do not have a hard time when eating. There is no need to deal with possible digestive issues as well. It does not contain corn, soy, wheat or any other grain products. Your cat gets the really good deal only with the most essential vitamins and minerals needed for kittens to grow and adult cats to stay healthy.
Your pet will also love the exciting flavors. You can choose for your felines between gourmet salmon, roasted chicken or tender turkey. Each serving is engulfed in gravy that cats have been so happy to consume.
Delectables Lickable Treat
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Available in tuna, tuna & chicken and tuna & whitefish flavors, this is a meal that also feels like a treat. It even comes with a special formulation for seniors. If your pet is 10 years and older, you can go for the one with Vitamins B and E to help with his overall health. If he is 15 years and older, your best choice is the one that contains prebiotics and potassium, which aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system and kidney.
Made from authentic chicken meat, tuna, and vegetables, the product is a perfect blend of meat, fish, and juices. Your cat can easily devour the food bits while enjoying the flavor of its gravy. It is packed in an easy-to-open pouch, and your pet gets to choose from bisque, chowder, stew and soft pate textures.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Food For Cats
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Crafted from intrinsically-good, ordinary and hearty ingredients, this cat food brings the vitamins and minerals that your feline friend needs. It comes with added taurine, which is a critical element for maintaining a cat’s digestion, heart muscle health and function, proper digestion and an overall strong immune system.
Its main ingredient is either authentic meat from poultry, seafood or beef, so your pet gets to fulfill his body’s protein requirements. There are no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives or meat by-products and fillers to worry about.
Probably one of the best things about Rachel Ray’s products is the chance to help out. A portion of their sales goes to the Rachael Ray Foundation, which aids animals who need food and medical assistance among others.
Meow Mix Simple Servings Cat Food
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This product comes with real meat from beef, poultry, and seafood in bite sizes and cooked in flavored gravy or sauce. It does not contain any fillers or meat by-products nor any form of artificial elements. You get the assurance of a completely nutritious formulation for your feline friend.
It is packed in cups that are easy to open and serve. You can even have your pet eat directly from the cups, so you do not have to deal with any mess. The portions are in a perfect size to avoid leftovers.
It also works well for pets with restricted diets due to health problems as proven by real people with real cats who have real medical issues. More so, Meow Mix has been creating the most out of cat mealtimes for the last 40 years. You can rest assured that your pet’s food requirements are in good hands.
Conclusion
One type of cat food cannot provide everything that your pet needs. It is important for your pet’s health that you maintain an open mind to learn the benefits of each food type. When it comes to wet cat food specifically, you are now equipped with the basic knowledge to make the right decision for your feline friend at home.
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