Diet is one of the most important factors in your cat’s health. It’s essential to remember that cats are obligate carnivores, and their bodies are designed to break down raw meat. Even though domestic cats no longer live in the wild, their digestive system remains adapted for meat consumption.
There are varying opinions regarding the ideal diet for cats, including all-canned food, raw food, dry food diets, and combinations of dry and canned food. Your choice may depend on personal preference or your cat’s specific needs. Cats with chronic digestive or other health issues may benefit from dietary changes. This could be an easy solution to a difficult problem, but ultimately, the decision is yours.
Understanding Different Diets for Cats
Most domesticated cats are introduced to commercially prepared dry kibble. Although dry food is unnatural for cats due to its high carbohydrate content, high plant protein levels, and lack of moisture, it is common in the United States. Many cats tolerate dry food well, and there are now more options to suit their needs. If your cat is experiencing issues, a change in diet might be beneficial. In fact, even healthy cats can thrive and live longer when their diet is altered.
An all-canned food diet is growing in popularity. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they are designed to meet their nutritional needs with animal-based proteins. Cats lack the ability to derive nutrition from plant-based proteins. Canned foods specifically formulated for cats contain higher quality protein than dry foods, which often rely on plant-based proteins that cats cannot digest. In the wild, cats would consume a high-protein, high-moisture, meat-based diet, with moderate fat and very low carbohydrates. Canned food mimics this diet more closely, containing fewer carbohydrates and more water, which is beneficial since most wild prey contains around 75% water.
Canned foods also help prevent kidney and bladder problems, which are common in cats. A diet with high water content can alleviate these issues.
Another growing trend among cat owners is feeding an all-raw meat diet. This can be done with pre-made raw food or by preparing meals at home. Raw meat diets are similar to canned foods in meeting a cat’s nutritional needs but are free from the grains and toxins found in many commercial dry and canned foods. While raw meat can contain bacteria, cats’ short intestinal transit time helps prevent bacterial growth.
If you choose a raw food diet, it’s essential to do your research. Cats need more than just meat to thrive, so it’s important to include supplements or bone meal for calcium. Be cautious of pre-made raw foods, ensuring they contain no more than 10% vegetable matter, and check the meat sources, as organs like liver may not provide enough nutrition.
If you’re unsure about your cat’s diet, consult your veterinarian, who can help guide your decision. Experimenting with different diets can also help you find the best option for your cat.
