When is the right time to start giving wet cat food and on what occasions should you prefer it to dry food? All you need to know.
Our newborn puppy will obviously not be able to eat if we put hard and dry food in front of him, but do we plan to give him the wet one only when he is small? Mistake! Cats love feeding time, but there are some meals that are best eaten wet rather than dry. We will therefore see under what circumstances wet food is recommended for cats and what to do to make the meal always edible and appetizing.
Wet and dry food: what’s the difference?
In both cases, these are industrial products and, although the adjective may in some cases have a negative meaning when compared to that of ‘natural’, in reality they are controlled and targeted products for the correct diet of our cat. It is also true that some foods make life easier even for the owner, but it does not necessarily hurt him. It is obvious that it will always be necessary to prefer excellent quality food and pay attention to the ‘super discounts’ on sub-branded products, both for dry and wet food.
- Dry food: this expression usually refers to kibble for cats or kibble. The foods that compose them are pressure cooked, then left to dry and finally sprinkled with fat to make them tastier and easier to swallow.
- Wet food: in the form of baby food, sachets or canned, this baby food is stored in vacuum-packed format. They are usually very soft foods because they contain a high percentage of water.
Wet cat food: only when it is small?
If we have heard of weaning, we have certainly heard of wet food. In fact, kittens born a few weeks ago, after feeding only their mother’s milk, now have to switch to baby food. Of course, the transition must be gradual and less traumatic as possible, especially for the teeth and gums. It is not wrong to alternate wet and dry food at an early age but it is always advisable to ask our trusted veterinarian for advice, especially if we are not yet experienced ‘cat lovers’.
There are no standard doses or favorite brands: the best thing is to always rely on the advice of the expert; It is obvious, however, that as the cat grows, its daily requirement increases. In this delicate phase of growth, that is, immediately after weaning, a cat must gain weight and grow up. This means that the food suitable for him, at this moment, must contain: vitamins, proteins and mineral salts.
Wet food for the adult cat: in which situations to prefer it to the dry one
But then only the kitten can we give wet food? Absolutely no! The soft food can be very useful in some circumstances of the life of a cat, and certainly not only when it is very young. In the course of his life, it is very important to choose the type of meal that suits his dietary and physical needs. So let’s see on what occasions wet food is better than dry food for our beloved feline.
- When suffering from urinary problems: If the cat does not get enough water or foods that contain it, it could have problems with dehydration in the cat and even urinary problems. If the urine accumulates, stones can form, or small stones that clog the kidneys and inhibit their proper functioning.
- The cat is fat: before facing obesity problems in cats, wet food is better for a feline that does little physical activity and tends to get fat. In fact, wet food contains fewer calories and is easier to digest, but it does not mean that it must be chosen exclusively over dry food. You have to alternate the two foods, but it is better to ask the doctor for the right doses.
- Suffers from constipation: the cat needs, like everyone else, to defecate naturally and regularly. Otherwise it could face more or less serious constipation problems: it is therefore advisable to use wet food because it improves the functioning of the intestine. The cat’s own feces will be softer and easier to excrete.
- He is tired of the usual tastes: even cats have their preferences and are famous for their superfine palate. But it is not just a matter of choosing high quality foods but also of varying them, so as not to make his diet too monotonous, indeed mono-taste.
- He is elderly: contrary to what one might think that only the kitten must be given wet food, the thing is completely overturned. The elderly or aging cat is losing its strength and energy, even for chewing and swallowing. Softer food is easier to chew even for a cat with tooth problems.
