There are so many options out there when it comes to cat food. However, not all choices are the same for nutrition or choosing the best cat food. There are many considerations to make from nutritional analysis to value. Here is a battle showdown between dry and canned cat food.
The Winner in Hydration Is…
Canned cat food provides better hydration for cats. In the wild cats get the majority of their hydration from the prey that they would eat, which is 60-70% water.
Canned cat food provides 7-12% moisture content, making your pet prone to dehydration is they don’t drink enough water on their own. On top of that with the high sodium content of some food, it causes water retention and more dehydration. Even mild dehydration can lead to urinary tract issues and health complications.
Canned cat food is 70-80% moisture content, which is close to their natural prey diet, making it the winner.
For Urinary Tract Issues the Winner Is….
Indoor cats are more prone to urinary tract issues. Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, feline idiopathic cystitis, and lower urinary tract disease can all be a result of dehydration. Since cat food has a huge moisture content, it is hands down the winner. Canned cat food is the best for your cat’s kidney health. Any cat that suffers from diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and cancer will benefit from canned cat food.
Feeding your cat only dry food is likely to set them up for urinary tract issues when they become older.
More Protein Less Carbs the Award Goes To….
Canned cat food in general contains more meat than kibble. Cats are obligate carnivores that require very few carbohydrates. Canned cat food contains significantly more actual protein when you look at the nutritional labels.
Dry food contains a lot of carbohydrates as it helps hold the food together into kibble pieces. Lots of fillers are also used in dry cat food.
The Weight Loss Winner Is….
The higher water-content of canned cat food makes it perfect for your cat’s weight loss or maintenance since water helps your pet feel full. The high protein and low carb content help. It is hard for a cat to lose weight on dry cat food. Restricting your cat’s food is hard and they will not be happy, so it is easier to give them canned cat food as a replacement if you are worried about their weight.
The Winner in Easy Eating Is….
For young kittens, cats who have lost teeth, or a cat with a sensitive tummy, canned cat food is much easier. Making canned cat food the winner. Wet cat food makes an easy transition from milk or formula to solids, as it is very easy to eat. The increased moisture content makes for easier digestion, reducing hairballs.
The Award for Best Overall Health Goes To….
Canned cat food is the winner when it comes to your cat’s best health. Your cat will benefit from canned cat food. In regard to urinary tract health, meat protein content, and weight loss, canned cat food can provide numerous benefits to your feline. Of course, if your cat has health concerns it is worth a conversation with your veterinarian.
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