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- Dec 23, 2013
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I would like to know which dry food and which can food to feed my grandson Tigger. Thank you. I don't have too much time for cooking or raw food.
That website is very misleading. Dry food has no benefits to a cat. http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/does-dry-food-clean-the-teeth/ It does not clean teeth, it is not healthier for them, it is worse for them. Cats need moisture in their diet, Dry food only contains 10% moisture if that. Please visit this site to learn more about proper feline nutrition. www.catinfo.org
That doesn't mean ONLY feed your kitty wet food though. It's good to provide both to your cat as dry food has its benefits too.
Here is a very helpful website all about cat nutrition:
http://petknowsbest.com/cat-nutrition
Hmmm my 14 year old cat has eaten wet food most of her life and she still has every single one of her teeth and has never needed a dental. My 7 year old cat who refuses to eat canned food and has only been on dry just had to have 2 teeth pulled and have her teeth cleaned. I work for a vet and have seen countless cats who eat dry food only lose their teeth. I have seen cats on canned food lose their teeth. Tartar buildup is genetic for the most part. Although diet can have some part in it, it is mostly genetic and due to the bacteria in the mouth There are countless studies and articles to support what I said. I am just pointing out correct things, my father is a retired vet I have worked in the veterinary field for 20+ years and have done extensive research on both canine and feline nutrition. Actually the WORST brand of canned food is better for the cat than the BEST brand of dry food. See Below. It is written by a Veterinarian. Cats are desert animals then need 80% moisture in their diets, dry food is about 10% moisture.
If you had read what I said correctly I said that a HIGH quality dry food is healthier than a LOW quality wet food. I didn't say that cats should only have dry food, but "Dry food has no benefits to a cat." is wrong; in my opinion. If a cat only eats wet food their teeth will probably all fall out before they get old, I've seen it happen. I also said every cat is different and has different needs.
ETA here are some more links about canned food:http://www.catinfo.org/?link=cannedfoods
Before you get too confused when reading this page, I will say at the outset: I would much rather see a cat eat any canned food versus any dry food - regardless of quality level of the canned food. This includes Friskies, 9-Lives, Fancy Feast, etc.
This is because:
There is no dry food that covers all of the very important points listed above.
All canned foods contain an appropriate (high) amount of water which is critical for urinary tract health. Please see Opie's page - Feline Urinary Tract Health.
The protein in canned food is more apt to be higher in animal-based protein versus plant-based protein - contrary to most dry foods. Keep in mind that we are feeding cats (strict carnivores) not cows.
The carbohydrate level of most canned foods is lower than that of most dry foods.
I hate typing from my phone sometimes. What I meant was some people can eat whatever they want and NOT gain weight...sheesh.Dry food does NOT clean teeth. More natural taurine? How? And as far as shelf life, dry kibble is loaded with bacteria fore most cats finish the bag...not that bacteria scares me that much, but the longer digestion time required for kibble to be processed could create an ugly situation for some cats.
The best dry is still dehydrating to a cat. That can lead to several very preventable illnesses. As can carb values, of course.
I look at it the way I look at human health. Some people can eat whatever they want and gain weight. But their blood profiles often reveal problems. Some people can smoke 2 packs a day and live to their 90's with no problems, but I doubt that I have to explain those risks. Just because a cat can survive on a species inappropriate diet, that doesn't mean it was healthy. However, I'd rather see a cat eat Meow Mix kibble than for it to starve. We have to make certain decisions that are best for our cats and our situations. But the answer is clear from a biological point of view: cats are obligate carnivores with a low thirst drive, so a wet and meat based diet is the best option.