How Much Dry Food Should I Feed My Cat?
Proper nutrition is important for our four-legged friends. Before your kitty’s first birthday, as a pet parent, you should come up with a strategy of how you are going to be feeding your feline. Thinking about proper feeding is tedious but imperative as your kitten need to have the right nutrients as it transitions from a playful kitty to a full-grown adult cat. Feeding your cat, the right dry food will promote a happy and healthy lifestyle. There is no definite answer to the question How much dry food should I feed my cat? This is because a number of factors will influence the amount of food to give the cat.
Not all dry foods out there are wholesome for your cat. A nutritious and healthful cat’s diet needs the right balance of proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates. Go for quality brands that use no fillers or by-products as they are formulated with real and natural ingredients. High-quality dry cat food should furnish your furry friend with all the nutrients essential for holistic growth. There are exceptions however, sometimes your vet may recommend a special diet for your feline. In such a case, pet parents need to heed the recommendations.
Related Post Things to Consider Before Choosing Cat Food.
Feeding your cat properly can be cumbersome but with the tips below, you will tend to your responsibility diligently and keep your kitty healthy and full of life.
Learn About Available Options
The answer to the question ‘What is the best cat food?’ seems impossible considering the vast options out there. Fortunately, there is a suitable option tailored to meet your cat’s lifestyle, condition, and age. You only need to do your homework to land the right food for your feline. The decision to feed the cat wet food or dry cat food is entirely on your hands unless influenced by a vet’s recommendation. Not forgetting your cat has a say in it as well.
As you debate on whether to go dry food way or wet food, we advise you to serve your cat a mixture of the two foods and see what your cat prefers. Some pet parents feed their cats both foods. In the morning they serve wet food and dry food is served during the day. At the end of the day, we all want our cats purring after a meal so whether your cat prefers wet food, dry food, or a mixture of both, it is your solemn duty to give her preference.
Benefits of Dry Cat Foods
- The kibble is easy to measure and use.
- Dry cat food will have a long shelf-life once opened when compared with wet foods
- The food help keep your cat’s teeth healthy
- Most kitties prefer to crunch their food and generally dislike food soaked in water
Read about the Best Dry Cat Foods.
Benefits of Wet Cat Foods
- Higher moisture content that helps keep your cat hydrated
- The foods also help reduce the chance of urinary tract infection
- Choosy cats find wet food more appealing
- The cat eats more in one sitting and will drink less water afterward
How Much Dry Food Should I Feed My Cat?
There is a particular answer to this question because the nutritional needs of a cat differ depending on the age and weight of your cat. On average a cat needs 30 calories per 450g of body-weight. A cup full of kibbles weighs 120-130g and has between 300-500 calories. The caloric density varies from one brand to the other. To simplify the task for pet owners, manufacturers include a chart on their packages explaining the right amount of food based on the weight and age of cats. More information about portion sizes and daily food allowances can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
As a pet parent, it is important to remember that the quality of dry food matters a lot. When choosing a dry food, you should go for protein-rich foods. The protein content of at least 30%, fat under 15%, and enrichments in the formula are indicators of high-quality dry cat food. Foods with fillers and by-products should be avoided at all costs. These ingredients are inferior in terms of nutrient composition so you might end up depriving your feline of important nutrients. An important enrichment to look out for in dry cat foods is taurine. The amino acid promotes the visual health of your kitty.
How to Feed Your Cat
Establishing a routine as your cat transitions into adulthood is a good place to start. Remember cats are habitual creatures so a routine will be great for you and your kitty. The best way to feed your cat is through several small portions at different times during the day. However, work makes this impractical and so many people tend to feed their cats twice a day; in the morning before work, and once they come back from work. Fortunately, two meals a day is fine for most felines.
Here are some important pointers on how to feed your cat:
- Make a habit of feeding your cat in the same place and at the same time. An ideal feeding area should be quiet to let the cat relax.
- The feeding bowls should be placed on easy to clean surface. The beast bowls for feeding your cat should be made of ceramic or metal as the materials are easy to clean.
- If your home has more than one cat, ensure the feeding bowls are a distance apart to prevent confrontation during mealtime. If your cats don’t get along, feeding them in separate areas is advisable to keep the peace.
Dry Cat Food for Urinary Health
A major health concern for many pet owners is the urinary tract problem. Luckily there are various foods tailored to control the issue. The best dry cat foods for urinary health are formulated with low magnesium content. They also feature a recipe intended to lower the pH of your cat’s urinary tract. Lowering the pH impede the likelihood of kidney stones and hinder the occurrence of urinary problems. The dry foods designed to promote urinary health work great when taken along with plenty of water.
Final Meow
What you feed your cat is just as important as what you eat. When choosing the food to feed your kitty, make sure it uses high-quality and natural ingredients. Besides, ensure the food uses a balanced and nutritious formula as your cat’s health and wellbeing depend on it. Providing optimal nutrition should be your number one priority as a pet owner.