At the start of every year, many of us make resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, save more money and get more organised. When it comes to eating healthier, Whiskas encourages us to include our beloved feline friends in our positive plans for 2020, especially when it comes to getting a balanced diet.
A balanced diet for cats means including wet and dry feeding in their daily food regimes. This will ensure their nutritional requirements are met and reduce the risk of overeating, keeping them healthy in every phase of their lives.
Giving our cats wet food with their daily dose of dry food will help prevent the development of uncomfortable conditions such as tooth decay or bladder stones as they age. While the abrasiveness of dry food helps remove plaque from our cats’ teeth, wet food provides them with more moisture and ensures they enjoy the benefits of higher daily water intake, thereby increasing urine volume and dilution.
Research conducted by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition[1] found that the intake of both dry and wet food is important as they offer different benefits:
| DRY FOOD | WET FOOD |
| Convenience
Leave kitties bowel filled with some dry food for an all-day tasting session. This is a more budget-friendly way to feed your cat. |
Moisture delivery in a natural way
Providing greater moisture intake to promote urinary tract health. |
| Oral Health
Dry food is abrasive and helps remove plaque from your cats’ teeth. |
High meat content
Real meat provides a natural source of minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids |
| Food Safety
Most cats are grazers. By placing dry food out for your cat during the day, they can eat at their leisure without the food spoiling. |
Emotional
Most cats love wet food and your cat will shower you with affection when it comes to feeding time. |
Whiskas suggests one-third of dry cat food with two-thirds of wet food daily – for kittens and older cats alike. It is important to remember that even with a combination of wet and dry food, cats’ diet plans will change based on their age, weight and breed. Ensure regular visits with your local vet to make sure your feline friend is getting their optimal nutritional requirements.
A cat’s diet is just as important as a human diet. Making sure we understand their nutritional needs will ensure our furry friends will live healthier and happier lives.
