Dry cat food does have some benefits, so feeding your cat a kibble-based diet may be good for her.
Dry cat food is a convenient option, as it’s easy to store and great for pet owners on a budget.
and since it doesn’t spoil when left out for a few hours, it’s a good choice for cats who don’t finish their meals right away.
“Cats who can benefit most from dry food are those who like to graze or peck at their food throughout the day, as it can be safely left out, while wet food will spoil if it is not refrigerated,” says dr. bonk said to the dodo.
Since dry cat food is crunchy, biting into the pieces can help with your cat’s dental care between brushings and professional cleanings, since the rough texture scrapes teeth while eating.
“There is also an argument that eating dry kibble helps to mechanically clean a cat’s teeth as it chews,” says dr. said bonk. “To some degree, it can help remove/prevent plaque and tartar build-up, which can be a huge advantage for cats who don’t allow their teeth to be brushed.”
The main problem with dry cat food is that it doesn’t have much moisture compared to wet cat food.
Many vets believe that high-moisture foods can help your cat stay hydrated, which can prevent problems like urinary tract infections. that high moisture content is also good for cats with other conditions.
“Wet food has a higher water content, an advantage for cats with kidney disease or diabetes,” says dr. said bonk.
according to dr. Bonk, there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to find the best dry cat food.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an organization that sets nutrition standards for pet foods.
In order for your cat’s food to be considered complete and balanced, these standards must be met. So when looking for dry cat food, look out for a disclaimer on the label that says the food meets AAFCO standards.
if meat is the main ingredient, or even one of the main ingredients, you know that your cat is getting all the protein he needs from his dry food.
“Choose a dry cat food that contains at least whole meat as the first ingredient, preferably also as the second ingredient,” says dr. said bonk.
You should always pay attention to the ingredient list to make sure your cat is getting all her nutrients and stays away from anything she’s sensitive to.
“Whole grains and vegetables should be there, too,” says dr. said bonk. “avoid any ingredients your cat is allergic to.”
There are many types of dry cat food that are formulated for more specific needs.
For example, kitten food and senior food will have a different amount of nutrients than adult dry cat food. And if your cat is dealing with certain health conditions, such as a sensitive stomach, problems with hairballs, or she’s gained a few extra pounds, you should opt for a food that’s specially designed to help her.
If your cat is a picky eater, it’s also good to go with a dry food that has a variety of recipes to keep her interested.
“You may also want to choose a brand that offers different flavors and formulations if you have a picky eater to keep them interested without having to completely change their diet,” says dr. said bonk.
we’ve rounded up some of the best dry cat foods, according to dr. bonk’s guidelines.
