Feeding your cat dry food would be just the perfect solution. It is fast, convenient and economical. But is it worth torturing your pet by giving him nasty crackers instead of meat? And isn't it bad for his health?
Features of feeding dry food
It is worth noting that dry food is a balanced complete diet, therefore, it should be given to a cat according to certain rules. First, be sure to choose quality food and do not try to save money on it. Of course, it is quite possible to buy cheaper food for pets, but believe me, a miser pays twice. Cheap feeds do not saturate animals and are eaten in greater quantities than premium feed. In addition, there are very strong doubts about the quality and balance of such a diet. It is better to choose good, proper nutrition for your pet, which will definitely not harm his health.
To keep your cat healthy and alert, dry food should be given according to the instructions on the package. There is always indicated the required amount of food, calculated on the weight of the pet. Remember, too, that a dry diet requires a constant supply of moisture. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water.
Another important nuance is a balanced diet. Since dry food already contains everything your pet needs, you should not spontaneously add anything to its diet. A vitamin treat or a toasted patty may please your cat, but it can cause metabolic disorders and serious consequences. Therefore, to keep the cat healthy, feed it only dry food, without adding anything.
Urolithiasis and dry food
There is an opinion that the consumption of dry food can cause the development of urolithiasis in cats. In part, it is justified. The feeling of thirst in cats is not very strong, while eating dry food, they receive less moisture from the food, which makes the urine more concentrated. That is why it is necessary to ensure that the animal has the opportunity to drink water. By the way, manufacturers of high-quality dry food add thirst-inducing substances to them. Cats, on the other hand, drink more willingly.
If urolithiasis has already appeared in your pet, or he suffers from any form of renal failure, dry food is completely contraindicated for him. Another undoubted plus of such a feed is that the manufacturer can easily not only make it fully balanced, but also add medicinal substances to the composition. Today, in all product lines of serious food manufacturers, there are diet options that reduce the risk of developing urolithiasis in cats or help prevent its recurrence.