Tempting A Reluctant Feeder
For those battling to tempt their cat away from a favorite low nutrient, high meal junk dry food to something a little healthier, there are some tricks you might want to try:
- Turn Up The Stink: If you want your cat to notice that you are giving them something that they really dont want to miss, make it stinky! If you only have dry food for your cat but you want to try to make it more appealing, mix the water from canned tuna fish in with the food to make it soft and stinky.
- Make Sure the Bowl is Conducive to Eating: While this suggestion is more how you feed, rather than what you should feed a cat that wont eat, it is a quick and easy fix. Some cats dont like narrow, dirty, or big bowls. So, make sure the food is easy to get to and the dish is clean . On the bright side, this means that there is nothing wrong with your cat theyre just picky!
There is a difference between stubbornness and food-avoidance behaviors. If your cat continues to disregard food for more than a day, even if there are no other symptoms, get your cat in to see a veterinarian.
More Cat Food Reviews
Buying Guide For Soft Dry Cat Food
Ingredients It is natural to look for some healthy and nutritional chunks of cat food that do not inculcate any artificial colors or flavors. Always look for cat food that is high in protein and contains only traces of grains for healthy digestion.
Nutrients Senior cats should never be compromised on essential vitamins and minerals as they need sufficient healthy nutrients in their adult stage. Make sure that you feed your adult cat with grain-free cat food.
Size of the Kibble The optimum size of the cat food should be initiated to check if your adult cat can chew it or not. Most of the time, we go for gravy and wet cat food for those senior cats that have teeth problems.
Well-Reputed Brand Not all brands of cat food are trustworthy, so never make your feline available for experimentation and testing. Pick up the food from a well-known brand that is highly recommended by the peeps and experts.
Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
This means they need meat to survive. They cannot get enough nutritional support from plant-based proteins such as grains and vegetables, because, unlike humans and dogs, they lack the specific enzyme that processes plant-based proteins metabolically. They need little or no carbohydrates in their diet. Feeding foods high in carbohydrates leads to any number of degenerative diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Is Dry Cat Food Better Than Wet
Both dry cat food and wet cat food have pros and cons. The benefits of dry cat food includes convenience, ease of use and its typically cheaper cost.
One of the drawbacks to dry is that it does not provide the same moisture content as its wet counterpart. Felines on a dry cat food diet should have access to a constant supply of water, so pet owners often consider adding a pets drinking fountain to their home.
Dry cat food does, however, provide a handy addition to a food puzzle dispenser and can also be a very efficient way to provide calories in thin cats with food volume limitations. Wet cat food, on the other hand, can be more expensive but can be beneficial in cats prone to lower urinary tract disease, constipation and that are overweight.
During routine check-ups, you can ask for a nutritional evaluation from a vet, including diet history and a body condition score, if you’re not sure which is best for your feline. Our round up of the best wet cat food or our guide to the best cat food overall can offer some tasty alternatives.
Royal Canin Hairball Care
Weight: 22lbs | Flavors: NA | Protein: 34%
Royal Canin Hairball Care is a specialist food that aims to provide a superior source of nutrition for cats who have a tendency to cough things up. As such, its formula claims to move hairballs on through the body and out of the stomach, rather than all over your floor surfaces.
To do this it uses a blend of insoluble dietary fibres which sweep through the stomach and into the bowels, meaning hairballs are excreted as opposed to being vomited up. They also help stimulate good digestion and the increased absorption of nutrients.
In addition, Royal Canin Hairball Cares balance of dietary fibres includes psyllium along with other minerals that will aid the digestive health of your cat beyond just preventing hairballs. This includes benefits like a healthier coat and better teeth to name just two.
It seems to be fairly successful at achieving its aim too, with numerous owners of long haired cats leaving glowing reviews that report a noticeable reduction in hairballs. Although some reviewers remarked that it cost more than standard food, most stated they would remain using it despite the extra cost due to its effectiveness.
Recommended Reading: What Was Hp Lovecraft’s Cat Named
How To Soften Food For Kittens
Kittens are a common reason why cat owners switch to soft foods temporarily. Kittens often have problems swallowing, which can become a major hazard if not addressed. You can get your kitten started on a particular food and slowly transition it from wet back to dry.
To soften the food for kittens, start with the right amount of dry food in a bowl. Add enough water to fill 1/4th of the bowl, but make sure that all of the food gets wet. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak it in. If needed add more water and stir. Continue this process until you reach the right consistency for your kitten.
Kitten Dry Food With Large Kibbles
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NorthernGlow said:They eat Taste of the Wild at the moment but I haven’t seen kitten version of it.I thought, Taste of the Wild, was, formulated for all life stages. Many breeders, in the USA, feed that, to there kittens.Evo is not available here unfortunately. That, is very very very unfortunate, in my humble opinion.Orijen seems to have changed since I last tried it, but again, I can’t find the kitten stuff anywhere.I am pretty sure that, Orijen, like Evo is formulated for all life stages. But, don’t quote me on that.Acana used to have a decent kitten dry, but they stopped making it few years ago. It was differently shaped too, which was good.I should probably add that one of the cats has long fur , and it stays in better condition with kitten foods .I am sorry, about, your dry food dilemma. I wish, I could be more helpful.
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Read Also: Name Of Lovecrafts Cat
Best For Adult Cats: Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Weight: 15 pounds| Form: Dry, Pellets | Flavor: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
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Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals
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Comes in 3-, 7-, or 15-pound bags
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Expensive
The best premium dry cat food for adult felines is Royal Canin Indoor Dry. Recommended by Dr. Singleton, it’s formulated with a blend of fiber for digestion and weight maintenance.
This cat food contains optimal portions of chicken meal, animal fat, vegetable fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The highly digestible and metabolizable ingredients keep your adult cat healthy, energized, and satisfied. Be sure to buy this food from a reputable pet retailer as counterfeit versions of this pet food seem to be an issue. If you’re shopping on Amazon, it’s best to make sure the product is being sold and shipped by the manufacturer.
Weight: 10 pounds| Form: Dry | Flavor: Game Bird Recipe | Life Stage: Adult
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Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
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Uses chicken and turkey meal
If you are partial to raw ingredients, Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused is your best option. This all-natural dry cat food caters to an ancestral feline diet. It’s full of crave-worthy animal protein, including freeze-dried whole pieces of raw fish or game birds that help your cat’s food taste fresh.
This grain-free and digestion-friendly recipe is full of taste, texture, and smell your cat will love. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy fur and skin.
Weight: 10 pounds| Form: Dry | Flavor: Chicken & Sweet Potato | Life Stage: All
We Looked For Species
We looked for foods that honor kittens nutritional needs, emphasizing meat ingredients over plants. All of the foods on the following list are rich in animal-sourced protein and keep carbohydrate content low. We looked for foods that were at least 50% protein and less than 10% carbohydrate, measured on a dry matter basis.
Don’t Miss: Blue Wilderness Kitten Food Wet
Is There Any Soft Dry Cat Food
This seems like a peculiar question, right?
Cats either love super-crunchy dry food, otherwise known as kibble, or canned wet food containing meat with a delicious sauce. The in-between is not a popular choice among kitties, but there can be some instances which I will go over in detail where softer dry food may be necessary for your cat.
Heres a quick look at some of the softer dry cat foods on the market:
- Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels with Chicken & Chicken Liver in Savory Sauce: This is a healthy pouch food option with morsel pieces topped with a delicious sauce.
Scroll down below to see more options of softer dry food, homemade and commercial options for soft dry food, dry to wet food transition tips, feeding suggestions for older kitties and those with dental problems, and information about the pros and cons of wet and dry food diets for cats.
Natures Variety Instinct Original Grain
Find at: Chewy, Pets Warehouse
Naturally grain-free and made with premium protein, Natureâs Variety Instinct is a top selection for grain-free diet.
This dry cat food offers a perfect diet for your cat that includes the large number of animal protein, limited carbs and no plant-based fillers. Itâs also enriched with omega acids to keep the catâs skin and coat healthy, and antioxidants and probiotics to support the digestive health and boost the catâs immune system.
This kibble is specially designed without the use of grains and has five different flavors . It`s thoughtfully balanced with wholesome ingredients to nourish your kitty`s body for health and longevity.
PROS
- Formulated without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meat, artificial colors and preservatives
- Contains natural probiotics, omegas and antioxidants to support the catâs digestive health, improve the immune system, keep the skin healthy and coat shiny
- Made with high protein formula
CONS
- Less moisture than regular soft dry cat food
Recommended Reading: Get Mats Out Of Cat Hair
Best Soft Dry Cat Foods In 2021 Reviews & Guide
Dry food is a great option for your cats: Its relatively inexpensive, convenient, and easy to store. That said, some cats have trouble chewing hard dry foods. Kittens with developing teeth, seniors that have lost a few teeth or have gum issues, or even just cats with dental issues in general can benefit greatly from dry food that is softer and more palatable than usual. Cats are obligate carnivores and thus need a high percentage of animal-based protein in their diet. Soft dry foods need to have the usual balanced nutrient content, a slightly higher moisture content, and preferably, a soft, chewy center. Some dry foods are purposefully formulated to be softer and more tender, and other foods that are made to be easy to digest or formulated for seniors are also great options if youre looking for a softer food for your feline. We know how difficult it can be to sift through all the available dry food options for your cat, and were here to help! In this article, we put together our top 10 soft dry cat foods, complete with in-depth reviews, to help you choose the best option for your feline friend. Lets dive in!
What Should You Look For In Dry Cat Food
Not all dry cat food is the same. There are some excellent brands with quality ingredients, but there are also some subpar formulas that are essentially the feline equivalent of junk food. Here’s what you should look for.
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Quality protein: Quality dry cat food has a high-protein content. Look for a formula that is at least 26% protein a formula of 30% protein or more is even better. The protein should come from a quality animal source, not from animal by-products.
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Taurine: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. While it occurs naturally in meat, we suggest a brand with added taurine to help your kitty avoid a taurine deficiency.
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Vitamins and minerals: Look for a dry cat food with a range of added vitamins and minerals. Ideally, they should be chelated for easier absorption.
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Fats: High-quality dry cat food should contain plenty of good fats and fatty acids, such as omega-3.
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Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an important ingredient in dry cat food. They provide carbohydrates as well as vitamins and minerals.
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Purina Beyond Grain Free Cat Food Review
People who do not want to feed their cat with the grain-based protein diet should try the Purina cat food. The Purina Beyond grain-free cat food comes with the whitefish and dry egg ingredient that makes the food more delicious.
No added vegetables, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors are added to the food. Also, no preservatives are used in making the food. All-natural food ingredients are used in processing the food.
The Whitefish is the primary ingredient in the food that contains a major portion of the food. It is followed by chicken meat and pea protein in a small quantity.
Ocean whitefish is known for its high nutrition content that provides amino acids, while chicken and pea protein are protein sources.
The whole package provides a complete meal to the cat. It will have the right amount of protein, carbohydrates for energy.
It will fulfill the daily vitamins and minerals requirement of the cat, allowing them to grow faster. The bag size of the food includes 3, 5, and 11 pounds.
What Is Soft Dry Food For Cats
A soft dry food for your cat is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a dry kibble food with softer bits or centers that aren’t as difficult for your cat to eat. They’re very popular with people who have senior cats or cats that some teeth missing and can’t chew traditional hard kibble pieces.
Soft dry kibble is starting to get more popular with cat parents, and there are dozens of brands and types to choose from. They usually have slightly more moisture content than traditional kibble, but they’re not soupy like wet food that can have up to 85-percent moisture content.
Also Check: Biggest Household Cat Breed
Why Would I Soften Dry Cat Food
Both wet cat food and dry cat food are sold in stores. In fact, some brands have wet and dry versions of their foods. Making your own wet food may not seem like a necessary step, but there are cases where it is a good option, such as when there is a shortage of wet food or if your cat has dental issues.
Best With Probiotics: Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Dry Cat Food With Probiotics
Weight: 16 pounds| Form: Dry | Flavor: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
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Helps maintain a healthy coat
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Not grain-free
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials is a high-protein cat food developed with digestive health and immunity in mind. The primary ingredient is real chicken or salmon, combined with brewer’s rice and a blend of live probiotics and prebiotics. This dry cat food also has omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. The ingredient list also has eggs, animal fat, amino acids, and a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
The best overall premium dry cat food is the Crave Grain Free High Protein Indoor Adult Cat Food . It boasts a protein-rich blend of high-quality meat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it comes in multiple feline-approved poultry and fish recipes. However, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food is another great choice. The vet-approved formula is packed with meat, whole grains, animal fat, fish oil, and veggie fibers.
Recommended Reading: Blue Wilderness Cat Food Reviews
Purina Friskies Dry Cat Food
Are you looking for a meal that can keep your active cat full and satisfied? The Purina Friskies can guarantee that!
Your cat, carnivorous as she can be, prefer food that is meat. This is the very reason why your cat will adore the combination of flavors in the Purina Friskies which is made with the whisker-licking flavors of chicken, beef, turkey, animal liver, corn, wheat and veggies in every crunchy pellet.
In general, Friskies is a well-known name in the feline world and most cat lovers turn to Friskies for cat food because it is 100 % complete and balanced to give little furry friends the nutrients they deserve.
Formulated with the perfect blend of protein, necessary vitamins and minerals, the Purina Friskies supports the overall wellbeing of your pal as well as her skin and coat. This cat food formula aims for holistic health that would lead to a cat`s happy and active lifestyle.
PROS
- Made only for adult cats