Should I start feeding wet food?

So my two babies both are thriving on Blue Buffalo's dry indoor adult cat formula. McGee, at 14 pounds, gets a total of 3/4 cup per day (1/4 and 1/8 cup twice a day). Cosette, at a healthy 7 pounds, gets 1/2 cup per day (1/4 cup twice a day). They both drink a fairly decent amount on their own -- so much so that I think I need another water dish, or perhaps a Drinkwell fountain.

While I have no active health concerns with this diet, since they're both very healthy cats, I do wonder about UTIs and crystals. I've been wondering if I should start supplementing with wet food. I tried to feed McGee wet food when I first got him, but I think he's a dry addict. He stuck his nose right up at it. To be fair to him, I am still a new cat owner and I didn't try any methods to get it to appeal to him. I didn't try any different brands or flavors. So that was my fault.

Just wondering if I need to consider a wet supplement or if the 100% dry is fine. Sorry for the semi-long post. These are my first cats, so I still have many questions. I just want the best for my darlings.

Hi, Melorix!

I don't think anyone can tell you what you "should" do, as these choices belong to each individual.

I can, however, tell you what I recommend and why -- and between kibble and canned, that would definitely be a canned food diet.

The most important reason is the hydration factor of canned, but the higher protein to carb ratio is a close second, followed by the increased bio-availability of nutrients and gentler digestive process. Detailed discussions and explanations can be found on Dr. Pierson's website, CatInfo.org, in several articles on Dr. Hofve's site, LittleBigCat.com, and again in several more articles on the Feline Nutrition Education Society's site, Feline-Nutrition.org.

Dr. Lisa Pierson, Feeding Your Cat: Know The Basics of Feline Nutrition:

“Cats have a physiological decrease in the ability to utilize carbohydrates due to the lack of specific enzymatic pathways that are present in other mammals, and the lack a salivary enzyme called amylase. Cats have no dietary need for carbohydrates and, more worrisome is the fact that a diet that is high in carbohydrates can be detrimental to their health…â€

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Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, Diabetes and Obesity: Preventable Epidemics:

“If you worry about switching forms of food because you have been convinced that dry food is essential to good dental health for your cat, consider this: veterinarians today, whose feline patients are almost always consuming dry food as their complete or nearly complete diet, are seeing as much oral and dental disease in their patients as ever before. While the feeding of a crunchy kibble may have an intuitive appeal for dental health, the reality is that there are no scientific studies that prove dry foods provide better dental health throughout a catâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s life than wet foods do. In my practice, I have a majority of my patients consuming exclusively wet diets. My patients require no more regular dental care and experience no more disease of their teeth and gums than patients on other practices in which I have worked where dry food was the norm. There is no dental benefit from dry food that even begins to offset the terrible harm done from feeding the wrong metabolic fuel to our cats.â€

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Dr. Jean Hofve, Why Cats Need Canned Food:

“Dry food is very dehydrating. Our feline friends descend from desert-dwelling wild cats who are well adapted to limited water resources. Their ultra-efficient kidneys are able to extract most of their moisture needs from their prey. However, the end result is that cats have a very low thirst drive, and will not drink water until they are 3-5% dehydrated (a level at which, clinically, a veterinarian would administer fluid therapy). Cats eating only dry food take in only half the moisture of a cat eating only canned food. This chronic dehydration may be a factor in kidney disease, and is known to be a major contributor to bladder disease (crystals, stones, FUS, FLUTD, cystitis).â€

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Anne Jablonski, Dukeâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s Story: Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

“Inflammatory bowel disease, with its attendant symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, is the bodyâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s rebellion against trying to process foods it was never built to eat. A cat can never be a successful herbivore or omnivore and will never win any battle against digestive illness without consuming the enzyme-rich, meat-based food he or she was biologically engineered to ingest. Cats with IBD are desperate for biologically available nutrition while their increasingly exhausted bodies stay busy violently rejecting the inappropriate food that is moving through their compromised digestive tracts.â€

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There are many studies showing the link between kibble and various diseases, here are just two:

On September 22, 2011, the Winn Feline Foundation highlighted a study that, among other things, linked kibble diets to urinary tract blockages (Feline Urethral Obstruction).

During a panel at the 2010 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo, Dr. Demian Dressler, a highly-regarded veterinarian oncologist, talked about his research conclusively linking kibble to cancer, and decried the pet food industryâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s practices of using ingredients detrimental to the health of the pets for whom their products are intended. One third of cancer deaths… and Kibble-Cancer Link Explained.

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That's a lot of info to digest ( ), but it's an important topic. Hope you find some of it helpful in making your decision!!

AC

Wow...thanks for all that info! I will definitely start trying to get some canned food in the rotation, perhaps gradually switching to an all-canned diet.

Further questions...

I've heard not to give too many fish-flavored canned foods, but I don't know the reasons for this.

Is it okay to mix up the brands? I'm a fan of Blue Buffalo but I also hear great things about Wellness. What brands are recommended?

With canned foods, you can rotate all you want. That is, you don't have to transition to another food like you do with dry as canned is more digestible. Wellness is a good brand, as is Nature's Variety. The reason that they say fish-based foods aren't a good choice is because of the high magnesium content. High magnesium has been blamed for causing crystals in the bladder. There are other factors (e.g. nutrients) involved in the formation of crystals (I.e. protein, phosphorus, calcium) as well as the urinary ph. The idea that magnesium causes crystals is a matter of debate as now it seems the urinary ph plays a bigger role. That said, I still would not feed a lot of fish-based foods as for one, cats are not natural fish eaters, and two, there is a lot of mercury and other stuff that unfortunately ends up in fish (unless you can be sure the fish is wild Atlantic).

If you are concerned about crystals, canned food is your best bet. Hydration is important to keep urine diluted and the kidneys and liver functioning. As it is with humans! Unlike dogs, a cat will not compensate for the lack of moisture in dry food (approx.10%) by drinking. Canned food provides 70% moisture. The only downfall is that you have to feed more and it's more expensive to feed.

My one cat gets a variety of Nature's Variety's Instinct and Homestyle foods (rabbit, turkey, lamb, venison and beef) Weruva, Almo Nature (not a complete food just for a treat or supplementation) and sometimes Wellness. He's not a big fan of Wellness but my other cat eats it. I give him a different flavour/brand every can and he does fine. Of course, your cat may be different and not tolerate change.as.much. I like to give variety because then it reduces the potential of developing allergies.

Awesome reply, thank you very much. I will try a few flavors of both Wellness and Nature's Variety. Will have to experiment in the morning since I'm taking the bus home and the kitties expect dinner as soon as I walk through the door. I'll report back after tomorrow's dinner. Hoping they'll like something!

Oh, should I first try mixing it with their regular kibble or just try to feed them 100% canned right off the bat? It's not so much indigestion I'm concerned about but what they'll actually eat. I'm afraid if I just plop the canned food in their bowls, they will look at me like I've lost my marbles and not eat anything.

EDIT: Okay, here's what I have in my arsenal...

Three 3-oz cans of Wellness: Chicken, Beef & Chicken, and Turkey. All other flavors had fish ingredients.
Five 5.5-oz cans of Nature's Variety Instinct: Rabbit, Duck, Venison, Beef, and Chicken.
One 5.5-oz can of Wellness Core: Chicken, Turkey, and Chicken Liver (all one flavor/formula).

I wish they'd had Prairie NV, but the cat section was limited compared to the dog section.

Now how the heck do I go about this?? Haha!

Originally Posted by Melorix

Wow...thanks for all that info! I will definitely start trying to get some canned food in the rotation, perhaps gradually switching to an all-canned diet.

Further questions...

I've heard not to give too many fish-flavored canned foods, but I don't know the reasons for this.

Is it okay to mix up the brands? I'm a fan of Blue Buffalo but I also hear great things about Wellness. What brands are recommended?

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Dr. Hofve of LittleBigCat.com has a good article on why fish shouldn't be fed to cats; there are several reasons, including the two already mentioned: Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats.

Since cats - like sharks, snakes and birds of prey - are obligate carnivores, looking for canned products that are grain-, fruit- and vegetable-free (i.e. "low-carb") and have a high percentage of a named meat (i.e. "turkey" instead of "poultry") is a good place to start. Wellness, Natural Balance and Felidae all have grain-free varieties, and Nature's Variety Instincts and Evo 95% meat products are all grain-free. A "grain-free canned cat" search on petfooddirect.com will yield a veritable cornucopia of options, and you can conduct a side-by-side analysis of the ingredients and nutritional profiles.

Feline-nutrition.org has a nice article on deciphering pet food labels under their Nutrition section that offers additional insight into choosing different products.

Not only CAN you feed canned foods in rotation, I highly recommend you do so. It will keep your kitties from becoming fixated on any one product (a problem if they change or stop producing it) and protect them from potential quality control issues by diluting their impact. Since cats can develop hypersensitivity when continually exposed to the same proteins or ingredients for extended periods, it will also help prevent food intolerance issues (and the associated diarrhea and vomiting).

Dr. Hofve also has an article on this topic: Switching Foods.

Best regards!

AC

Some individuals mean well but take things to extremes and speak in absolutes, which is frankly, absolutely wrong IMO. As an example, a glass of wine is not unhealthy, and many have found has many positive attributes, but of course there are a plethora of medical issues associated with alcoholism. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other though.

Oily fish such as herring are very high in beneficial omega 3s, essential vitamins, and minerals and are a good source of lean protein. You will find that just as with recommendations for human consumption, a little goes a long way though. It is not recommended to consume too much fish, especially pregnant women in particular large predatory fish due to mercury concerns. Like a glass of wine though, abstinence is not necessary nor beneficial so there is no need to stress about a little fish now and then, which is a tasty treat most cats thoroughly enjoy.

As was mentioned, wet food is great for supplemental hydration, and the good wet foods are often some of the healthiest commercial meals you can find. So I agree that a mixed diet is the way to go. We feed wet morning and lunch and Blue dry as well for dinner, and I recommend changing flavors at every can, as this keeps them very interested and will lick up their plates quickly and ensures you don't end up with finicky cats.

PS: We're big fans of Blue as well, but Wesley and Buttercup nom on their Wilderness formula.

Originally Posted by Ducman69

Some individuals mean well but take things to extremes and speak in absolutes, which is frankly, absolutely wrong IMO. As an example, a glass of wine is not unhealthy, and many have found has many positive attributes, but of course there are a plethora of medical issues associated with alcoholism. One has absolutely nothing to do with the other though.

Oily fish such as herring are very high in beneficial omega 3s, essential vitamins, and minerals and are a good source of lean protein. You will find that just as with recommendations for human consumption, a little goes a long way though. It is not recommended to consume too much fish, especially pregnant women in particular large predatory fish due to mercury concerns. Like a glass of wine though, abstinence is not necessary nor beneficial so there is no need to stress about a little fish now and then, which is a tasty treat most cats thoroughly enjoy.

As was mentioned, wet food is great for supplemental hydration, and the good wet foods are often some of the healthiest commercial meals you can find. So I agree that a mixed diet is the way to go. We feed wet morning and lunch and Blue dry as well for dinner, and I recommend changing flavors at every can, as this keeps them very interested and will lick up their plates quickly and ensures you don't end up with finicky cats.

PS: We're big fans of Blue as well, but Wesley and Buttercup nom on their Wilderness formula.

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I really hope you are not referring to my post (not that I would agree with your comments about talking in absolutes with respect to Auntie Crazy's comments either). I only said that cats aren't natural fish eaters. I never ever said never to feed fish. I also mentioned the mercury and other contaminants contained in fish (which I said was unfortunate). Even human are advised to limit fish intake to 2-3 times a week due to the contaminants. I feed fish-based foods occasionally for the omega fatty acids and well my cats love fish. But I don't feed it often, due to the contaminants. In addition, I did say mention that there is a concern about fish because of the belief that the high magnesium content of fish causes crystals but that this is debated and there are other nutrients that contribute to the formation of crystals. I don't see how my commented were absolute. Frankly, in my opinion, your condescending remarks are wrong and uncalled for. You are correct about the benefits of fish. If it weren't for the contaminants, I would eat fish more often.

I don't understand what you are up in arms about, as I did not make any reference or quote you, nor do we seem to disagree.

Kindly stop, please. This is not a thread dedicated to pros and cons of fish, although I appreciate the information.

Anyway, here's this morning's report.

McGee: One 5.5-oz can of NV Instinct Beef, warm water added.
He jumped right on this and ate pretty much the entire can. He did try a bit of Cosette's and seemed to like it, but not as well as the NV. I admit I personally like the look of the texture of NV better. I did have to scoop it out. We have a winner!

Cosette: One 3-oz can of Wellness Turkey, warm water added.
She was very dubious about this. She tried to get into McGee's bowl at first, but he hissed at her. It might have been too watery at first, so I drained it a little. She still didn't eat. I was going to try adding 1/8 cup of her regular Blue kibble to the bowl, but as soon as I turned my back, she started eating. She didn't finish the whole bowl. I think it might have helped her if I had broken it down into more manageable pieces for her.

Concerns:
I thought both portions looked pretty large for both cats. I'm a little concerned Cosette might not have eaten enough, though. She probably only ate about half the can, maybe. But she's the one I trust to stop when she's full. McGee, not so much. I could see him becoming very fat on these. How can I prevent this?

Dinner Report:

McGee: One 5-oz can of NV Instinct Rabbit, warm water added.
Cosette: One 3.3-oz can of Wellness Chicken, warm water added.

No go for both at the moment. I have the suspicion that both ate the crap kibble my roommate leaves for her own two cats to free-feed off of. Trouble is that my cats have total access to that crap (Purina Cat Chow). So their appetite is pretty spoiled for the moment. Guess I'll refrigerate and try again in a few hours.

Reason No. 3423 why I want to move out...

Ok sorry Melorix, not trying to start anything.

I would feed the overeater separate from Cosette. And you could feed him half a can in three meals. That way he's not waiting a long time till the next meal.

Three meals? Not sure how I'd do that unless I did one right after work and another before bed. I can't go home for lunch -- I only get half an hour.

Originally Posted by Melorix

Three meals? Not sure how I'd do that unless I did one right after work and another before bed. I can't go home for lunch -- I only get half an hour.

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This!

Feed once shortly after you wake, once immediately after you get home and one more time just before you go to bed.

Cats evolved to feed on multiple small meals a day (according to the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats by the National Research Council, over a dozen meals in any given 24 hour period!); three times a day is the minimum number of meals you should be offering.

AC

Oh, okay! That's doable. Thanks!

Breakfast Report:

McGee: Leftover NV Instinct Rabbit, microwaved 15 secs. and warm water added.
Cosette: Leftover Wellness Chicken, microwaved 15 secs. and warm water added.

McGee turned down the rabbit flavor, even after I put parmesan cheese on it, so I'll just chalk that up to one of the flavors not to buy. Fine by me -- it's one of the more expensive ones. Cosette didn't care for it either. She was starting to eat her own food just fine when my roommate came back inside from smoking and scared her into hiding for the rest of the feeding.

McGee sort of likes the Wellness Chicken. He sampled some, then would only eat it off the floor or from the fork. Then he ate a bit more from it. He didn't go nuts over it like he did with the beef flavor, but I'll keep it in the arsenal for Cosette. I might start feeding her in what used to be her safe room so she's not distracted or threatened.

Originally Posted by Melorix

Oh, okay! That's doable.

Thanks!

Breakfast Report:

McGee: Leftover NV Instinct Rabbit, microwaved 15 secs. and warm water added.
Cosette: Leftover Wellness Chicken, microwaved 15 secs. and warm water added.

McGee turned down the rabbit flavor, even after I put parmesan cheese on it, so I'll just chalk that up to one of the flavors not to buy. Fine by me -- it's one of the more expensive ones. Cosette didn't care for it either. She was starting to eat her own food just fine when my roommate came back inside from smoking and scared her into hiding for the rest of the feeding.

McGee sort of likes the Wellness Chicken. He sampled some, then would only eat it off the floor or from the fork. Then he ate a bit more from it. He didn't go nuts over it like he did with the beef flavor, but I'll keep it in the arsenal for Cosette. I might start feeding her in what used to be her safe room so she's not distracted or threatened.

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You might not want to microwave foods intended for cat consumption; it's cooking a product that has already been been heavily processed and destroying some of the supplements that have been added to balance that processing.

AC

Originally Posted by Melorix

Oh, okay! That's doable.

Thanks!

Breakfast Report:

McGee: Leftover NV Instinct Rabbit, microwaved 15 secs. and warm water added.
Cosette: Leftover Wellness Chicken, microwaved 15 secs. and warm water added.

McGee turned down the rabbit flavor, even after I put parmesan cheese on it, so I'll just chalk that up to one of the flavors not to buy. Fine by me -- it's one of the more expensive ones. Cosette didn't care for it either. She was starting to eat her own food just fine when my roommate came back inside from smoking and scared her into hiding for the rest of the feeding.

McGee sort of likes the Wellness Chicken. He sampled some, then would only eat it off the floor or from the fork. Then he ate a bit more from it. He didn't go nuts over it like he did with the beef flavor, but I'll keep it in the arsenal for Cosette. I might start feeding her in what used to be her safe room so she's not distracted or threatened.

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Wellness has also come out with foods in different textures like cubed, minced. Or sliced. I think they come in turkey, chicken and salmon if I recall correctly. Sometimes texture.can be the difference. Weruva makes some chicken based foods that are shredded so you can try those. Do they have the big cans of Wellness where you buy your.food? May be more.cost-effective for you. Sounds like they are responding well even though rabbit is out. If you can find the NV Instinct in venison, that's a good novel protein.to have in your pantry.

And I agree with Auntie.Crazy's.comments, just don't know how to multi-quote.

I feebly one cat 1/2 can 3 times a day. I'd like to do it at 8 AK, 4pm, and 12am but that is not feasible so 8, 5 and 9 is what usually happens. Sometimes I will make the past meal bigger so it will satiate him for the night. He has CrF but has a great appetite.

Some advice that I wish I would have had when switching to wet:
Don't get too preoccupied with trying to figure out what they do and don't like. I ended up with a list 30 foods long with the rating 'yes' or 'no' with the answer changed 2 or 3 times. It became a horrible guessing game. If you've bought it, feed it. If they turn up their noses, that's alright, leave it out for 10 minutes or so and then stick it in the fridge and try later. If they don't eat what you put down before you go to work leave out a cold portion. When their tummies rumble in a few hours, they'll eat it. The only exception to this rule is if say they continually reject a protein from every brand you buy (beef for example tends to be unpopular).

Now, as for your roommate.. Is there anyway you two can cooperate and both feed wet? If she leaves out dry that your cats can access, it greatly decreases your chance of having success with wet.

Originally Posted by Melorix

Three meals? Not sure how I'd do that unless I did one right after work and another before bed. I can't go home for lunch -- I only get half an hour.

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This is what I do it. I leave some dry food to free feed off of in the afternoon (I also don't have a long enough lunch break to come home) but then also feed wet as soon as I wake up, when I get home from work around 6pm and then right before I go to bed at around 11pm. It's been working well so far. I was lucky, when Riley was adopted he was already being fed a mix of wet and dry, so that made it easier

Get an autofeeder, that way you can go out at night or on the weekend or vacation or while at work without worrying about your kitties missing a meal. Hard to have a life otherwise if you have to be home at least three times a day, especially since you don't really want to leave uneaten wet out if its a short stop as they may leave it out for hours and hours before eating it and then get upset tummies.

I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-LeBist...9512158&sr=8-1

When home, then you can feed wet.