F
firehawk
While feeding dry food to cats is very common, it seems to me that nearly all of the myriad of illnesses and health conditions that are all-too-common in felines are strongly linked to two things: chronic dehydration and excessive consumption of carbohydrates (in a species that are obligate carnivores).
Few cats will drink enough water to compensate for the dehydrating effects of dry food. Cats evolved as desert animals to have their water needs met by eating moisture-rich prey, and not from drinking standing water.
Chronic dehydration is strongly correlated with developing UTIs, urinary blockages, and developing chronic kidney disease, to name only a few issues.
Eating carbs is linked to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues (again to name only a few issues).
Although feeding dry food can seem more attractive economically, one serious health issue (which are not rare) can easily wipe out any "savings" due to serious veterinary bills.
My preference is to feed cats what they were shaped by nature to thrive on, and to askew food-types that are not species appropriate.
If you dare (as it is a depressing read for someone who is new to cat ownership) review the backpages of this forum's "Cat Health" section). Then consider how many common health issues link back to issues with chronic dehydration and the consumption of carbohydrates.
There are far healthier options. I hope you don't mind some straight-talk.
Best,
Bill
While feeding dry food to cats is very common, it seems to me that nearly all of the myriad of illnesses and health conditions that are all-too-common in felines are strongly linked to two things: chronic dehydration and excessive consumption of carbohydrates (in a species that are obligate carnivores).
Few cats will drink enough water to compensate for the dehydrating effects of dry food. Cats evolved as desert animals to have their water needs met by eating moisture-rich prey, and not from drinking standing water.
Chronic dehydration is strongly correlated with developing UTIs, urinary blockages, and developing chronic kidney disease, to name only a few issues.
Eating carbs is linked to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues (again to name only a few issues).
Although feeding dry food can seem more attractive economically, one serious health issue (which are not rare) can easily wipe out any "savings" due to serious veterinary bills.
My preference is to feed cats what they were shaped by nature to thrive on, and to askew food-types that are not species appropriate.
If you dare (as it is a depressing read for someone who is new to cat ownership) review the backpages of this forum's "Cat Health" section). Then consider how many common health issues link back to issues with chronic dehydration and the consumption of carbohydrates.
There are far healthier options. I hope you don't mind some straight-talk.
Best,
Bill
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