Many people solve the dry-versus-wet-food dilemma by feeding their cat a mixture of both. But all cats, regardless of diet, should have access at all times to a source of fresh, clean water. Studies have gone both ways some show cats fed kibble-only diets are more dehydrated than cats fed wet food, while others indicate the reverse. To keep your cat healthy, always read the ingredient list of any potential kibble, and be sure that meat-based proteins are the top ingredients, with grains or plants absent or further down the ingredient list.Īs for dehydration, there is no clear evidence that a diet of kibble causes cats to be more or less dehydrated than other felines. Unfortunately, many inferior kibbles have plant-based carbohydrates as a top ingredient, with protein further down the list. A good cat food is high in protein, and only low-to-moderate on carbohydrates. While cats are not designed to eat a diet high in carbohydrates, they can digest complex carbs, and indeed, require some carbohydrates in their diet for optimum health. The two major arguments against kibble-that it is too high in carbohydrates and that it causes dehydration-are not necessarily true in all cases. The answer, however, is not cut-and-dried. You might wonder which is best, and indeed, there is considerable dispute even among veterinarians as to whether it's ideal for cats to eat only wet food, or whether kibble is a satisfactory choice as well. When it comes to feeding your cat, there are two basic choices: canned wet food or dry kibble. One thing to note is that your cat does not need carbohydrates in his or her diet, although there's no data to show what the optimal carbohydrate percent for cats should be. Look for dry cat food that meets the minimum daily requirements for essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, taurine is an essential amino acid that your cat needs to absorb through diet. Your cat needs certain nutrients to thrive, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. You may need to experiment with different protein sources and ingredients to find a dry cat food that your cat will gobble up. While limited ingredient foods are good for digestion, they’re not always as appetizing to some cats. Finding a dry cat food that your cat will eat and appreciate is sometimes a challenge, especially if you’re transitioning from wet cat food. This is a matter of taste, but the fact is that some felines are more finicky than others. Senior cats will have different diet criteria than either of these first two life stages, so pick a formula that has been developed for your kitty’s golden years. Through the active adult years, feed your cat a balanced diet that will supply plenty of nutrients and energy to keep them healthy and happy. Kittens have unique nutritional needs as they grow and develop, so it makes sense to feed them accordingly. Match your cat’s life stage to the dry food you choose to feed them. The Spruce Pets / Jordan Provost What to Look for in a Premium Dry Cat Food Life stage

Food for finicky cats