Can a cat survive on dry food only
Is It OK To Give A Cat Only Dry Food?
Updated April 13, 2021
Listen to this rubbish.
If your cat only eats dry food, she is likely to be getting less nutrition than a cat eating wet food. Many low-quality dry foods contain a lot of fillers.
Throwaway lines like these are typical of the overly simplistic advice you find online about feline nutrition. The truth takes a deeper look. To know whether wet, dry or both are best for your cat, we need to talk about:
- nutritional adequacy & completeness
- fillers in wet & dry cat food
- the risk of obesity
- diseases associated with wet & dry foods
- other alternative cat diets
Lets dive in!
Complete vs Unbalanced Cat Foods
The main reason why the opening statement misses the point is that more than half of available wet foods are severely lacking in essential ingredients. Ive listed Aussie examples here and shown you how to tell from the packaging. Therefore, while plenty of good, balanced wet foods exist, if you feed the others, your cat risks suffering a nutritional deficiency.
Dry diets, on the other hand, are almost always balanced for all essential nutrients. If you then feed an unbalanced wet food with these, it generally doesnt matter so much. And yes, for nutritional completeness you can just feed a dry diet. But that still isnt the whole story.
Fillers In Cat Food
Now lets clear up some myths about fillers. By this, most people mean carbohydrates from grain sources. Here, three things are clearly true:
- High levels of carbohydrate in cat foods are not natural
- Despite this, most cats tolerate high levels of carbohydrate
- Many wet foods are as bad as dry foods
I have written before about the problematic levels of carbohydrate in cat foods, and Im not going to make any excuses for the companies. However, despite being a vet who regularly trials sick cats on low carbohydrate diets, its actually rare that I get a positive response.
Similarly, theres no evidence that high carb levels are by themselves dangerous to cats. And before going on, I want you to notice that most dry diets sold as grain-free have just swapped the carbs out for another source, such as sweet potato. This is marketing, not nutrition.
So lets relax a bit about carbs. While not great, theyre mostly a minor evil. If you still want to feed a low carb diet, and why wouldnt you, Ive made a list of carbohydrate levels in Australian wet cat foods. Theres an online calculator you can use if your food isnt listed.
Do Dry Foods Cause Obesity?
If you research the risk factors for feline obesity, youll find that dry foods dont get a mention. So the answer is no. Instead, its much more important how you feed.
The reason dry foods get such a bad name is that they are so often left out for a cat to graze on. This whole concept of free feeding is severely frowned upon by vets, because very few cats can be trusted to regulate their food intake.
Click here for advice on converting a free feeder to accepting timed regular meals. Once you do it, youre at least three-quarters of the way to fixing feline obesity.
Disease Risks With Wet vs Dry Foods
There are only two evidence-based risks based on the food type.
Firstly, lower urinary tract disease in cats is more common on dry diets. These are the cats that get cystitis regularly, or have urinary obstructions. If a cat starts showing symptoms, I will always recommend a wet-only diet. However, as less than 5% of cats experience this problem, my opinion is that this advice doesnt need to apply to all cats.
Dental disease, on the other hand, is more common on wet foods. However, the difference, while real, is small. Where it gets significant is when you choose the dry dental foods made by Hills or Royal Canin. These can be extremely effective in preventing tooth and gum disease.
Any other diseases you might read about are only in the authors overly fertile imagination. That includes diabetes, liver, gastrointestinal and skin diseases. And in all the years of performing wellness blood testing, I have yet to find a healthy cat thats dehydrated just from eating dry foods.
Alternatives To Commercial Cat Foods
What about following some of the advice that says you can make a raw diet for your cat instead?
When I read this I get very, very cross. Cats arent little dogs. Theres almost no way a normal person without specialised training and equipment can make a reliably balanced cat food.
You can either have a cat literally eating wild foods, or you have to accept the safety of manufactured cat foods. The only in-between might be found on my recipe for a wild-type cat diet which takes a bit from each. However, like all compromises, it wont satisfy everyone.
So Are Wet Or Dry Diets Better?
The reality that for most cats, a 100% dry diet will be perfectly adequate, and no reason to feel guilty. I recommend spending as much as you can, as its clear that urinary problems go down as quality goes up. I also need you to understand feline water needs.
Dry foods are incredibly convenient, which is why I rely on one for my kitty (thats him here). However he also gets cat grass, a raw chicken neck a day, and as you can see I keep his weight under control. All these factors increase my sense of security.
You may feel guilty and want to add a tasty wet food, and in theory thats OK. My complaint is that when people who already choose a high quality dry get a wet food, its often a low quality one. Thats because wet foods need to be bought frequently, and so most people get them with their supermarket shop.
In the end, if the quality of your wet and dry cat foods are similar, it makes very little difference which one you choose.
Related: Supermarket vs Pet Store: Whats The Difference?
Have something to add? Comments (if open) will appear within 24 hours.By Andrew Spanner BVSc(Hons) MVetStud, a vet in Adelaide, Australia. Meet his team here.
Can Cats Survive on Dry Food Alone? The Truth About Feline Diets
Introduction
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to survive. In the wild, cats get most of their moisture from the prey they eat. However, domestic cats dont always have access to fresh prey and many cat owners choose to feed dry food for convenience and cost savings. While some cats can subsist on dry food alone, there are also risks to feeding only dry food without supplemental wet food or water.
This article provides an overview of the pros and cons of feeding cats only dry food. We examine the nutritional requirements of cats, ingredients in dry food, how much to feed, and supplementing with wet food or water. There is no definitive answer on whether dry food alone is adequate, so cat owners need to weigh the risks and benefits for their individual pet.
Pros of Feeding Cats Only Dry Food
There are some potential benefits to feeding cats a diet consisting solely of dry food. Some of the main pros include:
Convenience Dry kibble is very convenient for pet owners. It can be easily poured into a bowl and left out all day for free-feeding cats. Dry food does not require refrigeration like canned food. It is also easier for travel and does not spoil as quickly.1
Low Cost Pound for pound, dry kibble is significantly less expensive than wet cat food. The bags of kibble can last a long time and dont require daily opening of cans. This makes dry food the more budget-friendly option for many cat owners.2
Dental Health The crunchy texture and hard surface of dry kibble can help remove plaque and tartar from a cats teeth as they chew. This provides some dental benefits and helps reduce tooth decay and gum disease.3
Cons of Feeding Cats Only Dry Food
There are some significant health risks associated with feeding cats only dry food and not supplementing with wet food. One major risk is dehydration. Cats have a low thirst drive and do not drink enough water on their own to make up for the lack of moisture in dry food [1]. Dry food contains only around 10% water whereas wet foods contain around 75% water [2]. Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney disease and urinary tract problems.
Another problem with dry food is that it has a high carbohydrate content, which can contribute to obesity and diabetes in cats [1]. The cats pancreas has to work harder to generate enough insulin to manage the blood sugar spike from the carbs. Over time, they can become insulin resistant. Obese cats are more prone to diabetes, fatty liver disease, arthritis and other problems.
In addition, the lack of moisture and concentrated urine puts cats at greater risk for developing crystals and stones in their urinary tracts. This can lead to blockages, infections and even death if left untreated. Male cats are especially prone to urinary tract blockages [3].
Ingredients in Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food contains a variety of ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats. Some of the main ingredients found in most dry cat foods include:
Meat
Meat is the primary ingredient and source of protein in most dry cat foods. This includes chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish like salmon or tuna. Meat provides essential amino acids that cats require. Many premium or high-protein cat foods will list a specific meat, meat meal, or fish as the first ingredient 1.
Grains
Whole grain ingredients like corn, wheat, rice, barley, or oats are commonly found in dry cat food. Grains provide carbohydrates, nutrients, and fiber. Some grain-free cat foods use potatoes, peas, or lentils instead.
Vegetables
Dry cat foods often contain vegetables like carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Vegetables add important vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They also provide fiber to aid digestion.
Vitamins and Minerals
To create a nutritionally complete diet, dry cat foods are fortified with a vitamin and mineral premix. This provides nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and taurine that cats need. Taurine is especially crucial for eye and heart health 2.
Nutritional Requirements for Cats
Cats have a unique set of nutritional needs, as they are obligate carnivores and thus thrive on animal-based proteins and fats. Some of the key nutritional requirements for cats include:
Protein
Protein is extremely important for cats, as they have a higher protein requirement than many other mammals. Cats need a diet that is high in animal-based proteins, preferably from meat, poultry or fish. According to experts https://www.lombardvet.com/services/cats/feline-nutrition-cat-food, adult cats require a minimum of 25-30% of calories from protein in their diet.
Fat
Cats also need higher levels of fat than other mammals, with dietary fat providing crucial energy. Most experts recommend cat diets contain at least 15-20% fat to meet energy needs. Animal-based fats are best for cats.
Carbohydrates
While cats do not require high levels of carbohydrates, most commercial cat foods contain some amount of carbohydrates. According to experts https://pattonvethospital.com/blog/130370-can-my-cat-eat-that-understanding-feline-nutritional-requirements, carbohydrates should make up less than 35% of the diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Cats require adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals like taurine, arginine, vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D and E. Taurine deficiency can cause heart and eye problems. Many cat foods are fortified with extra vitamins and minerals to meet feline needs.
How Much Dry Food Cats Need
The amount of dry food cats need varies based on several factors including their age, weight, and activity level. Kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats and so kitten food comes with feeding guidelines tailored to their needs. For example, Purina recommends feeding kittens three times a day and providing one-half cup to one cup per pound of body weight daily. As kittens grow into adulthood around 12 months, most experts recommend transitioning to two meals a day.
For adult cats, the daily recommended amount of dry food depends on the cats size and activity level. More active cats or larger breeds need more food. A general rule of thumb is one-half cup to two-thirds cup of dry food per 5-10 pounds of body weight split between two meals. So an average 10 pound house cat would eat about one cup daily. However, each cat has individual needs. Its important to monitor your cats weight and adjust food amounts accordingly. Obese cats may need less while underweight cats need more.
In addition to weight, factor in lifestyle when determining portions. Outdoor cats that roam and hunt likely require larger amounts of food than less active indoor cats. Consulting your vet can help determine the optimal dry food amount for your individual cats dietary requirements.
Supplementing Dry Food Diet
While some cats can thrive on an all dry food diet, others may need supplemental wet food, broths, or extra hydration to help promote urinary tract health and additional moisture intake. Here are some tips for supplementing a dry food diet:
Offer wet or canned food once or twice a day to increase moisture consumption. Canned foods typically contain around 75% moisture vs 10% for dry foods.
Try adding a spoonful of broth, tuna juice, or water to the dry kibble to make it more flavorful and hydrating.
Consider feeding partly wet and partly dry at each meal, or serve wet food as a separate meal.
Place multiple fresh water bowls around the house to encourage drinking. Fountains can also entice picky drinkers.
For cats who dont drink enough, add some water to their wet food or mix in a bit of low-sodium broth.
Ask your veterinarian about hydration supplements if your cat isnt getting enough moisture from food and water alone.
Monitor urine volume and concentration to ensure adequate hydration on an all dry diet.
Adding a wet food component or extra fluids can give cats on dry food added moisture for healthy hydration.
Transitioning to Dry Food
When transitioning your cat to a dry food diet, its important to do so gradually over the course of 5-7 days. This gradual transition gives your cats digestive system time to adjust to the new food. Here are some tips for smoothly switching your cat to dry food:
Start by mixing a small amount of the new dry food in with your cats current food. The ratio should be 25% new food and 75% old food. Gradually increase the ratio of new to old food over the next few days until you are feeding 100% new food. According to Purina, you can follow this transition schedule:
- Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
- Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day 7: 100% new food
Make sure to monitor your cat throughout the transition. Signs of an upset stomach or digestion issues like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or decreased appetite may indicate you are switching foods too quickly. Slow the transition down and consult your vet if problems persist.
When Dry Food May Not Work
While dry food can be an easy and convenient option for many cats, there are some situations where a dry food diet may not be ideal:
Cats with certain health conditions like diabetes, urinary issues, or kidney disease often do better on wet food as it has more moisture and is lower in carbohydrates. Dry food can exacerbate these conditions in some cats (Dry foods and risk of disease in cats).
Picky eaters or cats who dont drink much water may not thrive on dry food alone. The lack of moisture can cause urinary tract problems if they arent getting enough water (10 Reasons Why Dry Food Is Bad for Cats & Dogs).
Older cats often require more moisture and have a harder time with dry food. Switching to wet food or adding water to dry food can help (Is Dry Food Bad for Cats?).
In these situations, its usually best to transition to wet food, a raw diet, or at minimum mix some wet food into their dry kibble diet.
Conclusion
In summary, feeding cats only dry food can work well for some cats but may not provide everything needed for others. The key advantages of dry food are convenience, dental health, and appealing texture. However, dry food lacks moisture and cats need extra water to stay hydrated. It also tends to be higher in carbohydrates and calories. To meet all nutritional requirements, supplementing with wet food or water is ideal.
Consult your veterinarian if considering an exclusively dry food diet for your cat. They can make sure it aligns with your cats health needs based on age, activity level, and any medical conditions. Monitor your cats water intake, weight, energy levels and litterbox habits. Make adjustments as needed if any issues arise.
With the right brand and portion sizes, plus extra water, many healthy adult cats can thrive on dry food alone. But kittens, pregnant/nursing cats, and cats with certain illnesses may need supplemental wet food. Whichever you choose, pick a high-quality diet tailored for your cats life stage and lifestyle.
