Cat Food Myths

 

We know we talk a lot about dogs – Barkfield Road – but we care about all of your furry (and scaly) friends at home! Although many of our customers & neighbors have cats, we find their nutrition is usually overlooked.

While all pets deserve the best in their bowl, we want to focus on what your cat should be eating in order for them to live the longest & healthiest life possible. There are many myths when it comes to cat food and we are here to debunk them!

This is a myth that holds true for both dogs and cats, but is especially damaging for cats. Not only does dry cat food provide no benefits to dental health, it can actually contribute to buildup on their teeth.

The high carbohydrates stick to their teeth, causing more plaque and tartar. The myth that dry food “brushes” teeth isn’t true since the kibbles are not adhesive to the teeth like chewing a bone would be.

Additionally, cats need high moisture in their food because they naturally have a low thirst drive. They need to get most of their moisture from their meals, or they can become dehydrated which leads to issues with their kidneys and urinary tracts. 

 

Speaking of kidneys, cats’ systems are made for high protein. Their kidneys are meant to process protein from animal sources as their main source of calories. 

As obligate carnivores, they are different from other pets, since they are not meant to consume much plant material. The amino acids and enzymes they get from animal proteins help their organs thrive, not the opposite.

Without a high protein diet, cats will be malnourished and can suffer issues with muscle strength, organ health, and energy. Cats get their energy and blood glucose maintenance solely from protein, so they require more than you may think to thrive.

 

Who wouldn’t want food in a 24/7 buffet-style? Just because your cat will eat constantly with a free-feeding system, doesn’t mean it’s ideal to have cat food out for them all of the time.

Beyond leading to obesity, free-fed cats are at risk for more health issues. When their digestive system is constantly being triggered and utilized, their blood glucose levels are not stable. This can lead to serious health concerns, diabetes, and low energy.

Remember how we spoke about their need for moisture? A ton of that water is used in their digestive system. So, the more often they need to digest, the more water they use. This can lead to the dehydration and kidney issues mentioned earlier.

The Aristocats made it look oh-so-cute for your feline friend to sip milk, but it’s not the best option for them. Cats are lactose intolerant and can have severe digestive upset from consuming milk.

It’s important to focus your cat’s diet on sources of nutrients, and milk doesn’t have much nutritional value for a cat. In addition, the high levels of calcium can be damaging and may lead to urinary stones – a common health issue for cats.

If you really want that Aristocats moment, we suggest goat milk! It’s much lower in lactose and has more nutrients that your cat can actually benefit from. This is a fun way to add in extra hydration to your cat’s diet.

Boring!!! This myth is based on the assumption that keeping their diet the same will prevent any digestive issues. While a sudden change in cat food can upset the tummy, it’s important to slowly introduce variety into their diet.

The more your cat eats the same food, the more picky & sensitive they will become to other foods. This may seem fine, but variety is important to ensuring they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Since cats’ diets are mainly animal protein, rotating these sources is crucial as each animal has a different set of nutrients your cat can benefit from. We suggest slowly introducing foods to your cat to spice it up and if you have a kitten – give them as much variety as possible while they’re young!

 

Change Your Cat Food – Change Your Cat’s Health

 

You may be thinking – uh oh, I have been following many of these myths with my cat!

No need to worry – reading this blog and caring about your cat’s health is most of the work, so you’re already ahead of the curve. Now, it’s time to put our knowledge into practice.

It’s never too late to adjust your cat’s nutrition and see the benefits. Especially if you have a senior cat, now is the purrfect time to introduce higher moisture and protein. This will provide their body with all the nutrients it needs to stay active & healthy as they age.

 

 

Only The Best Cat Food Here!

 

Barkfield Road – or MEOWfield Road – is proud to carry the best in cat nutrition. From raw to gently cooked, wet to dry, we have many options that prioritize your cat’s wellness. 

We are happy to meet with you to create a plan for your feline friend(s) that works for you and keeps them happy for their long lives!