Reducing Kibble from Your Cat’s Diet: The Transition to Wet Food

When considering the best diet for a cat, it’s essential to recognize that while kibble is a popular and convenient option, it is not the healthiest choice. According to a study in the Journal of Dairy, Veterinary & Animal Research, “Dry foods are responsible for the epidemic of obesity among cats, urinary crystals, and possibly kidney insufficiency in older cats,” (Gventsadze, V., 2015). This is largely due to the nutritional limitations of dry kibble in comparison to canned cat food, which offers more moisture and essential nutrients conducive to a cat’s overall health.

For cat owners aiming to enhance their feline’s diet and mitigate potential health concerns, transitioning to a moisture-rich diet is highly beneficial. Understanding the advantages of reducing dry food intake and the process of introducing canned or raw options equips pet owners to make informed decisions that lead to significant improvements in their cat’s well-being. Implementing these dietary changes is one of the most impactful choices for a pet’s health.

Why Ditch the Kibble?

Most cat caregivers reach for kibble because it’s convenient, budget-friendly, and easy to store. But what’s easy on humans doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for pets. Keep reading to know why eating dry food constantly is not the best option for a cat’s health.

Kibble is Dehydrating

Cats, unlike humans, get most of their moisture from the food they eat. In the wild, they’d be nibbling on prey with high water content. But dry food has about as much moisture as a stale cracker, and a cat’s natural thirst drive isn’t strong enough to make up for it. Cats on kibble-only diets often don’t drink enough water to stay fully hydrated, leading to kidney and urinary problems.

Switching to wet food, fresh food, or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) solves this problem. By feeding these types of cat food, pet parents provide that essential moisture, which keeps their kidneys and urinary tract happy.

Kibble is High in Carbs and Calories

Kibble is often packed with carbs (think junk food for cats). A five-week dietary exposure to dry diets in domestic cats showed that “Dry diets have higher carbohydrates (49.4%) than wet diets, but energy intake tended to be higher in cats fed dry diets,” (Bermingham, E., et al., 2011).  

In the wild, cats are obligate carnivores who rarely encounter high-carb foods. But in their dry food bowls, carbs make up a big chunk of the calories, contributing to insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes. Not only that, but high-calorie dry food means a cat ends up eating more than they should because it tastes so darn good.

If these dry foods are swapped for wet cat food or fresh food, cat parents give their cat a diet more in line with their natural needs—high in protein and moisture, low in carbs. This keeps a cat leaner, healthier, and less likely to develop weight-related diseases.

Benefits of Feeding Wet Food

Some cat parents are probably thinking, “Okay, wet cat food sounds great, but what exactly are the perks of this new diet?” Discussed below are the main benefits that wet food or a fresh diet brings to a cat’s health.

Improved Hydration

Wet foods and fresh diets provide the moisture a cat needs, helping to protect their kidneys and urinary tract. Wet cat food has 82.0 percent moisture, while dry cat food has 8.5% moisture (Bermingham, E., et al., 2011). By feeding wet food with higher moisture content, a cat is far less likely to suffer from issues like urinary blockages and chronic kidney disease.

Weight Management

The high-carb nature of dry foods makes weight management tough for cats. By contrast, wet cat food offers protein without the carb load, which helps prevent obesity and manage a healthy body weight.

Reduced Risk of Disease

When a cat gets a high-protein, low-carb diet through wet or fresh food, they’re less likely to develop conditions like diabetes, urinary infections, and fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). High-quality wet food also reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases (Paßlack, N.,  et al., 2017).

Better Digestion

Unlike kibble, which causes constipation or digestive upset, canned cat food is easier for cats to digest. Plus, some BARFs contain enzymes and probiotics to support a healthy gut (Davies, R., Lawes, J., & Wales, A., 2019).

Increased Energy and Vitality

A proper diet keeps a cat energized and happy. Transitioning a cat from kibble to healthier food options boost their energy levels, making them more playful and engaged (Villaverde, C., & Chandler, M., 2022).

Shinier, Healthier Coat

Cats eating wet or fresh food with omega-3s and high-quality protein often have shinier coats and less shedding. A recent study in the Journal of Animal Science concluded that “Amino acid complexed trace minerals in cats’ diets result in less shed hair and better haircoat quality compared to inorganic sources,” (Amundson, L., et al., 2023). A balanced diet makes a noticeable difference in a cat’s appearance!

Ready to Transition? Here’s How to Help A Cat Ditch Kibble

Switching to wet or fresh food seems like a big step—especially if the cat is a picky eater. Worry not! With the right approach, cat parents help even the most stubborn kibble addict move to a healthier diet. Check the game plan presented below.

1. Establish Set Mealtimes

If a cat’s mom or dad has been free-feeding dry food, it’s time to start set mealtimes. This change alone does wonders to spark a cat’s natural hunger response. Feed a cat at specific times each day instead of leaving food out, and they’ll be more open to trying new food.

2. Introduce Wet Food Gradually

Start with wet food alongside their usual kibble. A little bit on the side lets a cat check it out and recognize canned food without feeling pressured. Gradually increase the amount of wet food while scaling back on kibble. This slow transition helps avoid any tummy troubles.

3. Use Tasty Toppers to Entice

It is no secret—cats are picky, and some need an extra nudge to start eating canned food. Try adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (yep, cats love parmesan cheese!), a dollop of canned juice from tuna, or even a small piece of cooked chicken to make canned food more enticing. Also, try adding drops of cat-specific CBD oil into the food for added flavor and a soothing effect.

4. Serve Food Warmed Up

Cats often prefer food at slightly lower temperatures, so try warming up refrigerated wet food slightly. This makes it more appealing by releasing the aroma. Just be careful not to overheat; a gentle warmth does the trick.

5. Experiment with Different Foods and Textures

Every cat has unique tastes, so be prepared to experiment with a few types of wet foods. Some cats prefer pate, while others like shredded textures. Offering a variety of options helps find what works best.

With these steps, a cat eventually eats wet food with grace!

Challenges in the Transition Process

Reality check—switching a cat to a new diet isn’t always smooth sailing. Listed below are some common challenges and simple solutions.

Kibble Addiction

A review showed that “Flavor enhancers, such as palatants, are added to dry pet foods to increase their acceptability to pets and appeal to both owners and pets,” (Samant, S., et al., 2021).  To break this cycle, you’ll need patience and persistence. Establish those mealtimes, and avoid giving in to demands for kibble. If your cat is used to a dry food bag as their main meal source, this change might take time.

Food Aversion

Some cats develop a strong aversion to particular flavors or textures. An animal trial showed that “Domestic cats show two types of taste reactivity patterns, indicating hedonic and aversive preferences, which can be combined to determine a single palatability score,” (Bos, R., Meijer, M., & Spruijt, B., 2000). If a cat flat-out rejects one wet food, don’t worry! Try a different brand or flavor until the right fit is found. Remember, patience is key.

Digestive Upset

Cats experience mild digestive upset as they adjust to new food. If this happens, slow down the transition. Try to start with 75% dry food and 25% wet food for the first two days, and make it 50% dry food and 50% wet food on the third and fourth days, then increase the wet food to 75% with 25% dey food on the fifth and sixth day until fully transitioning to 100% wet food on the seventh day. Sometimes adding probiotics helps smooth the process. As the cat gets used to it and their digestive system is familiarized with the new type of food, gradually add dry food again for a balance of dry and wet food in their diet to get the benefits of both. Also, home-cooked fresh food is a good alternative.

Watch Out for Hepatic Lipidosis

For overweight cats, it’s crucial to avoid going too long without food. A lack of nutrition leads to hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, which is life-threatening. If a cat isn’t eating enough during the transition, consult a vet for advice.

Higher Cost of Wet and Fresh Food

While wet food and fresh options are pricier than kibble, think of it as an investment in a cat’s health. Feeding high-quality food now saves on vet bills down the line.

Choosing the Best Wet and Fresh Foods

Once ready to go full steam ahead with wet food, here are a few tips for selecting the best options for your cat.

High Protein, Low Carb: Look for foods that list real meat or poultry as the first ingredient. Cats thrive on animal-based proteins, not fillers like corn or wheat.

Complete and Balanced: Opt for foods labeled as “complete and balanced.” This ensures a cat is getting all the nutrients they need.

Avoid Fillers: Fillers like corn and soy are unnecessary and cause digestive issues. Stick to foods without these additives for a cleaner diet.

Many reputable brands offer high-quality wet food and even fresh options for a cat. Always check the label to make sure it meets the cat’s dietary needs. If interested in feeding fresh food or BARFs, consult a veterinary nutritionist or select a reputable pre-made fresh or raw brand to make sure the diet is balanced.

Maintaining a Balanced, Healthy Diet for Life

A cat’s diet plays a major role in their quality of life, so stick with the routine that works. Most cats thrive on a combination of wet foods, whether it’s canned or fresh, along with a few tasty treats that keep their taste buds engaged. Cats are natural hunters, so they’ll appreciate the variety!

By reducing kibble and feeding a cat high-quality wet or fresh food, cat parents are setting them up for a healthier, more vibrant life. Notice changes like better hydration, improved energy, and even a shinier coat. And do not forget the potential for a longer lifespan, free of diet-related diseases.

Conclusion

Transitioning a cat from dry kibble to wet or fresh food takes time, but the long-term benefits are worth it. By choosing foods that meet a cat’s nutritional needs, cat parents are giving them a happier, healthier life.

So, grab some high-quality wet food, warm it up, add some delicious CBD toppings, and get ready to see a kitty thrive!

References

• Amundson, L., Kirn, B., Millican, A., & Matti, T. (2023). 197 Trace Mineral Source Affects Haircoat Characteristics and Shedding in Cats. Journal of Animal Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.137.
• Bermingham, E., Kittelmann, S., Henderson, G., Young, W., Roy, N., & Thomas, D. (2011). Five-week dietary exposure to dry diets alters the faecal bacterial populations in the domestic cat (Felis catus). The British journal of nutrition, 106 Suppl 1, S49-52. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114511000572.
• Bos, R., Meijer, M., & Spruijt, B. (2000). Taste reactivity patterns in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus). Applied animal behaviour science, 69 2, 149-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(00)00124-6.
• Davies, R., Lawes, J., & Wales, A. (2019). Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. The Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60, 329 – 339. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13000.
• Gventsadze, V. (2015). Nutrition for pets: navigating uncharted waters. Journal of Dairy, Veterinary & Animal Research, 2. https://doi.org/10.15406/JDVAR.2015.02.00050.
• Paßlack, N., Kohn, B., Doherr, M., & Zentek, J. (2017). Impact of Dietary Protein Concentration and Quality on Immune Function of Cats. PLoS ONE, 12. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169822.
• Samant, S., Crandall, P., Arroyo, S., & Seo, H. (2021). Dry Pet Food Flavor Enhancers and Their Impact on Palatability: A Review. Foods, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112599.
• Villaverde, C., & Chandler, M. (2022). Commercial vs Homemade Cat Diets: What you need to know. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 24, 415 – 428. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X221090389.
• (2019). EFFECTS OF A NUTRIENT‐ENRICHED WATER WITH AND WITHOUT FLAVORING ON WATER INTAKE IN CATS. Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, 32, 5–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asams.2019.04.005.