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dry and wet pet food in bowls comparison, canned food and dry feed for dogs and cats on a table

Both dry and wet cat foods have their own benefits and drawbacks. The best choice is a combination of both and also often depends on your cat’s specific needs and preferences.<figure id="figure-lzznjsfx6bm081n5un"><img id="lzznjsfx6bm081n5un" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eHSXqksS5yghfmDLgsscDXGlTg4Vy7V4ZNExykNvpReH1niCzgjY6Atv57iIYBZ.jpg" alt="Dinner time" title="Dinner time" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eHSXqksS5yghfmDLgsscDXGlTg4Vy7V4ZNExykNvpReH1niCzgjY6Atv57iIYBZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dry Food (Kibble)Pros:<ol><li>Convenience: Easy to store, measure, and serve (Buffington, 2008).</li><li>Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than wet food (Buffington, 2008).</li><li>Feeders: Can be used in an automatic feeder when a pet parent is outside the home for longer periods of time (Buffington 2008).&nbsp;</li></ol> Cons:<ol><li>Hydration: Low moisture content, which causes dehydration in cats even if they drink a lot of water (Zoran, 2002).</li><li>Quality: Dry foods tend to contain more fillers and carbohydrates, due to the nature of their texture and the ingredients required to make it (Buffington 2008).</li></ol>Wet Food (Canned)<strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Pros:<ol><li>Hydration: Higher moisture content helps keep your cat hydrated, which is especially important for urinary and kidney health (Zoran, 2002).</li><li>Taste : Often more appealing to cats due to its texture and aroma (Buffington, 2008).</li><li>Nutrients: Typically contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates making it a better choice for weight management and preventing diabetes (Zoran, 2002). </li></ol>Cons:<ol><li>Cost: More expensive than dry food (Buffington, 2008).</li><li>Storage: Requires refrigeration after opening and has a shorter shelf life once opened (Buffington 2008).</li></ol><figure id="figure-tgiwc70nh6m081wawz"><img id="tgiwc70nh6m081wawz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1472990590/photo/man-giving-feeding-his-hungry-cat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=lNjcjpHE1t0wZIbFhkIv1bS1yaFQwxMJ0S8VBshtgQM=" alt="Man giving feeding his hungry cat" title="Man giving feeding his hungry cat" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1472990590/photo/man-giving-feeding-his-hungry-cat.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=lNjcjpHE1t0wZIbFhkIv1bS1yaFQwxMJ0S8VBshtgQM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Combination FeedingMany cat owners opt for a combination of both dry and wet food to balance the benefits. This approach can provide variety, ensure hydration, and help with dental health. The good thing about combination feeding is also that it provides a difference in textures to the cat which can make meal time more appealing for finicky cats. It can also increase their curiosity and make meal time more enriching for the cat, which has positive effects on their mental health.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-9531j3zmpbm081xhsq"><img id="9531j3zmpbm081xhsq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29FUIly6kz42dOXPRVjZ3xhFAYkCHjJWa6e98rrmgZRxZV2TehiKYXq1Cw16GPMc.jpg" alt="Dry Pet Food. Pile of granulated animal feeds. Granules of good nutrition for dogs and cats" title="Dry Pet Food. Pile of granulated animal feeds. Granules of good nutrition for dogs and cats" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29FUIly6kz42dOXPRVjZ3xhFAYkCHjJWa6e98rrmgZRxZV2TehiKYXq1Cw16GPMc.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Key Considerations<ol><li>Health Needs: Cats with urinary issues, kidney problems, or diabetes may benefit from the higher moisture content of wet food (Zoran, 2002).</li><li>Palatability: If a cat is a picky eater, wet food might be more appealing (Buffington 2008).&nbsp;</li></ol>Smylo ensures both hydration and palatable food by formulating fantastic wet cat food in conjunction with veterinarians and doing palatability testing with various cats to fine tune the food to its ideal version. Ultimately, some things to keep in mind are:Feeding only dry food can cause dehydration in cats long term, and due to the high heat process that dry food undergoes during production, the nutritional value in dry food is reduced as well (Zoran, 2002). However dry food also has certain benefits; a well-formulated dry food recipe with the appropriate texture can also benefit dental health by mechanically removing plaque. On the other hand, wet food is beneficial in terms of high protein and moisture content, but also is more cumbersome to feed and expensive. Therefore either feeding a combination of wet food and dry food will prove to be beneficial, or solely wet food as it provides the level of moisture needed to maintain cats’ hydration levels and can be more appealing for cats as well (Zoran, 2002).Note: Please consult your vet before making any major diet changes.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------References&nbsp;Buffington, C. A. T. (2008). Dry foods and risk of disease in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 10(2), 110-119.Zoran, D. L. (2002). The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 221(11), 1559-1567.

Is dry food better or wet food?

Taurine is an amino acid that is crucial for cats and must be obtained from their diet as it is not synthesised in their body (VCA Animal Hospitals, n.d.).Here are five major aspects in which Taurine plays a significant role:Taurine and Heart Health: Taurine is essential for maintaining normal heart function in cats. A deficiency in taurine can lead to an enlarged and weakened heart, a condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (Weir &amp; Ward, n.d.).<figure id="figure-uvds7fm0jm081gzxo"><img id="uvds7fm0jm081gzxo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dIRGTZuPCSYguusL5b4rFRL02xxvCzfMYukiwHf1ni3jkgOzXJ6TuFdUJTwDKUO.jpg" alt="Woman and cat takes cat food from big pack indoors." title="Woman and cat takes cat food from big pack indoors." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dIRGTZuPCSYguusL5b4rFRL02xxvCzfMYukiwHf1ni3jkgOzXJ6TuFdUJTwDKUO.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Immune Function: Taurine contributes to a healthy immune system, helping cats fight off infections and diseases (Crossroads Animal Hospital, 2018).Vision: Taurine is especially crucial for retinal health. If cats don't get enough taurine in their food, it can cause retinal degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness. Taurine deficiency can result in a condition known as taurine deficiency retinopathy, which also leads to blindness (National Academies Press, 2006).<figure id="figure-wo0bkwjb7tm081ixfl"><img id="wo0bkwjb7tm081ixfl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/356kLh4TMvMsvFXv8H7QdrKUR2kc7AgaFKcba85CIZNYjQCuCFfaD3G8YQyNnPZI.jpg" alt="Pile of Dry Pet Food" title="Pile of Dry Pet Food" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/356kLh4TMvMsvFXv8H7QdrKUR2kc7AgaFKcba85CIZNYjQCuCFfaD3G8YQyNnPZI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Reproduction and Foetal Development: Pregnant cats require adequate taurine to support the growth and development of their offspring. For queens (unsterilised female cats), taurine is crucial for the proper development of kittens in the womb (VCA Animal Hospitals, n.d.).Digestive Health: Taurine aids in bile salt formation, which is necessary for fat digestion and absorption in a cat's body. It helps keep the digestive process functioning properly as it is required for bile conjugation (Lysine &amp; Taurine for Cats, 2018).Since taurine is so essential, commercial cat foods are formulated to include adequate amounts, especially in foods that contain less animal protein, such as dry kibble. It is particularly important for cat owners to ensure their pets receive a diet rich in taurine as deficiencies can lead to severe health issues. We at Smylo understand that our pets are members of our families, which is why all our recipes have added taurine in carefully calculated amounts.&nbsp;We also understand that the safest and best food is one that is made in front of you, and goes from your own hands to your cat's bowl. And while there's absolutely nothing wrong with feeding a homemade diet to your cat, if this is something you're considering, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian and nutritionist to ensure it includes sufficient taurine (National Academies Press, 2006).-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------References Crossroads Animal Hospital. (2018, September 24). What is taurine and why do cats need it? Crossroads Animal Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.crossroadsanimalhospital.ca/resources/blog/september-2018/what-is-taurine-and-why-do-cats-need-itLysine &amp; Taurine for Cats. (2018, September 7). Revival Animal Health. Retrieved from https://www.revivalanimal.com/learning-center/lysine-and-taurine-for-catsNational Academies Press. (2006). Your cat's nutritional needs: A science-based guide for pet owners. National Academies Press. Retrieved from https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/10668/cat_nutrition_final.pdfVCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Taurine in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taurine-in-catsWeir, M., &amp; Ward, E. (n.d.). Cardiomyopathy in cats | VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cardiomyopathy-in-cats&nbsp;

Why is Taurine important for cats?

<h3>Yes, cats can eat carrots (kind of)!&nbsp;</h3>Carrots can be a healthy and safe treat for cats in moderation.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-zh8hyvcxyvm0816vwu" class=""><img id="zh8hyvcxyvm0816vwu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2846JOZmaL86TxxNBhg1s3VVBeQrxMJItMP3Vy4TifzVKrkXSgn4YGPYkn3jVqqy.jpg" alt="Man giving feeding his hungry cat" title="Man giving feeding his hungry cat" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2846JOZmaL86TxxNBhg1s3VVBeQrxMJItMP3Vy4TifzVKrkXSgn4YGPYkn3jVqqy.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>They are low in calories and contain beneficial nutrients such as fiber and vitamins - especially Vitamin A. Unfortunately, since cats are obligate carnivores, they can synthesise these vitamins and minerals only to a very limited extent, which is why feeding vegetables in moderation is always important (Veterinary Centers of America [VCA], n.d.; Veterinary Nutrition at OVC, 2022). While cats can convert some beta carotene into Vitamin A, they cannot do this process as efficiently as other animals, and therefore rely primarily on the preformed Vitamin A found in animal tissues to fulfill that particular nutritional requirement (Morris, 2002).A few considerations to keep in mind are:<ul><li>Preparation:</li></ul>Carrots should be cooked (steamed or boiled) and served plain and unseasoned. Raw carrots can be difficult, or even a hazard for cats to chew and digest (Hand et al., 2010). Cooked carrots can be pureed or chopped up into very small pieces and given to your cat.<ul><li>Moderation:&nbsp;</li></ul><ol><li>Carrots should only be given as an occasional treat and not be a regular part of a cat's diet.</li><li>At any given time, vegetable treats such as carrots should be less than 10% of your cats’ diet. At Smylo, we have less than 10% carrot and a high animal protein recipe which ensures that your kitty gets all the fibre benefit from their veggies and none of the harmful effects due to incorrect preparation or excess vegetables.</li><li>Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their primary nutritional needs are met through animal protein.</li><li>Additionally, carrots have some sugar content so excess feeding can cause health issues in the long run (VCA, n.d.).&nbsp;</li></ol><ul><li>Health Benefits:&nbsp;</li></ul><ol><li>Small, cooked pieces of carrot can provide some fiber, which may aid in digestion and help prevent constipation (Hand et al., 2010).</li><li>The antioxidants in carrots can also contribute to overall health by helping to neutralize harmful free radicals (Fascetti &amp; Delaney, 2012).</li></ol><ul><li>Monitoring: Observe your cat for any adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal upset. If your cat shows signs of discomfort or an allergic reaction, discontinue feeding carrots and consult your vet (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [ASPCA], n.d.; Basepaws, 2024).&nbsp;</li></ul>So go ahead and serve your cats carrots for a snack, but make sure you prepare it safely and feed them occasionally.&nbsp;Note: Please consult your vet when adding or removing ingredients from your cat's food.&nbsp;-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------ReferencesAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Toxic and non-toxic plants. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plantsBasepaws. (2024). Can Cats Have Carrots? Nutritional Benefits &amp; Feeding Tips. Basepaws. Retrieved from https://basepaws.com/cat-insider/can-cats-eat-carrotsFascetti, A. J., &amp; Delaney, S. J. (2012). Applied veterinary clinical nutrition. Wiley-Blackwell.Hand, M. S., Thatcher, C. D., Remillard, R. L., Roudebush, P., &amp; Novotny, B. J. (2010). Small animal clinical nutrition (5th ed.). Mark Morris Institute.Morris, J. G. (2002). Idiosyncratic nutrient requirements of cats appear to be diet-induced evolutionary adaptations. Nutrition Research Reviews, 15(1), 153-168. https://doi.org/10.1079/NRR200129Veterinary Centers of America. (n.d.). Can cats eat carrots? VCA Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/can-cats-eat-carrotsVeterinary Nutrition at OVC. (2022). Can the Easter Bunny Share his Carrots? Retrieved from https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2022/04/18/can-the-easter-bunny-share-his-carrots/

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Is dry food better or wet food?

Why is Taurine important for cats?

Can cats eat carrots?