If your cat has been eating wet food and suddenly stops, there could be a number of reasons why. Here are some possible explanations for why your cat won’t eat dry food.
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The benefits of dry food
Dry food is a great option for cats for a number of reasons. It’s affordable, easy to store, and doesn’t require refrigeration. Dry food also has a longer shelf life than wet food, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad. However, some cats simply won’t eat dry food. Let’s explore some of the reasons why that may be the case.
Convenience
Dry food is very convenient for both you and your cat. It is easy to store, does not spoil as quickly as wet food, and can be left out for your cat to eat on its own schedule. If you are gone for long periods of time or travel frequently, dry food is a good option to ensure that your cat always has something to eat.
Cost-effectiveness
Dry food is typically more affordable than wet food. A 10-pound bag of dry food costs around $15, while a comparable amount of wet food costs about $24. Additionally, since dry food is less perishable than wet food, it has a longer shelf life. This means that you can buy it in larger quantities and don’t have to worry about it going bad as quickly.
Why some cats don’t like dry food
Many cats enjoy dry food, but some don’t. There could be a few reasons why your cat doesn’t like to eat dry food. It could be the texture, the taste, or something else entirely. If you’re wondering why your cat won’t eat dry food, read on to find out some potential reasons.
Lack of moisture
One of the main reasons that cats may not like dry food is that it lacks moisture. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal-based protein and fat to survive. In the wild, cats get much of the moisture they need from their prey.
Dry food is made by extruding a mixture of ground meat, grains, and other ingredients through a die. During this process, the food loses a significant amount of moisture, which can make it less palatable for cats.
In addition to being low in moisture, dry food is also typically high in carbohydrates. While carbs are an important source of energy for dogs and other animals, they are not as necessary for cats. In fact, too many carbs can lead to obesity and other health problems in cats.
If your cat is used to eating wet food, he may be less likely to eat dry food because it doesn’t taste as good or contain as much moisture. While there are some brands of dry food that are specifically designed to be more appealing to cats, it’s generally best to stick with wet food if your catdoesn’t seem interested in eating dry food.
Unappetizing texture
There are many reasons your cat might not be interested in its kibble, but one of the most common is the texture. “Some [cats] simply don’t like the feel of dry food in their mouths,” Videos Cats nutritonist Sara Ochoa tells The Dodo.
Ochoa explains that, since dry food is much harder than wet food, it can be difficult for cats to break down and chew. And that can make mealtime a lot less enjoyable – especially for kitties who have sensitive mouths or teeth.
How to get your cat to eat dry food
Many people think that cats only eat dry food because it is easier for them to digest. However, this is not always the case. There are a few reasons why your cat may not be interested in eating dry food.
Add water or wet food
If your cat turns up its nose at dry food, you may be able to entice it to eat by adding a little water or wet food to the mix. A small amount of water added to dry kibble will soften it and make it more appetizing for your cat. You can also try topically applying a small amount of tuna juice or some chicken broth.
If your cat is adamant about only eating wet food, you may need to give in and feed it wet food exclusively. You can mix wet and dry food together and slowly increase the proportion of dry food until your cat is eating mostly dry. This process could take weeks or even months, so be patient!
Let them try different brands and flavors
If your cat is a fussy eater when it comes to dry food, you may have to experiment with different brands and flavors before you find one they like. Talk to your veterinarian about what brands they recommend, and ask other cat owners for their thoughts on what has worked for their pets. You may also want to try mixing dry and wet food together to see if that entices them to eat.
Try a food puzzle
A food puzzle is a toy that dispenses food as your cat plays with it. It’s a great way to turn mealtime into playtime, and it can also help your cat eat slower and prevent them from becoming overweight.
To make a food puzzle, start by placing a small amount of dry food in a plastic cup. Then, make a small hole in the bottom of the cup. The size of the hole should be large enough for your cat to get the food out, but small enough that they have to work for it.
Once you’ve made the hole, place the cup upside down on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Your cat will need to flip the cup over to get the food out. You can also use a paper plate or cardboard box if you don’t have a shallow bowl.
If your cat is having trouble flipping the cup over, you can try making the hole bigger or placing the food in a different type of container, like a muffin tin. You can also try putting wet food on top of the dry food to give them an extra incentive to eat it.
Once your cat gets the hang of flipping over the cup, you can make the game more challenging by adding more cups or hiding the food in different places around the house. You can even create an obstacle course for your cat to navigate!
