Tree House Feeding and Nutrition Program
Frequently Asked Questions How do I transition my cats from dry to canned? Won't feeding canned be more expensive? What if I go out of town? More than two-thirds of cats have dental disease by the age of three. There
is some debate as to whether dry food benefits cats' teeth. Some feel the crunching
action of dry food removes some plaque from the teeth. Others feel the carbohydrates
in dry foods break down into sugar and exacerbate dental disease. The best thing
you can do to care for your cats' teeth is to brush their teeth with a special
toothpaste formulated for pets, and get professional cleanings as recommended
by your veterinarian. If you would like to provide crunchy treats, there are
many that are available without the carbohydrates in dry foods, such as freeze-dried
treats, enzymatic dental treats, or even bits of raw or cooked meat. How do I transition my cats
from dry food to canned? Try sprinkling some favorite treats or tuna on the top of the canned food.
While it isn't ideal to feed fish-flavored foods constantly long-term, they
can be excellent for transition to canned food. Sprinkling dry food on top of
canned or mixing the two works for some cats - just remember to remove any moistened
dry food after 20 to 30 minutes. Dry foods aren't meant to be moistened and
quickly become a breeding ground for molds and bacteria. For more ideas on transitioning
cats to wet foods, refer to www.catinfo.org.
Won't feeding canned be more expensive? There are many inexpensive canned foods readily available. As you consider
the cost, remember to factor in the cost to your cats' health. Treating kidney
disease and diabetes is expensive. Surgery to treat a urinary tract blockage
is very costly. These conditions and more are less likely on a canned food diet.
Ideally, a friend, family member, or cat-sitter would come in and feed your
cat(s) as they're accustomed while you're gone. They might also clean litter
boxes and bring in your mail. A timed feeder could also allow your cats to eat
their usual meal at the usual time. If it's just not possible to feed wet while
you're gone, a low-carbohydrate or freeze-dried raw food might be an option,
if your cat(s) will eat it and will tolerate it. (Some cats with feline diabetes
or gastro-intestinal disorders cannot tolerate any dry foods.)
If there isn't a pressing medical reason for transitioning, take things slow!
If your cat is on insulin for diabetes, you will need to monitor blood sugar
levels carefully or reduce the insulin dose as their need for insulin may decrease
dramatically. Some cats take to canned food immediately. Others need enticement.
The animal fats sprayed on the outside of dry food can be very addictive for
some cats - and we all know how addictive carbs can be!
