Dry Cat Food

The main types of cat food include dry cat food and wet cat food:

• Dry cat food, commonly known as kibble, is formed into small, dry pellets and is convenient for storage and feeding. Kibble form can be great for dental health and is very easy to use in automatic feeders.
• Wet cat food is typically canned and contains higher moisture content, providing additional hydration for cats. This can be very helpful for cats with chronic kidney disease, urinary issues, or constipation problems. 

Some pet parents mix the two to introduce variety into their cat’s mealtime – talk to your vet to determine which formula or combination is best for your feline friend!

Choosing the right cat food for your pet means considering their age, activity level, health, and any specific dietary requirements. 

If you have a kitten, look for dry cat food designed specifically for kittens. At the same time, if you have an adult or senior cat, look for options developed for their nutritional needs. 

Additionally, pet parents should look for cat food formulations that are labeled as complete and balanced. Foods that have an AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) seal are often recommended by veterinarians and are a good place to start for a diet that meets all of the nutritional requirements of our feline friends. This is because AAFCO performs testing on their approved foods that guarantees minimum and maximum concentration of nutrients, performs studies to determine the nutritional requirements of our pets, and guarantees caloric content. For cats without special needs, AAFCO approved foods can be an affordable and healthy option. Opt for cat food with high-quality protein sources since cats are obligate carnivores, essential vitamins and minerals, and limited to no fillers or additives. 

If you're unsure which cat food is best for your feline friend, it's always best to consult a vet to help you pick the best option. There are specially formulated diets available in kibble form for most conditions in our feline friends, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet how their diet can impact their health. Get your pet care questions answered from home with our convenient veterinary telehealth platform!

How often you feed your cat depends on their age, weight, activity level, and health. Adult cats generally benefit from being fed two meals per day or several smaller meals. Kittens and senior cats also benefit from several smaller meals per day. When in doubt, you can schedule with one of our Dutch veterinarians to calculate the amount of calories our animals need per day based on their needs. 

You should monitor your cat's weight and adjust their feeding schedule and portions accordingly to ensure they maintain a healthy body condition. Free feeding can lead to over conditioning and obesity so is typically not recommended unless a cat has special needs.

If your cat is a picky eater, there are several different ways you can encourage them to eat. Experiment with different flavors and textures of cat food to find what appeals to them. 

Mixing small amounts of wet cat food with their dry food or topping their meals with a sprinkle of treats may entice them to eat. 

Additionally, consider the location of their food and water bowls. Ensure they have a quiet, stress-free mealtime environment that's out of the way of regular foot traffic and somewhere they do not need to compete for with other cats in the house.

Yes, there is cat food specifically formulated to help control hairballs. For instance, Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Indoor Care Turkey & Rice Formula is designed to support indoor cats' unique needs, including hairball control. 

This dry cat food contains real turkey as the main ingredient, providing high-quality protein to help cats maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, the formula is enriched with natural fiber to control hairballs, promoting healthy digestion and minimizing hairball formation.