Have you ever seen a cat and its owner munching away at a piece of dry cat food? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on one of the healthiest ways a cat can get the nutrients that she needs each day. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat. And because cats are cold-blooded, their digestive systems are set up to move food from their stomach into their small intestine to digest it. This means that if you can keep your cat on dry food and off canned cat food, you’re doing more to maintain her health than you could imagine. Let’s take a look at what nutritionists know about how to best feed your cat, so she gets the most nutrition possible.
Now, you might think that it’s cruel to feed your cat only dry cat food and leave her chow down on canned food. After all, don’t we treat our dogs like this? Not only are canned food full of fat and chemical preservatives, but many dry brands containing artificial flavorings, unnecessary fillers, and other fillers that are unnecessary to improve the taste. And to think that it was only the manufacturer who went to all that trouble to fool us.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives available to maintain your cat’s health, even while she eats canned food. One of the most effective ways is to introduce her to cat food puzzles. Not only do they provide mental stimulation for your cat, but they stimulate her gastrointestinal system as well. Here’s why:
Nutritional Needs of Cats
Nutritionists know that cats have several nutritional needs. These include vitamin A, minerals such as iron, calcium, and protein, as well as the vitamins that keep your body healthy, such as riboflavin and folic acid. What they also know is that many of these nutrients, particularly the ones that we get from meats are hard to absorb in their raw form. And that means that they must be broken down and then combined with other nutrients in a digestible form.
Cat Food Puzzles Come In Handy
By providing a very small amount of carbohydrates (such as rice cakes or vegetables), stimulate the digestive process and helps your cat to digest her meal more quickly. By breaking down the bulk of the food, they help to give your cat the energy that she needs for running and playing. When this happens, her digestion becomes less efficient, resulting in repeated bouts of diarrhea. And if this sounds like your cat’s system running down, you may want to call the veterinarian.
Do Not Leave Your Cat On Her Own For Long Periods
Now, keep in mind that it’s never a good idea to leave your cat on her own for long periods. Even if she’s only hungry for a couple of minutes, she could easily become dehydrated. Also, some cats are finicky eaters. If you introduce the puzzle treat slowly and deliberately, she may learn to look forward to her next meal, instead of rejecting it every time.
And Here’s Something Important:
slow feeder food puzzles feeders are not meant for long-term feeding. They provide only short bursts of nourishment, usually just long enough to give your cat some relief before the next meal. So make sure you put the treat in a separate container, say a bag or Tupperware container, and take it out at the exact moment when she is ready to be fed.
And that’s it! Your cat doesn’t have to remember how to eat one of these treats, and you don’t have to worry about them developing a taste for the taste of the other foods in the bag (which would defeat the purpose). All you have to do is provide them with something new, a tasty puzzle that will keep them excited and coming back for more.
