How Much Dry Food To Feed a Cat? | How Much Dry Food Should I Feed My Cat?

Source: petmd blogs

This gives you a ballpark idea of what your cat should be getting. But be aware that the ranges are pretty large to accommodate the needs of different individuals within a specific weight range. Also, take note that the amount listed is “per day,” not “per meal.” I recommend that my clients measure out the day’s complete ration and place it in a sealed container to reduce the chances of overfeeding. This way, everyone in the house should know to only take meals from this container rather than out of the bag.

Once you’ve used the back of the bag to come up with a starting point, assess your cat’s body condition to narrow in on what the correct amount should be. If your cat is already at her ideal weight, offer an amount that falls in the middle of the recommended range. If she’s a little thin, use the more significant numbers, and if she’s a little “portly,” use the smaller ones.

Every two weeks or so, reassess your cat’s body condition and adjust how much food you offer accordingly. Once you have found the amount that maintains your cat’s ideal body condition (i.e., not too thin, not too fat), you can use monthly weigh-ins in addition to body condition scoring to make small adjustments to how much you are offering to keep her right where she needs to be.

Of course, what you feed is just as important as how much you feed. While you are looking at the label, make sure your cat’s current food is providing her with high-quality, natural ingredients and balanced nutrition. The My Bowl tool can help you determine whether your cat’s contemporary food is providing optimal nutrition and can also be used to compare foods if you think they might benefit from a change.

If your cat needs to gain or lose a lot of weight, talk to your veterinarian. He or she can rule out any health disorders that might be causing, or might have developed as a result of your pet’s weight, and can put together a plan that suits your cat’s particular needs.

You should also ensure that your cat is not only getting enough food but that they are getting sufficient nutrients from meat-based foods. Cats require taurine, an amino acid that is found only in animal-based protein. And according to the ASPCA, milk should not be fed to cats because the cat does not produce the enzyme that breaks down the lactose in milk, and it can cause vomiting.

Why do many people go for dry food despite it being hard for a cat?

The main reason as to why many people prefer dry food to wet food, is because of many factors, amongst them are:

• Dry foods are cheaper to buy as compared to wet food.

• Storing dry food is more comfortable, and they can last for long, even at room temperature. Wet food may not last long at room temperatures without going stale. You can put out the menu all day long for the cat to enjoy without going to waste.

• Dry food is excellent in maintaining and strengthening the dental formula of the cat.

Is it OK to only feed your cat dry food?

Some cats do fine when eating only dry food. However, wet cat foods are generally higher in protein and are always higher in moisture than dry foods, which more closely matches feline nutritional needs,” said Jennifer Coates, veterinarian and advisor at Pet Life Today. 

“Chronic dehydration too often leads to tooth decay, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. Many health issues can be prevented simply by adding a daily meal of wet food to your cat’s diet,” said Alsing. source

But Coates said if you still insist on feeding your cat only dry food, give it to them in several small, measured meals throughout the day rather than leaving a bowl of it out at all times.