Can you feed your cat canned food? Absolutely! Canned cat food is a fantastic choice for feline nutrition. It’s packed with moisture, which is vital for a cat’s health, and often contains higher protein levels than dry kibble. This guide will help you navigate everything you need to know about serving canned cat food to your furry friend.
Choosing Canned Cat Food: A Buyer’s Guide
The sheer variety of canned cat food on shelves can be overwhelming. Deciding on the best canned cat food portions and types for your cat is the first step.
Key Ingredients to Look For
When you’re selecting canned cat food, focus on what’s inside the can.
- Protein Source: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive and thrive. Look for a named animal protein source as the first ingredient. This could be chicken, turkey, salmon, beef, or lamb. Avoid foods where “meat by-products” or “animal by-products” are the primary ingredient, as their quality can vary.
- Moisture Content: Canned food naturally has a high moisture content, typically 70-80%. This is excellent for hydration, especially for cats who don’t drink much water.
- Fat Content: Healthy fats are essential for energy, skin, and coat health. Look for named animal fats like chicken fat.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A complete and balanced canned cat food will contain essential vitamins and minerals like taurine (crucial for heart health), Vitamin A, and calcium.
- Avoid Fillers: Some lower-quality foods might contain a lot of grains, corn, wheat, or soy. While some cats can tolerate these, many do better on grain-free or low-grain options. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives should also be avoided.
Types of Canned Cat Food
Canned cat food comes in several textures and formulations, catering to different feline preferences and needs.
- Pâté: This is a smooth, finely ground texture that many cats love. It’s often dense and can be a good option for kittens or older cats with dental issues.
- Shredded/Flaked: This type features pieces of meat in a gravy or broth. It can be appealing to cats who enjoy a more varied texture.
- Chunky/Diced: Meat chunks suspended in gravy offer a more substantial bite.
- Gravy/Broth: These varieties often have less solid meat and more liquid, making them very palatable and hydrating.
- Specialty Diets: You’ll also find formulas for specific needs, such as:
- Kitten Food: Higher in calories and nutrients for growing cats.
- Senior Cat Food: Often with adjusted protein, fat, and nutrient levels for older cats.
- Weight Management: Lower in calories and fat.
- Urinary Tract Health: Formulated to support urinary tract function.
- Sensitive Stomach: Made with easily digestible ingredients.
Determining the Best Canned Cat Food Portions
Figuring out how much to feed your cat is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring they get the right amount of nutrients. This is where best canned cat food portions come into play.
Factors Affecting Portion Size
Several factors influence how much your cat needs to eat:
- Age: Kittens need more calories for growth, while senior cats may need fewer.
- Activity Level: A very active cat will burn more calories than a sedentary one.
- Weight: Overweight or underweight cats will require adjusted feeding amounts.
- Metabolism: Just like people, cats have different metabolisms.
- Health Status: Certain medical conditions can affect dietary needs.
- Type of Food: Different foods have varying calorie densities. Always check the can!
How to Calculate Portions
The most reliable way to determine portions is to look at the feeding guidelines on the specific canned cat food you choose. These are usually based on your cat’s weight.
Example Feeding Guide (General – ALWAYS check your specific product):
| Cat’s Weight (lbs) | Cans per Day (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 5 – 7 | 0.5 – 0.75 |
| 8 – 10 | 0.75 – 1 |
| 11 – 15 | 1 – 1.25 |
Note: This assumes a standard 3-ounce can. If you use larger cans (5.5 oz), you’ll need to adjust accordingly. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Reading the Can Label
Every can of cat food will have a nutrition statement and feeding recommendations. These are a good starting point. They will usually state calories per can or per serving.
What to look for on the label:
- Guaranteed Analysis: This tells you the minimum percentages of protein and fat, and the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture.
- Calorie Content: This is vital. It’s often listed as kcal per can or kcal per kg.
- Feeding Instructions: These are usually based on your cat’s weight.
Example: A 5.5 oz can might contain 180 kcal. If your vet recommends 250 kcal per day for your cat, you’ll feed slightly more than one can.
Creating a Canned Cat Food Feeding Schedule
Consistency is key when feeding your cat. A canned cat food feeding schedule helps regulate digestion and can even prevent behavioral issues like excessive meowing for food.
Common Feeding Schedules
- Two Meals a Day: This is a very common and effective schedule for adult cats. Feed half the daily portion in the morning and the other half in the evening.
- Three Meals a Day: Some cats, especially those prone to begging or with specific medical needs, may benefit from three smaller meals.
- Free-Feeding (Not Recommended for Canned Food): While some cats do well with free-feeding dry kibble, it’s generally not recommended for canned food. Canned food can spoil at room temperature, and it’s harder to monitor intake accurately.
Timing Your Cat’s Meals
- Consistency: Try to feed your cat around the same times each day. This helps their digestive system anticipate food.
- Morning and Evening: A typical schedule involves breakfast shortly after you wake up and dinner before you go to bed.
- Kittens: Kittens require more frequent meals, often 3-4 times a day, as they grow.
Adjusting the Schedule
Your cat’s schedule might need to adapt based on their age, activity level, and your own daily routine. If your cat is consistently hungry or seems unsatisfied, you might need to adjust portion sizes or the number of meals.
Serving Canned Cat Food: Best Practices
How you serve the food is as important as what you serve. Proper serving canned cat food ensures your cat enjoys their meal and that the food remains safe.
Warming the Food
Many cats prefer their food at room temperature or slightly warmed. This is because prey in the wild is warm. Warming can also release the aroma, making the food more appealing.
- How to Warm:
- Microwave (Briefly): Place a small amount of food in a ceramic or glass bowl. Microwave for very short bursts (5-10 seconds). Stir thoroughly to distribute heat and check for hot spots. Never microwave the can itself.
- Warm Water Bath: Place the opened can or a portion in a small bowl, then place that bowl in a larger bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. Stir and check temperature.
Presentation Matters
- Clean Bowls: Always use clean bowls for every meal. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water after each use.
- Bowl Material: Ceramic or stainless steel bowls are generally preferred over plastic, as plastic can harbor bacteria and cause “chin acne.”
- Location: Feed your cat in a quiet, stress-free area away from their litter box.
Introducing Canned Cat Food: A Gentle Transition
If your cat is currently on dry food or a different brand of wet food, introducing canned cat food needs to be done gradually. Abrupt changes can cause digestive upset.
Gradual Introduction Process
- Start Small: Mix a tiny amount (10-25%) of the new canned food with their current food.
- Observe: Watch for any signs of digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea. If you see any, reduce the amount of new food or slow down the transition.
- Increase Gradually: Over several days to a week, slowly increase the proportion of the new canned food while decreasing the old food.
- Full Transition: Once your cat is consistently eating a higher percentage of the new food without problems, you can gradually switch to 100% of the new canned food.
Making Canned Cat Food Palatable
Sometimes, even the best food needs a little extra appeal. Making canned cat food palatable can encourage picky eaters.
- Warm it Up: As mentioned earlier, warming can significantly enhance aroma and taste.
- Add a Topper: A small amount of unsalted chicken broth (ensure no onion or garlic) or a special cat food topper can make it irresistible.
- Mix Textures: If your cat prefers shredded food, try mixing a small amount of pâté into it, or vice versa, to see if they enjoy the combination.
- Hydrate it: Add a little warm water or low-sodium chicken broth to pâté if your cat finds it too dry.
- Try Different Flavors and Textures: Cats can be finicky. Experiment with various protein sources and textures until you find what your cat likes best.
Storing Opened Canned Cat Food Safely
Proper storing opened canned cat food is vital for preventing spoilage and keeping your cat healthy. Canned food does not have preservatives like dry food, so it needs careful handling once opened.
Refrigeration is Key
- Transfer to Airtight Container: Once you open a can, never leave the leftover food in the open can. The metal can react with the air and food, and it doesn’t seal properly. Transfer the remaining food to a clean, airtight container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are good options.
- Refrigerate Immediately: Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
- Shelf Life: Opened canned cat food typically lasts for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. After that, it can start to spoil and lose its nutritional value and appeal.
Preventing Spoilage
- Don’t Leave Out: Never leave canned cat food out at room temperature for more than an hour or two (shorter if it’s warm). Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature.
- Portioning: If you find yourself throwing away a lot of food because your cat doesn’t finish a whole can, consider buying smaller cans or portioning out larger cans into daily servings immediately after opening, then refrigerating those individual portions.
Addressing Common Concerns About Canned Cat Food
Many cat owners have questions about feeding wet food. Here’s a look at some common concerns.
Can I Mix Wet and Dry Food?
Yes, you can! Many owners choose to feed a combination of wet and dry food. This can offer the benefits of both: the hydration and high protein of wet food, and the convenience and dental benefits (from chewing) of dry food.
When mixing:
- Portion Control: Ensure you’re still meeting your cat’s total daily caloric needs. If you’re feeding half wet and half dry, adjust the amounts of each accordingly.
- Separate Bowls: Feed them in separate bowls to make it easier to monitor how much of each type your cat is eating.
What About Dental Health?
While dry kibble is often touted for dental benefits, this is somewhat debated. Chewing hard kibble might help scrape some plaque, but it’s not a substitute for proper dental care.
- Wet Food and Teeth: Canned food doesn’t typically contribute to cleaning teeth. However, the primary goal of feeding is nutrition and hydration.
- Dental Care Options: To support dental health, consider:
- Dental Treats: Specifically formulated treats can help.
- Dental Diets: Some brands offer dry or wet foods designed for dental health.
- Tooth Brushing: The most effective method is regular brushing of your cat’s teeth with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Veterinary Cleanings: Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are essential.
Is Canned Food More Expensive?
Generally, canned cat food is more expensive per serving than dry cat food. This is due to the higher protein content, the processing, and the packaging. However, the health benefits, particularly improved hydration and potentially better nutrient absorption, can lead to lower veterinary costs down the line.
Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna or Salmon Meant for Humans?
While a tiny taste might not harm your cat, it’s not recommended as a regular food source.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Human-grade tuna or salmon is not nutritionally complete for cats. It lacks essential vitamins and minerals like taurine.
- Mercury Levels: Canned tuna, in particular, can be high in mercury, which is toxic to cats in large amounts.
- Sodium Content: Human foods often have added salt, which isn’t good for cats.
Stick to cat-specific foods to ensure your feline friend receives a balanced diet.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
Always consult your veterinarian for any concerns regarding your cat’s diet or health. They can provide the most accurate advice on choosing canned cat food, determining the best canned cat food portions, and establishing a feeding plan tailored to your individual cat. They are your best resource for wet cat food feeding, transitioning to canned food for cats, and overall feline nutrition.
Signs Your Cat Might Need a Diet Change
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Changes in appetite
- Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Lethargy or unusual behavior
- Poor coat condition
- Dental problems
By following these guidelines, you can confidently provide your cat with a healthy and enjoyable diet of canned food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How much canned food should I feed my cat per day?
A1: This depends on your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and the specific food’s calorie content. Always refer to the feeding guidelines on the can and consult your veterinarian for a personalized recommendation.
Q2: Can I leave wet food out for my cat all day?
A2: No, it is not recommended. Opened canned cat food should not be left at room temperature for more than an hour or two as it can spoil and harbor bacteria. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Q3: My cat is a picky eater. How can I encourage them to eat canned food?
A3: Try warming the food slightly, adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or a cat food topper, or mixing different textures. Experiment with various brands and flavors to see what your cat prefers.
Q4: Is it okay to mix canned food with dry food?
A4: Yes, many owners find it beneficial to feed a combination of wet and dry food. Just ensure you adjust the portion sizes of each to meet your cat’s total daily caloric needs.
Q5: How long does opened canned cat food last once refrigerated?
A5: Opened canned cat food should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and typically lasts for 2-3 days. Discard any food that smells off or looks unusual.