Cat off Dry Food
A variety of ready-made foods in supermarkets and specialized stores can satisfy the needs of any pet. Premium class food contains at least 80% pure meat, excluding offal.
In the Economy Class feed group manufacturers do not always faithfully comply with technical regulations and low-quality additives contribute to the development of gastrointestinal diseases and cause allergies. The most effective way to feed cats is natural food.
Properly wean your pet from dry food and provide his diet with delicious and fresh food.
Reasons for changing diet
The main reason is the undeniable evidence that natural food is healthier than any prepared food.
You need to change the nutrition system when the following symptoms appear:
- Frequent problems with the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, diarrhea, diarrhea.
- Constant belching and regurgitation, the presence of bloody salivation.
- Abundant hair loss there are bald patches.
- Recommendations of the veterinarian in connection with the peculiarities of the development of the animal as well as after surgical operations.
- Improving the quality of life of a pet improving its condition.
Disadvantages of dry food for cats
Industrial feeds are addictive as they contain a large number of additives. The composition of popular brands lacks the necessary trace elements their minimum amount. Does not cover the harm to the digestive system caused by other ingredients.
Prolonged use of dry food leads to diseases of the digestive and genitourinary systems, stomach, kidneys.
Causes and consequences of an inadequate diet for a cat
Reason:
High content of carbohydrates in the feed.
Consequences:
Colic, bloating, ulcers, constipation, kidney failure.
Cause:
Insufficient fluid intake.
Consequences:
Constipation, kidney stones, kidney disease.
Reason:
Flavorings and flavorings in the feed.
Consequences:
Increased blood sugar levels and diabetes.
To normalize the functioning of the internal organs, you need to feed the cat with natural food. Diet changes can be temporary or permanent depending on the recommendations of the veterinarian and the well-being of the animal.
The minimum food rotation period is 3 months. Frequent change or combined nutrition will lead to poor health and diarrhea.
Cat daily diet
Every day, the cat should eat only one type of food:
- Organic products.
- Dry (granular).
- Porridge.
With combined feeding, the stomach is overloaded and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can develop. You need to feed your pet 2 times a day, preferably at a certain time – in the morning and in the evening. Fresh water should constantly stand which is changed during the day. Did you know the best cat toys are available at lovecatstuff.
Rules for changing the power system
It is necessary to transfer the animal from one type of food to another gradually. Since a sudden change will lead to stress. Keep in mind that with prolonged use of a certain food a cat has developed a habit and taste preferences.
There are 4 ways to change the diet:
- Radical – rigid cancellation of dry food, a sharp change of dry granules to natural products.
- Loyal – the gradual introduction of natural products, switching the attention of the animal to similar home-made products.
- Combined – aimed at the gradual addiction of the animal with a decrease in the proportion of dry food in the daily diet.
- Canning – changing the diet first to wet food, and then to natural.
- No dry food – a radical method.
There are 4 main stages of the transition:
Preparation – natural and dry food are mixed, with a minimum amount of granules. Such a power system for 2-3 days.
Addition of biological additives. To stimulate the digestive tract vitamins are added to food to stimulate the digestive system.
Cleaning dry food – you cannot hide it. Important to completely remove the food from the house so that the cat does not smell or hear the familiar rustle. Give food to pet-loving neighbors or feed homeless animals.
No indulgences – the cat may refuse to eat for several days, but he will not be able to starve himself and will start eating unusual food. You can not succumb to the “provocations” of the pet, as he will quickly understand how he can get the usual food.
Loyal transition method
The cat is given 2 bowls of food. In one – the usual dry food, in the other – homemade food. Gradually, the volume of dry food is reduced, after which the animal stops eating and involuntarily turns its attention to a bowl standing nearby. To increase the attractiveness of homemade food, add meat to it. In the early days, cereals and meat can be mixed with a blender to create a pleasant homogeneous consistency.
Supplement with vitamins during the weaning period to help maintain the balance of nutrients in the pet’s body.
The transition period is 14-21 days.
Combined method
2 bowls of dry food are placed one of which has water added to make the granules soft and give the impression of wet food. Gradually, the proportion of dry food decreases. When the cat completely switches to soft food, start adding fish or meat mixed with a blender with cereals in another bowl.
Gradually, visual similarity can be achieved by successively reducing the proportion of granules mixed with water. The transition to homemade food occurs in 30-35 days.
Wet food and canned food
The gentlest way for the cat’s digestive system is to replace dry food with canned food containing the usual flavors, and then with fish and meat mixed in a blender.
Replace dry food for 7-14 days with canned food, and then gradually introduce homemade food.
Add in turn:
- Boiled meat – rabbit, turkey, veal and lean pork;
- Vegetables;
- Porridge
Consistency with canned food is made the same to achieve maximum similarity. The transition period takes 91-120 days.
Pet Motivation
To reduce stress levels and reward you’re pet during diet changes, buy treats to give after eating. This method of motivation immediately solves 2 problems – vitamins enter the body and a reward for having eaten the “right” lunch.
Follow the rules that will help the animal switch to natural food easily, without acquiring various types of diseases:
- Do not deviate from the chosen type of feeding, no matter how the animal “blackmails”. If necessary, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is well.
- Add vitamin supplements to food, or you can give them separately as a bonus for good behavior.
- Do not mix natural and dry food.
- Don’t skimp and stick to your chosen diet change method.
- Change your pet’s water at least once a day and ensure there is enough fluid throughout the day.
- Feed according to the schedule in the morning and evening.
- Do not apply the radical method to animals with diseases of the nervous system.
- Transfer the cat to homemade food gradually, because the longer the adaptation period, the less diseases and health problems it will have in the future.