07/08/2025
An important message....
Hi everyone - an important message today, more so for cat owners although can still apply to dogs.
Lots of cats (I could even say *most* cats) in the world suffer from lack of moisture in the diet. We know they're not big drinkers, and dry cat food is still the most common choice for feeding cats, yet we rarely consider this important fact when we chose how to feed them.
A cynical friend of mine speaks of this concept as how we buy "furry toys" and then without question pick some brand of "furry toy food", which most of the time is neither healthy nor species appropriate. Most carnivore cat food is grains, yet basic science tells us this doesn't make much sense... does it?
This is human nature I suppose - we trust advice from "experts", or even just pet food marketing departments who want to sell you their product, without ever stopping to think if it makes sense or not.
This morning I spoke to a lady who's cat was severely constipated.
She had been feeding a "dry dental diet" as recommended by "an expert", yet I would say neither addressed dental health, or her cat's health in general.
The diet was also, very likely, the cause of constipation.
The lady was seeking advice on what other brand of dry cat food she could switch to, as if this would resolve either the dental problem or constipation.
I find many cats suffer - often in silence as they can't speak human - from only being fed dry cat food. So if this is how you feed your cat (don't worry, it's more normal than we think, and I won't judge), or how someone you know feeds their cat, then simply adding moisture or more moisture-rich prey-based foods to their diet can literally be a life saver.
Some quick facts - Our domestic kitties are descendants of desert dwelling wildcats. Specifically the African wildcat. They evolved to thrive in hot, arid deserts.
Yes, I hear you saying "But aren't deserts devoid of moisture?", but here's the thing - cats have several traits, one of which is a low thirst drive. Because of this, they depend on most of their hydration from eating prey, and prey is 70% to 80% moisture.
Kibble on the other hand, is pushing 10% moisture... (and probably 50%+ unnecessary carbohydrates which is a whole different issue in itself!)
Cats have kidneys highly efficient at conserving water from prey, and produce very concentrated urine to avoid dehydration.
However, when a cat is only fed kibble, they're in a constant state of dehydration which wreaks havoc on the kidneys.
Think about that for a second, because it may explain why 30~35% of older cats die of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), and around 13~15% of younger cats as well (it's not just "bad luck" when young cats fall sick of a diet-related disease)
The solution - Make sure your cat consumes enough moisture in their diet, because dry cat food - despite being "complete and balanced", and often "vet recommended" - does not offer your cat anywhere near enough moisture.
Diet is so important to the health of our pets, so it's always worth thinking about the pet food you feed, and how appropriate it really is!
Obviously there's more information on the website (https://www.petfoodreviews.com.au/), if you want to learn more about what we often forget about the nature and nutritional needs of our pet carnivores!
