Like human babies, kittens have specific needs when it comes to the food they eat for their bodies to grow properly. It is very important to select the right type of food, this is why so many veterinarians suggest wet cat food for kittens. This article is aimed at helping you know why wet cat food is good for your kitten and how to pick the most appropriate one.
Why Wet Cat Food is Essential for Kittens
The wet kitten food formula comes in handy in providing water, which is often a deficiency in dry food. Most kittens don’t have enough water intake and the wet food serves as great nutritional help since it has water content in it. Proper levels of hydration also promote proper functioning of the kidneys which is beneficial for your kitten.
Another benefit of wet food is that its texture is preferable for kittens since it is not so hard and is easier to break down. In the case of dry food, this might be too hard for the little teeth since the food is dry. It is therefore easier for the young kittens to eat and appreciate their meals.
Kittens are growing rapidly and they therefore require a protein and fat rich diet. Cat wet food, in most cases, contains more animal proteins which help in the building of strong muscles and tissues. It also supplies important brain development fatty acids and provide a healthy coat.
Nutritional Value of Wet Cat Food for Kittens
Kitten wet cat foods are specially designed to cater for growing kittens increasing nutritional needs. Meat or fish with high grade protein is a fundamental element. Protein is very important for growth in muscle development, energy, and growth. Kittens are obligate carnivores, they cannot succeed without animal protein.
Apart from the protein, wet food also has fats that are another important nutrient for kittens. Fats supply energy and are also essential for the brain as well. Fats also include the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are beneficial and help to improve the skin and the fur of the animal.
Wet kitten food contains vitamins and minerals that serve various functions in the body. Calcium and phosphorus are required for proper bone development, and taurine is needed for the heart and proper vision. Wet foods high in these essential nutrients are worth hunting for.
How to Choose the Wet Cat Foods for Kittens
The quality of wet cat food for kittens should be prioritized due to the age of the cat. When reading the ingredients label, check meat or fish is one of the first two or three ingredients in the list. That way, you know that the product will contain enough protein to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the kitten.
Do not feed kittens wet foods that contain preservatives such as BHA and BHT as well as artificial courtesy colors and flavors. These additives are detrimental to the growth and health of your kittens. Use natural ingredients and if possible, less processing.
Choosing a food declared specially for kittens would be appropriate. The kitten specific wet food would possess the right nutrients proportions which would suit a stage of growth. This is because some adult cat food would lack sufficient calories or protein necessary for the growing kitten.
Wet food comes in several textures, flavors or appetizing contrasts. While there are sassy kittens poor in pronunciation who dwell on pate food, chunk in gravy is a meal for others. An assortment of all these would be beneficial for kittens for their mealtime quest.
Feeding Wet Cat Food to Kittens: Guidelines and Tips
Feeding wet cat food to kittens is quite straightforward however, one should embrace the suitable portion sizes. This is why most brands of wet cat food will offer feeding recommendations depending on the weight and age of your kitten. If you’ll notice the nursing kittens tend to need several smaller meals as compared to adult cats so all their daily food can be distributed into several portions: DeVoe Mary McC.
On average, feeding kittens around three to four meals daily can be satisfactory for this age. As they mature, this number can gradually be reduced while at the same time increasing the amount given during each meal.
It is also necessary to follow the feeding patterns of your kitten especially weight and growth. Young kittens do fall prey to over feeding a lot which actually results in overweight (obese) kittens. If your kitten is excessive in body weight at the moment, try reducing the portions.
A small amount of dry kibble with wet food is also a perfect food combination however wet food is the most favorable and complete nutritional source when they are at the growth phase. Water cannot be provided with dry food but the addition of wet food helps in meeting the increase in food requirements.
Health Benefits of Wet Cat Food for Kittens
Kitten feeding on wet cat food has several health benefits. Such a food contains a high moisture content which prevents urinary tract infections and kidney problems. These conditions are more common in kittens, therefore it is important that they receive enough fluids.
Wet food is gentler on a kitten’s developing stomach. Kittens are able to digest this food better than dry food as it is soft in texture. This will avoid issues like constipation and other stomach upsets.
The protein present in wet food ensures the baby grows and maintains normal muscle mass. Since kittens grow quickly, they have to have proteins given in sufficient amounts to enable them build lean muscles and tissues.
Last but not the least, wet food has its use in avoiding dental complications. Although dry kibbles are good for ensuring the teeth remain clean, this type of food is better given to young kittens with tender gums and temporary teeth. You can start introducing dry food or dental treats after your kitten grows older to maintain oral hygiene.
Wet Cat Food and Transitioning to Adult Food
These great and cute kittens will soon reach the age of dietary change. You had better start providing wet canned food for kittens as it is aimed at growth but around the age of one year you should begin changing to adult kitty food .
One way to do this is to add a small amount of adult wet food into your kitten’s diet for a few days then gradually increase it over a period of one or two weeks. This slow transition wil prevent any digestive problems and help your kitten get used to the new food.
Try as much as possible to find a very good adult wet food that will go on to meet the nutritional needs of the cat. An adult cat still sings the praises of high protein food as he needs it to grow, however, his nelly needs are not as high now as when he was still growing up.
Wet Cat Food Brands To Target Kittens
A number of brands of wet cat food for kittens are made from quality ingredients. Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet and Blue Buffalo have special formulas for kittens and these balance nutrition.
All these brands include various tastes and textures which make your kitten happy and healthy. This is very important since there are many companies that make such foods but use substandard materials and include artificial colors and preservatives.
Keeping Kittens Cat Food That is Wet
Wet cat food must be handled properly in order to prevent spoilage. Once opened, wet cat food can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two or three days. In most cases, it is advisable to cover the can or transfer to an air tight container as these will also help prevent spoilage.
Unopened cans may be stored at standard room temperature, but should be stored away in a comfortable and dry place. Ensure to check the expiry date if available before giving it to your kitten.
Conclusion
It is possible to say that providing wet cat food for kittens will take care of their feeding demands. It makes sure that growth is well catered for because it contains watery fluids, high quality proteins and other important nutrients. If you will choose the right food and give it in the right amount, you will help the kitten grow to a healthy adult cat.
