Many cat owners are under the impression that wet food is only for kittens. But, in reality, all cats can eat wet food. Wet food provides some of the nutrients found in dry kibble which is not possible with a strictly dry diet. So, how long do kittens need wet food?
Kittens should switch from wet kitten food to adult cat food when they are 12 months old. This is when their teeth become stronger and their body can accept adult food. As they get older, it’s important that they eat the right type of food for the different stages of their life cycle.
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Why do kittens need wet food?
Kittens need to eat wet food because it is easier for them to digest and helps maintain healthy tooth and gum health. You may be surprised to know that kittens can eat wet food!
There are many different types of wet food available for kittens and kittens should start eating wet food at around six weeks old. Cats sometimes reject their first taste of wet food but this is usually just a matter of getting used to the texture.
1. The kitten teeth is still small
A small kitten requires wet food to meet their nutritional needs. Kittens’ teeth are still small and their digestive system is not fully developed. Wet food provides the necessary calories, fats, proteins, and nutrients to maintain the proper growth and development of the kitten’s body. It also prevents dehydration by keeping milk in the stomach for longer periods of time.
2. Dry food is having more calories than wet food
Kittens need wet cat food because it has fewer calories than dry food. It is recommended for kittens to eat wet food because it is easier for them to digest. Many vets recommend wet food due to the lack of fat found in dry food, which can result in a slowed metabolism and weight gain.
Wet cat food contains more protein, vitamins, minerals, and water content than dry cat food. Wet cat foods contain about 80% water whereas dry cat foods have only about 9%.
3. Cats need wet food to keep them hydrated
Alarmingly, some cats are being overfed on dry food that is high in carbohydrates. This diet does not provide the water content needed to help maintain healthy kidneys, which can lead to bladder infections.
Dry food also has more calories than wet food, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. Kittens need wet food because it can increase their water intake.
4. Wet food is smellier and tastier
Kittens need wet food because the food is smellier and tastier. Wet food is usually more expensive than dry, but it is worth the extra cost. Wet food also offers benefits that dry food does not have the best being that wet food has more water content which means your kitten will need to urinate less often.
5. Wet food is better for their teeth
Kitties teeth are always better off with wet food, so it is important for them to have a diet that consists of both dry and wet food. The dry kibble does not clean the teeth as well as the wet food does, but wet food can lead to digestive problems. To help avoid these issues, kittens should be given a mixture of the two types of food, with an equal amount of dry and wet food.
6. Reduced risk of urinary tract infections
Kittens are especially susceptible to urinary tract infections because they drink so much fluid while eating wet food. Studies show that wet food reduces the risk of infection by 60% in cats. Wet food is nutritious and delicious, plus it provides more hydration than dry food. Many cats also prefer it!
7. Wet food includes nutrients that can aid in kitten growth
Kittens may not have access to fresh milk after they are weaned, which can be tough for them because milk is the main source of nutrition for their developing bodies.
However, wet food is an acceptable substitute if your kitten isn’t or can’t be fed with a bottle. There are also special formulas made specifically for kittens. Wet food provides all the vitamins and minerals that your cat needs in order to grow.
8. Wet food helps with digestion
Some kittens are not able to digest food if it is not moistened. Wet food can help with the digestion process. The more you feed your kitten wet food, the better the kitten will feel overall. Feeding a wet diet is great for both digestive health and teeth.
When should you start feeding your kitten wet food?
Every cat owner has to make the decision on when they should be adding wet food to their furry friend’s diet. Some say it’s best to wait until 12 weeks, while others maintain that 4 weeks is the optimal time.
The general rule of thumb is that kittens should start getting wet food at about 5-6 weeks old if they are not nursing or being supplemented with other milk products.
How Many Calories Should Kittens Consume Daily?
Every kitten needs a different balance of nutrients to keep them happy and healthy. In order to determine how many calories your kitten should consume per day, you will need to know your kitten’s desired weight, age, and activity level.
If your kitten is inactive, they should have a diet that consists of a little more than 1100 calories per day. But if you have a very active kitten, their intake should be increased by about 50%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kittens should switch from wet kitten food to adult cat food when they are 12 months old. They will still need to be fed cat milk daily, but this can be made easier by switching their bowls and dishes to something more grown-up. By graduating from kitten food, the kitten will be giving themselves a better start for a healthier life as an adult.
A young kitten needs wet food as well as dry food because wet food includes nutrients and benefits that the dry variety lacks. Wet food includes more water, calcium, and fats than dry food which aids in the growth and development of a kitten. Wet food is also more digestible than dry food due to the added water, which may help you avoid additional litter box duty.
More read: What Do Kittens Eat and Drink?
