Dry kitten food is often chosen by cat owners as it is a practical feeding solution. Kittens should be fed wet food immediately after birth, however the transition to dry food can happen as early as possible. Dry kitten food has a lot of benefits both for you and your kitten.
Kitten Food Options
Kittens should be fed by their mother immediately after birth and gradually shift to a special formula kitten food, which is wet food. After the age of 6 to 8 weeks, the kitten can start eating dry food. Make sure you make the transition to dry food step by step. A sudden change in diet may cause an upset stomach and vomiting or diarrhea.
Kittens may also get wet food, but due to the benefits and practicality, most pet owners opt for dry food.
Essential Nutrients in Dry Food
The dry food is beneficial for kittens, as it contains basically all the essential nutrients for cats. This means that you don’t have to worry about supplementing your pet’s food with vitamins or minerals.
The dry food contains proteins, fats, fibers, oils, minerals and vitamins that are needed in every cat’s diet. Even if dry food contains less protein than wet food, the amount of protein is enough for a balanced kitten diet.
The dry kitten food contains only 5 to 10% moisture, so you need to make sure your kitten gets enough fresh water to avoid dehydration.
Dental Care
Dry food can prevent dental and gum problems; plaque is dangerous for the kitten’s teeth as it may transform to tartar of calculus in 3 to 4 days if you fail to brush your pet’s teeth. Tartar and bacteria that is not cleaned may cause gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Dry food may scratch off the film of plaque and will maintain your pet’s oral hygiene.
However, dry food alone is not enough for a proper dental hygiene; daily brushing, rinsing and periodical professional cleaning are needed.
You Save Money
Dry food is reasonably priced and is less expensive than canned food. Dry food can be bought in bulk and deposited for extended periods of time.
Dry food may be left out in the food bowl for several days without being deteriorated, while wet food will be spoiled in just a few hours.
Dry food is not recommended for cats with kidney problems, diabetes or digestive diseases. If your pet has a medical condition, ask your vet about the most recommended feeding option.
However, if your kitten is healthy, dry food meets the dietary requirements for a cat. Always check the labels of the food you buy, as many commercial products may contain certain fillers such as corn or maize that can contain a lot of carbs and can be damaging for the kitten’s health in the long run.
You should also consider giving your cat canned food, at least once in a while, as wet food promotes bone and muscle growth, which is important for kittens.