If your cat has recently lost their teeth, you may be wondering if dry food is okay for them to eat. Although it’s possible for your feline friend to eat dry food, it is highly recommended that they switch their diet over to wet food.
Wet foods are ideal for teethless cats since they’re more easily digestible than dry kibble. Furthermore, they contain higher levels of essential nutrients compared to kibble.
Contents
Canned Food
Canned food is an ideal option for cats that have lost their teeth and need something to chew on. Canned meals tend to be softer than dry kibble, making them easier to digest.
Canned foods tend to be lower in calories than dry food, so your cat will feel full after eating them. Plus, due to their lower water content content, canned meals may serve as a weight loss aid for overweight cats.
For optimal canned food quality, it should contain a high protein percentage and be low in fat. These criteria are set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO; which sets standards for animal foods.
Wellness Complete Health Turkey & Salmon Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is an ideal choice for this reason. Its five ingredients — turkey, chicken liver, whitefish, chicken broth and salmon — all belong to whole meats that support your feline’s overall wellbeing. Plus it contains taurine as well as antioxidants, vitamins, balanced minerals and omega fatty acids to further support a strong immune system.
Raw Meat
Raw meat is often considered a delicacy in many cultures, but it carries risks. It could contain harmful bacteria, parasites and other health hazards. It’s best to steer clear of raw meat if possible.
The most frequent danger for cats is pathogens like salmonella and E.coli, which can make your feline companion ill. Other risks include bacterial contamination from meat handling or transport, as well as food spoilage due to improper storage or handling.
No matter if you feed raw or cooked meat to your pet, make sure you follow all recommended handling and preparation protocols for their safety. This includes washing hands with hot water before handling food on separate boards to avoid cross-contamination.
Additionally, it is best to avoid offering bones to your cat since they can splinter and damage teeth. Furthermore, bones may contain bacteria which could make your feline sick if they have weak immune systems or have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal issues.
Grain-Free Kibble
Grain-free dry food can be an ideal option for cats with missing teeth. It can be fed as a complete meal or used as an additive on dry kibble.
For optimal results, mix the new food with your current pet’s kibble each day. This will help your cat adjust to the change and become accustomed to eating grain-free food.
Cats do not need a gluten-free diet, unlike people who may. They can happily survive on grain-free kibble without any health complications.
Grain-free kibble can vary in carbohydrates, so look for ingredients like potatoes, peas and pumpkin to ensure your cat gets enough of these essential vitamins and minerals. You might want to choose a grain-free kibble with a high protein content such as Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Dry Cat Food which includes venison and salmon plus added psyllium for fiber and taurine for vision and heart health benefits.
Supplements
Dry food supplements for cats that promote oral health can be found to help with this goal. Typically, they work by freshening breath and preventing plaque buildup.
Some dental supplements are tailored to address a particular dental issue, while others help prevent dental disease in the first place. These often come in powder or liquid form and can be sprinkled over your cat’s dry food for added benefit.
Many of these products have been VOHC-accepted, meaning they’ve been evaluated by a third-party and proven to effectively control plaque and tartar buildup.
One of the best is Pet::Essential Healthymouth Water Additive, which has papain to combat tartar; antioxidants; antimicrobial cinnamon; and chlorophyll for added hydration.
Other dietary supplements to support dental health include omega fatty acids, probiotics and joint care supplements. Just be mindful not to oversupplement these nutrients in your cat’s diet as too much of these can be toxic for their wellbeing.
