Let’s face it, cats are master loungers, and they are quite good at it. Not all cats are going to be zooming around all day, and when their waistlines start to expand, it’s time to start thinking about how to control your cat’s weight. Dry food can be a secret weapon to avoid your cat getting chunkier; however, there are other factors to consider when trying to control your cat’s weight.
What Is Dry Food, And Is It Good For My Cat?
Dry food, also referred to as kibble, is a processed, dehydrated food designed for cats. The kibble is typically hard due to the fact that most of the moisture has been removed. This makes it a very convenient option for pet owners due to its long shelf life and ease of storage.
A good quality dry food, such as those on offer from Fuzzball, can be an excellent choice for your cat. It supports oral health, delivers complete nutrition, and makes portion control easy, all while keeping mealtimes simple and stress-free.
Why Is My Cat Getting Chunkier?
There are many reasons why your cat can suddenly become very chonky. Some of the most obvious reasons are:
Overeating
Cats are not as good as humans at calorie counting, in fact, they seem to feel that no calories count at all. A cat that eats too much dry food, wet food, or even consumes a single treat more than the recommended dosage can gain weight. Obesity in cats can lead to various health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and unfortunately, a reduced lifespan. Keeping your cat’s weight in check is very important. Even if it is just encouraging cardio with a laser pointer, they need to be active every single day.
Lack Of Exercise
Cats aren’t the usual gym enthusiasts, and they prefer exercise on their own terms, like sprinting across your bed at 3am for no apparent reason. Encouraging daily activity through play or even walkies can really help control their weight. Alternatively, if you are unable to increase your cat's activity levels, you’ll need to adjust their diet to account for their lower activity levels.
The Pros Of Feeding Your Cat Dry Cat Food For Weight Control
Dry kibble can help control your cat’s weight; however, it is extremely important to choose the right kind of kibble:
Paw-tion Control
Dry kibble is inherently easy to measure or weigh, making it simple to feed your cat the recommended amount. This helps you give them the right amount every single time and avoid adding too much to their bowl.
Lower Calories
Some brands offer specific weight control options that are like a “diet” version of regular kibble. These can help cats that are already overweight to lose a bit or help maintain your cat’s ideal weight. The diet versions still taste great and offer the same satisfying crunch, just with less guilt.
Oral Health
Since dry food is usually hard and crunchy, it can help to remove plaque by scraping against your cat's teeth. However, it’s still important to practise good hygiene and brush your cat's teeth regularly.
The Drawbacks Of Dry Kibble For Weight Control
There are some instances where dry kibble can sabotage your cat’s weight loss or management journey:
Calorie Dense Kibble
It’s important to look for high-quality dry food, as some brands pack their kibble with fillers and carbs that can quickly add extra pounds to your cat.
Overeating
If you leave dry kibble out 24/7 like an all-you-can-eat buffet, it can backfire and cause your cat to eat more than they should, leading to weight gain. It’s important to feed them the recommended amount daily, and not more.
Hydration
Dry kibble does not contain much moisture, so it’s essential to ensure you have a full water bowl available and that your cat drinks enough each day as dehydration can lead to a range of health issues.
Tips To Use Dry Food To Control Your Cats Weight
Here are some tips you can follow to utilise dry food in a way that can help control your cat’s weight:
Paw-tion Control
Make sure to follow the recommended dosage given on the dry food packaging, or follow portion advice from your vet. This will help ensure you’re feeding your cat in line with their needs and according to the ideal weight they should be maintaining.
Stimulate Your Cat
To encourage a bit of exercise, you can use puzzle feeders or dispensing toys to keep your cat active and stimulate their brains, making feeding time more fun.
Give Enough Water
Place several water bowls around your home and ensure your cat is getting enough water daily. Hydrated cats are typically more active and healthier overall.
Encourage Exercise
There are many ways to sneak exercise into your cat’s daily routine. Playing with toys such as a feather on a stick that mimics hunting will encourage your cat to jump and run around. Exercise goes hand-in-hand with a proper diet.
Can Dry Food Encourage Good Weight Control
Dry food is an excellent option for encouraging weight loss or maintenance, as it’s so easy to portion accurately. However, it’s important to choose a brand with low-carb and high-protein content. Brands that offer specific weight control options are also worth investing in. As yet Fuzzball does not offer any specific weight control options, just the best available dry food with a super high protein content. When combined with good hydration practices and regular exercise, dry kibble can help your cat maintain a healthy weight and live a happy life.
