Keeping your furry feline hydrated can be quite the challenge – mostly because cats have a naturally low thirst drive and the stubbornness of a creature who believes they were once worshipped (and still should be). However ensuring your cat stays properly hydrated is crucial to help avoid various health issues, such as kidney disease.
Dry food is a popular choice among cat owners thanks to its affordability and convenience. However, it tends to have very low moisture content, meaning you’ll need to take some extra steps to make sure your furry companion gets enough water.
The Importance Of Cat Hydration
Hydration supports vital bodily functions like digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. When your cat is adequately hydrated, their organs function as they should – which also positively affects their skin, and coat, and helps flush toxins out of their system.
If we compare domestic cats to their wild counterparts, wild cats get a good deal of hydration from the prey they consume. In contrast, domestic cats aren’t exactly known for sprinting to the water bowl when they’re parched – they usually need a bit of encouragement.
Does Dry Food Contain A Lot Of Moisture?
It’s easy to see why many owners favour dry food. It’s affordable, convenient, and stores well.
However, dry food typically contains only around 6–10% moisture, compared to the 75–80% found in wet food. So, cats on a dry food diet are very dependent on their water bowls. And if your cat’s anything like mine, that bowl is only there to be knocked over with dramatic flair. Cats need a bit of motivation – and a few clever tricks – to keep up with their hydration needs.
Choosing The Right Dry Food For Hydration?
Dry food isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and some brands are definitely better than others when it comes to quality and hydration support.
Here are a few tips when choosing:
- Ingredients: Look for high-quality ingredients. Avoid fillers, additives, sugars, and salts.
- Formulated With Cats in Mind: Choose food that supports overall feline health. A good dry food with balanced minerals and hydration can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Moisture-Rich Options: Some brands prioritise a more moisture-rich kibble, which is a step up from standard dry food.
Brands like Fuzzball focus on quality ingredients and hydration in dry food, which can make a real difference.
Benefits of Moisture-Rich Dry Cat Food Products
All pet owners love seeing their furry companions happy and healthy. Here's how moisture-rich dry food can benefit your cat:
Improved Hydration
Moisture-rich kibble contains far more water than standard supermarket options. This helps support your cat’s bodily functions and reduces the risk of kidney issues and UTIs.
Improved Digestion
Higher moisture content makes food easier to break down and digest, which helps your cat absorb nutrients more effectively.
Improved Appetite
Some cats are just fussy little gourmets. Moisture-rich food often has a more appealing texture and flavour, which may help picky eaters eat more regularly.
Tips to Boost Hydration Alongside Dry Food
Now, to trick these clever little fluff-lords into drinking more water. Here are some practical tips:
Fresh Water
Yes, cats can be absolute divas. Offer them a fresh bowl and suddenly it’s the best thing on earth. Leave it sitting too long, and it’s either ignored or knocked over for sport. Many cats also prefer running water, so investing in a cute little water fountain might be worth it.
Mix Dry Food And Water
Try adding a splash of water to their kibble a few minutes before mealtime. It softens the kibble and sneaks in extra hydration.
Use A Moisture Topper
Add a cat-friendly broth or quality wet food topper to dry food. It boosts both flavour and moisture, giving your cat a tastier meal and a hydration boost.
Convenience
Set up several water stations around your home to encourage frequent drinking. Experiment with different bowl types – some cats are picky about bowls that touch their whiskers (yes, they’re that fussy).
Sneaky Signs Your Cat’s Running on Empty
Cats can't tell us when they’re thirsty – but there are signs to watch for. These include dry gums, sunken eyes, or very concentrated urine. More serious issues like UTIs or kidney disease often creep in due to dehydration.
Dry Food’s Not a Solo Act
While quality dry food can offer some hydration benefits, it’s not enough on its own. Wouldn’t it be nice if your cat could just paw at you and say, “I’m thirsty”? Alas, until that day comes, you’ll need to stay on top of things.
Set up multiple water sources, offer fresh water regularly, or mix in some water or broth with meals. Staying proactive can help prevent serious health issues – and possibly stop your cat from plotting your slow and mysterious demise.
