Finding Out the Calorie Content
Pet food, like human food, must have nutritional information on the label. Unfortunately, the calorie count per serving or per box is not required by law. While some manufacturers willingly give this information on their house elevators, the majority do not. The calorie content of a canned food can sometimes be found on the product page of the manufacturer’s website. If not, contact the manufacturer via an email address or a toll-free phone number.
Look at the life stage claim
The label’s life stage nutritional adequacy claim provides useful information about the suitability of wet food for your cat. This is a legally necessary component, and it is crucial in identifying which foods are nutritionally balanced for your cat. Any wet food that is evaluated should expressly declare that it fulfills the American Association of Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, requirements for feeding kittens, cats, or both.
Your cat’s calorie needs
Although a variety of factors influence your cat’s exact calorie requirements, general parameters have been developed. According to the Animal Medical Center of Chicago, a growing kitten weighing 4 pounds need 275 calories per day, which is remarkably close to what a healthy 10- to 11-pound adult cat requires.
If that same adult cat is considered overweight and put on a diet by her veterinarian, she probably only requires about 180 calories per day. Consult your veterinarian about how many calories to feed your pet each day to ensure that all relevant individual aspects have been considered.
Wet cat food is less calorie-dense than dry meals
With a moisture content of roughly 75%, canned cat food is significantly less calorically dense than dry food, which has a moisture content of only around 10%, according to the FDA. To put it another way, moist food is more satisfying while containing fewer calories.
The situation determines whether it is a positive or negative. It’s definitely a benefit if your cat is overweight. If your cat isn’t getting as many calories as your physician suggests, the reduced caloric density of wet food may be a disadvantage.
Other wet food considerations
Aside from the calorie density, moist and dry cat meals differ significantly. According to PetMD, one significant advantage of wet food is that it is richer in animal-based protein and fat that your carnivorous friend requires and lower in superfluous carbohydrates that contribute to excess weight and obesity.
Furthermore, the greater mocan beture content aids in the prevention of dehydration and benefits cats with diabetes, kidney, or urinary tract problems. Canned food is often more expensive, and once opened, it requires refrigeration and has a limited shelf life.
Your cat’s body weight
According to PetMD, pet cats in the United States are more likely to be overweight or obese than to be of a healthy weight. If your cat is overweight, she may find it difficult to stay active, and she is at a higher risk of having diabetes, arthritis, fatty liver disease, and other illnesses. Wet food has a lower calorie density and a higher nutrient content, which can aid.
Furthermore, because canned food cannot be left out for long periods of time like dry food, your cat is less prone to overeat with free choice feeding. Limiting indulgences and promoting physical play will help you get back to a healthy weight. Consult your veterinarian for assistance and to rule out any medical issues that could be contributing to your extra weight.
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