Cats Eating Canned Food: Is It Healthy Enough?

Every cat owner knows that felines have rather modest appetites, typically relying on dry cat food for their diet. While this food is nutritionally comprehensive, it often lacks appeal, leading many cats to feel satisfied with their daily meals. Imagine if you, as a human, ate the same dish every meal – wouldn't you grow tired of it? This is where cat canned food comes in, and the debate over whether to feed cats canned food has been ongoing.

Some pet enthusiasts argue that highquality canned food can be used as a sole diet for cats, eliminating the need for dry food. Moreover, canned food has a higher water content, which can help address a common cat habit of not drinking enough water.

Difference Between Main Course and Treat Canned Food for Cats

Main course and treat canned foods are categorized by pet owners based on their nutritional value. Treats are generally more affordable and contain more additives, with less nutritional value. Main course canned food is more nutritionally balanced, with fewer additives, but it may not be as appealing to cats and can be more expensive.

Advantages of Cat Canned Food:

High water content, aiding in hydration for cats.

Delicious taste, making it more appealing to cats, especially during illness.

Disadvantages of Cat Canned Food:

Expensive and has a shorter shelf life.

Lower nutritional density, requiring cats to eat more than dry food to meet their needs.

High water content makes it more susceptible to spoilage; once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a day.

Moist food can stick to a cat's teeth, increasing the risk of dental tartar.

While not perfect, main course canned food isn't without its issues. Some brands may include additives, with carrageenan being one of the most controversial. Carrageenan is a hydrocolloid extracted from red seaweed, commonly used in a variety of products, from jellies and ice creams to toothpaste and beer. It can be categorized into nondegradable and degraded forms. Degraded carrageenan, when broken down into smaller fragments, is not intended for consumption and has been used in animal experiments to induce tissue inflammation, potentially being a harmful carcinogen.

Feeding your cat canned food occasionally as a treat is fine. However, if you're considering it as a primary diet, it's best to avoid brands that use carrageenan. This additive has no nutritional value and may even have adverse health effects. Therefore, it's advisable for pet owners who can afford it to opt for canned or wet food products free of carrageenan to ensure their pets' health.

For tips on selecting cat food that suits your pet's preferences, check out our guide on How to Choose Cat Food for Your Cat's Taste.