My Cat Refuses To Eat Dry Food

My Cat Refuses To Eat Dry Food

Your cat has turned her nose up yet again at the dry kibbles you placed on the bowl and you wonder why is she being so stubborn? If your cat refuses to eat dry food there is usually a reason why. Generally, cats prefer to eat wet food because it approximates fresh meat. They are obligate carnivores by nature so they will choose the wet food option over dry almost every time. Cats must eat meat protein as their main source of nutrients.

Dry Food Is Not All That Bad

Some camps describe dry cat food as “species inappropriate”. This is due to its lower water and protein content and higher carbohydrates content. However dry cat food is not harmful providing the cat has access to and drinks enough water.

Dry cat food has its inherent advantages: (1) they can be kept longer after the pack is opened as long as they are placed in airtight containers, (2) they can be left longer in the bowl so the cat can have access to food even when the owner is away during the day, an advantage for busy cat parents and (3) they are cheaper than canned wet food for pet parents on a tight budget.

Introducing Your Cat To Dry Food

The following tips may help you to introduce your cat to dry food:

(1) Try different brands of cat food that are age and breed appropriate for your cat in regards to kibble shape, size, hardness and texture as described above.
(2) Try to set the new dry food side by side with your cat’s usual wet food as eventually she may become curious enough to try the dry food.
(3) If still the cat refuses to eat dry food then try some tough love! Make kitty hungry for about 12 hours and she may choose to eat what you give her. But do not withhold food for too long because it can lead to health problems.
(4) Try to wet the kibbles at first. You must remember not to leave wetted kibbles beyond 20-30 minutes because bacteria and molds could grow. Always remove leftovers immediately.
(5) Try to sprinkle food toppers to the dry food to entice the cat to try it.
(6) Try to appeal to the cat’s curious nature and make the dry food fun and interesting by placing it inside toys or containers with holes that cats play with and kibbles fall out.
(7) Make sure your cat always has free access to a fresh and clean drinking water supply. A well-hydrated cat is more inclined to eat dry food than a chronically dehydrated one. A water fountain is a good investment to provide a constant supply of filtered and well oxygenated water to your cat.