Evil-intentioned
My relationship with dry cat breed started out more like a convenient marriage set up by a dimwitted. More evil-minded than romantic and passionate.
About feeding cats
I learned everything I knew—not much—about feeding cats by watching other people. Or from complacency over the fact that my veterinarian voiced no concerns. Ultimately, there’s comfort in following the path taken by almost everyone else. And when a veterinarian concurs, or doesn’t object, anyway? There’s no cause to end that union.
Water Filler?
Plus, dried food seems to have a lot going for it at first glance. Why spend so much money on food that has a lot of water filler? Moreover, the convenience is unparalleled. Once the bowl is empty, refill it and proceed. And then there are those comforting labels, perhaps a little cryptic and deceptive. AAFCO minimum requirements have been met! suggested by a veterinarian!
Cats for decades
I didn’t realise that my cats weren’t benefiting from the marriage of convenience until I had had cats for decades. And was probably endangering their health in the process..
Digestive issues
After adopting a young orange cat named Duke, I eventually came to the conclusion that the things. I was feeding him may have contributed to his constant struggle with digestive issues.
Meat flavour
I was feeding him ultra processed meat-flavored cereal at the time. None of the veterinarians I consulted with suggested that this could be the root of the problem. The veterinarian actually gave me one nutritional recommendation, which was to give him. A ‘prescription’ brand of highly processed cereal with a meat flavor.
When a relationship is struggling, “We Have to Talk.” Although I was hesitant to give up the convenience of dry food, I started researching online after Duke’s diarrhoea. And general gastrointestinal distress did not improve with the “prescription” food.
Best dry food
It got harder to reconcile what common sense said cats should eat with the ingredient labels on even. The best dry food when I started reading up on the science of cats. And realised that these animals are naturally obligate carnivores.
“It’s You, Not Me.” We happened into an online e-group dedicated to feline IBD. Administered by the wonderful Canadian woman Lee Ellis. This was back in the days before Facebook and other social media sites became commonplace.
Digestive problems
In the ensuing months, Lee and I became close through our shared cats’ digestive problems. One day, Lee shared on social media. that her cat had a “miraculous” recovery after she started giving it raw food made at home. At first, I considered that to be completely insane.. Conversely, the notion of a diet that resembled a cat’s natural food was far more consistent with my understanding of what makes these carnivores thrive.
Best course of action
I tried a trial separation from dry food at first, but it didn’t work out. I had hoped for a middle ground where I could still enjoy the ease of giving dry food, but the best course of action in any toxic relationship is to end it.
Teaching US Cat
Rediscovering Love I had faith in Lee. By that time, I had the good fortune to meet a few of the pioneers in teaching us cat owners how to properly prepare and serve a balanced meal that I had made in my home.
Dr. Lisa Pierson
It was also around the time that my connection with Dr. Lisa Pierson began to wane. After I switched from dry food to raw food tailored to our species, Duke’s symptoms disappeared overnight and never returned. At that point, I promptly filed for divorce from dry food.
Breakup dry food
My eyes have been opened to even more reasons in the decades that have passed since my breakup with dry food. Reasons why neither my cats nor I could ever reach our desired destination in our relationship.
Consumption dry food
I discovered that the moisture lacking from dry food is actually an important component that helps cats perform a number of critical processes. The consumption of dry food can lead to several health problems, including inadequate urination, kidney failure due to insufficient flow of water through the kidneys, and impaired digestion.
Overweight or not
To begin with. I discovered that one of the main causes of feline obesity is dry food. For safe and long-lasting weight loss, cutting back on or eliminating carbohydrates is a great suggestion for any carnivore, overweight or not. A diet high in dry food cannot be used to safely lower the weight of an obese cat.
Dry food’s consistently
I discovered that dry food’s consistently high carbohydrate content is a contributing factor to feline diabetes. It seriously compromises the health of pre-diabetic and diabetic patients by interfering with cats’ glucose homeostasis and insulin responsiveness. We learn from our failures in relationships. And I like to think that my continuing education as a layperson. In the field of cat nutrition has taught me to never be too arrogant about what I think I know.
In good health
With time, as new information comes to light, I’ve made changes to the diet I give my cats. Additionally, I’m more conscious than ever of the fact that every cat is unique. Therefore I need to choose the correct diet formulation. A young adult cat in good health will be
Mother Nature
Mother Nature still remains a mystery to us. If we feed our cats homemade food manufactured with components. And sources other than what a little cat would kill and consume on her own. Then we should never think we know more than Mother Nature.
Right decision
Though I still have a lot to learn. I am confident that ending my relationship with dry food was the right decision.
