Cats are choosy when it comes to their food, and at times, they will not just chew hard kibble. You might have an older cat with tooth issues, a kitten that is training to eat or your cat is a picky pet .
Either way knowing how to make soft wet cat food out of dry cat food can be very helpful. This is a way to keep your cat happy and hydrated as well as aiding in digestion.
As part of this guide, we will discuss How to Soften Dry Cat Food Into Wet Cat Food easily and safely, the advantages of this, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Why Should You Soften Dry Cat Food?
And before we turn dry cat food into wet we should know why softening dry food is helpful:
Hydration aid :Not all cats drink enough water and therefore moistening food helps to avoid dehydration.
Easy to chew: Elderly cats, or those with serious tooth problems will be able to chew much easier.
Improved flavor: Aromas are released by the warm water or broth, thus making kibble more acceptable.
Kitten transition: Softened food allows young kittens to change their feeding habits more easily between milk and kibble.
To increase the nutrition of your cat friend and make it even tastier, you can moisturize the dry kibble.
Step-by-Step: How to Soften Dry Cat Food Into Wet Cat Food
Here is a safe and easy way to moisten up meal without damaging the nutritional content:
Choose the Right Dry Cat Food
Begin with good dry cat food. Not kibble softens equally and thus, the higher quality kibble with natural ingredients is easier to rehydrate.
Add Warm Water
Spray warm (not boiling) water on kibble. Please use approximately 1/4 cup of water per cup of kibble. Stir and allow to sit between 5-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Warm water will make the cat food smell like it is more appetizing.
Try Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
You can replace the plain water with unsalted chicken broth to add some taste. Ensure that it does not contain onions, garlic and spices which are poisonous to cats.
Adjust Consistency
Cats like mushy food, and there are cats which like slightly softened kibble. Add or take away water until you get to the right challenge.
Serve Fresh
Never cook the softened food in advance. It should not be left longer than 20-30 min because bacteria may multiply very fast.
Benefits of turn dry cat food into wet
Health Benefits
- Helps avoid UTI because of the extra moisture.
- Digestion easier in sensitive stomach cats.
- Lessons the chances of choking in cats, both kittens and older.
Behavioral Benefits
- Coerces choosy eaters to eat more.
- Simulates the feel of tinned wet food at no extra expense.
- May be utilized to change a cat to a different diet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you pour dry cat food in the wet, remember these things:
- Do not include milk – Most cats are intolerant to lactose.
- Do not use salty or aged broths – Never use salty broth.
- Do not leave soft food out all day – It goes bad so fast.
Do not heat up food in the microwave – food will heat unequally and burn the mouth of your cat.
How Much Water Should You Add?
The best place to begin is 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water per cup of kibble, but again this will depend on your cats liking.
Other cats might like a soup like text but others will just want slightly softened bites.
Alternative Ways to Soften Dry Cat Food
Plain water is not sufficient, in that case attempt these options:
Mix With Wet Cat Food
Add half dry food and half wet cat food. This is a combination of the two bests.
Go with Cat-Safe Milk Replacements.
Young kittens can be given products such as kitten milk replacer.
Add Pumpkin or Puree
A teaspoonful of pumpkin puree provide fibre and assists in the digestion process.
Conclusion
It is easy, safe, and healthy to learn How to Soften Dry Cat Food Into Wet Cat Food. . You can make meals more yummy, easier to chew and more hydrating by adding warm water, unsalted broth or combining them with wet food.
The technique is effective with adult cats, finnicky cat eaters and kittens. All you need to keep in mind is that you should not use milk, never put in seasoned broth and always serve fresh food.
To see more updates, visit Animal pet Health to read useful pet care tips.
Frequently Asked Questions of Softening Dry Cat Food.
Q1: Could I leave softened cat food out the whole day?
No. Bacteria multiply faster once you have added the water or broth. It is always advisable to dispose of softened food that was not consumed within 30 minutes.
Q2: Is it okay to use tap water?
Yes, but sensitive cats do well with filtered or boiled-and-cooled water.
Q3: Will I be able to feed kittens soft food?
Yes! Kibble can be softened, and this is preferable to a kitten making a change between milk and solid food.
Q4: Am I going to make my cat gain weight by softening food?
Not necessarily. Only using water does not require any calorie to be added in softening. Simply ensure that you do not overfeed.
