What every cat parent needs to know about kibble – and what to feed instead.

If you’ve been feeding your cat dry food because it’s convenient, affordable, or because your vet recommended it, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: dry food – especially most commercial brands – is not biologically appropriate for cats. And over time, it can contribute to a range of chronic health issues.

As a certified feline and canine nutritionist, I’ve spent a lot of time studying what truly supports feline health. And I can tell you: when it comes to food, cats have very specific needs.

Why Dry Food Falls Short

Dry food is often marketed as complete and balanced, but it falls short in several key ways:

1. Cats Aren’t Built to Digest Carbs

Here’s something most people don’t know: cats produce very little pancreatic amylase – the enzyme needed to digest carbohydrates. In fact, dogs and pigs release almost 40 times more than cats!

In addition, cats also have a reduced ability to regulate blood sugar after meals. Their low glycogen synthase activity means they are much less efficient at restoring blood glucose levels to a normal range after consuming a diet high in carbs. The lower ability of cats to clear the blood glucose level after eating a high carb diet has been linked to the increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other diseases in cats fed high carb diets.

Since dry food tends to be packed with starchy fillers like corn, wheat, rice, or potatoes, this is a problem for cats.

2. Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Cats are true carnivores, which means their bodies are biologically designed to survive – and thrive – on a diet rich in animal protein and very low in carbohydrates. Yet most kibble contains just a small percentage of meat, with the bulk of the calories coming from plant-based fillers.

3. Dry Food is Dehydrating

Dry food contains about 10% moisture. Compare that to a mouse (the ideal natural meal for a cat), which is about 70–80% water. Cats have a low thirst drive and depend on their food to stay hydrated. Feeding only dry food often results in chronic dehydration, increasing the risk of:

• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Bladder crystals and stones

4. It’s Highly Processed

Dry food is made using a high-heat process called extrusion. Before it even reaches your cat’s bowl, the ingredients are cooked at high temperatures that can negatively impact the nutritional value of the food – especially heat-sensitive vitamins like B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. While manufacturers often add synthetic vitamins beforehand, the end result is still a highly processed product that doesn’t resemble what cats are meant to eat.

So… What Should I Feed My Cat Instead?

The best diet is the highest-quality canned food you can afford. Look for options that are:

• High in animal-based protein
• Low in carbohydrates
• Rich in moisture

Transitioning Your Cat’s Diet

(aka: Slow and Steady Wins)

Cats are creatures of habit. They develop strong food preferences early on, which can make switching their diet tricky. But don’t give up – patience and persistence are key. I’ve seen plenty of dry food junkies successfully transition to canned food.

Here’s how to make the transition easier:

1. Start slow. Add a tiny spoonful of the new food to their usual meal or place the new food in a separate bowl beside their usual food. Let them get used to the smell and texture.
2. Go at their pace. Gradually increase the new food over several days or even weeks. If they resist, slow down or try again later.
3. Use tasty toppers. Add lightly cooked chicken, freeze-dried meat toppers, or bone broth to entice picky eaters.

⚠️ Important: Never let your cat go more than 24 hours without eating.

Cats that stop eating are at risk for hepatic lipidosis, a dangerous and potentially fatal liver condition.

What If My Cat Refuses Everything But Dry Food?

If your cat absolutely won’t eat anything but dry food, don’t stress. You can still improve their diet in small, meaningful ways:

• Add high-protein treats or toppers
• Use a pet-safe bone broth or warm water to hydrate their meals
• Offer nutritional supplements to support digestion and immunity
• Gradually reduce the amount of dry food while offering moist alternatives

Final Thoughts

Dry food may be convenient, but for many cats, it’s setting the stage for chronic illness. You don’t have to switch everything overnight. Just start small. Even one step toward a better diet can have a huge impact on your cat’s long-term health and happiness.

Remember: You are your cat’s best advocate. And every little change you make in their care is a step toward a healthier, happier life together.