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Can I Feed My Cat Different Brands Of Food?

9/12/2022

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​If you are feeding your cat one brand of wet food and another brand of dry food, you might want to reconsider.

A lot of people think that mixing up the brands is fine and some people believe it is best to stick with one brand.

Conversely, there are some benefits to switching around brands, such as getting a variety of nutrients and trying out new flavours, but there are also risks associated with doing so.

​In general, cats prefer to eat the same brand of food over and over again, especially when it comes to dry foods. Switching brands could upset their eating habits and make some sensitive cats less likely to eat. 

​Be Cautious 

​If you do decide to switch brands, keep in mind that the ingredients in each brand are slightly different.

Some cheaper brands contain additives that aren’t safe for cats, like corn syrup, artificial colours, and preservatives.

Also, some brands come in larger bags this makes it easy to give your cat too much food. Overfeeding is dangerous because it leads to obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and even death.

As far as how often you should switch up the brands, experts recommend sticking with one brand for the majority of the week. However, every once in awhile it’s okay to try something else.

​For example, if you go away for a few days, you can introduce a new brand of food for your cat. But don’t stop feeding the old brand entirely; you could try mixing it in. 

​Try Different Types 

​You can also experiment with different types of food. Dry food doesn’t always taste good to cats, so you may want to try canned food or frozen treats.

Your cat may enjoy the crunchy texture of freeze-dried dog food. Or maybe he loves chicken nuggets as an occasional treat. 

​Whatever it is, find out what your cat likes and start experimenting with different kinds of food.

​Benefits Of Switching Food Brands

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​Certain studies have found that cats become less picky about their diets over time.

Researchers observed that kittens' preferences shifted toward one type of food over another, while adult cats showed little interest in switching brands.

In fact, some cats become completely indifferent to certain foods if their food is changed regularly. 

However, some cats favour certain foods making it difficult to change brands.

​This shift likely happens because cats develop a taste for a particular flavour or texture, and once they like it, they don't want to try anything else.

So how do you help your cat overcome his pickiness? If she likes wet food, rotate her favourites initially before introducing new brands.

You could even give her a few different types of canned food and let her choose which she wants each night.

If your cat doesn't seem to care much for any brand, consider giving her a variety of treats rather than relying solely on one. As long as you're offering something she likes, she'll probably eat it.

​Balanced Diet 

​A recent study found that cats fed a mixture of dry foods had better overall health than those fed a single brand.

​Researchers believe that cats are less likely to suffer from digestive issues because different types of food stimulate different parts of the stomach.

They also found that cats fed a variety of foods had fewer cases of urinary tract infections.

The study involved 200 cats, most of whom lived outside. All of the animals received a similar amount of exercise.

Half of them are three different brands of wet food every day, while the others ate one brand exclusively.

After six months, researchers checked the cats' weight, blood pressure, heart rates, urine samples and faecal matter.

They discovered that cats who ate a mix of dry foods weighed less, had lower blood pressures and a healthier metabolism. Additionally, they were less prone to developing kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Contrary to popular belief, many types of allergy are caused by introducing too many different allergens into the body. This is why it is important to introduce a variety of foods into your cat’s diet.

Some cats do better eating one type of food while others do better eating another. By providing your pet with a range of diets, you will ensure that he does not develop allergies to certain foods.

Of course you will want to check and make sure that your cat doesn’t have any food sensitivities before changing food.

If you suspect that your cat has developed a food sensitivity, there are several ways to test your theory. One method involves giving your pet a small amount of the suspected food and observing how he responds.

​Another option is to use a blood test. These tests measure levels of specific proteins associated with the development of food allergies.

​Changing Wet Food 

​You can change the wet cat food brand without changing the ingredients because there are many different types of wet foods for cats that are similar. 

However, depending on your cat's health and age, you may want to gradually transition over a week or more, just like you would do with dry food, to ensure no digestive problems occur.

Does the temperature of food make a difference as to whether our cats will have digestive upset or not? When comparing refrigerated options to room-temperature food, we found that some cats prefer the latter.

​As long as you don't keep the food too cold, you won't cause any negative effects on your cat's digestion. Simply let the food sit out for about 15 minutes before feeding it to your pet.

If you're having trouble finding a specific type of wet food, try looking online. Many stores offer free shipping for purchases over $25.

​ In Summary 

​There are many different brands of cat food available today. It is important to choose a brand that fits your cat's needs and is no harm in switching it up if needed. 

​Remember to always consult your veterinarian first before making changes to your cat's diet. Your vet knows what kind of food is right for your cat based on their medical history and current condition.
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