TL;DR: Choosing the best dry food for indoor cats requires understanding the myths and facts. High-quality, fish-based dry cat foods can provide complete, balanced nutrition, often with other essential nutrients like Omega-3s. Ensure that the primary protein is the first ingredient, moderate portions, and provide fresh water. Simply Naked Pet Food is our top recommendation for optimal feline health.
There are a lot of myths about dry cat food. As cat food connoisseurs, we consider it our job to debunk them. The truth is that not all dry cat food is created equal. The best dry food for indoor cats contains everything your feline friend needs to thrive.
But what separates a high-quality dry cat food from an inferior option? The difference lies in the ingredients list and the quality of those ingredients. Dry foods should offer complete and balanced nutrition, with a lean, human-grade quality source of protein at the top of the list.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what that means. Continue reading to demystify dry cat food and start offering your pet the nutritious feast they deserve.
Debunking Myths About Dry Cat Food
The first step to finding the best dry cat foods for indoor cats is understanding what it has to offer. We look to science to help us make decisions about our pets’ diets. Here are the most common myths we’ve heard about dry food and what science (and veterinarians) have to say about them.
Myth: Dry Food Doesn’t Offer Everything a Cat Needs
Debunked! While it’s true that some dry foods don’t offer complete and balanced nutrition for cats, many of them do. It’s up to pet parents to do their research and find a formula that meets their pet’s needs.
What does it mean for pet food to be complete and balanced? Essentially, it means a formula contains every essential nutrient that growing pets need to thrive.
Not only are some dry cat foods complete and balanced, but many go above and beyond. Those foods offer additional nutrition and health benefits! For example, look for fish-first dry foods (those with fish first on the ingredients list). They’re packed with essential Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
According to vets, these critical nutrients contribute to healthy skin and sleek, shiny coats. Omega-3s are associated with a reduction in inflammation, too. As a result, cats with diets rich in Omega-3s tend to enjoy better joint, brain, and cardiac health, along with a plethora of other health benefits.
Other benefits of Omega 3s include:
- Shiny, healthy skins and coats
- Promotes joint health and mobility
- Supports heart health
- Improved immune system function
- Improved cognitive development in young cats
- Helps maintain brain health in older cats
- Assists with allergy management
- Reduces inflammation throughout the body
The bottom line? Not only do high-quality dry cat foods offer everything your cat needs, but many offer more!
Myth: Dry Food Doesn’t Contain Enough Moisture
Debunked! While dry food has less moisture than wet food by design, this shouldn’t be an issue for the majority of healthy cats. If you provide your cat with adequate water throughout the day, they will typically drink when they are thirsty.
With that having been said, about 3-5% of cats are predisposed to urinary tract issues. Those cats may have additional hydration needs on an all-dry diet. In those instances, a veterinarian might recommend including wet food diet for optimal health. It’s best to see your vet about those concerns.
If you want to increase your healthy cat’s hydration, consider adding moisture to their dry food. You can do so using tasty food toppers, or even a splash of some warm water.
You can also make drinking water more enticing by installing a fountain-style cat water bowl. Some cats find running water more interesting than still water and will be more inclined to drink throughout the day.
Myth: The Carbohydrates in Dry Foods are Bad for Cats
Debunked! It’s true that many dry cat foods include carbs from grain sources. Some grain-free foods include carbs from other sources, like sweet potatoes.
It’s also true that cats do not have a natural need for carbohydrates in their diet. However, carbohydrates are not harmful to most cats in moderation.
In fact, carbs contribute to a healthy cats energy levels. Their bodies are incredibly efficient at using carbohydrates to power through playtime. Pregnant and nursing cats often rely on carbs to support their kittens and maintain a healthy milk supply.
Furthermore, the best cat dry food for indoor cats isn’t necessarily high in carbohydrates. Again, look for dry food with protein at the top of the ingredients list. That’s the best way to ensure your cat gets the protein they need.
With that said, issues may arise when cats consume too many carbohydrates. When left out all day, many cats tend to eat dry food all day long. Vets agree that most cats aren’t intuitive eaters and are unlikely to moderate their own food intake. You can combat overeating by giving your cat portioned dry food at designated meal times.
Myth: Cats Who Eat Dry Diets Gain Weight
Debunked! While indoor cats who eat dry food can gain weight, choosing the right dry cat food can actually help cats lose weight!
It’s true that indoor cats are typically less active than outdoor cats. As a result, they might not burn as much fat in their day to day lives. When you spend your day curled up on the sofa, it’s easy to put on a few pounds.
A fish-first dry food is often a great solution. It’s high in protein and low in fat—and the fats it does have are Omega 3s, which we discussed above. That gives your cuddly couch potato everything they need to maintain a healthy weight.
Ideally, you should find ways to keep your cat active to help with weight management. If your cat isn’t particularly playful, consider Simply Naked’s Cod and Haddock recipe for indoor cats. It has the lowest protein and fat content out of our three recipes, making it perfect for less-active felines.
What Is the Best Dry Cat Food for Indoor Cats?
By now, it should be clear that dry food is not the enemy of all cats. The trick is choosing a complete and balanced dry food with high-quality protein as the first ingredient.
Your indoor cat’s dry food should be higher in protein than it is in carbohydrates. Ensure you understand what a proper serving size looks like and offer dry food at meal times only. Then, be sure to provide your cat with access to water in their preferred bowl.
Ultimately, we believe that the best cat dry food for indoor cats is fish-first dry cat food from Simply Naked Pet Food. It’s a nutrient-rich, complete and balanced formula featuring vital Omega-3s and human-grade quality seafood as the first ingredient. Plus, it offers an ocean-fresh flavor that cats instinctively love.
Simply Naked Pet Food defies the myths to provide cats with the nutrition they need. Shop our first-first dry food for indoor cats and give your pet the quality diet they deserve.
