Have you ever found yourself worrying about your cat’s hydration levels? You’re not alone. Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, leading to various health issues. But there’s a simple solution you might not have thought of: adding water to dry cat food. Yes, you heard that right. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in your cat’s health and well-being.
Why Hydrate Dry Cat Food?
Cats originated in desert environments, where their primary water intake came from their prey. Today, many domesticated cats don’t drink enough water, especially those on a dry food diet. This lack of hydration can cause:
- Urinary tract issues: Such as infections and crystals
- Kidney problems: Leading to long-term damage
- Constipation: Making your kitty uncomfortable and stressed
Wet food is more expensive but useful for cats prone to urinary tract infections, constipation, and overweight.
Dry cat food can be a very effective way to provide calories for cats with limited food volume. That’s why you can add water to dry cat food.
Can You Add Water to Dry Cat Food?
Absolutely! You can add water to dry cat food to improve its texture and make it more palatable.
Many cat owners cannot feed their cats wet food because wet food is expensive and spoils quickly. That’s why they choose dry food for cats.
But in many cases, wet food is better than dry food. Wet food is more nutritious. It contains water, which helps the cat’s digestive system. It also contains more protein, potassium, and phosphorus than dry food.
However, if you have to feed your cats a dry diet due to financial or other reasons, you can add a little water to moisten the food and make it more palatable.
How Much Is Water Perfect To Add In Dry Cat Food?
The amount of water added to dry cat food will depend on the type of food. You need to add about 50% more water than kibble, and then once thoroughly mixed, and it should look like a drinkable gravy-like substance.
You can tell if your cat likes extra moisture by how many licks it takes before it starts drinking.
If it doesn’t take more than a few licks, you should keep adding water until your cat starts drinking.
If they don’t like the extra moisture, try adding about 50% less than recommended.
Generally, a cat gets a lot of moisture from wet food. Most wet foods have a moisture content of about 85%, similar to the moisture content of a cat’s natural diet.
A cat eating dry kibble may need up to 180ml of extra water to absorb the same moisture as a cat eating wet food!
According to veterinarians and to standard dry food guidelines, a 10- to 12-pound cat should be fed one-third of a cup of kibble per day.
If you add 50 ml of water per meal, you get much closer to the moisture content of wet food.
How to Add Water to Dry Cat Food
Start Slow
Don’t go overboard initially. Start by adding a small amount of water to see how your cat reacts. Gradually increase the amount if they accept the change. Here’s how:
- Mixing: Add a tablespoon of water to the kibble and stir. Observe if your cat enjoys the new texture. You can also crush the food into finer pieces to absorb the water better.
- Temperature: Use lukewarm water. It enhances the aroma, making the food more appealing.
- Timing: Don’t let the wet kibble sit for too long as it can spoil quickly, especially in warm weather.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Adult Dry Cat Food
Consistency Matters
You’re aiming for a texture that your cat likes. Some cats prefer a soupy mixture, while others might like it just slightly moistened. . Find the right balance by experimenting with different water-to-kibble ratios, and becareful not to add too much water because if there’s too much, then your cat won’t eat it and will be wasting the money that you spent on kibble
What Type of Water to Use?
Tap Water
Most households use tap water, which is generally safe. However, ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals by using a filter if necessary.
Bottled Water
It’s more expensive but can be a good alternative if your tap water has a high mineral content or tastes unpleasant.
Filtered Water
Using a water filter can remove impurities and provide a cleaner taste, which might be more appealing to your cat.
Benefits of Adding Water to Dry Cat Food
There are a few benefits to adding water to dry food.
Easier Digestion
Dry kibble can be hard on a cat’s digestive system. Adding water softens the food, making it easier to chew and digest. This can be particularly helpful for:
- Older cats with dental issues
- Kittens transitioning to solid food
- Cats recovering from illness
Improved Hydration
When you add water to your cat’s food, you’re directly increasing their water intake. This is crucial for:
- Preventing dehydration
- Maintaining kidney health
- Reducing the risk of urinary tract diseases
If your cat does happen to be suffering from feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), then feeding them moist food will also help with the problem.
Adding water to dry cat food can also help you gain a few extra days for your cat’s life if they were diagnosed with kidney failure or another serious disease. The moist food is easier to digest and metabolize, thus giving their organs more time before shutting down.
Enhanced Flavor
Cats can be finicky eaters. Adding water can enhance the aroma and flavor of their food, making it more appealing. This is especially useful if:
- Enhancing flavor and making it more appealing to fussy cats.
- It helps when transitioning your cat to a completely new food by making the texture less dry and making your cat more likely to eat.
- When cats are sick, they usually prefer wet food to dry food because it is easier for their stomachs to process.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Will Adding Water Cause Overeating?
Some worry that moistening kibble might make cats eat more than they should. However, since water has no calories, it doesn’t contribute to weight gain. Monitor your cat’s weight and adjust their food intake as needed.
Is It Hygienic?
There’s a concern about bacterial growth in wet kibble. To prevent this:
- Don’t leave moistened food out for more than 30 minutes
- Clean your cat’s bowl after each meal
- Use fresh water every time you prepare their food
Transitioning to a Mixed Diet
If you’re thinking about mixing dry and wet food, you’re on the right track. Combining both can provide a balanced diet with the benefits of increased moisture content. Here’s how to do it:
- Gradual Introduction: Start by mixing a small amount of wet food with the dry. Gradually increase the wet food portion over a week.
- Monitor: Watch for any digestive issues or changes in your cat’s stool. Adjust the proportions as needed.
- Consistency: Keep the feeding schedule consistent to avoid confusing your cat.
DIY Hydration Enhancers
Bone Broth
Making bone broth at home can be a nutritious addition to your cat’s food. Ensure it’s free from onions, garlic, and excessive salt. Pour a little over the kibble to entice your cat.
Fish Juice
Save the water from canned tuna or salmon (make sure it’s packed in water, not oil or brine). Use a small amount to flavor the kibble, but don’t overdo it due to the high sodium content.
Cat-Safe Soups
You can make simple soups with chicken or turkey. Avoid any ingredients that are harmful to cats and use it to moisten their food.
Practical Tips for Busy Cat Parents
- Pre-Mix: Prepare a batch of moistened kibble in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before serving.
- Automatic Feeders: Some feeders are designed to dispense both dry and wet food, maintaining freshness.
- Hydration Stations: Place multiple water bowls or fountains around your home to encourage drinking.
Can You Mix Dry and Wet Cat Food?
If your cat is used to eating wet food, then you can mix the two. It’s best to transition them slowly over a few days since cats often don’t like the taste of something new and may not eat at all if it’s given to them too suddenly.
When transitioning your cat from dry food to wet or vice versa, it’s a good idea to mix the two and gradually add more wet food or dry food in until you are only feeding the main meal in either type.
Can Cats Have Dry Food Only With Water Added?
Cats can eat dry food just fine, but it doesn’t provide them with the same benefits as wet cat food since dry food has no moisture.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Cats, Indoor, Chicken Recipe
If your cat is older and doesn’t drink much water, you can feed them dry food only, but make sure that you are feeding them a proper diet for their age and illness. If they are healthy, then wet food is better since there’s more to it than moisture content.
Should You Add Water to Dry Kibble?
Adding water to dry kibble is an important step that helps your cat’s digestive system since it makes the food easier for the body to digest and process.
If you are trying to transition your cat from wet food or sick, then mixing the two will help them eat more since it gives their stomach something new to the process.
Adding Warm Water to Dry Cat Food
You can add a little warm water to dry cat food. Hot water will enhance the taste. Always make sure the water is not too hot to prevent burning your cat’s face.
The water should be heated to a temperature where you can put your finger in it without burning (~60℃/140℉.).
The Last Word
Putting water in dry cat food is a good idea. As a cat lover, you know that cats need to drink water. Cats are naturally drawn to running or dripping water and often refuse food containing it.
The best way for your cat to get the hydration they need is by adding wet food to its normal dry diet. This will keep them well-hydrated and help with digestion because of the increased fiber content in both types of food.
Comment below if you have any questions about feeding your furry friend.
FAQ
Why Is It Important To Add Water To Cat Food?
Cats often lack the enzymes to digest plant material found in many dry foods. Adding water helps break down this fiber, preventing issues like hairballs and constipation.
Why Do So Many People Advise Against Adding Water To Cat Food?
Some believe it dilutes nutrients or encourages bacterial growth. However, with proper hygiene and balanced nutrition, these issues are manageable.
Why Should My Cat Only Drink Small Amounts of Water During the Day?
Cats naturally drink in small amounts and are adapted to low-stress, low-water environments. In dry climates, cats can stay hydrated with occasional access to water.
How Much Water Should You Add To Dry Cat Food?
A general guideline is to add about 50% more water than the volume of kibble. Adjust the amount based on your cat’s preferences.
Can Cats Live On Dry Food?
Cats can survive on dry food, but it’s not as beneficial as wet food due to the lack of moisture. Wet food is recommended for its nutritional advantages.
How Do You Know When to Add More Water?
If your cat is eating the food, it’s getting enough water. It is best to keep the dry food moist (but not too wet) and recheck it from time to time to see if more water is needed.