Freeze dried cat food can be a great choice for those who are interested in providing their feline friends with a more natural diet. However, there are a few important things you need to know before making the switch from wet kibble to freeze dried raw food for cats.
The Pros of Freeze Dried Cat Food
One of the biggest pros of freeze-dried cat food is that it’s minimally processed, pure, and high-meat. This type of food is often easier to digest than wet kibble, and it can help reduce the risk of digestive issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting. It also has a longer shelf life than wet kibble, which makes it more affordable and convenient to store.
The Cons of Freeze Dried Cat Food
There are a few risks associated with freeze-dried cat food, and they’re all centered around the possibility of pathogens being spread to you and your pet. These bacteria and parasites can cause serious illness in both your feline friend and you, so it’s important to be mindful of them when handling your cat’s food or faeces.
The main way to prevent these potential health threats is to make sure the freeze-dried food you choose is sourced from reputable suppliers. You should also check the ingredients list, and avoid any ingredients that contain fillers or preservatives.
You should also keep in mind that freeze-dried foods are not regulated like wet kibble is, so they may be lacking in essential nutrients. Unless you work closely with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, it’s likely that these types of foods will not be nutritionally balanced or complete for your cat.
Another major disadvantage of freeze-dried raw freeze dried cat food is that there’s no way to tell if the meat you’re purchasing was harvested from farms or raised in a certified humane animal facility. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can be a big deal if you’re looking for an all-natural cat food that contains no fillers or preservatives.
Fortunately, there are several brands of freeze-dried raw food that are sourced from reputable suppliers and include only the highest quality meats. For example, Feline Natural is a New Zealand-based company that makes foods with sustainable, local ingredients, such as New Zealand green lipped mussels and grass-fed lamb.
Instinct Raw Meals is a grain-free raw food for cats that features a recipe packed with 85% meat and 15% stomach-friendly veggies. This formula helps kitty achieve leaner muscle, stronger bones, and healthier fur, all while being easy on digestion.
If you want to try this brand, start with a sampler box or get started with small amounts of a few flavors at a time. This will give you a better idea of how your cat reacts to the food and which ones they prefer.
You can also rehydrate freeze-dried food with water or a pet-safe broth. This will make the food more palatable and ensure your cat gets enough water to stay hydrated and nourished.