Slaughtered

So we took it away from him. He seems to be doing better health-wise, but he is mad at us. We were giving him B.F.F., which he seems to like. Before that he was eating Tiki Cat, and he has eaten a variety of other wet foods as well, including PetGuard (he doesn’t like that so much). Basically, he…

a few things:

• the primary difference between wet food and dry food, for both cats and dogs, is that wet food has a much higher water content.  this seems obvious, but it’s particularly relevant for animals that a) don’t get enough/need extra hydration; b) are looking to lose weight, because it makes wet food less calorically intensive.  wet food is also easier for the digestive system to break down.
• for both cats and dogs, it’s important to feed at least some dry food in order to keep their teeth healthy and strong, or else supplement with treats or chew-encouraging toys.
• the amount of food your pet is receiving (ie., caloric intake) may be the problem, as opposed to the food itself.  overeating is a reality for many animals (even when it’s unintentional), and it can cause digestive distress.  a change in the formulation of the normal food can be a secret culprit in this regard. 
• premium vs “non”-premium pet food is both a reality and an industry, and it’s a nightmare to navigate.  for the balance of my life we fed dry food-purina (dogs) and friskies (cats)-and no one ever had any problems.  now two of our cats eat prescription-only dietetic dry food: one is seriously obese and her ration is strictly controlled, though it makes no difference to her weight, and the other cannot be allowed to see the bottom of her bowl at any time because it prompts her to binge and purge.  the others’ bowls are all kept full of science diet: one of the cats is the same weight she’s always been and perfectly healthy, another just eats all the time and is now fat.  
• cat #5 has oral problems and doesn’t like wet food, so now he gets canned tuna.  he’s never been happier, and his coat is divine.