While your choice of cat food can potentially give your friend a tummy upset it's not down to the food being wet. In fact wet food is likely to be much better for your cat than dry. Cats are carnivores and require a high-quality animal protein based diet to stay healthy.
Cats can also be sensitive to cow's milk, which in some cases causes diarrhoea. Even swapping from dry to wet food or vice versa can upset a cat's stomach. Take the time to research different brands and types before you decide to change your cat's diet.
Wet foods are generally recommended for cats with sensitive stomachs. These is because of the higher moisture content, so they're easier to digest.
Canned food is more expensive per energy calorie than kibble due to the high water content and the packaging. Another disadvantage to canned cat food is that for some cats, canned food may contribute to periodontal disease.
Low-quality ingredients: Some wet cat foods contain low-quality ingredients that can irritate your cat's digestive system. Food allergies or sensitivities: Cats can develop food allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their diet, which can cause diarrhea.
49% of cats with gastrointestinal diseases including diarrhea respond to a change in diet. Simply switching to wet food (less ingredients than dry) helps many cats to enter remission.
There is no need to withhold food from cats who have diarrhea. In fact, doing so can hinder the intestinal tract's ability to heal itself and put cats at risk for a potentially fatal type of liver disease called hepatic lipidosis.
Cats can and should eat wet food every day because it agrees with the feline digestive system better than dry or semi-moist food. Wild cats hunt and eat bugs, rodents, and small birds.
Cats with food allergies often develop uncomfortable and unsightly skin conditions, and although wet food does not pose a higher incidence of allergic reaction than dry food, allergies to the ingredients in any type food may arise.
The Bottom Line. While Fancy Feast can be part of a balanced diet for your cat and provides complete nutrition, it may not be quite as fancy as the name suggests. As with any food, ensure the first few ingredients are high-quality, natural proteins like fish, chicken, or meat.
For example, if your cat is experiencing stomach sensitivity on dry food, it is reasonable to try a low-carb, higher-protein canned food diet, like Royal Canin Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie canned cat food or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula canned cat food.
When you set out wet food or refill your cat's dish with dry food, they can get a little too excited to nosh and eat too quickly. Food eaten too quickly doesn't get digested well, causing your cat to vomit. Movement or exercise after eating can also spur vomiting.
Foods Most Commonly Associated with Allergies
The proteins that cause food allergies in cats can be found in various sources, particularly beef, dairy, fish, chicken and eggs. While these are the most common sources of feline food allergies, other meats, vegetables, and grains can lead to an allergic reaction.
If you're wondering, “how much wet food should I feed my cat?” check the can or consult your veterinarian for feeding recommendations. In general, you can feed an average-sized adult cat one 3-ounce can per 3 to 3½ pounds of body weight daily.
Mixing wet and dry cat food for a meal or feeding them at separate meals is a good way to give your cat the variety she not only wants, but also needs.
The extra moisture found in wet cat food does not cause diarrhea. In fact, dry food often causes diarrhea because of all the extra fillers that the food contains compared to wet cat food. Feeding too much wet food per meal can cause soft stools because a cat has a short digestive tract.
Adding certain sources of fiber to your cat's food—particularly the prebiotic fibers inulin and psyllium—can improve diarrhea both by absorbing excess water in the intestines and by providing food for beneficial bacteria that live in the intestinal tract. Always start with a very small amount of any fiber.
Why does my cat have diarrhea but is acting normal? Your cat may be having a slight response to something they ate if they have diarrhea but otherwise appear okay. However, even if your cat appears to be performing normally, bacterial or viral illnesses can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and pain.
Fatty foods:
Rich or fatty foods can cause digestive stress for your cat. For example, turkey, ham or other meats rich in fat will result in diarrhea. Excessive fat intake can also cause a life-threatening inflammatory disease called pancreatitis.
Serious medical conditions, bacteria not good for feline's health present in the colon and food consumed are some reasons your kitty's poop can smell so bad. Moreover, excess gas and diarrhea also tend to cause it to stink. Many kitty disorders often result in stool with a stinking smell and diarrhea.
Managing the Diarrhea
The bland diet removes any possible dietary sources of upset, and is very easy for your cat to digest. Use the (unenhanced) chicken or turkey breast or pork loin (trimmed of excess fat) to make a bland, simple, low-fat food. Poach the meat in enough water to cook the meat and make a bit of broth.
Wet Food Keeps Cats Hydrated
Instead, they have two options: wet food, or dry kibble. Unlike dry cat food, wet food has enough water in it to provide your cat with much of the hydration they need. You can then use a running source of water (like a pet fountain) to provide the rest of the hydration that they need.