The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Canned Cat Food
There was a show last week on Martha Stewart Radio with a cat specialist, and she was saying that cats are supposed to eat wet food, not dry food. I’m wondering what type of food she recommends.
From Tracy in Chicago, Illinois
Hi, Tracy. Thanks so much for listening to the advice about giving canned food. One thing I’ve learned from the research I did on THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know (coming out next fall) is, there’s no doubt that the best food for a cat is high quality protein, which you can either prepare (an awful lot of work!) or get from one of the better pet food companies. Some brands of excellent canned food are:
By Nature (100% organic and 100% meat)
Evo (the high-end brand of Innova)
Felidae (from Canidae company)
Merrick
Newman's Own
Petguard
Wellness
These are all superb brands, and it’s a good idea to provide an assortment to get your cat used to the different ingredients, so she doesn’t get “hooked” on any one texture or flavor. By rotating brands and flavors, you also ensure that your kitty gets a broader nutritional range.
Hope this helps!
NOTE: Please check the "Nutrition" area under "On Air Tips" for a constantly updated list of recommended canned foods.
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
