Cat Food

If you are mixing wet and dry food, you’ll need to do some quick math to avoid an accidental “chonk” situation. A common strategy is to offer a quarter-can in the morning and evening, leaving a small amount of measured kibble out for grazing. This gives them the hydration benefits of canned food without overshooting their daily caloric limit. Always monitor their waistline; if you can’t feel their ribs easily, it’s time to pull back on the portions. It’s much easier to prevent weight gain than it is to put a cat on a diet.

The “best” food for an indoor cat usually focuses on two things: weight management and hairball control. Since indoor cats aren’t out hunting or patrolling a territory, they don’t burn as much energy as their outdoor counterparts. Look for labels that list high-quality animal protein—like chicken or fish—as the first ingredient but have a lower overall fat percentage. Added fiber is also a lifesaver for indoor cats, as it helps move swallowed fur through their system before it becomes a messy surprise on your carpet.

Think of dog food as “junk food” for your cat—fine for a one-time accidental snack, but a terrible long-term meal plan. The main issue is that Cat Food is packed with concentrated Vitamin A and protein, while dog food is often bulked up with grains and vegetables that felines have a hard time digesting. Dogs can produce some of their own nutrients internally, but cats are a bit more high-maintenance and require their diet to do the heavy lifting for them. If your cat starts preferring the dog’s dish, it might be time to look at the flavor or texture of their own meals. Keeping the bowls separate is the best way to ensure your cat stays sleek and healthy instead of sluggish and nutritionally depleted.

There isn’t a “one size fits all” scoop when it comes to feeding, especially with the variety of indoor and outdoor lifestyles common across Southwest Missouri. A cat’s metabolism can be as unique as their personality, so the best strategy is to monitor their “body condition score.” You should be able to feel their ribs without a thick layer of fat, but they shouldn’t be poking out like a xylophone. Many owners find success with scheduled feedings—maybe twice a day—rather than “free feeding,” which often leads to weight gain. If you’ve recently switched to a high-protein Cat Food, you might actually need to feed a smaller volume than before because the nutrient density is higher. When in doubt, a quick chat with your vet can provide a tailored caloric goal.