Can Cats Survive on Canned Food?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must have meat to survive. Most cats enjoy canned food as a regular part of their diet, but can a cat survive on canned food alone?

The short answer is yes, cats can survive on canned food. Canned food is typically high in protein and fats, which are essential nutrients for cats.

The moisture content in canned food also helps cats stay hydrated, which is important for overall health. Canned food also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals that are not found in dry kibble, such as taurine and arachidonic acid.

However, there are some drawbacks to feeding a cat exclusively canned food. For one thing, it’s more expensive than dry kibble. Additionally, the high moisture content means that the calories per serving are much lower than in dry kibble, so your cat would need to eat more of it to get enough energy.

Canned food also has a shorter shelf life than dry kibble and can spoil quickly if not refrigerated properly. This means that you’ll need to buy smaller quantities more often, which can be costly and inconvenient.

It’s important to note that cats should never be fed an all-canned diet for extended periods of time – this could lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. If you choose to feed your cat canned food as part of their diet, make sure that you provide them with a balanced selection of wet and dry foods for optimal nutrition.

Conclusion:

Cats can survive on canned food alone but it’s important to feed them a balanced selection of wet and dry foods for optimal nutrition. Canned food can be expensive and has a shorter shelf life than dry kibble so it’s best used as part of an overall balanced diet.