diets and cats
By far the easiest way to get a cat to lose weight is to lose the dry food. Dry food is very high in carbohydrates and is the major contributor to feline body fat. It's been shown without a doubt now in many studies. Cats are carnivores and do not metabolize carbohydrates well. Canned or homemade food (high protein, high fat, LOW carbohydrates such as grains and veggies) are best for cats. Always think "Atkins diet" for weight loss in cats! (Actually, studies are now showing that low fat, high carb diets are not great for people, either, and Atkins was right!)
For more information, please see several articles on nutrition (including Feline Obesity and Why Cats Need Canned Food) at http://www.littlebigcat.com/?action=library
The dry foods on AngelZoo's list are fine as far as it goes, but cats don't need dry food at all, and are far better off without it. Dry food does not clean the teeth! In fact, dry food provides no health benefits at all--rather, dry food causes or contributes to obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and other health problems. Its only attraction is that it's cheap and convenient. Is that worth trading for your cat's health?
Cheers,
Dr. Jean
By far the easiest way to get a cat to lose weight is to lose the dry food. Dry food is very high in carbohydrates and is the major contributor to feline body fat. It's been shown without a doubt now in many studies. Cats are carnivores and do not metabolize carbohydrates well. Canned or homemade food (high protein, high fat, LOW carbohydrates such as grains and veggies) are best for cats. Always think "Atkins diet" for weight loss in cats! (Actually, studies are now showing that low fat, high carb diets are not great for people, either, and Atkins was right!)
For more information, please see several articles on nutrition (including Feline Obesity and Why Cats Need Canned Food) at http://www.littlebigcat.com/?action=library
The dry foods on AngelZoo's list are fine as far as it goes, but cats don't need dry food at all, and are far better off without it. Dry food does not clean the teeth! In fact, dry food provides no health benefits at all--rather, dry food causes or contributes to obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and other health problems. Its only attraction is that it's cheap and convenient. Is that worth trading for your cat's health?
Cheers,
Dr. Jean
