When navigating the seemingly difficult task of choosing food for your beloved cat, every owner has likely encountered at least one warning that dry food can be harmful to their pet. We'll dispel these doubts and myths—using Whiskas as an example!
Dry food: why should you trust it?
It's no wonder that crunchy kibble holds a place of honor among all available cat food options. It's not just because it's convenient: there's no need to cook, calculate proportions, or select ingredients—the manufacturer has already taken care of all that. The main advantage of this type of food is its balanced composition: your domesticated predator will receive all the necessary components to maintain health and natural vitality.
Additionally, the kibble gently cleans plaque from your pet's teeth, promoting oral health. The increased fiber content improves digestion and normalizes intestinal microflora.1.
And these aren't just words! For example, all Whiskas diets meet strict modern quality standards. This has been confirmed not only nationally but also internationally.1:
- National Research Center of the United States (NRC), which is engaged in the development of recommendations for industrial feed.
- AAFCO Association of Animal Nutrition Control (AAFCO) in the United States.
- European Federation FEDIAF, which includes manufacturers of ready-made food for cats and dogs.
What are Whiskas made of?
Speaking of myths, the main one is that dry food is made from low-grade raw materials and waste. This information is completely untrue: in fact, these diets use the same ingredients that are often found in our own diets.
— Protein base - this is fresh meat, poultry from a trusted supplier and offal2, which includes the liver, heart, and lungs—parts of animals with increased nutritional value. It's no wonder predators in the wild eat their unsuspecting prey whole—offal not only fills the stomach but also adds flavor to the food.
— Fish – a real treasure trove of omega-3 fatty polyunsaturated acids, which make the coat silky, shiny and healthy and accelerate skin regeneration.
— Cereals and vegetables – sources of fiber, the beneficial properties of which we've already discussed. Many owners wonder why a predator needs plant components. But let's remember that nature intended for prey to be consumed whole, and a herbivore's gastrointestinal tract always contains remnants of its food.
— Fats of vegetable and animal origin – a reliable “shield” of the cat’s immunity, which protects its health from the consequences of various “blows” from the outside: stress, drug treatment, past illnesses, or the occurrence of ailments to which the breed has a genetic predisposition.
— Vitamins and minerals – support the functioning of all body systems, protect against the occurrence and development of many dangerous diseases.
Many people believe that Whiskas dry food is unhealthily addictive.3 – Your pet eats so eagerly and sometimes asks for more! However, there are no artificial flavor enhancers or flavorings. Your cat's desires are dictated solely by the product's taste and hunger: how can you avoid running for a bowl filled with your favorite kibble?
Whiskas Dry: Reviews
What could be more instructive when it comes to choosing food than reviews from owners whose furry friends have long since switched to Whiskas? After all, their experience is the best sign of product quality!
"My cat is incredibly picky about his food. We tried practically everything, focusing on expensive brands, as they were recommended by the vet. However, all attempts were in vain: digestion issues, coat condition, or simply refusal to eat – that was our answer to Chamberlain." A neighbor recommended Whiskas, but I must admit, I hesitated for a long time to switch Malysh to this food: there were too many controversial rumors circulating about it. But I decided to give it a try. That was four years ago 🙂 And it was love at first sight. First, we tried dry food, then wet food – no side effects. Only chicken didn't appeal to us: but that was his gastronomic protests :) At first, I was afraid of hidden problems, so we visited the vet once a month for tests and periodic ultrasounds of the organs. Now, the plan is every six months, and his health and coat are all normal. I'm very happy: it's both affordable and suitable for us, I highly recommend it!"
Evgeny
"The option for sterilized cats is perfect for us! The convenient packaging prevents the urge to chew it and grab more for ourselves. 🙂 She's healthy, her fur is shiny, her eyes are sparkling, and she seems even more playful!" 4
Nina
As you can see, it's never too late to offer your pet a new diet, especially if they're picky and often refuse what's offered. They have their own tastes and preferences, so why not give them a little variety?
Whiskas: flavors your cat will love!
Who said cats don't need variety? They, too, are guided by their own taste preferences, and Whiskas knows this. With a wide selection and excellent quality, let your pet make their own decisions and choose their own diet.5:
- delicious salmon lunch;
- delicious assortment with chicken and turkey;
- Incredibly tender pillows with beef and rabbit.
There is a special range for sterilized cats and neutered cats.6: with beef and chicken pâté inside crispy pillows. While health is our top priority, Whiskas also considers your pet's taste preferences when creating its meals!
Urolithiasis from dry food: myth or truth
The most powerful weapon in the hands of opponents of dry food is the myth that it causes urolithiasis (urolithiasis). Scientifically proven causes of this condition will help clarify this issue.3:
- Lack of water leading to a disruption of the water-salt balance.
- Micronutrient imbalances in the diet. Feeding your cat dairy products or fish in large quantities can lead to the accumulation of excess minerals in the body. These minerals form into small crystals that eventually harden.
- Breed predisposition (many long-haired pets are susceptible to ICD).
- Heredity.
- Infections that have affected the body.
- Features of the structure of the genitourinary system (found in males).
- "Lazy" lifestyle.
- Deficiency of vitamins A and D.
As you can see, dry "crunchies" cannot be the primary cause of urolithiasis; rather, they protect against an excess or deficiency of macronutrients thanks to the balanced composition of the food. A combination of dry kibble and wet food is considered the optimal feeding option—the latter will help maintain hydration, which is especially important for cats that rarely drink water. After all, a lack of moisture is one of the main risk factors for urolithiasis.
Sources of information:
- Whiskas.ru, article "Dry Food: How It Came to Be and How It Has Changed Over 150 Years": https://whiskas.ru/honestly/sukhoy-korm-kak-poyavilsya-i-kak-izmenilsya-za-150-let/
- Whiskas.ru, video "Popular Questions About Pet Food": https://whiskas.ru/honestly/populyarnye-voprosy-o-korme/
- Website whiskas-pedigree.ru, specialist's answer: https://whiskas-pedigree.ru/voprosy/podskazhite-a-pravda-chto-kormit_-kota-tol_ko-suhim-kormom-nel_zya-tipa-ot-nego-kamni-v-pochkah-i-mochevom-puzire-mogut-bit_.
- Reviews:
— https://irecommend.ru/content/koty-horosho-kushayut-zdorovy-syty-i-dovolny
— https://irecommend.ru/content/kak-my-so-svoimi-koshkami-ranshe-zhili-bez-spetsialnykh-kormov
- Whiskas.ru website, diets for adult cats: https://whiskas.ru/products/adult/#
- Whiskas.ru website, diets for sterilized cats: https://whiskas.ru/products/sterilized/
