Balanced, Nutritious, and Healthy Pet Food
A pet's weight is a simple indicator of whether their energy intake is balanced,
Energy consumed from food = Energy burned through metabolism or exercise → Weight remains stable.
- Eating more and exercising less (Energy > Consumption) → Weight increases (just like many lazy orange cats)
- Exercising more and eating less (Energy < Consumption) → Weight decreases
- Eating a lot but still losing weight could indicate an underlying health issue
- Especially when there's a sudden weight loss of over 10% in a short period, you must be alert
- Remember that calories come not just from main meals, but also from treats and jerky, which should all be calculated
Types of Pet Food
Pet food can be categorized based on moisture content and form into "Dry Food", "Semi-moist Food", "Wet Food (Canned, Meal Pouches)"; and by purpose into "Complete Nutrition Food", "Supplementary Food", and "Other Functional Foods". These foods should meet nutritional standards for different life stages, provide hydration, and be suitable as daily staple meals.
| Form | Moisture Content (%) | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Food | Complete Nutrition Food | 3-11 | Lower cost Can be stored at room temperature after opening Provides essential nutrients in small portions |
Must intake sufficient water Highly palatable dry food May lead to cat obesity |
| Semi-Moist Food | Mostly not Complete Nutrition Food products |
25-35 | Lower cost Can be stored at room temperature after opening Good palatability |
Contains high amounts of monosaccharides and preservatives, easily causing obesity |
| Canned Food | Mostly not Complete Nutrition Food products |
72-85 | Highly palatable Can intake water simultaneously |
Oxidizes quickly after opening Higher cost |
Does "Tasty Food" = "Good Food"?
The moisture content of pet food not only affects its shape but also influences taste receptors (taste buds). Foods with higher moisture and fluidity tend to have a stronger taste, which is why wet food has the highest palatability, while semi-moist and dry food are generally less appealing.
Pet owners often assume that "food my pet loves = good food", but the foods they love are usually high-moisture general foods or supplementary treats rather than complete nutritional foods, which can easily lead to nutritional imbalances or deficiencies.
In summary, as responsible pet owners, we should understand that we cannot choose pet food solely based on whether the pet likes it. We must strive to balance palatability and nutrition, which is the best choice for our furry companions.
Important Tips for Mixed Feeding
If you choose to feed your pet a mix of canned food, dry kibble, or fresh food, keep these key points in mind to ensure complete and balanced nutrition:
- Main vs. Supplementary Food Ratio Treats and supplementary food should not exceed 25% of the daily main food intake to prevent nutritional imbalances.
- Proper Food Combination Different food types (such as canned, kibble, fresh food) have distinct nutritional properties. The ratio should be adjusted based on the pet's weight, age, and health condition. Too much fresh or canned food may lead to excessive calorie intake, while too much dry food may result in inadequate hydration.
- Balanced Nutrition Each food type provides different nutrients. Canned and fresh food generally contain more moisture and protein, while dry food supplies more carbohydrates and fiber. Ensure these foods complement each other to meet all of the pet's nutritional needs.
- Prevent Malnutrition An improper mix or imbalance in nutrients can lead to malnutrition, affecting the pet's health, such as changes in weight, coat condition, or immune system.
While many pets love canned food, overfeeding it may reduce their willingness to eat dry kibble. Dry food provides essential nutrients that canned food cannot fully replace, such as dietary fiber and trace elements. If a pet refuses dry food after filling up on wet food, they may not receive a well-rounded diet in the long run.
Advantages of Wet Food (Canned/Pouches)
- High moisture content, strong flavor
- Highly palatable, pets love it
- Usually higher protein content
- Helps with hydration
Advantages of Dry Food
- Provides necessary dietary fiber
- Contains specific trace elements
- Convenient storage, longer shelf life
- Helps clean teeth
- Cost-effective
References：
- 柯亞彤。2023。貓狗營養學(初版)。晨星出版有限公司