Mixed feeding
Feeding your cat can be a fascinating adventure.
Because every cat has its own personal preferences and needs! If you are considering mixed feeding, it is important that you know the advantages and disadvantages of wet and dry food. You will then be able to develop a feeding plan that satisfies your cat’s individual tastes while at the same time making sure that it contains all the necessary nutrients for a happy, healthy life.
Advantages
High moisture content
Wet food contains 70-80% moisture, which helps to cover the cat‘s fluid requirements as much as possible through its food
Taste
A more intense taste and aroma that many cats prefer
Larger amount of food
The much higher water content dilutes the energy density of the food so that a larger amount can be consumed with less risk of obesity
Disadvantages
Shelf life
After opening, the wet food must be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed as soon as possible
In the food bowl
Wet food should be fresh in the food bowl and eaten quickly; otherwise it can go off in the bowl
Advantages
Shelf life
Dry food does not go off so quickly and can be stored at room temperature for a longer period of time
Practical
It is easy to serve and can remain in the food bowl all day long without deteriorating.
Dental care
Chewing on the kibbles can help to reduce dental plaque
Disadvantages
Low water content
Dry food only contains around 10% water, which means that the cat has to drink a lot of additional fluid
Consumption of food
Cats with dental problems often find it difficult to eat the solid dry food kibbles
A combination of wet and dry food
The ancestors of our domestic cats would eat around 10 to 15 small animals in the course of a day. Our domestic cats behave very similarly if we allow them to. They visit their bowls several times a day to eat a small amount of food as a “snack”. This is because just filling up their stomachs in the morning and evening, like dogs do, is not normal cat behaviour.
It is therefore ideal for your cat if its daily food ration is split into 2/3 wet food, to be eaten in the morning and evening, and 1/3 dry food, available for small “snacks” throughout the course of the day. In this way, even cat owners who are away at work all day are able to cater for their pets’ natural eating behaviour.
Advantages
Water consumption
If 2/3 of the daily food ration consists of wet food, a good additional water intake is ensured alongside the drinking water
In the food bowl
If 1/3 of the daily ration consists of dry food, which can remain much longer in the food bowl, the cat will always find something to eat throughout the day
MIXED FEEDING MADE SIMPLE
Does your cat like variety in its food bowl? Do you want to keep your pet healthy and provide it with all the essential nutrients? Then you will find some tricks and information on mixed feeding here.
Does your cat like variety in its food bowl? Do you want to keep your pet healthy and provide it with all the essential nutrients? Then you will find some tricks and information on mixed feeding here.
1. Ratio of wet and dry food
A good balance is important. It is usually recommended to provide around two thirds wet food and one third dry food
2. Individual needs
Every cat has its own personal preferences. Some cats prefer specific types of food. Watch your cat and adjust the food individually
3. No sudden changes of food
Any changes of food should not be made abruptly, but gradually
4. Separate or mixed
You can give your cat wet and dry food either separately or mixed together, depending on what it prefers
The amount of water required by a healthy cat depends on the type and amount of food and the ambient temperature. On average, a healthy adult cat needs around 40-50ml of water per kilogram of body weight every day. For a cat weighing 4 kg, this is approximately 160 to 200 ml of drinking water per day. Cats that mainly eat wet food will already receive a large part of their fluid requirements from their food. With dry food, it is therefore particularly important that your cat drinks enough.
And if you have a cat that is reluctant to drink, there are several ways to encourage it to do so! Providing multiple water bowls and/or purchasing a drinking fountain can make all the difference. Remember: if you position the drinking point too close to the food bowl, this could discourage your pet from drinking, because cats instinctively dislike eating and drinking in the same area. It is advisable to provide your cat with at least two places to drink in different parts of your home. These drinking areas should be in a place where it will not be disturbed by others passing by, so that your cat is able to drink its water in peace. Many cats also prefer shallow drinking bowls with a large diameter. This is because cats tend to dislike their whiskers coming into contact with the bowl. Also, try out drinking bowls made of different materials. Some cats are not fond of plastic bowls and prefer to drink from a ceramic or stainless steel one. Help your cat by providing a wide choice of drinking places and ensure that it always has an optimum supply of water.
Switching your cats food to mixed feeding can require some patience and planning.
These steps can help with the changeover:
1. Start slowly
To start with, only mix a very small amount of the new food with the usual food and then gradually increase the proportion
2. Be patient
Cats are creatures of habit and can be a little sceptical at first. Allow your cat plenty of time to get used to the new flavour and texture of the food
3. Set feeding times
Set feeding times can help to regulate the cat’s appetite and increase its acceptance of the new food
4. Increase appeal
Tuna juice and cat drinks can increase the appeal of the food
In order to successfully switch to mixed feeding for your cat, it is important to match both the type and amount of food to your pet’s individual needs. Factors such as the cat’s activity level, drinking habits, weight and age play a decisive role in determining the correct amount.
Here you can find a general feeding recommendation for mixed feeding for your cat. For personalised advice tailored specifically to your feline friend, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 100% wet food |  100% dry food |  Mixed feeding | |||
 g/ 24h |  |  | 2/3 wet food + 1/3 dry food | ||
Body weight of the cat | 3 kg | 175-230 | 45-55 | 115-150 + 15-20 | |
| 4 kg | 215-275 | 50-65 | 140-180 + 15-20 | ||
| 5 kg | 245-320 | 60-75 | 160-210 + 20-25 | ||
| 6 kg | 280-365 | 65-85 | 185-240 + 20-30 | ||
*) CARNY Adult Chicken, turkey + rabbit, CARNY Adult Chicken, turkey + duck hearts, CARNY Adult Turkey, chicken + shrimps
** ) CARNY Adult Chicken + Beef, CARNY ADULT Chicken + trout
100% wet food | 100% dry food | Mixed feeding | |||
g/ 24h |  | | 2/3 wet food + 1/3 dry food | ||
Body weight of the cat | 3 kg | 155-200 | 45-55 | 105-135 + 15-20 | |
| 4 kg | 190-245 | 50-65 | 125-165 + 15-20 | ||
| 5 kg | 220-285 | 60-75 | 145-190 + 20-25 | ||
| 6 kg | 250-320 | 65-85 | 165-215 + 20-30 | ||
*) CARNY Adult Beef + chicken, CARNY Adult Multi-meat cocktail
** ) CARNY Adult Chicken + beef, CARNY ADULT Chicken + trout
