If your cat is a picky eater you need to feed your him food that's not just palatable, but meals that are high in nutrition. Cats that are picky eaters are difficult to deal with. Most of these pets will turn away from almost anything you serve.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food
Although dry food may be given to young pets, wet food is ideal for full grown cats. There are several commercially available dry food products that are labeled wholesome even though they contain grains, sugars and small quantities of meat. These dry food products are also know to consist of additives, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. Since dry food products are highly palatable, finicky cats readily eat such meals.
Benefits of Feeding Your Pet Wet Food
You need to make sure that your cat eats food that's rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. Premium wet food products generally contain ingredients in the right proportions that help maintain healthy weight in pets. Consider feeding your pet wet food products on a daily basis, but if you choose to feed him dry food, look for premium brands that contain lower amounts of sugars and good sources of proteins.
Dealing with Picky Eaters
If your cat refuses to consume the food you give him, avoid forcing your pet and pick up the meal if the cat walks away. Try giving your pet the same meal in the evening and if he still refrains from eating the food, give him some dry food instead. Since picky eating is also a behavioral issue, you should try to get rid of bad habits. You have to make sure that you feed the cat nutritious and wholesome food products, instead of feeding him palatable foods that are high in carbohydrates, additives and sugars.
If you give in to your cat's demands, he will end up overweight and suffering from severe health concerns in the long run. While it is still acceptable to feed him dry food once in a while, you should only give him products that are made with the highest quality ingredients.
Incorporating New Diets
If you want to introduce new food to the pet's diet, incorporate only small amounts of new food to meals, to prevent food intolerance. Don't entirely replace his regular meal with new food at once, because this will lead to several gastrointestinal problems. When offering your pet a healthier meal, try to offer this meal along with his regular food. The cat will eventually try out the healthier alternative and this will help you initiate a new diet and nutrition plan.
Do's and Don'ts:
- Do try feeding your pet different flavors of the healthier food product.
- Don't let your cat graze on food throughout the day.
- Read product labels to find out what they contain.
- Conduct a vet check to find out if your cat is showing signs of loss of appetite.
Meal Times
If your cat doesn't suffer from underlying health disorders you should make sure that you stick to two meals a day. Avoid offering the cat food throughout the day, even if he is a picky eater. It's also best to stick to commercial food products instead of making home cooked meals, because commercial products contain essential fatty acids and vitamins in proportions that are ideal for cats.
You need to be patient with picky eaters, and with a trial and error approach you will be able to find foods that are suited to your cat's unique needs.