Cat food cans: High protein and high moisture content are the best choices
1. What is a "side dish can"? Differences from "staple food cans"
Complementary Cat Food is not a complete formula and cannot meet the daily nutritional needs of cats on its own. It is only used as a nutritional supplement or taste improvement in addition to the staple food. Complete Cat Food contains comprehensive protein, fat, vitamins and minerals and can be used as the only daily feed.
- Side dish cans: highly palatable and rich in flavor, but lack comprehensive vitamins and minerals, and need to be fed with staple food cans or dry food.
- Main food can: designed according to AAFCO or FEDIAF standard formula, it can provide complete nutrition and is safe for feeding alone.
2. Five key points for purchasing food cans
- Clear ingredient labeling: The primary ingredient should be meat with a clearly labeled source, and avoid unclear labels such as “meat by-products” or “animal fats”.
- High protein and low carbohydrates: Cats are absolute carnivores, so the protein content should be >70% (dry matter basis) and carbohydrates <15%.
- High moisture design: The food container retains 70-80% water, which helps replenish water intake and reduce the risk of urinary tract stones.
- Formulas with fewer additives or functional ingredients: Try to choose products without artificial preservatives and pigments; products with functional additives such as prebiotics and fish oil can be selected.
- Suitable for cats' age and health conditions: Kittens, senior cats, cats with kidney disease, etc. have different requirements for fat, phosphorus, etc. Please confirm the applicable groups before purchasing.
3. Common Brands and Purchasing Channels in Hong Kong
| brand | feature | Purchase Link |
|---|---|---|
| Power of Nature | German original, no fillers, high-quality protein | Go to buy |
| Max Deluxe | Grain-free, hypoallergenic formula, real meat options | Go to buy |
| Stella & Chewy's | High-protein grain-free staple food cans, available with freeze-dried supplements | Go to buy |
| Applaws | Natural grain-free, pure meat broth recipe | Go to buy |
4. Common Myths and Recommended Feeding Frequency
- Can you eat the canned food every day?
- It is recommended that adult cats eat 1-2 times a day, each time without affecting the calories in the main food can, to avoid obesity and nutritional imbalance.
- Is it possible to mix dry and wet feeding?
- You can add a small amount of dry food to the supplementary food can to improve the taste; elderly cats or cats with poor teeth can enjoy the original texture of the can directly.
- Hydration cat cans vs softened dry food?
- The water content in the food can is more evenly distributed, bacteria are less likely to grow, and it is safer and more effective than soaking dry food.