by Dana Watkins, M.S., Animal Nutrition (NAPSA)—As a nutritionist specializing in pet food, I receive countless questions about finding the right food for cats, especially those with dietary challenges. Finicky Felines It is important to note that finding the right food for your cat is a process. While the food must supply the required nutrients, to do so it has to be consumed. Cats It's a healthy idea to keep your cat well hydrated. to specific tastes and textures. My since some cats do not drink ade- often have personal preferences as company, for example, offers five quate amounts of water, increas- unique, dry cat foods and four ing water consumption can help. artisan canned cat foods. They Increasing water consumption present a variety of ways to meet will increase the frequency of uriyourcat’s desires. nation and help dilute the solid Cannedvs. Dry Whenit comesto delivering the more difficult for stones and crys- canned foods can achieve the same results. While dry food is often more cost effective, canned sumption inchide: Leave a faucet dripping that right nutrients to your cat, dry or foods usually contain about 80 percent moisture, which can be portion of the urine, making it tals to be formed. Ways to increase water con- cats have access to. * Use twoor three recirculating beneficial if your cat needs more or waterfall-type watering bowls. Urinary Stones and Crystals meal or as a topper three or four times per week. Add waterto the dry food. moisture intake. Often, cats have urinary tract problems caused by stones and crystals. Research suggests many factors involved in the cause and prevention of urinary tract issues. These include excessive amounts of poor-quality nutrients, individ- ual metabolism, water consump- tion, urine pH, incorrect mineral balance and, according to one new study, stress. In any case, however, Feed canned foods either as a Use small ice cubesas treats. Mr. Watkinsis the on-site nutritionist and technical services spe- cialist at Fromm Family Foods, a fourth-generation, family-owned company specializing in premium dog and cat nutrition. To learn more, visit www. frommfamily.com.
