Instructions
Choose a type of dry cat food. An important thing to consider is the ingredients in the cat food. Look for brands that list meat as one of the primary ingredients, as cats are natural carnivores. Also look for dry foods tailored to your feline. For example, many brands of cat food feature lines developed specifically for senior or inactive cats.
Follow the package directions to determine the amount of dry food to feed your cat. Divide this quantity in half to form two amounts if you plan on feeding two meals per day. Also keep in mind the body type and activity level of your cat, as most brands provide guidelines based on a cat of average weight and activity. Your cat may need less food if it is inactive.
Establish a consistent feeding routine. While feeding only dry food is fine as long as it is complete and balanced, says veterinarian Dr. Francis Kallfelz, feeding too little or too much can be detrimental. While kittens need up to three meals a day, adult and senior cats can be fed only twice a day. Alternatively, some cats also do fine with regular access to a full bowl of food, which is called free-feeding, while others will overeat.
Provide ample amounts of clean water for your cats. While cats on any diet need fresh water, this is especially important for animals on a dry diet, as wet cat food has a higher water content than kibble.
Monitor the condition of your cat. Weight gain or loss may indicate the need to change the amounts you are feeding, while overeating and appetite loss can also be indicative of medical problems.
How to Maintain Cats on Dry Food
Grocery and pet store shelves provide a wide variety of both wet and dry food options for your family pets. While cats can be efficiently maintained on only dry food, it is important to consider the ingredients in the food as well as the quantity of water you are providing and the age and activity level of your pet. Dry cat food provides benefits for the teeth of cats, such as reduced tartar buildup, and can stay fresh longer. It is also less expensive.