Air-Dried Cat Food vs Kibble

Kibble is convenient, there’s no doubt about that, but it isn’t THAT healthy for your cat. It’s mostly made of carbohydrates, which cats’ bodies don’t need. As obligate carnivores, cats need a high-protein diet. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to dry food that still offers the convenience of kibble, consider offering air-dried cat food to your furry friend.

Air-dried cat food is made at very low temperatures to preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients without adding any preservatives. The food is placed in a dehydrator that circulates air and evaporates the moisture in the food. The moisture content of air-dried cat food is usually around 10%, which is higher than kibble and helps your cat stay hydrated. This can be really helpful for cats dealing with urinary  or kidney issues or cats who just don’t really enjoy drinking water.

The dehydration process also protects vital nutrients and fresh ingredients without adding artificial preservatives. This means that the food often contains more of the original nutrients and flavor than other forms of cat food, especially kibble. Air-dried food uses high-quality ingredients and the dehydration process makes the food nutritionally dense, which leads to your cat feeling satiated longer and eating less overall. 

Because air-dried food is high in protein and made with limited ingredients, it’s highly-digestible and super healthy for your cat. Their bodies will be using more of the nutrients within the food, meaning healthier (and smaller) poops for you to scoop!

The texture of air-dried food is also beneficial for dental health. It has a texture similar to jerky so it’s fun for cats to chew. Chowing down on the firm air-dried pieces helps to reduce tartar and plaque buildup too. 

Kibble is typically lower-cost than canned, raw, or air-dried cat food, BUT it’s also lower in nutrients and protein. This can cause your cat to eat larger portions because they aren’t feeling full. Since it’s not as healthy as other diets - you will likely be paying more veterinary bills in the future. Too much dry food can lead to obesity, urinary issues, and kidney issues.

Feeding your cat a high-quality diet is the best way to prevent health issues. A strong, healthy, happy cat needs a diet high in protein and nutrients to ensure they have the best nine lives they possibly can!