What To Feed A Cat With Gum Disease? 5 Best Options To Try Right Now
Our cats are notoriously picky eaters but there is no denying the fact that they love to eat. But with gum diseases, it can be a painful experience for cats leading to less food intake and missing out on important nutrients. You must be searching about what to feed a cat with gum disease!
As a pet owner, it can be tough to see your cat struggling and unable to eat their favorite delights. So, what can you do to make the eating thing more fun and enjoyable for them?
In this article, we will dive deeper into the topic and look for food items that are healthy and cause no irritation.
How Does Gum Disease Impact The Cats Diet?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is common among older cats. But what is the big deal about them? Gum disease can cause pain and inflammation making it a hassle to chew. This situation can aggravate if your cat is munching on dry and crunchy food and can lead to loss of appetite and serious health disease.
This is why it is crucial to have a sorted diet for your cat with gum disease so you can timely put a stop to that. Otherwise, it can change into a more disastrous disease.
What To Feed A Cat With Gum Disease? Top Picks For You
There are many options for cats with gum diseases but what should be the top priority? We have everything covered for you. So, let’s get started!
Wet Food With Nutrients
Wet food is the best option for cats suffering from gum disease. And why it shouldn’t be? It is soft, flavorful, and doesn’t need much effort for chewing. Apart from that, you need quality food with the needed nutrients. Vitamins A, C, and E are the most essential and support the oral health of your cat. So, make sure that these nutrients are present in your cats’ diet.
The best choices for wet food are pate style and gravies. They have the extra moisture and can be an excellent daily meal or a topper for your cat’s daily food. However, consult your vet before you start giving your cat any type of food.
Soft Dry Food
Gum disease can be a pain and soft dry food is the ultimate answer to this. But how can you soften the food? You can soak it in water or low-sodium broth and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
This will make the food soft and your cat can easily chew on it. Soft food reduces any strain on your cat’s gums and makes them relax. After all our lovely cats also need a break and this is the perfect way to give them that.
Bone Broth And Hydration
Bone broth is our hidden superhero that is perfect for gum problems. You should add bone broth with low sodium content to your cat’s diet and notice the wonders. It not only softens the food but also contains collagen that heals the joints and also deals with gum problems.
You can utilize chicken or turkey for this purpose and make a delicious soup for them. And the great news is that most cats love the flavor and warmth of bone broth. So, you don’t have to worry about whether your cat will like it or not! Sounds like a win-win situation for you and your cat.
Soft And Fresh Protein
Your cat’s diet is incomplete without proteins. However, there are certain proteins that they can’t easily consume and it can lead to problems. That’s where soft protein comes with a bang. You can give your cat shredded chicken or cooked fish so they don’t suffer from any deficiency.
These proteins are soft and easy on gums. However, make sure that you don’t add any seasoning or salt in the protein as cats don’t need these things. Lastly, make sure that the chicken and fish are without any bones.
Avoid Crunchy Treats
You should keep your cat away from crunchy food as it can aggravate the symptoms and lead to more irritation and problems. Hard food can lead to inflammation and bleeding of gums making it hard for them to consume food.
We have listed above the type of foods that are ideal for cats and that’s why you should stick to them. Before doing any experiment you should consult your vet and take their advice into consideration.
Extra Support With Supplements
Sometimes food is not the only thing that your cat needs. Various supplements have been designed with such cats in mind, are backed with nutrients, and work to help combat gum disease.
These are some supplements that you can opt for:
- Vitamin C for gum health
- Fish oil for inflammation
- Probiotics for immunity
Final Words
Knowing what to feed a cat with gum disease can put all things into one perspective. Each of the foods mentioned above will be easy on your cat’s gums and they can enjoy them while getting the right nutrients.
But do keep a close eye on your cat’s eating habits and if you catch any sudden changes you should consult a vet.