If your cat has some missing teeth, you are probably searching for the best soft dry cat food that will be easy for your cat to nibble and chew. If you are just starting your research and perhaps wondering if there is soft cat food out there, you should know that there are a ton of soft cat kibble and tender cat food options for any cat with teeth problems or with challenges biting the traditional kibble. This post is packed with extensive research and reviews on the best dry cat food available in the market in 2022.
If you are looking to start your cat on dry food because of ill health symptoms such as vomiting, you should also consider low-carb cat food diet options, food for senior cats, or any food for hypoallergic cats.
A softer chewable center in dry cat food makes them much more appealing to kitties who might not ordinarily be as interested in crunchy kibble. Kittens developing teeth and aging dogs with gum issues find these cat food pellets easier on their mouths, as well. Some dry foods even have a gravy-like center to make them extra moist and flavorful.
If you just want dry soft food that is easy for the teeth or soft dry formulas that have proportionately more nutrients and higher calorie density, continue reading below:
Soft Food for Bad, Missing or Developing Cat Teeth
Dry food is essential for the feline family but adult cats or kittens may not find dry food palatable and it is usually a hassle for them to consume traditional kibble. Therefore, you need to find the most ideal tender cat food that can be easily chewed or bitten by senior cats or by kittens that are still developing their teeth.
Your cat can rely on soft, easy-to-digest food if your kitten has no teeth or if your cat is aging and has lost teeth. Senior cats with no teeth or with bad teeth can also use the food on our list. Most of the brands in this review are packaged in bags, and pouches and a few are canned.
We’ve done the most extensive research on all the soft and palatable food ideal for any cat that may find chewing traditional food difficult. Check out the reviews below of the best soft dry cat foods that can turn your cat into a happy and content pet.
Table of Contents
Reviews Of The Best Soft Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food – Best for Cats with No Teeth
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Blue Buffalo is our overall best soft dry food pick for cats with no teeth at all in 2022. This food has high-protein ingredients – mostly chicken and is very ideal for developing your cat’s lean muscles especially as they age. Aside from being easy to chew for your cats’ molars, premolars, incisors, or canine teeth, soft food, this soft food brand has a specific diet formulation for mature felines.
This soft cat food brand has ‘LifeSource Bits’ which has the perfect mix of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to boost the immune system. Your cat will really like the tasty food that is made of both soft and dry elements put together in the bits which the manufacturer calls ‘LifeSource’ bits.
If you want your cat to potentially get shiny and healthy skin, this brand also has omega-three and six fatty acids that are essential for soft coat and healthy cat skin.
Lastly, cat food is seen as supplementary food for other kittens. Therefore, you can purchase cat food to offer additional protein for the little cat with its dietary staple.Â
SPECIFICATION
- Protein content: :Â 38%
- Flavors: :Â Chicken
- Calories: :Â 410 kcal/cup
Ratings and Reviews:
- 4.8/5 by over 1700 pet owners on Amazon and is currently the 35th best-selling dry cat food on Amazon (check top 100 here)
- 4.6/5 by over 500 pet owners on Chewy
Other Details:
- Date First Available:Â June 20, 2012
- Manufacturer:Â Blue Buffalo
- Pet Food Category: Dry Food
Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain-Free with Real Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food – Best for Adult Cats
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The Purina Cat Chow brand is well-known among pet owners and is rich in chicken ingredients, similar to our top pick above. The Purina Cat Chow is among the soft cat food that you get in 4 bags that weigh 3.15 lbs each. This version comes with the meaty strips, tender, or other bits that are convenient for adult cats to consume. The cat can obtain some vital assistance for the ultimate immunization operation and better heart.
Features:
- Chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Grain-free dry cat food
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- High-quality protein to help support strong muscles
- It tastes good and your cat will love it!
- Made of gentle recipe for sensitive stomachs
Additionally, the nutrients or other minerals can suckle the kitten’s body appropriately. In general, this furry friend food can not add synthetic preservatives. Thus, you can pick out this choice. Â
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
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Another soft cat food that you can pick for your kitten or for your elderly cat is Meow Mix Original. This cat food brand is manufactured here in the US and comes with delicious flavors of chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean fish. Over 12,000 pet owners have rated it highly, 4.8/5, and is among the best-selling dry cat food on Amazon. It is the best soft dry cat food for kittens in 2022 and you’ll see on its packaging that it has a picture of a peeping happy kitten – perhaps the picture was taken after the kitten ate a bowl full of this tender cat food.
If the cat could not deal with fantastic kibble, it might be the perfect choice for your furry friend. The little pet will experience a wide range of flavors or obtain some vital ingredients needed.
The additional vitamins or other minerals can assist the furry friend’s digestive health for their immune health and coat. Lastly, the cat food is mildly crumbly as well.Â
IAMS Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Control Dry Cat Food – Best High-Protein Soft Dry Cat Food
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IAMS Proactive Indoor is another favorite soft food brand that I’ve used with my cat and you’ll like its proprietary fiber blend with beet pulp which helps reduce hairballs. Â
This food diet has been formulated specifically for felines of age 11 and above and the structure of the kibble has been made so it is soft and easy for older cats in their sunset years. It has reduced fat in the diet(10% less fat) compared to other IAMS Proactive brands and has the highest amount of high-quality proteins made from human-grade ingredients.
When it comes to this product, the chicken is the leading element for the protein-rich cat food to assist the stronger muscles or to offer better energy. The formula of I-carnitine can make your furry friend lose weight easily. The fiber blend with beet pulp can assist in decreasing the hairballs before they begin taking the ideal cat food for hairball care. If you were specifically looking for the best soft dry cat food that’s rich in protein, this is your best pick. You can also check our reviews of the best high-protein cat food in 2022 here.
Meow Mix Tender Centers Dry Cat Food – Crispy Soft Dry Cat Food
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It is a dry cat food that is soft to chew and is available with some fabulous tastes like tuna. It also owns the crunchy outside or the meaty tender into which is ideal for furry friends who are not chewing the crispy food.
When you are the pet carers of some cats who want to be special care during their development, you can take this version for them.
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food – Best Grain-free Soft Dry Cat Food
The cat wants the leading quality nutrients to make her move for a whole day of the journey. On the other hand, this version is built to provide her curious nature and dynamic lifestyle.
Next, it is particularly crafted around America for ingredients throughout the globe, and there is no poultry by-product meal and other synthetic substances. Finally, we make sure that your cat can enjoy a perfect meal that provides sturdy nutrients for any journey. This version is the best soft dry cat food that is grain-free.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food – Best Dry Cat Food for Budget
This Hill’s Science food brand is the best option for senior cats as it has specifically been formulated for cats with fewer or no teeth and is among the most tender dry cat food you can find in the market today. Aside from the unique formulas this dry soft cat food for seniors has, I generally prefer and have recommended it to pet owners with senior cats as has nutrients that promote heart health, eye functioning, joint support, and kidney function. All these are critical nutrients you need to look for when caring for an aging cat.
In addition, it doesn’t have food preservatives and zero artificial flavors and is the obvious healthy choice for your cat. Another add-on that you’ll like is that you’ll receive an antioxidant blend with vitamin E to improve your cat’s immunity. You get all these on a super low budget of around $20 and we classified this brand as the best dry cat food that is budget-friendly for senior cats.
Specifications:
- Protein content: :Â 38%
- Flavors: :Â Chicken
- Calories: :Â 394 kcal/cup
Purina Pro Plan Cat Food
This Purina brand of cat food is another great soft dry cat food that you can get for your cat. It comes in four unique flavors and you get both wet and food bundles which you then need to mix together to make soft kibbles for your cat.
It also has probiotics in its ingredients which makes the food, not just easy to bite and chew, but easy to digest as well. It uses real protein sources as the main ingredient and mixes the protein with veggies and fruits for a wholly balanced cat meal.
Meow Mix Tender Centers Basted Bites
Meow Mix Tender Centers Basted Bites are delicious cat kibble that contains flavors of chicken and tuna that your cat will love. The kibble is made with a crunchy outside and a meaty inside, providing a soft texture that your furry friend will love. Plus, the kibble is 100% complete and balanced nutrition for your cat's healthy and happy life.
Meow Mix Tender Centers Basted Bites are the cat food cats ask by its name. If they could..Really. Pun intended.
Made with ingredients that are appealing to your pal, plus all essential vitamins and minerals he needs, this irresistible kitty cuisine is perfect for a quick snack or a full meal.
Pros:
- -Delicious flavors of chicken and tuna
- -Soft texture for easy chewing
- -100% complete and balanced nutrition
- -Real chicken and tuna.
Cons:
- Uses corn, a cheap filler as the main fiber
- Uses artificial additives
Friskies Tender & Crunchy Combo Dry Cat Food
Friskies® Tender & Crunchy Combo Cat Food is a complete and balanced meal for adult cats. It's packed with the protein your active cat needs to support lean muscles, an active lifestyle and healthy skin and coat. With a hearty blend of chicken, beef, turkey and fish flavors that are sure to please even the most finicky feline. Plus it contains essential vitamins and minerals to keep your cat feeling its best!
Friskies Tender & Crunchy Combo Dry Cat Food is a great tasting combination of tender and crunchy pieces that your cat will love! This complete diet provides 100% of the daily nutrition your adult cat needs to stay healthy, including vitamin A and taurine to support vision and heart health and omegas for his skin and coat.
Pros:
- -Protein-packed for lean muscles
- -Hearty blend of chicken, beef, turkey and fish flavors
- -Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- -100% complete diet for adult cats
Cons:
- Uses corn as the first ingredient, a cheap filler
- Some customers have reported that their cats threw up after eating this food
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient for high-quality lean protein to help support the healthy muscles and energy of your adult cat.
This veterinarian-recommended formula combines crunchy bites and tender morsels for the variety cats love.
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend is formulated and manufacturered here in the US to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
This product contains a blend of high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, including taurine, to help keep your cat healthy. The formula also includes prebiotics to support digestion and antioxidants for immune health. Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food has real chicken as its first ingredient, which provides 100% balanced nutrition in every bowl. This food also has a unique blend of crunchy bites and tender morsels that your cat will love.
Pros:
- -Made with real chicken as the first ingredient for high-quality protein
- -Veterinarian recommended formula
- -Contains taurine, prebiotics and antioxidants
- -100% complete diet for adult cats
- -No fillers
- -Has added Omega for healthy skin and coat
Cons:
- More expensive than some other brands
- May contain gluten
- Uses soy protein is considered to have allergic potential in some cats
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Chicken Recipe
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Chicken Recipe is a grain-free, protein-rich cat food that contains real chicken to help satisfy your kitty’s natural craving for meat. This diet is specifically tailored to help indoor cats maintain a healthy weight and proper digestion.
The high-protein meal also helps encourage the development of lean and strong muscle mass. Available in 3 lb., 6 lb., 15 lb., and 27 lb. bags, this dry cat food offers an optimal balance of nutrients from whole ingredients that are naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols.
Blue Buffalo's Grain-Free Indoor Chicken Recipe is made with simple, natural ingredients. A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals provides a healthy immune system. LifeSource Bits are added to support your pet's overall health and wellness.
Whole deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, pea protein, potato protein (prebiotics), natural flavor, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), tomato pomace (natural source of lycopene), chia seed*, blueberries*, raspberries
Pros:
- -Grain-free
- -Real chicken as the first ingredient
- -High in protein to help encourage lean muscle mass
- -Available in multiple sizes
- -Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols
Cons:
- Some customers have reported that their cats did not like the taste of this food
This product is available on their website here or on Chewy, Petco or on Amazon.
Soft Dry Cat Food for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Healthy Aging Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Mature Dry Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, and Oatmeal
Our Softness Rating: 4.7/5 stars
This nutritious and delicious dry cat food from Blue Buffalo is everything your aging kitty friend with bad teeth needs to satisfy his nutritional needs. It is prepared using premium ingredients that are enriched with minerals and vitamins for your cat’s optimal health. The first ingredient is real deboned chicken which is protein-rich and easy to chew and digest for your senior cat.
Your cat will love the wholesome grains, fruits, and garden veggies in this soft dry cat food for seniors with carbs that provide him with the energy he needs. Even best, the formula is enriched with taurine that promotes eye and heart health and contains a blend of antioxidants to support your cat’s overall health. It contains 32% protein, 15% fat, 5% fiber, 9% moisture and 399 kcal/cup calorie content
Soft Dry Cat Food Sensitive Stomach: Fancy Feast Dry Cat Food, Fillet Mignon Flavor with Real Seafood & Shrimp Dry Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Tallow, and Whole Grain Corn
Our Softness Rating: 4.3/5
This mignon flavor with real seafood and shrimp recipe is yet another soft dry cat food for bad teeth that your dog will love on the list. This crunchy kibble is nutritionally complete and balanced and offers the excellent palate that your cat craves every day. It also includes poultry by-product meal which is a great source of protein for essential amino acids.
I like this dry cat food because it is lightly cooked to retain the palate and nutritional value your cat’s body needs to thrive. In addition, it is enriched with vital minerals and vitamins to help promote overall health. To make it softer for your cat with dental problems to chew, you can add some warm water although it will lose some taste. The recipe contains 34% protein, 17% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture, and 471 kcal/cup calorie content
Best Soft Dry Cat Food for Kittens: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Kitten Dry Cat Food Chicken
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat, and Brewers Rice
Our Softness Rating: 4.8/5
Do you have a growing kitty with dental issues and need the best soft dry cat food for kittens? This dry cat food from Nutro Wholesome Essentials is an ideal choice that your kitty will love. The recipe has chicken as the first ingredient that is easy to chew and digest and a great source of proteins to help support lean, strong muscles and a mouthwatering palate.
Your kitty will love this nutrient-packed dry cat food formula that has vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for whole health and wellness. It also has DHA and calcium that help support brain, bone, and joint health. It contains 36% protein, 19% fat, 4% fiber, 10% moisture and 439 kcal/cup calorie content.
Soft Dry Cat Food Grain Free: Nulo Adult & Kitten Dry Cat Food Grain-Free Turkey Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Meal, Deboned Cod, and Yellow Peas
Our Softness Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Does your cat prefer grain-free diets? This turkey recipe from Nulo Freestyle is one of the soft dry cat food brands that prepared different diets with your kitty in mind with the nutritional value she needs. It features protein from poultry and fish which make up the first 4 ingredients in the list to provide essential amino acids your cat needs to thrive.
All the used ingredients are easily chewable even for cats without teeth or with dental problems backed by powerful probiotics for gastrointestinal health. Perfect for kittens growing into adults, this nutrient-rich recipe features antioxidants, taurine, and omega fatty acids for health and wellness. Your cat will also love the great taste from a blend of proteins and small size kibbles. It contains 40% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, 10% moisture and 463 kcal/cup calorie content.
Soft Dry Cat Food for Bad Teeth: Wellness CORE Air Dried Natural Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Turkey and Chicken Recipe
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Peas, and Herring Meal
Our Softness Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Probably the best dry cat food that’s soft on the list today, this air-dried natural grain-free dry cat food from Wellness CORE is what your kitty friend has been craving for. I like this cat food because it is prepared with tender protein morsels that are soft to chew for your adult cat. Air-drying is a superb process that helps retain the nutritional value and tastiness of ingredients.
With chicken and turkey as the protein sources, this dry soft cat food contains high-quality protein in every bite for lean, strong muscles. A great alternative to wet and dry-hard cat food, it is complete and balanced with nutrients that help promote your cat’s overall health and wellness. It contains 45% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber, 10% moisture and kcal/cup caloric content. Wellness also has a puppy formula with the same ingredients.
Purina Friskies Tender & Crunchy Combo Adult Dry Cat Food
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Wheat, and Soybean Meal
Our Softness Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Can cats with no teeth eat dry food? Yes, and you should try feeding her this tender and crunchy combo formula from Purina Friskies. This recipe includes chicken, turkey, and beef meaty flavors for a unique taste that your cat with no teeth or with dental problems will enjoy with each bite. The meats also offer a great source of protein that is easy and tender to chew.
I love that this dry cat food is crunchy on the outside and soft inside and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to promote your cat’s overall health. In addition, the formula is enriched with taurine that supports a healthy heart and sight. If you find the crunchy taste hard for your cat with no teeth, you can add some warm water but the taste will be slightly diluted. The formula contains 30% protein, 11% fat, 3% fiber, 12% moisture, and 389 kcal/cup calorie content.
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The concept of soft dry cat food
The soft dry cat food is similar to hard kibbles, considering the content the soft dry and hard kibbles have. However, the soft dry cat food has been formulated to be chewed easily and this makes them preferable for aging cats or for cats with no teeth. Most manufacturers have a slightly different baking process or use ingredients that make the kibbles softer.
To make them easy to bite and chew, soft dry cat food has a higher moisture content than regular hard kibbles that are 8 to 10% moist. Soft dry cat food is ideal for adult cats with a lot of teeth missing or who could not chew the traditional kibble pieces.  Pouch food (because they are packaged in pouches) is a moist cat food type that has a max of 10% moisture content, compared to wet cat food with up to 85%.
Besides, soft dry kibble is beginning to gain popularity among cat carers and pet owners. They particularly have a lot of saturation amount, compared to various kibble. However, they are quite not soupy such as wet food, which could ensure around 80% of the saturated amount.Â
Wet vs Dry Cat Food
The dry and wet cat food gets enough nutrients to ensure enough to satisfy the cat’s dietary demands. However, the wet and dry cat food varies by the amount of water it contains and the storage requirements you need to heed as you store the food. Here are key distinctions between wet and dry cat food:
- The amount of water: The dry cat food consists of until 10% of the amount of water, and wet cat food could include an 80% amount of water. The soft dry food particularly owns some water amount, compared to the dry food. However, it could not get nearly as much as you can to seek the previous wet food.Â
- Storage: When you open the wet cat food’s can, you need to keep in-store it inside the fridge by the cover to make it fresh, or dry food can request the airtight container. Next, the soft dry food even wants the airtight container to avoid it from taking a lot of tough for the cat to consume.Â
The reasons why you have to feed the cat with soft dry food
For several years, cat food manufacturers produced and sold semi-saturated cat food. However, the production methods have progressed over the years, and a wide range of synthetic colors and flavoring, which might not operate effectively for the kitten’s digestive tract. It could be harder for the cat carers to look for food, which is soft or tasty enough for the cat without giving them the wet food.Â
On top of this, the soft dry food is an outstanding balance for either dry or wet cat food since they are not so crispy that the furry friends find it difficult to consume it. However, the soft dry cat food for cats with no teeth is not wet enough that you can feed them much, which could not assist for their teeth. Also, you obtain mildly harder kibble for soft centers and assistance to soften up the kibble amount of food.Â
A Diet Formulation for Cats
Cats need a balanced diet for healthy body development and for energy. At the minimum, the ideal cat food should contain 22 amino acids that are essential for your cat's health and strength. 11 of the 22 are available through food, and 2 are mostly found in animal proteins.
To summarize, the perfect diet formulation for cats should contain 50 – 60 % protein, 30 – 50 % fat, and only 2 – 10 % carbohydrates. If you think your cat has been gaining weight, you should reduce carbs intake by switching to any of these 7 low-carb cat food diets.
Familiar questions related to the best soft dry cat food
In this part of our post, we can help you answer the familiar questions involved in the best soft dry cat foods. Thus, let’s follow us to find them out before making your decision.
1. What is the greatest food for adult cats?
In reality, adult cats do not need to consume a lot. When offering a balanced diet, they can be fine with the soft dry cat food with enough meat concentrates. On the other hand, those food are particularly manufactured for adult cats.Â
2. Do adult cats consume less?
Adult cats do not necessarily consume less food compared to their younger peers except that they may start developing health complications such as gastrointestinal issues and dental problems that may make it reduce their food intake. Thus, you need to purchase soft dry food with appropriate nutrients to make up for their less consumption.
3. Why did my adult cat stop eating?
If your adult cat stops consuming food, there will be few explanations. First, it may be that the cat just doesn't love the flavor of the food you are giving. Secondly, it may also have developed some internal illness that's affecting its appetite and/or digestion. Third, it may be because of dental problems such as losing teeth or having toothaches. To solve this or before switching the cat food brand, consider trying soft dry cat food first that's as easy to chew and packed with a high concentration of necessary nutrients.
4. How can you feed your lovely furry friend?
When it comes to the little cat, you can purchase commercial dry food or try feeding homemade food. In other words, you can feed them the food you eat at home such as raw meat.
5. How many times can you give furry friends for a day?
For younger cats, you can feed them three times a day. For an adult or senior cat, it is good if you give them food two times a day.Â
Top Soft Cat Food Guide:
What is soft cat food?
Soft cat food is any type of food that has been specifically designed to be easy for cats to eat and digest. This can include both wet and dry food, as well as treats and snacks.
While all cat food contains some moisture, wet food is typically much higher in water content than dry food. This makes it easier for cats to eat and digest, which is why it's often recommended for kittens and senior cats.
Dry food, on the other hand, is lower in moisture and higher in protein. It's a great option for cats that are healthy and have all their teeth, as it can help keep their teeth clean.
However, dry food can be more difficult for cats to eat and digest if they're missing teeth or have other health problems. In these cases, wet food or soft food may be a better option.
What are the benefits of soft cat food?
There are a few key benefits of soft cat food, which include:
Easier to eat and digest: Soft cat food is designed to be easy for cats to eat, even if they're missing teeth or have other health problems. This can help them get the nutrition they need without having to struggle to eat their food.
Soft cat food is designed to be easy for cats to eat, even if they're missing teeth or have other health problems. This can help them get the nutrition they need without having to struggle to eat their food. Good for oral health: Wet food is a great option for cats that need to maintain their oral health. The high water content helps keep their teeth clean and can also reduce the risk of gum disease.
Wet food is a great option for cats that need to maintain their oral health. The high water content helps keep their teeth clean and can also reduce the risk of gum disease. More variety: Soft cat food comes in a variety of flavors and textures, which can help keep your cat interested in their food. This is especially important for picky eaters or cats that get bored easily.
10 DIY Steps to Soften Cat Food at Home:
If you find yourself in a bind and need to soften your cat's food, there are a few DIY methods you can try. Just keep in mind that these methods may not work as well as commercial softeners, and they may not be suitable for all cats.
1.Add water:
One of the easiest ways to soften dry food is to add a little water to it. This will help rehydrate the food and make it softer. Just be sure not to add too much water, as this can make the food mushy.
2.Microwave it: Another easy way to soften dry food is to microwave it for a few seconds. This will help loosen up the kibble and make it easier to eat. Just be careful not to microwave it for too long, as this can make the food hard again.
3.Add canned food: If you have some canned cat food on hand, you can mix it in with the dry food to soften it. This is a great option if your cat is picky about their food, as they're likely to enjoy the taste of canned food.
4.Soak it: Soaking dry food in water is another easy way to soften it. Just be sure to use warm water, as cold water can make the food hard again. You'll also want to drain off any excess water before feeding it to your cat.
5.Steam it: Steaming dry food is another effective way to soften it. Just be sure not to steam it for too long, as this can make the food mushy. You can also add a little water to the steamer to help rehydrate the food.
6.Bake it: Baking dry food is another way to soften it. It may help to add some water to the food before baking it, as this will help rehydrate it. Just be sure not to bake the food for too long, as this can make it hard again.
7.Use a food processor: If you have a food processor, you can use it to chop up dry food and make it softer. This is a great option if your cat is having trouble chewing their food. Just be sure not to process the food for too long, as this can make it mushy.
8.Mash it: Mashing dry food with a fork is another easy way to soften it. This is a great option if you don't have any other tools on hand. Just be sure not to mash the food for too long, as this can make it hard again.
9.Grate it: Grating dry food is another easy way to soften it. This is a great option if your cat is having trouble chewing their food. Just be sure not to grate the food for too long, as this can make it hard again.
10.Use a blender: If you have a blender, you can use it to blend dry food and make it softer. This is a great option if your cat is having trouble chewing their food. Just be sure not to blend the food for too long, as this can make it mushy.
Helpful tips when caring for a cat that needs soft cat food:
There are a few things you can do to make sure your cat's food is as soft as possible.
1.Try different brands: If you're having trouble finding a soft food that your cat likes, try looking for a different brand. There are many different brands of soft food on the market, so you're sure to find one that your cat enjoys.
2.Look for special formulas: Some brands offer special formulas that are designed to be softer than regular food. These formulas may be more expensive, but they could be worth the investment if your cat has trouble eating hard food.
3.Ask your vet: If you're still having trouble finding a soft food that your cat likes, talk to your vet. They may be able to recommend a brand or type of food that would be better for your cat.
4.Make your own: If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own soft food. There are many recipes online that you can follow. Just be sure to use fresh ingredients and cook the food properly to avoid any health risks.
5.Give them wet food: If all else fails, you can try feeding your cat wet food. This is the softest option available, and most cats enjoy the taste of wet food. Just be sure to choose a quality brand that doesn't have too much salt or sugar.
When to See a Vet:
If your cat is having trouble eating hard food, it's important to talk to your vet. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and recommend a course of treatment. In some cases, they may even recommend switching your cat to a soft food diet.
Factors to consider when choosing the Best Soft Dry Cat Food:
- 1. protein content
- 2. fat content
- 3. fiber content
- 4. moisture content
- 5. free from artificial additives, flavors, and colors
- 6. overall ingredients quality
- 7. price point
Protein:
All cats need protein to support their growing bodies or to maintain their muscle mass as they age. Protein should be the first ingredient listed on any cat food label, and it should come from animal sources like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
Fat:
Fat provides cats with energy and essential fatty acids that support healthy skin and a shiny coat. Look for foods that list animal fat as the primary source of fat rather than plant-based fats like canola oil.
Fiber:
A small amount of fiber in cat food is important for digestive health, but too much fiber can lead to problems like constipation or diarrhea. The best sources of dietary fiber for cats are pumpkin and psyllium husk.
Moisture:
Cats get most of the moisture they need from their food, so it's important to choose a food that contains at least 10% moisture. Canned foods generally have more moisture than dry foods, but there are also many moist, soft dry cat foods on the market.
Free from artificial additives:
Artificial additives like preservatives, flavors, and colors are unnecessary ingredients that offer no nutritional value for your cat. Look for foods that are free from these additives to ensure your cat is getting the most nutritious diet possible.
Overall ingredients quality:
The overall quality of the ingredients in a cat food is important to consider when choosing the best food for your cat. Avoid foods that contain cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy and look for foods that use high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
Ingredients:
As with all cat food, it's important to look at the ingredient list when shopping for soft food. Avoid foods that are high in fillers or artificial ingredients, and opt for options that are made with real meat or fish.
Texture:
Soft cat food comes in a variety of textures, from thick gravy to chunks in sauce. Think about what texture your cat prefers and choose accordingly. You can also try a few different textures to see what they like best.
Flavor:
Soft food comes in a variety of flavors, so you'll want to choose one that your cat will enjoy. If you're not sure what they like, opt for a flavor that contains real meat or fish, as most cats enjoy these.
Price point:
When it comes to choosing the best cat food for your budget, there are a few things to consider. In general, dry foods are less expensive than wet foods, but there are also many moist, soft dry cat foods on the market that are more expensive than dry foods. Canned foods tend to be the most expensive option, but they also contain the highest amount of moisture, which is important for cats.
Other FAQs on Soft Dry Cat Food
Most cats prefer super crunchy kibbles or completely wet food with a source mixed with proteins. However, there are limited softened dry cat food which is the middle of what cats like most - crunchy or wet food.
Some of the popular cat dry food brands include Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Purina Cat Chow Dry Cat Food, Meow Mix, and IAMs Proactive Health as reviewed in this post.
While some vets recommend pet owners to stick with dry cat food which promotes oral health, soft cat food is good for cats if they have balanced nutritional components with at least 50% protein. You can choose to occasionally give your cat some wet and dry food - including some soft food, as well.
Most aging cats have dental issues but even a toothless cat can still eat dry cat food but they need to be softened. You can soften the dry kibble using some broth or just water but the number of moisteners (water or broth) need to be as little as possible. To avoid indigestion, it is important for your cat to eat the pellets whole. Softening the dry cat food will not change the nutritional components and they are the best for any cat with missing or no teeth at all.
After feeding your toothless cat the softened cat food for some time, you can transition to a wet cat food but it is important to do the transition slowly for a period of at least 3 weeks. Doing so faster may upset their digestive system. You can start by giving your cat small amounts of wet food at a time and slowly increase the proportion of the new wet food as you slowly reduce the soft dry cat food your cat is already used to.
Conclusion
We believe have expanded your knowledge horizon in relation to choosing the best soft dry cat foods this year. Last but not least, do not forget to leave your comments below. Thank you and happy holidays!
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com