Did you know there’s more to your cat’s mealtime than just slamming down a bowl of kibble like it’s a rat race to the bottom? Turns out, feeding cats can be a whole Broadway production! It’s a chance for enrichment that not only meets the nutritional needs of felines but also keeps their minds sharp and bodies agile.
“Food enrichment is a key aspect of pet parenting, offering opportunities to challenge our cats’ natural instincts and make mealtime more exciting and beneficial,” explains Dr. Karien Brink, Veterinarian at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Because let’s face it, cats deserves a Michelin-star dining experience, even if they believe a cardboard box is the dining room!
When it comes to enriching our cats with their food, this involves making mealtime a stimulating experience by engaging your cat’s mind and instincts. It mimics the behaviour cats would exhibit in the wild, like foraging, hunting, or problem-solving. Enrichment can reduce boredom, alleviate stress, and even improve digestion by slowing down fast eaters. Cats benefit from an Ancestral diet that keep them active and satisfied.
“Why wet food is ideal for enrichment is because of its unique textures, rich flavours and aromas, so incorporating it into a variety of activities can happen seamlessly,” Dr. Brink advises.
How to elevate your cat’s mealtime with wet food
Use in puzzle feeders
Wet food can be spread into treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders, encouraging cats to work for their meal.
Freeze for longer enjoyment
Freeze wet food in ice cube trays or food toys to create a cool cat challenge.
Spread on lickimats
A lickimat smeared with wet food slows eating, calms anxious cats, and adds sensory engagement.
Layering for fun
Create layers of wet and dry food in a bowl or toy to make eating more interactive and exciting, stimulating your pet mentally.
Gradual changes
Introduce new enrichment activities slowly to make sure your cat feels comfortable and engaged.
Wet Food Benefits
Wet food is incredibly versatile, so besides using it for enrichment activities, there are several ways it can enhance your cat’s daily meals:
- The topper trick: Add a spoonful of wet food to their dry food for a burst of flavour and moisture.
- Mix it: Blend wet and dry food for textures your cat will love.
- Go solo: Serve wet food as a complete meal – it’s balanced, wholesome, and ready to go.
“Wet food adds nutritional value and supports hydration, especially for cats, who are naturally poor drinkers. It’s also easier to eat, making it ideal for senior cats or those with dental sensitivities. Think of it as a wellness boost in every bite,” adds Dr. Brink
With the festive season approaching, why not surprise your pet with something special by including a Hill’s chicken stew or salmon pouch in their stocking – the perfect way to show them extra love while keeping their nutrition balanced.
Hill’s offers a range of wet food options, from hearty stews to savoury pâtés, in flavours like chicken, salmon, and vegetable-infused blends. So, whether you’re feeding a playful puppy or a senior cat, wet food can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
