Does canned food cause diarrhea in cats? The number of pets in the United States has increased over the years. Most of those with a pet would feed them a homemade diet, but many would prefer to give their pets canned food instead.
However, it’s common for cats to develop diarrhea after eating canned food. There are probably some reasons why canned food causes diarrhea in cats.
The first reason why canned food causes diarrhea in cats is due to the fact that many brands of canned food contain high levels of protein.
In order for the kibble to retain its shape, the manufacturers have to add a binder which is usually made from wheat gluten or animal by-products. The high protein content makes it hard for felines to digest and can lead to stomach upsets and diarrhea.
The second reason why canned food causes diarrhea in cats is that many chemicals are added to the food.
One of these chemicals is sodium aluminosilicate which can produce toxins and phytotoxins such as silica, alum, and iron phosphate. These chemicals cause problems such as chronic renal failure and cat bone mineral loss. One of the most common toxins in cat foods is iron phosphate and diet rich in this toxin can be responsible for damaging your pets’ kidneys.
Table of Contents
Does canned food cause diarrhea in cats?
The short answer is no. However, overeating canned food can cause diarrhea.
One of the most common reasons is that most canned food contains high protein levels. Cats are notorious for being picky eaters and can be very finicky when it comes to food. They often require owners to try different foods before they find the type that suits them best.
When a cat eats too much-canned food, they can develop diarrhea. Diarrhea in any animal can be problematic because it dehydrates them quickly, which may cause serious health problems, especially in cats.
American Society for Nutrition says that “the use of some form of canned or wet diet should be avoided due to lack of fiber.” So, if you are looking for healthy canned food for your cat, look out for “low protein” ones.
Fiber is an essential nutrient in any diet, giving animals the feeling of being full and satisfied. Canned food that contains high levels of fiber is going to prevent diarrhea in cats and will also help them to shed weight.
If you want to see a decrease in your cat’s weight, then you need to look for canned foods that are higher in fiber content.
What causes diarrhea in cats?
There are several reasons why your cat may suffer from diarrhea.
Some of the common reasons include:
● Food allergies – this is especially common in cats with a diet rich in protein, so if you have switched your pet’s diet to canned food, it may result in food allergies. If you suspect your cat is suffering from food allergies, consult a vet as soon as possible.
● Parasites – parasites are usually transmitted by a nip or bite. If your cat is suffering from diarrhea, it may be due to parasites that have infected the body.
● Another reason your cat may suffer from diarrhea is if they have gotten into one of the many canned foods. This is especially common in outdoor cats, so if you suspect this to be the case, consult a vet as soon as possible because certain vaccines can prevent parasitic infections.
When should you see the veterinarian?
If your cat is suffering from diarrhea, there is a good chance that it may suffer from a more serious condition.
It’s recommended that you consult the vet, even if it’s just one time, because this will give you an idea of what could be causing the problem.
Some of the common conditions which can cause diarrhea include:
● Feline leukemia – this is a common disease among felines and can result in nutritional disorders and diarrhea.
● Feline infectious peritonitis – this condition also affects felines and can result in bleeding from the intestines.
● Stomach worms are a common problem, especially in outdoor cats.
You mustn’t treat your cat at home because if they have a serious condition, they may need emergency medical attention.
The vet is going to be able to tell you what treatment your cat requires, so make sure you see one as soon as possible.
Can Changing Cat Food Cause Diarrhoea?
Changing your cat’s diet can be stressful, and it’s not uncommon for them to suffer from diarrhea.
If your cat has been eating the same food for several weeks, you should consider switching to a new brand of food or even a different type of food, whether dry or canned.
Changing their diet could cause a problem because they may have developed an intolerance to one of the ingredients in their current food brand.
However, switching to a different brand of cat food should solve the problem. Cats are usually very picky eaters and may not even like the smell of the new food.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful!
You must understand the reasons why your feline friend is suffering from diarrhea. As said above, there are some possible causes, and some can be serious.
If one of the causes is correct, you may need to see your vet immediately because there could be more serious health issues causing diarrhea. If a cat eats canned foods, it should be safe to eat dry food.
FAQs
Can canned cat food give cats diarrhea?
When it comes to canned cat food, there are a lot of problems that can cause your feline friend to suffer from diarrhea. When your cat has been eating the same food for a long time, any adjustment to its diet can cause diarrhea.
Should I stop giving my cat wet food if he has diarrhea?
In most cases, this is not necessary, and the problem will clear up on its own. If your cat has a long history of diarrhea, you should visit the vet to have them tested.
Should my cat always eat dry food?
This may depend on numerous factors. In most cases, your cat will benefit from eating dry food and will also be healthier overall if his diet is made primarily of this type of food.
What food gives cats diarrhea?
This is especially common in cats who have a diet rich in protein. An example is canned food. If your cat has been eating canned foods for a long time, the problem will clear up.
Does wet food make cats poop more?
If a cat is fed wet food, it may poop more often than if fed dry food. This is not a requirement and will depend entirely on the individual cat.
What type of food should I give my cat if he has diarrhea?
If your pet has diarrhea, you will want to stop feeding him any food. Make sure that you are giving him plenty of fresh water.
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.