I stopped giving my cats canned food. I was concerned about their nutrition needs. I bought a very good brand of dry cat food at a pet store. I have noticed that their little voices are hoarse. It is hot weather now and I'm wondering if they are dehydrated. I keep fresh water outside and inside. I am very worried. Anyone have a clue as what this could be from?

Both dry and canned foods are formulated to meet your pets’ nutritional needs. Both are highly nutritious. Your kitties will get all the nutrition they need whether you feed dry or canned. You do not need to worry. It’s really just a matter of preference set by you and or your kitties.

Never feed your kitties dog food. Dog food has a complete different nutritional content. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs.

Canned food requires little or no chewing and can be swallowed easily. Since your kitties were used to canned food, I suspect that they are swallowing the dry food whole. Dry food is coarse and can scratch the esophagus as it goes down if swallowed whole or partially chewed. You can add some water to the dry food, to soften it.

Be aware, that dry food moistened does get rancid after a while and can give them an upset tummy. Throw away any uneaten dry food that has been moistened.

You can check for dehydration by pulling the skin up between the shoulder blades and letting it go. If the skin pops back, your pet is getting water, but if the skin slowly returns to its normal position, your pet is dehydrated and needs to see a veterinarian a.s.a.p.

Good post, piggins!

Thanks, piggins! That is great info.