Most cats evolved in desert climates, where water was scarce. Cats don’t naturally drink a lot of water, even when dehydrated. As strict carnivores, they always got most of their water from their food – they are genetically programmed this way. I’ll repeat: foods carnivores eat are 60-75% water.
About 100 years ago, dry, kibble pet foods were created. Kibble is a mixture of meat, grains and other ingredients, heated and formed into dry, crunchy pieces. Dry foods are currently the most popular way to feed dogs and cats – in 2015, pet owners spent $3.8 billion dollars on dry pet foods! Dry foods are 5-10% moisture. Did you get that? 5-10% moisture. This is less than 1/10th the moisture content of fresh meat – a huge change in how cats and dogs used to eat. How would your car function on 1/10th the fluids it was meant to have? Imagine eating regular meals of beef jerky and granola.
Is kibble alone the best food for cats and dogs? NO. Could feeding only dry food be causing health problems? YES!!