Mixed feeding: combine the best of both worlds

In the wild, cats eat several small meals a day of fresh prey: high in moisture (approx. 70-80%), proteins, and fats, and low in carbohydrates. Modern kibble is convenient and supports dental health, but it is often drier and higher in carbohydrates. Wet food and fresh meat are closer to their natural diet. By combining them (mixed feeding), you get the best of both worlds: the convenience and dental support of kibble + the hydration, taste, and nutritional density of wet/fresh food. Many veterinarians and nutritionists recommend this, especially because cats naturally drink little and are prone to bladder and kidney problems. BF Petfood advises a combination of kibble and wet/fresh food for an optimal balance: hydration, variety, and complete nutrition.

Benefits for cats

• Better hydration and bladder health: Wet food and fresh meat contain a lot of moisture. This increases total fluid intake, dilutes urine, and lowers the risk of bladder grit, stones, and kidney problems – a major plus for cats that otherwise drink too little. BIOFOOD wet food (high moisture) + kibble such as Control Urinary significantly reduce the risk of bladder problems. Many cats drink too little, so this is crucial.
• Tastier and more attractive to picky eaters: Wet food smells stronger and has a different texture. Mix it with the kibble or alternate: many cats will eat more enthusiastically and more completely. Mix a spoonful of BIOFOOD Organic wet food into the kibble or alternate – picky cats often eat more enthusiastically.
• Nutritional variety and prevention of intolerances/allergies: A diet that is too monotonous can promote sensitivities. Alternating with different protein sources (chicken, fish, beef, etc.) and textures keeps things interesting and can reduce selective eating behavior. Alternate between different kibble varieties (Adult Fit, Sensitive) and protein sources (chicken/beef in wet food). Add salmon oil or probiotics for coat, joints, and gut health.
• Weight management: Wet/fresh food provides more satiety with fewer calories per volume. Useful for cats that gain weight easily. Use Control kibble with weight control formula + smaller portions of wet food.
• Digestion and gut flora: Fiber from kibble + moisture and proteins from wet/fresh food keep the bowels regular. A cat's stomach is flexible and digests everything perfectly well together (no "floating/sinking" myth). Prebiotics in the food + probiotic supplements keep the gut flora in balance.
• Mental stimulation: Different tastes, scents, and textures prevent boredom at the food bowl.
• Supplements and enrichment: You can easily add toppers, oils (salmon oil), herbs, tablets, meat snacks, or specific supplements (e.g., for joints, coat, or urinary tract). Just pay attention to the total calorie balance.

Practical tips for combining

• How to do it practically? For example, kibble in the morning (energy and convenience) and wet food or fresh meat in the evening. Or mix them into one meal. Start gradually to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
• Balance is key: Ensure everything is complete and balanced. Calculate the total energy requirement (kcal) and adjust portions. Use complete foods and consult a veterinarian or nutritionist for raw/BARF diets (risks of bacteria and imbalances).
• Which cats is this extra interesting for? Older cats, cats with bladder problems, overweight cats, picky eaters, or cats that only eat kibble but drink too little.
• Note: Not every cat enjoys it. Some have a sensitive stomach. Observe stool, weight, coat, and energy. For raw diets: hygiene is crucial.
  

Kibble feeding (dry food):

• Adult - Fit (Grain-free): A good all-round choice for adult cats with high acceptance.
• Control - Urinary/Sterilised: Ideal for cats with urinary tract problems or neutered/spayed animals (supports bladder health and weight management).
• Sensitive - Coat/Stomach (Grain-free): For cats with sensitive skin, coat, or gastrointestinal systems.
• Senior - Ageing: For older cats.
• Kitten - Pregnant/Nursing (Grain-free): For kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.
• 3-Mix Adult Basic: Affordable base with chicken, beef, and fish, enriched with taurine and echinacea.

These kibbles are naturally formulated, often grain-free or with limited carbohydrates, and contain salmon oil for omega fatty acids.

Wet food:

• BIOFOOD Organic Menu (e.g., 100% Chicken or Beef, and complete menus with chicken or beef): Organic, high in fresh meat and moisture. Perfect as a supplement or for variety. High moisture content → better hydration and more attractive to picky cats.

Supplements & toppers:

• Omega+ Scottish Salmon Oil: For a shiny coat, healthy skin, and anti-inflammatory omega-3.
• Probiotic Tablets: Support gut flora and digestion – ideal when switching to mixed feeding.
• Garlic Tablets (Natural or with Salmon): Natural support.
• Anti-Hairball Tablets: Useful for cats that form many hairballs.
• Relax Tablets: For stress or restlessness.
• Optionally, sheep fat or other toppers for extra flavor and calories.

Practical tips for combining with BF

• Example daily menu: Morning & evening BIOFOOD Organic Chicken Menu. Top with a few drops of Salmon Oil and a probiotic tablet. During the day, a portion of Adult Fit or Sensitive kibble.
• Start mixing gradually to prevent stomach issues.
• Calculate the total energy requirement (kcal) and adjust portions – kibble and wet food have different calorie densities.
• For raw/BARF: Combine with BF wet/fresh and supplement carefully (taurine, etc.).
• Observe your cat: stool, weight, coat, energy, and drinking behavior. Adjust where necessary.

Observation

Although variety in diet (mixed feeding) has many benefits for cats — such as better hydration, higher acceptance, and nutritional variety — it is crucial to introduce changes step by step. This applies especially to cats sensitive to gastrointestinal issues, hairballs, or food sensitivities/allergies.

Add new ingredients (e.g., new wet food, fresh meat, or supplements) gradually over 7-10 days and keep a close eye on how your cat reacts: stool, vomiting, appetite, coat, energy, and weight. For BF products such as BIOFOOD Organic wet food or Sensitive kibble, start with a small scoop, for example.

Combining kibble, wet food, meat, and supplements

When combining kibble (dry food) with wet food, potentially supplemented with meat products, oils (such as BF Omega+ Salmon Oil), sheep fat treats, herbs, and tablets (probiotics, anti-hairball, etc.), you must carefully calculate the total daily amount.

For a typical house cat (often neutered/spayed and with limited movement), calculate this based on kcal and the energy density of each product. For example, mix BF Adult Fit or Control Urinary kibble in the morning with a portion of BIOFOOD Organic wet food and a few drops of salmon oil in the evening.

FEDIAF guidelines for energy requirements in cats

The FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) sets nutritional guidelines that commercial cat food must meet. For cats, the energy requirement is calculated using the exponent 0.67 (BW^0.67), as their metabolism works differently than dogs'.

Energy requirement (MER - Maintenance Energy Requirement) guidelines for adult cats:

• Neutered / indoor cats (most house cats, low activity): 52–75 kcal × (body weight in kg)^0.67
• Active / lean cats (outdoor cats or very active animals): up to 100 kcal × (body weight in kg)^0.67

Examples by age/phase (guidelines, adjust based on activity):

• Senior cats (>7-8 years, often less active): lower end of the range (towards 52-70 kcal/kg^0.67).
• Adult cats (3-7 years): 60-85 kcal/kg^0.67 depending on exercise and neutering.
• Young adult / active cats: higher, towards 100 kcal/kg^0.67.
• Kittens / pregnant/nursing cats: significantly higher (growth and reproduction).

The two most important factors influencing energy requirements are age, neutering/spaying, and activity level. Cats that play a lot or go outside need more; neutered indoor cats need less (to prevent obesity).
Practical calculation for mixed feeding:

1. Calculate the total daily kcal requirement using the formula above (use a calculator or app).
2. Add up the metabolizable energy (ME in kcal/kg or kcal/100g) of each product (found on BF product packaging or calculable).
3. Divide the total kcal among kibble, wet food, and any toppers/supplements.
   Example: If your cat needs 250 kcal/day, you could give 150 kcal from kibble + 90 kcal from wet food + 10 kcal from oil/tablets.

Formula to calculate grams:
Amount (grams) = (required kcal of this product / kcal per kg of the product) × 1000.
These are guidelines. Always adjust based on individual circumstances: observe body condition score (BCS – ideal 4-5/9), weight, activity, and health. With mixed feeding (kibble + wet/fresh), it is extra important to monitor total intake, as wet food is often more calorie-dense per volume.

Potential points of attention

• Higher costs and more preparation than kibble alone.
• Not every cat likes variety – do not force it.
• Consult your veterinarian in case of existing problems.

More information about combining (just) kibble and wet food can be found here.

Conclusion:

Just like with dogs, mixed feeding for many cats is a smart, enriching approach that is closer to nature and addresses specific feline health risks (hydration, urinary tract). It is not a must, but often an improvement over kibble alone. Start small, observe your cat. It is flexible, tasty, and nutritious. Many cats thrive with this approach.

For more information, email: info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page.