Here's How to Improve Your Cat's Diet (Even If You Can Only Afford Kibble or Canned)
Simple, powerful ways to improve your cat’s health—starting today. From ditching kibble to boosting hydration and adding fresh, nourishing toppers, even small changes can make a big difference.
I get it—everyone has a budget, and raw feeding or cooked whole foods can feel overwhelming or out of reach financially. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are still powerful things you can do starting today to improve your cat’s health, even if processed food is all you can afford right now.
Let’s talk about three simple, approachable steps that don’t require a total lifestyle overhaul—but can still make a world of difference for your cat’s vitality, energy, and long-term wellness.
1. Upgrade the Diet (Even Just a Little) If you can eliminate kibble altogether, that’s ideal. Kibble is convenient, but it’s also dry, carbohydrate-heavy, and not at all aligned with what your obligate carnivore needs. Cats thrive on a high-protein, moisture-rich, species-appropriate diet—meaning food that mimics what they would naturally eat in the wild: meat-based, low in carbohydrates, and full of moisture. Kibble, on the other hand, is dry, often filled with plant-based ingredients, and requires added processing to be shelf-stable, making it the opposite of what your obligate carnivore is designed to consume.
But here’s the good news: even switching from kibble to canned food is already a huge improvement. Canned food has much more moisture, less filler, and is closer to what cats are biologically designed to eat. So, if that’s where you’re starting—amazing. Remember—even if you can’t do 100%, doing 20% is still progress. Every little improvement makes a difference. If you're ready to take it further, you can start exploring lightly cooked or raw feeding when your budget allows.
Why does this matter so much? Chronic dehydration from dry food can lead to kidney disease, urinary issues, constipation, and more. Cats naturally get most of their hydration through their food, so switching to a wet diet can literally help prevent disease before it starts.
Want a list of my favorite canned food options? Click here for the canned food brands that I recommend and would feed my own cats. High protein, low carbs, and biologically appropriate for our mini house panthers. Low phosphorus and budget friendly options are also included.
2. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration Even if you’ve upgraded the food, you can boost hydration even more—and this is a game-changer. Simple add-ins like:
Bone broth (unsalted and pet-safe)
Goat’s milk
Even just a can’s worth of water added to wet food
These are all super easy ways to help your cat stay hydrated, which supports kidney health, digestion, and energy.
Also, some cats just don’t love drinking from bowls. I can’t tell you how many clients say, “My cat only drinks from my glass.” Guess what? If that’s how they like to hydrate, encourage it! Put a few glasses of water around the house (out of direct sun) and see what happens. A pet fountain can also help, since many cats are drawn to moving water. My own cat Tibby jumps on the counter whenever I’m washing dishes or my hands just to drink from the faucet—she loves it, and I let her!
3. Add Fresh Toppers This might be my favorite tip because it’s so easy and impactful: any time you’re cooking meat for yourself, set a little aside for your cat before adding seasonings. A bite of plain chicken, turkey, or beef can go a long way.
Here are a few other fresh toppers that are full of nutrients:
Canned sardines (packed in water, no added salt or seasoning): a rich source of omega-3s and soft bones for calcium. TIP: If your cat struggles with constipation, sardines packed in olive oil can be helpful in small amounts—but you’ll want to limit this to occasional use.
Eggs: scrambled or hard-boiled, a little goes a long way. Full of protein and vitamins.
Cooked (or raw) liver (tiny amounts only!): nutrient-dense and excellent in small doses.
Every little bit of fresh food adds vitality, flavor, and nutrients to your cat’s bowl—and shows them that food can be exciting and nourishing.
If you’re ready to take action but want some support, I’d love to help you create a personalized plan tailored to your lifestyle, budget, and your cat’s unique needs. Book a consult with me and let’s get started. And if you want more tips and real-life inspiration, follow me here or on social media!
And I’d love to hear from you: What change will you try this week? Have you already made any of these shifts? What did you notice in your cat—more energy, fewer messes, better moods?
Let’s keep learning together. Your cat is worth it. ❤️🐾
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.
I’m Melissa, an animal communicator and energy healer with a diverse background in holistic animal health. I’m passionate about helping animals live their best lives naturally, and I share insights from my own experiences with my seven dogs and four cats on our farm sanctuary.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope the tips in this article were helpful for you and your animals. If you'd like to learn more or connect, feel free to visit me at calmingcreek.com.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out!
There is not a place to click to see your list of canned cat food
Do you have any recipes for a whole food diet?