Friskies is a popular brand of wet and dry cat food made by Nestle Purina PetCare. Their pate style wet foods come in a variety of flavors and sizes, including 5.5 oz cans. As a cat owner, you may wonder just how many calories are packed into one of these small cans to help you determine the right amount to feed your cat.
A Quick Look at Cat Food Calories
First, let’s take a quick look at some general guidelines for calories in cat food:
- Most cats need about 25-35 calories per pound per day. So a 10 lb cat would need 250-350 calories daily.
- Wet cat foods contain about 75-100 calories per 3 oz can on average.
- Dry cat foods contain about 300-400 calories per cup on average.
However, calorie needs can vary based on your individual cat’s age, activity level, and other factors. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian for recommendations tailored to your cat.
Calories in a 5.5 oz Can of Friskies Pate
Now, to answer the main question – how many calories are in a standard 5.5 oz can of Friskies pate wet cat food?
Here is a breakdown of the calorie content per 5.5 oz can for some popular Friskies pate flavors:
| Friskies Pate Flavor | Calories (per 5.5 oz can) |
|---|---|
| Chicken & Tuna Dinner | 250 calories |
| Salmon Dinner | 260 calories |
| Beef & Chicken Dinner | 230 calories |
| Turkey & Giblets Dinner | 240 calories |
As you can see, calories range from 230-260 per can depending on the variety. Friskies pate cat food provides a relatively calorie-dense wet food option.
Benefits of Friskies Pate Cat Food
There are a few potential benefits of choosing Friskies brand pate style wet cat food:
- Moisture-rich – The pate texture has a high moisture content which can help with hydration.
- Smell and taste – Many cats love the strong aroma and flavor of Friskies pate.
- Calorie-dense – With approximately 250 calories per 5.5 oz can, it provides more calories per ounce than regular cans.
- Affordable – Friskies is typically an affordable brand of cat food.
The added moisture and flavor makes it a good choice for picky cats or encouraging adequate hydration. The calorie density can allow feeding smaller amounts to meet needs.
Potential Downsides of Friskies
However, there are some potential downsides to Friskies canned cat food to be aware of:
- Contains by-products – Friskies pate recipes typically contain poultry or meat by-products as primary ingredients rather than whole meats.
- High in carbs – Friskies wet foods tend to be relatively high in carbohydrates compared to other premium or grain-free brands.
- Lack of variety – Friskies has a more limited selection of flavors and key ingredients compared to other brands.
While fine in moderation or for less active cats, it may not be the best choice for cats with allergies or on a carb-restricted diet. Checking the specific ingredients is recommended.
Feeding Recommendations for Friskies Pate
Here are some general feeding recommendations when feeding your cat Friskies pate style wet food:
- Cats should be fed 2-3 times per day. Divide the total daily amount into each meal.
- For the average 10 lb cat, feed about half a 5.5 oz can (2.75 oz) per 3-4 lbs of body weight daily.
- Adjust amounts based on your cat’s age, activity level, and if they are overweight. Senior or inactive cats may need 20-25% less.
- When switching foods, mix increasing amounts of new food with old to transition over 5-7 days.
- Refrigerate unused portion, covered for up to 2-3 days. Discard any spoiled food.
- Always provide fresh, clean water daily.
- Monitor your cat’s weight and body condition and adjust quantity as needed.
Following feeding recommendations on the label is also recommended. Consult your vet for any diet, health, or nutrition concerns.
Wet vs. Dry Food for Cats
Many cat owners wonder if wet food or dry kibble is better for their cat. Here is a quick comparison:
| Wet Canned Food | Dry Kibble |
|---|---|
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Ideally, incorporating both wet and dry food is recommended to provide the benefits of each. Friskies pate can be an affordable option for adding a tasty wet food to your cat’s diet.
Ingredients in Friskies Pate
Friskies pate canned cat foods contain the following main types of ingredients:
Meat or Poultry By-Products
Friskies pate varieties get their protein primarily from by-products of chicken, turkey, beef or seafood rather than whole meats. By-products can include organ meats, bone, fat and connective tissue.
Thickening Agents
Thickeners like carrageenan and guar gum are added to give Friskies pate the smooth, thick pate texture cats love. However, some controversy exists over carrageenan safety.
Vegetable Broths and Powders
Chicken, beef or seafood broths and dried vegetables like peas or carrots add flavor and nutrients.
Added Vitamins and Minerals
Additional vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements like taurine are added to create a complete diet.
Animal Fat and Oils
Ingredients like lard, chicken fat or fish oil provide omega fatty acids and essential fat sources.
Starch Sources
Corn or wheat flours add starch and act as binders and thickeners in the pate.
Checking your specific flavor for uncommon protein sources, high-carb ingredients, or other additives is still recommended despite the standard ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, a standard 5.5 oz can of Friskies pate wet cat food contains approximately 230-260 calories depending on the variety. The thick, moist pate texture appeals to many cats’ preferences. While relatively affordable and convenient, Friskies does contain more by-products and carbs compared to premium brands. Using measured amounts tailored to your individual cat along with a balanced diet is advised. Consulting your veterinarian can help determine if a calorie-dense food like Friskies pate is appropriate for your cat’s needs.
