Nowadays, we can find so many options on the market that it is normal to have doubts when choosing the best cat food. Below, we offer you a complete guide on feeding our little felines to help you choose the best option for their diet.
Index:
- What should we consider when choosing the best cat food?
- What ingredients should good cat food include?
- Learn to interpret cat food labels
- Feeding cats according to age and weight
- How to know if cat food is high quality?
What should we consider when choosing the best cat food?
If we want to choose the best cat food, the first thing we must consider is the specific characteristics of our own cat. The unique traits of our pet will determine its nutritional needs and, consequently, the type of diet required.
The needs of a senior sterilized cat are completely different from those of a pregnant female or a kitten. That is why the market offers foods adapted to the age, gender, and health condition of our cats, such as sterilized cat food or hypoallergenic cat food. Thus, before choosing our cat’s diet, it is important to be clear about its characteristics and needs.
What ingredients should good cat food include?
Good cat food must be made with fresh meats and exclude meat flours in its composition. This way, the food will not only be healthier and more digestible, but also tastier and more appealing to our cat.
A complete and balanced cat food should include the following ingredients:
- High percentage of animal proteins. Protein must be the main ingredient in a cat’s diet. It is important that it comes from fresh meats and fish.
- Taurine. All cats need this amino acid in their diet; otherwise, they can suffer serious damage to their vision and heart.
- Fiber. Essential to support intestinal transit and prevent hairball formation.
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These essential oils help prevent digestive, dermatological, and joint issues.
- Vitamins. B vitamins protect the nervous system and keep vital organs healthy. Vitamins C and E are essential to protect the immune system, while vitamin A helps care for skin and eyesight.
- Minerals. Sodium bisulfate protects the urinary tract, while phosphorus and calcium are necessary to keep bones and joints strong.
Learn to interpret cat food labels
To choose the best cat food, you must know how to interpret labels. On labels, manufacturers provide information about the food’s components, which always appear ordered from highest to lowest quantity.
These are the most important details to check on cat food labels:
- The protein source must be the first ingredient on the list, especially for canned food. Always look for “chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef” instead of “meat.” This indicates that the food is made from fresh meat and not by-products or meat derivatives.
- Check both the expiration date and packaging date to ensure product freshness. Likewise, quality cat food should not contain the following: Corn flour or other cereals.
- Corn, wheat, and rice are used as fillers in some cat foods, both dry and canned. A very high percentage indicates the food is of low quality.
- Chemical preservatives such as BHA, ethoxyquin, BHT, and propyl gallate.
- Avoid foods containing terms like “meat by-products,” “meat and bone meal,” or “animal derivatives” on the label.
Feeding cats according to age and weight
Cats’ caloric and nutritional needs change depending on factors like age and weight. Below are some basic guidelines on how cat food should be chosen based on these factors:
- Kittens. Young cats have lots of energy and grow quickly during their first year. They need food rich in calories and nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the development of many organs, and folic acid ensures the growth of healthy cells.
- Adult cats (one to six years) and mature cats (seven to ten years) should be fed according to weight, health, and activity level. Consult your vet to choose the food that best suits their characteristics.
- Senior cats are those older than eleven years. As activity decreases with age, food for older cats should be lower in calories and include ingredients that strengthen the joints (like calcium and phosphorus) and the immune system (like vitamins C and E).
- Overweight cats. If you think your cat is overweight, take it to the vet to rule out possible disorders. If your cat is healthy, switch its food to a specific weight-control formula. Also, limit treats and control food portions.
How to know if cat food is high quality?
If you follow all the recommendations in this guide, you’ll know how to choose the best cat food. However, there are certain signs that indicate your cat is healthy and well-fed. For example, its coat should be soft, shiny, and dandruff-free, and its stools should be compact and well-formed.
On the contrary, if the food doesn’t meet your pet’s nutritional needs, its coat may look poor, stools may be loose, and vomiting may occur. If these symptoms are not due to other disorders, it is time to change food, always gradually and applying the tips provided in this article.
