Selecting the Best Food for Your Cat
The best cat food is a decision that every person making the decision to adopt a kitten or cat must make. Most people are unaware that cats also have certain requirements, just like humans. Check out the things your cat needs to stay healthy.
Naturally, cats are carnivores. This suggests that they are adapted to eat a diet high in protein. The muscle meat that a cat eats will provide it with protein. Taurine is also found in this meat, which is a vital nutrient for health.
The cat must also be hydrated in a similar way to us. They do not drink much water naturally. Outdoor cats get the majority of their moisture from the prey that they eat. We need to help indoor cats get the fluids that they require. Keep a bowl of fresh water available for your cat to drink, but keep in mind that this may not be enough fluids throughout the day. An honest cat food will help.
The best combination is a good mix of dry and wet foods. Canned cat food typically has a high water content between 75%-78%. This is a great way to ensure they are well hydrated by consuming the moisture in their diet. It is best to serve about 3/4ths of their food in canned form. This will keep them healthy. Give them an extra 1/4th as dry food to keep their teeth clean and in good condition.
It is important to choose the right food for your cat. Some canned food does not contain the necessary nutrients to keep your cat healthy. On the label, look for the ingredients. The main ingredients should be chicken, beef, or fish. Verify the concentration of meal in the product. Read the label carefully to make sure that the protein is the main ingredient. The label will usually list “formula”, “dinner”, or a combination of both. This means that the concentration of ingredients is lower. It is equally important to read the labels on dry foods. Many dry food products are high in plant-based protein. The gastrointestinal system of cats is not designed to digest cellulose. When choosing top quality dry food, look for ingredients that are similar to those in canned food.
Around 40% of the cat’s diet should be made up of proteins. Around 1/3 of the diet should be fat. It is important to choose foods that are high in protein, but also have the right amount of fat. It’s important to also look at the carbohydrate source and level. Search for a carbohydrate content of less than 50%. The most carbohydrate-rich foods are vegetables, rice and not cornmeal. You may also want to ensure that the food contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals, such as omega-3 and taurine. Search for foods with natural preservatives rather than artificial ones. Vitamin C and E are both good preservatives for your cat.
Introduce wet food to your cat if it is used to dry food. Never make drastic dietary changes for your pet. Introduce new food gradually. Wet food comes in many forms, including pates, chunks and flakes. Finding a texture that cats like can be difficult. Try out different varieties to find the one that they prefer. Try adding small amounts to dry food while adjusting to the wet foods to increase moisture and reduce crunch.
Remember that the health of your pet depends on its diet. A combination of wet and dry food is the best way to maintain your cat’s health. This will give you and your furry friend many years of happiness.