Cats need proper nutrition since a high-quality diet will keep your new friend healthy. Nutrition in your cat food is extremely important as bad nutrition can result in poor health problems, as well as obesity. Even though premium diets may cost more, they may prevent unnecessary vet visits.
Here are some things to look for and avoid when picking out cat food:
Contents
- 1. Foods With Meat As The First Source Of Protein
- 2. Fat
- 3. Carbohydrates
- 4. Fiber
- 5. Moisture
- 6. Treats and Snacks
- 7. Avoid Foods that Contain Unidentified Source
- 8. Avoid Meat by-products
- 9. Avoid Corn and Soy
- 10. Avoid Artificial Ingredients
- 11. Avoid Cow Milk
- 12. Don’t Always Change Their Diet
- Final Thought
1. Foods With Meat As The First Source Of Protein
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies are designed to digest and use animal-based proteins more efficiently than plant-based proteins.
For this reason, you should always look for cat food that has meat as the first source of protein. Some good sources of animal-based protein for cats include chicken, turkey, fish, and beef.
Cats need protein from animal sources to stay healthy. Avoid plant-based proteins like soy, corn, or wheat gluten.
2. Fat
Cats need fat in their diet for energy and to maintain a healthy coat. Look for food that has animal-based fats like chicken fat or fish oil.Avoid plant-based fats like vegetable oils.
3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not a necessary part of a cat’s diet, but they can be used as a source of energy. If the food contains carbohydrates, make sure they are from a quality source like brown rice or oats. Avoid foods with low-quality carbohydrates like corn syrup or soybean meal.
4. Fiber
Cats don’t need a lot of fiber in their diet, but a small amount is important for digestive health. Look for food that has fiber from a quality source like pumpkin or psyllium husk. Avoid foods with low-quality fiber like cellulose or wheat straw.
5. Moisture
Cats need moisture in their diet to stay hydrated and to help with digestive health. Look for food that is at least 10% moisture. Avoid foods that are low in moisture like dry kibble.
6. Treats and Snacks
Treats and snacks are not a necessary part of a cat’s diet, but they can be a fun way to give your cat some extra nutrition. Look for treats that are made with quality ingredients like meat or fish. Avoid treats with low-quality ingredients like corn or wheat.
7. Avoid Foods that Contain Unidentified Source
When you look at the label, pay attention to the source of the ingredients. If an ingredient is listed as “unidentified” or unknown “meat” “poultry” “animal” or “fish” products that don’t specify the source, it’s best to avoid that food.
8. Avoid Meat by-products
Meat by-products are parts of animals that are not typically consumed by people, such as heads, feet, and entrails. While meat by-products can be a source of nutrients for cats, they can also contain low-quality ingredients, diseases or no nutrition. For this reason, it’s best to avoid foods that contain meat by-products.
9. Avoid Corn and Soy
Corn and soy are non-nutritive fillers that are often used in animal feed. They can also be allergens for some cats. For this reason, it’s best to avoid foods that contain corn or soy.
10. Avoid Artificial Ingredients
Artificial ingredients are not necessary for a cat’s diet and can actually be harmful. Some artificial ingredients to avoid include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. When you’re looking at labels, make sure that the food does not contain any artificial ingredients.
11. Avoid Cow Milk
Cow milk may cause diarrhea in some cats because they cannot digest lactose. If you want to give your cat milk, look for a specially made cat milk that is easy on their stomach.
12. Don’t Always Change Their Diet
Cats are creatures of habit and they like to eat the same thing every day. changing their food too often can cause digestive upset. If you want to change their food, do it gradually over a period of weeks.
Final Thought
When you’re looking at cat food labels, the most important thing is to make sure that the food contains quality ingredients that will provide your cat with the nutrients they need.
Avoid foods with low-quality ingredients or unidentified sources of protein. If you’re ever unsure about what to feed your cat, talk to your veterinarian for guidance.
