Choosing Healthy Cat Food
Your cat needs to eat healthy food every day, just as you do. But with so many kinds of cat food out there, how do you know which one is best for your pet? How can you be sure that you are providing healthy cat food? For you to be able to answer these, you need to understand cat food labels and you need to know your cat’s daily nutritional requirement.
First of all, when you buy cat food, look for one that specifies “complete and balanced” on the label. Pet food labels reveal a lot about the product. A “complete,” pet food contains all the nutrients required for a cat, while a “balanced” pet food contains all these required nutrients in proper proportions. Look also for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement, which indicates that the product has passed certain standards and tests. Having these words on the label ensures that you are buying healthy cat food.
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The label also specifies which life stage of a cat the food is intended for. The nutritional requirement of cats varies with age and physical activity. A kitten, for example, will need 30 to 40% of protein in their diet and more amounts of calcium and phosphorus for growth and development. Cat food labels indicate whether the formula is for a kitten, for adult maintenance, or for all life stages of a cat, so choose the one that’s appropriate for your cat’s age.
So what does a healthy cat food contain? When you check the list of ingredients, the first item should be animal protein, which can be chicken, beef, or fish. The first item in the list of ingredients is the one that’s present in the greatest amount, so if the first item is not animal protein, then drop the product and look for another one. Cats also need taurine and some vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and enzymes. Some cat food formulas use corn, rice, or wheat as fillers, and this is fine as long as they don’t constitute the bulk ingredient of the product.
Some people ask whether kibble, which is dry, is better than canned cat food, which is wet. According to nutritionists, alternating the two is better because both have their own benefits and advantages. One advantage of feeding kibble, for example, is that it can be left in the dish and the cat can come back to eat it anytime. On the other hand, one advantage of serving canned cat food is that it contains at least 75% moisture, making it a good source of water for the cat. Many cats are not too fond of drinking water.
To ensure that your cat gets the maximum nutritional benefits of healthy cat food, alternate dry and canned food during the day. For example, serve canned food during meals and put kibble in the dish between meals. This will also keep your cat from getting bored with its daily diet.
Finally, invest in a good brand. It is always safer to buy products from a reputable manufacturer. Buying a better brand of healthy cat food, although a bit more expensive than the generic brands, will prove to be a wise investment in the long run because you are ensured that your pet is meeting its nutritional needs.