All you need to know about cat food

 

· Cat

Are you a proud parent of fuzzy furry cats and looking for parenting tips for your kiddos? When it comes to feeding, you might come across the closed end, despite hundreds of food brands available, each claiming to be "the best cat food". Avid cat lovers always want the best for their cats that they deserve. But your cat might show tantrums over the nutritional diet or suffer health issues after feeding upon its favorite food. You want your furry babies to have a healthy, nutritious, tasty & affordable diet - making food picking a challenging job. 

Cat Food options available

It's normal to be perplexed when encountering a plethora of food options. It is, however, not as complicated as it appears. Proper vet assistance and awareness of your cat's sentiments and reactions to new dishes can be incredibly beneficial. The bulk of diets fall into one of the following categories: 

Dry food - kibble

Dry cat food is a low-cost choice supplied in dry crunchy enjoyable bits. However, it may be problematic for your cat; soaking in water or bone broth may assist. But you must monitor your cat's water level because dry food can induce dryness as well as vitamin deficiencies. It will satisfy your cat's hunger but not its taste buds.

PROS:  

  • Cheap
  • Easy to store
  • Long life
  • Easy to prepare; scoop and dump into a bowl

CONS: 

  • Not palatable 
  • It may not be enough to relieve hunger 
  • Can cause dehydration 
  • Nutritionally deficient 

Semi-moist Food

They appear in mushy and chewy versions. It is often affordable and long-lived but may be toxic to your cat's bowel. Sensible cat owners frequently avoid them due to their processing and chemicals. They resemble kibble but are soft and bright. Cat parents dislike this canned food due to its artificial colors, preservatives, and high salt and carbohydrate content.

PROS: 

  • Protein-rich
  • Cost-effective
  • Good for cats with dental issues

CONS: 

  • Artificial additives 
  • Salt n' carbohydrate rich 
  • Unhealthy  

Wet Food

Wet food has a velvety texture and an irresistibly delicious odor, which is why it is popular with cats. Protein-rich bits float in gravy, keeping them hydrated. It's also available in pâté, shredded, puree, and soup forms. This meal is all your cat needs. 

PROS: 

  • Cats favorite
  • Healthy
  • Prevents dehydration 

CONS: 

  • Cats can overeat 
  • Inconvenient 
What food is right for your cat

Pick the Right Cat Food

It is your responsibility as a cat parent to ensure that your kitty obtains nutritionally balanced food. Never, ever sacrifice food quality for a few cents. Your cat deserves the finest so you can enjoy its happy & healthy company. Remember that your feline companion has distinct dietary needs at different phases of life.

  • Your cat may develop allergies to certain foods, necessitating a re-evaluation of the contents in food products to avoid the particular allergen.
  • It is usually preferable to provide them with food containing Taurine and Arachidonic acid, which helps them grow healthy muscles and nerves.
  • Carbohydrate-rich food is hard-to-digest for cats and makes them suffer from renal issues or diabetes. But carbs in the right amount, such as grains, are always favorable for cats.
  • Supplementary Omega-3 and Omega-6 will aid in developing strong protective skin.
  • Give your cat a natural diet. It is always good for them just as it is good for you. Artificial or processed fish or meat are enriched with metals and preservatives.
  • Check for your cat's response to the food you serve, and if there's food aversion, better not to waste money on it.
  • Try to look for a company that sells food with 'nutritional' by-products such as liver and lungs, and not the worthless ones.
  • Cats are typically reluctant to drink water; in this case, serve your cat canned food, which has more moisture to fulfill your cat's water demands. If your tiny buddy is fascinated by fountains and dripping taps, dried food is more convenient to feed.
  • Because of the differences in water content, you cannot compare dry and wet meals in that method. The fact that both foods contain the same amount of protein does not suggest that they have the same protein percentage. For cat owners, online converters are handy.
  • Try to find out food with supplementary vitamins and minerals.
  • To assure quality, look for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approval.
  • If you have a sluggish adult cat, buy a low-calorie and low-fat diet to prevent obesity.

Everyday there is something new to learn and explore. KeepPet can help you understand your cat's dinnertime preferences, or you may see your local veterinarian, who can advise you based on its medical history and nutritional profile.