If you own a cat, you know they can be particular creatures. Especially when it comes to their food. Many owners don't understand the importance of high-quality cat food, but it's crucial to your pet's health and energy levels.
Knowing what to look for in quality cat food can help you make the right choice. Many owners will feed their cats whatever they can find at a local grocery store or pet store. While that can work as an adequate supply, you may be missing out on some of the better ingredients that make a quality cat food so special. Here are some things/ ingredients to look for in quality cat food:
Non-GMO Ingredients
Many foods on the market today do not contain all-natural ingredients. Many of these products contain almost no natural ingredients at all. This is dangerous to your pet's health as some have been known to cause allergies and skin reactions in cats.
Cats would naturally eat various fruits, plants, and insects in the wild. But today's commercial foods are made only with genetically modified sources and are not all-natural. Some cats do get allergies from different ingredients that make their food, but there are some safe non-GMO varieties on the current market that you may want to consider.
Protein
Another important key to quality cat food is protein. Cats need a high amount of protein in their diet to be healthy and maintain weight. A good balance of 32% protein will keep your cat satisfied and healthy at the same time. Also, look for meats that mention "chicken by-product meal" or "chicken meal." Among the best sources of high-quality proteins are meat meals, and some cats love that it is spiced with lots of fish flavors. Here are some of the best sources of high-quality protein:
• Chicken Meal (44%)
• Salmon Meal (17%)
• Bluefish Meal (19%)
• Brown Rice (12%)
• Flaxseed Meal(11%)
• Vegetable Glycerin(11%)
• Hydrolyzed Animal Collagen(12%)
Fat
Cats need almost all their energy to come from fat. Their bodies are overheated, so they need all that fat to keep cool. A cat should eat about 15% of its diet in fat. Commercial food will have a guaranteed minimum of 9-11%, and many brands go even higher.
Look for a product that contains healthy fats and avoid those high in polyunsaturated fats and trans fats. The best sources of fat are:
• Chicken Fat (5%)
• Salmon Oil (9%)
• Sunflower Oil (7%)
Liver
A lot of experts recommend feeding cats liver regularly. It's rich in B vitamins and iron, which is an essential part of a cat's diet. Some experts say to give them liver at least once a week. Cats love the taste too, so it's a win-win situation.
• Salmon Meal (17%)
• Chicken Meal(44%)
• Flaxseed Meal(11%)
• Vegetable Glycerin(11%)
• Hydrolyzed Animal Collagen(12%)
• Powdered Cellulose(3.5%)
The liver also contains selenium and taurine which are both essential nutrients. Taurine helps with heart function and is crucial to the development of eye health. Also, it aids in digestion. It's a great addition to any cat's diet.
Vegetables
Many pet owners don't like their cats having vegetables, but they are essential to maintaining a healthy gut environment. Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots are some of the best pure vegetable sources. The best sources are:
• Vegetable Glycerin(11%)
• Chicken Meal (44%)
• Salmon Meal (17%)
• Vegetable Oil(6.5%)
• Flaxseed Meal(11%)
Vitamins/Minerals
Many cat foods contain vitamins and minerals, but it's essential to see that they have a proper balance of the two. Cats cannot produce Vitamin C on their own, so you need to be sure that the food you choose will supply them with the proper amount from different sources. Some consider that a good blend of Vitamin A and D and zinc and manganese are essential for a cat's health. The best sources are:
• Manganese(20%)
• Potassium (60%)
• Zinc (11%)
• Phosphorus (9.5%)
Calcium
Cats have a lot of trouble eating enough calcium. Many pet owners feed them milk as it is a good source of Calcium. But milk can get expensive, so they don't know much about the best sources of calcium.
The best sources are:
• Calcium Carbonate(6%)
• Salmon Oil (9%)
• Chicken Fat(5%)
• Chicken Meal(44%)
• Corn gluten Meal(20%)
• Corn Syrup Solids (13%)
• Salmon Meal (17%)
Conclusion
Cats are not very picky when it comes to food. They have a problem with eating, but once they find something they like, they will continue eating it. So finding the best cat food for your particular cat can be done by looking at what's "on the market." It's essential to find one that is, among all other ingredients, as good as your cat's diet in the wild. Try to find a different combination of food every week so that your cat will not get bored.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.