Cat Food

Cats do not eat like dogs or humans. They are obligate carnivores which means they are very strict carnivores and need high protein, low carbohydrate diets. They get their essential nutrients from animal tissue and their diet requires more than twelve of them which include vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids.

With cats, another important consideration is that too much of a good thing can become a bad thing in terms of food and nutrients. They should only ever receive the correct amount of nutrients, and not a single particle more. Supplements in fact which are sometimes given to dogs and of course taken by humans can be very dangerous for a cat and should only be given if approved by a vet.

Cats need clean, fresh water at all times. Water is essential to their health for removing waste products, regulating body temperature and digesting food among other things.

Dry food is a cheap option for cats, however the quality varies dramatically. Often dry foods can be quite unpalatable for cats and sometime digestion can be problematic. If you do use dry food, make sure the bag is kept in a cool, dry place and not use it once the expiration date has passed. Lengthy storage of dry food can diminish its nutrient levels and also cause the fats within the product to become rancid. Keeping food for months at a time should be avoided therefore if possible.

Semi moist foods are often more expensive but more palatable and digestible for cats. They are generally made primarily from meat or meat byproducts mixed with preservatives and ‘fillers’ such as soybean meal or cereals. Once the packet is open the product starts to deteriorate so it should be eaten quickly.

Canned food has the highest amount of moisture and for that reason is very beneficial. It is palatable and easily digestible and the variety is often enjoyed by cats. Canned food is of course the most expensive and although an unopened can lasts longer than any other type of food, once opened it needs to be refrigerated. It is important to still read the nutrition labels on canned food because some brands can be nutritionally incomplete. You are looking for the nutritional guarantee on the label.

Cost and health factors play a large part in what to provide your cat. If you want further information, don’t hesitate to contact your vet who can provide you with recommendations of suitable food. Have any of you got any insights into the best cat food available on the market? Send in your comments below.