Introduction
Proper nutrition is crucial for a cat’s overall health and well-being. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a high-protein, meat-based diet to thrive. As pet owners, we want to do everything we can to set our feline companions up for long, healthy lives. Feeding the right cat food is one of the most important things we can do for our cats.
In this article, we will dive into the details of cat nutrition, outlining what ingredients to look for and what ingredients to avoid in cat foods. We will also explore different diet formulas tailored for specific health conditions. Getting recommendations from your veterinarian is key, as they can evaluate your individual cat’s needs. Understanding cat nutrition helps us make the healthiest choices for the cats we love.
Dry vs. Wet Food
There are advantages and disadvantages to both dry and wet cat food. According to PetMD, dry cat food typically contains more carbohydrates than canned food.1 The protein and fat content in canned vs. dry can vary based on the diet type. Dry food contains about 6-10% water, while canned wet food has 75-78% water content.2
Some pros of dry cat food include:
- Crunchy texture can help clean teeth and massage gums
- Lower cost per serving compared to wet food
- Convenient to leave out all day for free-feeding
- Doesn’t need refrigeration after opening
Some cons of dry cat food include:
- Lower moisture content can lead to dehydration
- May contribute to urinary tract disease
- Higher carbohydrate content compared to wet food
- Kidney disease cats may struggle with lower water content
Benefits of wet cat food include:
- Higher moisture content supports hydration
- Typically higher protein and lower carb content
- Can help cats feel fuller faster
- Aids digestion and nutrient absorption
Downsides of wet cat food:
- More expensive per serving than dry food
- Must be refrigerated after opening and used within days
- Not convenient for free-feeding throughout the day
- Potential for bacteria growth if left out
Ingredients to Look For
When looking for the healthiest cat food, it’s important to look for high-quality proteins from whole meats like chicken, beef, turkey, salmon, etc. These should be among the first ingredients listed, as they provide essential amino acids for your cat’s muscles, organs, and overall health.
Whole meats also have a high biological value, meaning they are more digestible and absorbable for your cat, compared to plant proteins like soy or corn gluten meal. This leads to less waste and strain on your cat’s kidneys and liver. It’s best to avoid cat foods with non-specific terms like “meat” or “poultry” as the source. The specific whole meat protein should be clearly listed.
Some other ingredients to look for are healthy animal fats for energy and skin/coat health, digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal or sweet potatoes, probiotics for digestion, antioxidants like vitamins E and C, omega fatty acids for skin and brain health, and natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness.
Ingredients to Avoid
While reading the ingredient list on cat food packaging, there are certain ingredients to avoid or minimize as much as possible. These include:
Fillers
Fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and rice are commonly used in many cat foods. These plant-based ingredients provide calories but lack nutrition. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet. Too many fillers can lead to obesity and other health issues. According to the ASPCA, corn is also a common allergen for cats.1
Animal By-Products
By-products consist of non-meat parts from slaughtered animals, such as organs, bones, and connective tissue. While not inherently unhealthy, quality meats like chicken, beef, lamb and fish are more nutritious. According to The Spruce Pets, generic by-products provide less nutrition than whole meats.2
Artificial Preservatives
Preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin prevent spoilage but have been linked to cancer and organ damage in cats. Natural preservatives like vitamin E are safer alternatives. The fewer artificial preservatives, the better.3
Special Diet Formulas
There are many special diet cat food options for cats with specific needs or health conditions. Some key options include:
For kittens, there are foods specially formulated with higher protein and fat to support growth and development. Look for “kitten” formulas from quality brands.
For senior cats, there are foods with adjusted protein, fat and calories for less active older cats. These can help prevent obesity and strain on organs in aging cats. Look for “senior” cat foods.
For cats with allergies, limited ingredient and novel protein foods can help. Good options are foods with venison, duck or other proteins new to your cat. They reduce exposure to common allergens like chicken, beef, dairy and fish.
Grain-free and raw food diets are also options for cats with sensitivities. Consult your vet to pinpoint the allergy and find the best diet.
Getting Vet Recommendations
When selecting the healthiest food for your cat, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. As experts in cat health and nutrition, vets can provide personalized recommendations based on your cat’s specific needs. Here are some reasons why checking with your vet is crucial:
They know your cat’s health history. Your vet has access to your cat’s medical records and is aware of any prior health issues or conditions. This allows them to suggest foods that will support your cat’s unique needs. For example, cats with kidney disease may benefit from low-phosphorus diets.
They can identify food sensitivities/allergies. If your cat has experienced gastrointestinal issues, itchy skin, or other allergy symptoms, your vet can help pinpoint problem ingredients and recommend appropriate hypoallergenic foods. This prevents trial-and-error with over-the-counter cat foods.
They understand your cat’s lifestyle. An indoor sedentary cat has different nutritional requirements than an energetic, outdoor cat. Vets consider activity level, environment, and other lifestyle factors when advising cat foods.
They know your cat’s age and life stage. Nutrient needs vary for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. Your vet will suggest foods tailored for your cat’s specific age and life stage.
In short, checking in with your veterinarian before switching cat foods can help ensure you choose the healthiest option personalized for your feline friend. Their expertise and knowledge of your cat will guide you in the right direction.
Monitoring Cat Health
Tracking signs of good health in cats takes paying attention to several factors. Weight, energy levels, coat condition, and litter habits can all indicate your cat’s overall wellbeing.
Weighing your cat regularly can help catch concerning weight fluctuations early. Ideal body condition involves a waistline and abdominal tuck, with no protruding bones or sagging stomach. Dramatic increases or decreases in weight warrant a veterinary visit to rule out underlying issues.
Healthy adult cats tend to be quite energetic, playful, and interactive when awake. Lethargy, moving stiffly, or lack of interest in play can signal illness. Monitor your cat’s energy levels day-to-day for any concerning changes.
Your cat’s coat should be full, glossy, and free of flakes or bare patches. Skin irritations, balding spots, excessive shedding, and a dull coat can indicate skin problems or nutritional deficiencies. Weekly brushing helps you notice any abnormalities.
Using the litter box regularly, without straining, discomfort, or abnormal frequency is a sign of good urinary health. Changes in litter box habits like increased frequency, difficulty urinating, blood, or crying could mean a vet visit is needed.
Tracking these factors day-to-day provides important insights into your cat’s wellbeing over time. Consult a veterinarian if anything seems off from your cat’s normal healthy state. Regular wellness exams are advised to catch issues early.
Transitioning Foods
When switching your cat to a new food, it’s important to do so gradually over the course of several days or weeks. Sudden changes can upset your cat’s digestive system and cause diarrhea or vomiting. Here’s a gradual transition schedule you can follow:
Week 1:
- Days 1-2: Feed 25% new food and 75% old food
- Days 3-4: Feed 50% new food and 50% old food
- Days 5-6: Feed 75% new food and 25% old food
Week 2:
- Days 7-9: Feed 100% new food
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you can make the transition even more gradual over 3-4 weeks. Go slowly and watch for any digestive upset. If your cat has diarrhea or won’t eat, slow the transition down by keeping the ratio of old to new food higher for a few more days. Cats need time to adjust to new foods both in taste and digestion. A gradual transition prevents gastrointestinal problems. Once the transition is complete, stick with the new food for at least 2-3 weeks to fully transition your cat and monitor effects on health and digestion. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Sources:
[How Do I Switch or Transition Cat Foods?](https://www.hillspet.co.id/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/switching-cat-food)
[Changing Cat Food: How to Switch Your Cat’s Food – Purina](https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/feeding/guides/changing-cat-food)
Common Brands
There are many popular cat food brands that offer healthy formulas. Some top choices include:
Taste of the Wild – This brand uses high-quality ingredients and sources novel proteins like bison, trout, venison, quail, and wild boar. Their grain-free formulas mimic a cat’s natural diet. A top choice is their Canyon River line with smoked trout and feline-friendly fruits and vegetables (Source).
ZiwiPeak – This New Zealand-based company makes air-dried raw cat food, which retains more nutrients compared to traditional kibble. Their formulas contain ethical meats like lamb, venison, beef, and mackerel. The limited ingredient recipes avoid fillers and artificial ingredients (Source).
Evanger’s – This US brand focuses on human-grade ingredients in their canned food recipes. They use antibiotic-free, grass-fed meats and wholesome grains. Try their pâté-style Grain-Free Rabbit & Squash or Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato recipes (Source).
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing the healthiest cat food for your feline companion.
Look for cat foods that contain high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, lamb and fish. Avoid by-products. Cats also need taurine, so look for that in the ingredients list. Select foods with whole grains rather than corn, wheat or soy. Make sure the first ingredient is a quality protein source rather than a grain.
Avoid artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. Look for natural preservatives like vitamin E instead. Stay away from artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Cats have no need for added sugar.
Pay attention to your cat’s individual dietary needs and get vet recommendations if your cat has any health issues like kidney disease or diabetes. Gradually transition foods over 5-7 days to avoid GI upset.
Feeding your cat a balanced, high-quality diet with appropriate nutrition can go a long way towards supporting their lifelong health and wellbeing.