Picking the Right Food for your Pet: Cats

Cat food should be based on the fact that cats are obligate carnivores. This means that the cute furry friend nuzzled against you must eat meat.

Historically, cats are creatures meant to catch food with their claws and tear it with their fangs. And even though domestic cats have left this world of catching and tearing far behind, their bodies are still made for the food of their ancestors.  Therefore, it’s important to know what the ingredients are in your cat’s food.

Variety

Wet food contains higher protein levels, decreased carbohydrate levels and a higher water content—up to 78 percent, compared to 10 percent in dry food.

Like dog food, most major cat food brands offer a variety of options. Again using Purina as an example, the brands offers seven divisions of adult food and four of kitten food. The dry version of the Pro Plan Purina food offers ten varieties.  There are also 26 Pro Plan canned varieties.

Cat foods are available in cat and kitten formulas. As with dog food, kittens should not eat adult food until after they have turned a year old. Senior food is also important for cats ages seven and up.

Holistic, organic and all natural cat food is also available.

Canned or dry?

The canned division of cat food has a larger hold on the market than canned dog food.  (Otherwise, there wouldn’t be 26 varieties in just one brand).  The ASPCA lists one of the major differences between the two as nutritional content. “Wet food contains higher protein levels, decreased carbohydrate levels and a higher water content—up to 78 percent, compared to 10 percent in dry food,” their website states.  However, the option to leave dry food out all day without spoilage is a major benefit, the organization says.  With dry food, owners should be sure to have extra water available for their cat, though, to make sure the little one is staying hydrated.

Nutrients

However, the two most important nutrients in cat food are generally considered to be protein and fat.  According to Drs. Foster and Smith at Peteducation.com, 25-30% of an adult cat’s diet should be protein based. Another 15-20% should be fat based.

The protein in cat foods are often chicken or turkey, tuna or shrimp. The protein consumed breaks into 10 essential amino acids cats need to be strong and healthy.

If you have questions about what you should be feeding your cat, consult your veterinarian.  Cats that suffer from digestive problems, excessive weight gain or other health concerns probably need extra care from professionals.