Cat Feeding is a matter of taking note of the needs of your pet. For instance, you’ll need to know whether your cat needs dry food or wet. You’ll also need to know what types of protein are available in your pet’s food, and whether or not you should avoid grains in your pet’s diet.
Dry food vs wet food
When choosing between dry food and wet food for cats, it’s a good idea to consider all of the factors. A balance of both will help your cat stay healthy.
The best way to decide whether your pet needs wet or dry foods is to consult a vet. The veterinarian will be able to advise you on how to feed your pet, and also recommend a balanced diet.
Cats are obligate carnivores, and they are built to digest high amounts of animal protein. While it’s possible to find plant-based protein, this doesn’t have the same benefits as meat. Carnivores aren’t used to breaking down tough cellulose in plants, which can lead to digestive issues.
It’s a fact that wet food is more appealing to cats than dry food. This is especially true for older cats. Wet food also helps to keep them hydrated, which is especially important for cats with health problems.
In terms of cost, wet food is a bit more expensive than dry. Nevertheless, it is often more convenient, and is ideal for those who are unable to feed a cat all day.
Meat protein sources
There are many ways to ensure your cat’s diet is high in protein. One of the simplest ways is to choose a food that has a variety of protein sources.
Generally, the best protein sources for cats are animal proteins. Meat is one of the most common. However, chicken is also a good option.
Chicken is a lean meat that is low in calories. It contains protein and Omega 3. The omega-3 found in chicken helps maintain a healthy coat and gives your cat relief from allergies.
Beef is another common source of protein. In addition to being a high-quality source of protein, beef is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
If you are considering beef as a meat source for your cat, it is important to know that it does not contain all of the nutrients your pet needs. Typically, a cat needs at least three to four grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
Mixing up the protein sources in your cat’s food
Mixing up the protein sources in your cat’s food can help keep your feline happy and healthy. The best sources of protein are poultry, fish and eggs. For the most part, cats don’t need much in the way of carbohydrates. However, a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to obesity and diabetes.
A good rule of thumb is to feed your kitty less than one tsp of protein per day. If you do go that route, make sure the food is well balanced.
You may be surprised to find that some pet foods contain empty fillers, untested additives or a plethora of unsolicited extras. To make matters worse, the protein percentages on many labels can be misleading without accounting for water content.
For the best results, it’s a good idea to start with samples and a trial run. After all, some of your pet’s favorite treats could contain poisonous substances.
When you do decide to feed your feline some new cuisine, be sure to include the three Ps – protein, phosphorus and calcium. If you’re unsure of what to choose, a veterinarian can provide a list of options.
Avoiding grains
If you’re thinking about starting a grain free diet for your cat, it’s important to understand what you need to know. This is especially important if you’ve tried grain-filled diets in the past and experienced poor results.
Cats are obligate carnivores, and they can’t be vegetarians. As such, their diet should contain meat-based protein, preferably lean, as the first ingredient. It’s important to remember that cats can tolerate other ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits, but may not like some types of grains.
While many cat owners believe that food intolerance is common, the truth is that it’s actually much less common than you might think. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
Some studies have linked high carbohydrate diets to heart disease in cats. However, the link has not been proven. Despite this, the FDA has begun investigating grain free diets.
Grain-free diets are still higher in carbohydrates than grain-containing diets. Moreover, they can also contain fillers. For example, tapioca, lentils, and peas are often used as ingredients.