Take me-ow-t to dinner: The best cat food for your feline
It’s a tail as old as time – the fur-parent travels through pet food aisles and online pet stores to find the finest food for their feline.
But these days, the options (and aisles) seem endless. Dry or wet? Home-cooked or store bought? Meat or veg?
So how can you tell if the tin of mush you pick up is going to give your cat a life of hardiness – or a life of hard times? By understanding your fluff ball’s nutritional needs.
Read on to discover the foods that’ll make your cat purr with health and happiness.
What does a healthy cat diet look like?
As cats are obligate carnivores, meat should be the star component of their diet. So make sure each meal is heavy on protein – and light on vegetables.
A good way to check? Look at the cat food label. If meat is listed as the first ingredient, you’re good to go!
As well as meat, a healthy dose of fat should find its way into your cat's diet. They also should steer clear of carb loading. So keep those pizza crusts on your plate.
Other ingredients such as taurine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc and calcium will also have your cat feline good.
Tip: Cat supplements on your mind? .....
Want to fill your cat’s nutritional gaps?
Paws. Make sure your vet approves fur-st.
Food to suit your cat’s activity levels
Does your kitty roam the streets all day? Well, that means they’re expending a lot of energy, and therefore need more calories in their kibble. Calories in, calories out!
Have a puss that prefers their catnaps? Go easy on the treats! And opt for a lower calorie meal.
And for those senior kit-izens out there, you’ll have to start reducing their food intake. They’re much less active than they used to be, so they don’t need as many calories.
But on the other paw, kittens are growing and exploring the big wide world – so they need more calories, and immune-boosting nutrients, in their meals to support their development.
Wet food for hydration
If you have a thirsty Tabby, wet food is the cat’s pyjamas.
Made of approximately 70% water, wet food is perfect for any cat needing a higher-than-normal water intake. Or for those who like to dodge their drink.
And if your cat is having fang pain, sinking their teeth into a bowl full of soft, wet food will temporarily relieve their meow-chies!
Wet food is also mealtime hack for the fussier felines. Not only is it delish, it’s fragrant. One whiff will whet their appetite – furr sure!
Dry food for dental hygiene
Have you, or your vet, noticed a build-up of plaque or tartar on your cat’s teeth?
If so, get that kitty some kibble!
Given the shape and texture, dry food can clean your cat’s teeth while they clean their plate – leading to healthier teeth, better-smelling breath and, of course, fuller tummies!
But remember: wet food contains 70% water, dry food has only 10%. So when your cat dines on dry food, make sure they’re also washing it down with water.
You can also add a cat dental chew as an extra treat for their teeth!
Okay then, what’s better? Wet or dry food?
They’re both great! We’re not kitten, it’s important your feline has a complete and balanced diet.
So, yes. Your cat can enjoy the benefits and textures of both wet food and dry food – every day!
And as we all know, cats are famously fussy, so mixing it up will keep their noses from turning up.
However, speak to your vet before introducing both wet and dry food. They’ll let you know how to balance and portion the two textures – making sure you don’t over-feed your furry friend!
Keen to ditch the store and DIY?
Don’t! While homemade meals are notoriously better for humans, the same cannot be said for cats.
They may be looking at you with eyes that are begging, ‘Just one ham-purr-ger, paw-leeease?’ – RESIST!
Buying commercial cat food is the best way to make sure your kitty is nibbling on all their necessary nutrients, as these meals have been specifically designed for their diet.
So, no more homemade cat-atouille!
