Most cat owners love their furry felines so much that they consider them a vital part of the family. As an esteemed member of the family, you’ll no doubt be concerned about the food you’re feeding kitty. Do you buy wet or dry? What cat food brand is the best? How do you know the cat food has the best ingredients? Luckily, veterinarians are asked these questions all the time and have plenty of expert advice on what, exactly, to feed your cat:
1. Resist the urge to overfeed
Yes, I know that your cat is the cutest cat on the face of this green earth (oh, look at him showing his belly for treats). Yet, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) claims that most pet owners overfeed their pets to the point of obesity. In fact, research from APOP notes that a shocking 58% of U.S. cats are overweight or obese. And that especially indoor cats are at increased risk of health issues associated with excess weight. For instance, overweight felines are at increased risk for developing diabetes, arthritis, kidney and liver disease, heart disease, and more. So no more free feeding Fluffy. Instead, if you’re cat is helping herself to the dry food buffet all day long, you’ll need to properly portion and feed your kitty at established meal times.
2. Quality over price
Some cat foods are really expensive. I know this because I feed my cat a food that’s around $65 per case. However, I do so because of the energy, bone, fur, teeth, and kidney support this food gives me senior kitty. So instead of buying the cheapest cat food at the store, do some research into pet food brands and ingredients (i.e., sodium, fat, carbs, and feed byproducts or grains). Generally, the cheaper the food, the lower in quality ingredients.
3. Consider age
Cats nutritional needs vary drastically as they age. For instance, your senior cat requires food with specific nutrients to support bones, teeth, joints, and liver and kidney as they age, which is why cats are considered seniors by most vets once they reach the age of 7-years old. However, when they’re kittens, healthy fats are important building blocks for growth, such as docosahexaenoic acid (or DHA), which supports eye and brain health. The quantity of food you’re feeding kitty will also change as they age.
4. Paws up for protein
Cats are carnivores by nature, which means protein should be the focal point of their diets. That doesn’t mean it should be the only nutrient (as healthy fats, carbs, and other minerals and vitamins are needed) yet look for a good cat food made with quality protein (i.e., salmon, chicken, liver, beef, lamb, or fish) that you’re cat likes (and shows no sign of food allergy to). To ensure a quality food, consult with your vet and look for a wet or dry food with a nutritional quality stamp from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
