As you arrive at the local pet supply store, you will be overwhelmed with the hundreds of colorful cans and high-quality food. Generally, you might feel that any type of food will do for your little friend. Since cats are quite accepting of any type of food you give to them, you may think anything will do.
One thing you need to learn, though, is to read the labels first before deciding whether or not this food will be optimal for your cat. There are a few choice ingredients that you should actively look for on labels to ensure that your cat is getting the best nutritional value out of their meals. To get started and do this the right way, check out these ingredients we’ve listed below.
Animal protein
All animals need some protein content in their diet. Because they’re carnivores, cats will always require high protein content in their diets. Your cat will need all the amino acids it can get from animal protein, as these are the building block of organs, tissues, tendons, blood, muscles, hair, and skin. It should also keep their fur thick and shiny and their claws strong and healthy. Thus, you must include foods that contain protein like chicken, beef, turnkey, and fish into their diet. Make sure that the meat you’re providing for your cat is of high quality. If you notice that your cat is showing allergic reactions to certain types of meat, try other novel meats, like duck, for example.
Vitamins
Vitamins are an essential part of the diet of any living being. However, in order to garner the benefits of vitamins, you must include the right amount in your cat’s diet. The vitamins in your cat’s food are synthesized from raw materials, which means that it can be very beneficial. When looking at the labels, make sure that it contains vitamin A, as it is capable of improving your cat’s immune system as well as their vision. Make sure that it also contains vitamin D, as this vitamin is responsible for retaining calcium and phosphorus in a cat’s body. However, because it’s not soluble, you should add it in moderate quantities. B vitamins have proven to be beneficial for cats, so make sure that you buy foods that contain high percentages of vitamin B1, B2, and B3.
Fats
If your cat is being uncharacteristically quiet, this can be an indicator that it needs food with high-fat content. The main source of energy for your furry little friend is the good fats, which you can find in meat and fish. The best food for your cat must include essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6. These good fats help maintain an ideal body temperature, provide sufficient energy for your best friend, and help absorb vitamins, such as A, D, and E. Be sure to look for these fatty acids on your cat’s food label. If you have trouble finding them, you can ask the assistant at the store or ask the vet for recommendations.
Fiber
Another ingredient to look for is fiber. While it is not purely essential for all cat’s food, fibers are known to ease the bowel movement, which can be useful, especially for cats with harsh allergic reactions to certain types of meats.
If your cat has been diagnosed with IBD, make sure that you couple its treatment with a good diet that contains fiber, vitamins, and uncommon types of meats, like venison and duck. It is also imperative that you follow your vet’s treatment to mitigate these allergic reactions. It might take a while for your cat to fall into this new routine, but their health will be improved thanks to these efforts.
Minerals
The last ingredient to add up to your cat’s diet is mineral supplements. Because they contribute to enzyme formation, nutrient utilization, and oxygen transportation, elemental minerals must be added to a cat’s diet in adequate quantities. Iron can be found in liver, fish, whole grains, or it can simply be consumed through iron supplements. Calcium is essential for female cats, especially those feeding their little kittens. Naturally, your cat’s diet must be rich in dairy products, bones, or eggs. You should also increase their intake of magnesium and sodium, but only under the vet’s instructions.
Cats are quick to develop eating habits when they’re comfortable enough. Some might be content to eat various types of foods, while others might be very selective. In any case, you have to ensure that your cat eats at least three different types of food in order to receive all the essential nutrients. This should prevent them from developing dietary preferences that can lead to medical complications in the future.
