Our furry friends being choosy eaters, getting your cat the best food with the right nutritional requirements can be tricky with several cat food varieties available in the market. These different cat foods have different protein, minerals, and fat contents and come in a number of flavors for different age groups, making it a bit hard to pick one.
Cats are carnivorous pets, so they thrive on meat sources. They do not need a carbohydrate or vegetable diet; rather, they need a protein-rich diet to keep a wholesome weight, be energetic and retain healthy fur and teeth. Unlike dogs, cats cannot adapt to a plant-based nutritional plan.
Dry Cat food
Dry cat food comes in small, crunchy morsels packed in air-tight bags in different shapes and sizes. They are generally known as kibbles. They are cheap and packed with nutrients but usually not a cat’s favorite because they can be difficult to chew. A solution could also be to douse the morsels in hot water or meat broth to soften them, making it easier for your cat to eat.
Semi-Moist Cat Food
Semi-moist cat food has about 60% water in weight. They are softer and chewier than dry food. Their sugar and salt contents are relatively higher than other types, filled with artificial coloring and flavors. They are not the best diet for your cat, so if your cat loves this type of food, you could try mixing it with other types for balanced nutrition.
Wet Cat Food
Wet cat foods are really tasty, easy to eat food known to be loved by cats. They come in tins or bags in different flavors, varieties, and textures. Wet food has a remarkably high moisture content; about 80% water in weight which aids hydration and digestion in cats. Kittens benefit from wet food more than dry food because it is more effortless to chew. Wet food also helps the transition from liquid to a regular diet.
4. Raw Cat Food
Raw cat food is also called the “BARF” diet, which means “bones and raw food” or “biologically appropriate raw food’. They are high-protein cat food because they are rich in raw animal derivatives like meat, fish, organs, muscles, and bones. Since cats are obligate carnivores and thrive on protein, this is the best source of protein and vitamins to keep your cat strong and fit. Raw cat food can either be store-bought or homemade. Homemade raw food helps reduce the use of artificial preservatives, which is healthier than store-bought. The only downside is that it can be time-consuming and tasking to prepare.
After picking cat food suitable for your pet, please consult your veterinarian to choose the right portion of food for your cat daily and stick with it. Secondly, ensure to read the ingredients label on cans and pouches to ensure the brand of cat food has all the nutritional requirements. If your cat also has certain deficiencies, it’s advisable to get the right supplements and add them to their diet. Following this will reduce the stress on you thinking of the right food plan for your pet.