TIPS TO FIND THE BEST CAT FOOD FOR CATS

All cat parents want their pets to be happy and healthy. In today’s world, there’s an array of good cat food brands lining the shelves of local pet stores. With so many options available, it is only normal to get confused about what to give your cat. Let’s learn more about the nutritional requirements of a cat and find out what kind of food can keep them healthy and happy.

TYPES OF GOOD CAT FOOD 

Let’s take a look at the different types of good cat food available in the market today:

DRY CAT FOOD

Dry cat food is a type of food that comes in a kibble form. This food does more than just offering essential nutrients. Here are some benefits of feeding dry cat food to your fur baby:

• Convenient and shelf stable
• Gets rid of tartar buildup
• Source of fiber
• Packed with vitamins and minerals
• Made with meat/poultry/grain

WET CAT FOOD

The best wet cat food is moist and generally packed in pouch or can. With palatable texture, aroma, and taste, this cat food is specifically made for picky eaters. Here are a few benefits of feeding wet cat food:

• With up to 75% of moisture content, it provides extra hydration
• Designed to be healthy as well as delicious
• Made with different meats as the primary ingredient
• High in protein and low on carbs

However, make sure that you go for high-quality cat wet food like SHEBA® to support your cat’s health. Formulated with finest ingredients and rich sources of protein, such as beef, chicken, and fish, our wet food options are designed to not only satiate your cat’s cravings but also provide it with the right nutrition.

SEMI-MOIST CAT FOOD

Semi-moist food is a combination of dry and wet cat food. Often sold in pouches, it contains meaty chunks in gravy. Here are a few key points about this type of cat food:

• 35% of moisture content
• Made with soybeans, grains, cereals, and more
• Easy to chew and digest
• Made with meat and meat byproducts as the primary ingredient

INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN CAT FOOD

Each ingredient helps your cat in a unique way. Let us look at the essential ingredients that must be present in your cat’s food: 

• High-quality protein: Cats are carnivores, and they need protein to grow into healthy individuals. You must buy cat food according to your cat's preference, but you should also make sure that meat is the primary ingredient of these foods.
• Taurine: Taurine is a very important amino acid for a cat's health. Cats cannot produce enough Taurine on their own, which is why they need it as an ingredient in their food to foster heart and eye health. It also helps with other health aspects, such as digestion, reproduction, and the immune system.
• Fats and omega fatty acids: Healthy fats and omega fatty acids help cats maintain their coat, skin, and brain health. Hence, you must look for foods that have high fish oil or chicken fat content to help your cat's health.
• Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are important for your cat's overall health. Vitamins like A, D, E, N, and B complex are essential for your cat’s skin and eye health. Make sure you are choosing cat food brands that are rich in vitamins and minerals. You can also speak to your vet about vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Fiber: Fiber is a great ingredient to help with digestion and maintain a healthy weight. Cat food made with grains is extremely high in fiber and can help your cat's digestive system.

SPECIAL DIETS BASED ON CAT'S NEEDS

Every cat needs a special diet based on its age and medical conditions. Let’s take a look at the best cat foods for cats at different stages in their life. 

• KITTEN FOOD

  Kitten food is much higher in calories, has more protein, and is filled with essential nutrients for growth. You can easily find cat food brands that formulate food specially for kittens.

• ADULT CAT FOOD

  As your cat grows older, its nutritional needs change. An adult cat needs more maintenance as it is energy levels are going to be at a new high. Adult cat food provides your cat with appropriate protein and fat levels to keep it healthy and active.

• SENIOR CAT FOOD

  As cats age, their ability to chew and digest food weakens. This is why their food type needs to change so that they can not only eat easily but also steer clear of any digestive issues. Food formulated especially for senior cats is lower in calories, high in fiber, and may also contain supplements for kidney and joint health.

• WEIGHT CONTROL DIETS

  Sometimes we may end up feeding our cats a lot of treats and snacks which can lead to obesity. It is best to control your cat's weight before it starts attracting any medical conditions. Resort to a weight control diet and include food that has fewer calories but is still nutritionally enriched. Reach out to your vet for professional medical advice.

• SPECIALTY DIETS

  Specialty diets are for cats with specific diseases or conditions. If your cat is suffering from kidney disease, liver, disease, allergies, diabetes, or just a sensitive stomach, you must give it food that will help is its symptoms. Consult a vet for your cat's condition and find out what food will suit your cat the best.

HOW TO READ CAT FOOD LABELS

All cat parents must read cat food labels before purchasing any product. The labels provide accurate information about the ingredients used in the product and the nutritional content of it. Here’s how you can make your way through food labels.

• Ingredients list: Always opt for foods that have protein listed as their first ingredient. Avoid any types of food that have excessive fillers such as corn, wheat, et cetera. Ingredients are always listed in descending order by weight, which is why protein should be at the top of this list. Also check for high-quality protein sources such as fish, chicken, and more.
• Guaranteed Analysis: It is important to check the ‘Guaranteed Analysis’ section as it lists the minimum and maximum amount of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the food. To be safe, you can show this analysis to your vet to find out what levels of nutrition your cat needs.
• AAFCO Statement: Ensure that the food you are choosing for your cat meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
• Expiration date: We may often forget to check the expiration date of cat food. This can lead to your cat losing its appetite and also falling sick. It is best to check the expiration date at the back of the package to make sure that you’re not buying food that is close to its expiry date.

Choosing the best cat food for cats is the best thing you can do for its long-term health. By understanding your cat’s unique nutritional needs based on its age, breed, health, conditions, and activity levels, you can make an informed decision that will help your pet live its best life. All pet parents must take their pets for regular health checkups seriously. Take your pet to the vet once every six months for a basic checkup to rule out any underlying health problems.