Tips For Choosing The Right Cat Food
Cats are not exactly known for being easy to please. They are often independent animals and only seek out attention on their own terms. However, when you have the affection of a cat, there is nothing else like it. Of course, you have to take care of your cat even though they are independent. This includes giving them a good litterbox, a scratching post, and a wide selection of toys. It also includes choosing the right cat food!
There are many options for cat food out there, from wet cat food to dry cat food. In addition to the main food, you may also want to consider cat treats! With all of the options, it can get overwhelming. However, there are a few simple tips to help you choose the best cat food for your feline companion. Use these tips to help you search online for the best dry cat food and the best wet cat food!
Consider Your Cat's Age
A cat's physiology changes over time, which means that its nutritional needs will change as well! Thus, if your cat is no longer leaving an empty plate, it could be time to make some changes to their diet. For the most part, cat food manufacturers break down their formulas into three major categories: kittens aged four weeks to a year, adults aged one to seven years old, and seniors over seven years old.
Generally, formulas will begin to offer a lower caloric content as a cat ages. When their metabolism slows, and their activity levels begin to mellow as well, the need for calories begins to decrease. This is part of the reason why you should consider your cat's age when choosing their food! In addition, the age of a cat influences the right food for them in regards to other aspects of nutritional content. While older cats need fewer calories to get them through the day, they still need a decent intake of vitamins and minerals. You may also want to reduce the number of times you feed your cat daily as they age.
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Read Ingredients Carefully
Learning how to read ingredients carefully is an art, but understanding the fundamentals is not difficult. The law requires manufacturers to list their ingredients by weight in decreasing order. This means that you can always tell what ingredients are featured more prominently in a formula simply by reading the list from top to bottom. However, weight is not always an indicator of full volume, as moisture-heavy meats will be heavier than the equivalent of dried meat.
In many cases, consider looking for as many all-natural ingredients and whole foods as possible. However, it is vital to note that nutrients are significantly more important than the actual ingredients included when shopping for cat food. Fortunately, that makes the process of shopping for cat food more objective than it would otherwise be. Check the cat food label for a section titled 'Guaranteed Analysis.' While this can sometimes be a bit harder to decipher, it gives you a far more precise understanding of what that food is and the impact it will have on your cat.
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Ask Your Veterinarian About Allergies
Your cat's food and feeding schedule are the most trusted forms of ritual in their life! Thus, changing up how or what you feed them can be a dramatic and even traumatic experience. This is why you want to speak with your veterinarian to discuss any potential food allergies or other issues. They can walk you through the challenges of identifying and dealing with food allergies if you and your cat do encounter them. While they are rarer than the current rash of hypoallergenic pet foods would suggest, food allergies and sensitivities are not uncommon. Allergy and sensitivity symptoms can range from mildly irritating to outright dangerous.
You do not need to pick a hypoallergenic cat food if your cat does not have an identified allergy or sensitivity! However, the limited ingredients in hypoallergenic cat food make it easier to get to the root of any adverse reactions your cat may have to their food. In addition, hypoallergenic cat food tends to be high-quality cat food due to the quality of the proteins included.
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Research Multiple Brands
You can narrow the options you have according to your cat's age and any dietary restrictions. Once you do this, it is also recommended to research multiple brands of cat food. Finding a high-quality cat food formula is not always easy, but finding one that is suited to the specific demands of your cat is crucial!
Fortunately, the 'Guaranteed Analysis' label mentioned previously can make the process of comparing brands significantly easier. However, the ingredients list will not necessarily tell you everything you need to know. It is worth it to dig deeper into the formula, company, their history of recalls, and what their reputation looks like among the broader population. This will help you narrow your options even further!
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Factor In Specific Health Requirements
As mentioned, your cat's age is a significant factor to consider when shopping for cat food. However, it is not the only factor that can affect what sort of nutrients you need to be feeding your cat! Hypoallergenic foods can offer a great way to identify components that a cat has a problem digesting.
However, you should also factor in specific health requirements when you are choosing a specific cat food. For instance, diabetes is common in cats. This condition can influence what cat food formulas are appropriate for your cat, especially when they have to have insulin. Obesity can also influence your selection of appropriate cat food formulas. Finally, cats dealing with general digestive upset may also need a more specific formula to calm their stomach. Once you factor in specific health requirements, you will know when it is time for a more specialized prescription brand or a balanced cat food formula.