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You want to buy the best cat food for your cat. There are many ingredients, types, brands, etc. to choose from. Where do you start? This is where we come in – we’re here to help you find the best cat food options for your cat. We will be looking at different types of kibble, the ingredients to look for and avoid, and more.
What is Cat Food?
You’ve probably heard the term “kibble”, but you may not know what it means. Well, kibble is just food (usually pet food) that has been made into small, dry pieces. The kibble can take any number of forms. This type of food usually comes in a bag and is specially designed to meet the nutritional and vitamin needs of your pet.
What is the Best Cat Food?
It depends on the age and stage of your cat’s life, as well as its health problems. Most cats do very well on a dry diet. This can depend on your cat’s preference, as some cats can be quite finicky about their kibble. Dry cat food is not recommended for some cats as it can develop urinary and kidney problems for them. However, when it comes to nutrition, wet / canned cat food and kibble can provide your cat with all the nutrients it needs on a daily basis.
The Right Kibble Diet for Your Cat
Kibble is available in a variety of “diets” for your cat. It can be confusing to know which formulation is best for your baby in fur! It depends on these factors:
1). Indoor or Outdoor Cats: indoor cats tend to be less active and need a kibble with fewer calories, while outdoor cats are more active, they may require a slightly more intake high in calories and protein).
2) Overall Health: if your cat is a mother, it will need a high-calorie food to stay healthy, as well as its kittens. Or your cat may have other health problems, such as hairballs. In this case, you can find a kibble diet specially designed for cats suffering from this problem. If your cat is overweight and / or diabetic, you will be able to find foods specially designed for cats with these health conditions.
3) Age: As the cat ages, its activity level and appetite may decrease, making it necessary to ensure that its food is made for older cats who need fewer calories. If you have a kitten, its requirements will be very different. She will need kibbles containing more calories and nutrients to help her grow well while meeting her energy needs.
Which Food to Choose?
Which kibble do you choose for your cat? If you have questions about the best food to eat to feed your cat, be sure to check with your veterinarian. They know your cat from top to bottom, all its health problems, etc. and will be able to advise you on the best cat food to buy for your precious package of furs.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your Cat’s Food
You will need to check the label of your cat’s chewable food to avoid things like:
1). Non-nutritive fillers: these can be grains, such as wheat or barley, or even vegetables, such as potato starch (used as a binder), etc. Cats are carnivores and cannot easily digest plant matter. Additional fillers to watch for include corn and soybeans.
2) By-Products: Avoid pet food containing by-products. Meat byproducts can not only be meat, but also beaks, feet and many other body parts that are ground and added to food.
3) Colors, Flavors, Sweeteners, and Agents Artificial Preservatives: some of these ingredients are known carcinogens (which means they can cause cancer). Preservatives to watch for include BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate, and others. Even though sugar is a natural sweetener, cats don’t need it. Just like us, cats can eat too much sugar and become obese, which can lead to diabetes and other health problems.
4) Organic/Natural/Holistic Food: if your cat’s food is wrapped in a bag, it is processed. It cannot be entirely natural/organic, etc. if sold in a box or bag. Just be aware of this labeling practice. It is more important to read the list of nutrients and vitamins, as well as the list of ingredients. These foods can always be a healthier choice. Just be sure to focus on the ingredient list to make sure all of this is safe and healthy for your fur.
Other Issues to Consider
a). Food Allergies and /or Sensitivities: some cats have food allergies or sensitivities, including fish allergies. Other cats may have an allergy to wheat or gluten, etc. If you know your cat has allergies or sensitivity to certain foods, be sure to read all of the kibble labels carefully to avoid buying foods that could cause your cat to react.
b) “Natural” or “Organic”: do not confuse these two terms. “Natural” means that the ingredients do not contain artificial colors, while “Organic” refers to the way a food ingredient is grown and processed.
c) Breed-specific Kibble: there are also specific kibble for each kibble. If you are unsure which food to buy for your cat breed, consult the breeder or veterinarian for recommendations. However, most cats do well by eating dry, regular food.
re). AAFCO Certification: look for dry or chewable cat food certified by the Association of American Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This organization works to develop and promote standards for animal feed and pet food, but it has no regulatory authority. However, it does work to establish the basic nutritional standards for pet food – ensuring that these foods provide complete and balanced nutrition for pets.
Benefits of Kibble Cat Food
1). Dry kibble food is often less expensive than canned food or even food you prepare at home for your cat.
2) Dry cat food can help control plaque on your cat’s teeth while preventing tartar deposits.
3) Your cat may feel more satisfied and fuller after eating kibble, which makes him less hungry throughout the day.
4) Dry kibble food is generally easier to keep and lasts longer before spoiling. Kibble food can even stay in your cat’s food bowl longer – you don’t have to worry, it will spoil. Canned foods can lose their freshness after 2 hours or less once opened.
Against Kibble Cat Food
1). Dry cat food may contain less protein than canned food. your cat needs a lot of protein because it is carnivorous – its diet is based on meat. She needs the right amount of protein in her diet to stay healthy and active.
2) Cats can sometimes become dehydrated if they only eat dry food or kibble, most of the time. In fact, some cats are unable to eat kibble or dry cat food due to specific health conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.
3) Chewable foods may contain higher carbohydrate levels than canned/wet cat foods. Too many carbohydrates can make your precious cat gain weight. She can even become obese, which leads to other serious health problems.
4) Dry food can contain too much salt and sugar, which can cause serious health problems in cats.
5) Chewable cat food is also sometimes prepared with too many fillers, especially in the less expensive brands of dry cat food.
Now that you have considered the pros and cons, you understand why it is important to learn to read your cat’s pet food labels. Learn more about the healthy ingredients for it and which ones to avoid. By taking the time to do the extra work, you will not only help your cat have a healthier life, but you will also be able to help him enjoy a longer life. You can keep your healthy fur baby by your side for years if you choose the best cat food for her.