The Best Nutrition For Your Cat
Your cats nutritional needs are very different from that of a dog. Being strict carnivores, cats need foods with very high levels of animal proteins. In fact, cats require twice as much protein as a dog.
No certain food is perfect for every cat. Their personalities differ as much as that of humans and so does their preferences for food. Some cats may prefer fish while others may prefer chicken.
The best way to make sure that your cat is receiving the nutrition it needs to stay healthy is to read the labels. The very first ingredient should be protein that comes from fish, beef, lamb, chicken or even eggs!
Cats also require amino acids like arginine and taurine. A diet low in taurine can result in your cat going blind and having heart problems. Fatty acids are also very important, look for linoleic or arachidonic acids on the label.
Many pet foods are made of meat by products for cost efficiency. These are literally the waste scraps from slaughter houses and can be anything from diseased and molded meat, to rotten, spoiled meat!
Although most cats usually love tuna, it’s one fish that should be avoided or used just on an occasional basis! Tuna has a high ash level which contributes to Feline Urinary Syndrome and Vitamin E deficiency!
In most instances canned cat food is much better for your cat than dry foods. Most dry foods are high in plant proteins and are often made of meat by products.
A high protein level on the label of dry foods can even be misleading. Dry foods are cooked for long periods of time with high heat which removes most of the nutritional value of the protein!
While purchasing the cheapest cat food that you can find may seem like a money saving idea, it can cost more in the long run. Sub-standard foods with low nutritional value can lead to many health problems and expensive veterinary bills.
Another thing to consider when purchasing your cats food is the stage your cat is in. There are many foods available to target specific needs such as age, weight and sensitive digestive systems.
The main thing to keep in mind when purchasing food for your cat is the protein level and the source of the protein. Purchase the best quality cat food that you can afford, read the label and your cat should have many healthy years ahead of him!
Comments
Got something to say?
