How about you ask yourself these questions: Is it possible to significantly increase life expectancy through cat food? Why not make your puppy’s life healthier and happier?
Or how about… Should I prevent you from diseases like obesity, kidney, liver and hormonal problems? And finally, why not give him the best life has to offer?
The answer is definitely… YES! These simple questions would be enough as an argument to change your thinking about your pet’s diet.
He deserves it! They are our family, they are as much a part of it as our relatives and friends.
However, it is not only in this philosophical and sentimental way that we want to guide you and expand your mind regarding Feline Feeding.
We are based on veterinary studies that show us that it is possible to make their lives much healthier.
In this article, we will explain the main techniques of choosing the best cat food, aiming to keep them in a lion’s health through food
Consequence of poor nutrition feline
As we know, cats are carnivores animals and therefore changing that nature will cause problems that will shorten your life and bring consequences to your pet.
They have the same needs and characteristics as lions, tigers and jaguars, and as a result, they need a greater amount of animal protein than most domestic animals in their feed formulation.
With that in mind, a very important factor is to analyze the balance between these animal and plant proteins.
Like us, felines depend on the right nutrients (and amounts too) so their immune system is able to protect them from disease.
In the animal’s organism there are several cells and molecules capable of defending the organism.
They identify what actually belongs to the body and what comes from parasites, bacteria, viruses, fungi, cancer cells or protozoa.
When cats have low immunity, the body stops responding to these invaders, and does not fight infections correctly, leaving them exposed to various dangers.
So, giving your cat good food leaves him much stronger and disease-free, or with an infinitely better ability to react to intruders.
In addition to the issue of low immunity, other serious consequences can occur with a poor diet, such as low energy (the animal will be sedentary, will not have the energy to play, climb and interact), and the tendency to developing diseases such as: allergies, frequent diarrhea, obesity and urinary problems.
How to decide which cat food is right?
Previously, we showed the importance of offering the right food in the life of cats. So now, let’s draw a guideline to understand, and thus, meet the demand of each phase.
According to our veterinarian, Juliana Stephani, the diet for felines must contain the 7 fundamental nutrients for a healthy life, namely:
- Water
- Protein
- Fat
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino Acids
- Carbohydrate.
Each one is responsible for a function in the organism.
Another factor to consider is the cat’s lifestyle. In this way the age, if he is neutered or not and if he has health problems (allergic, urinary, etc.)
Fedcats – what’s the difference between them?
As a rule, what you find available on the market for feline food are dry and wet types of rations, divided between: Standard, Premium and Super Premium.
The advantage of dry food is its durability (it doesn’t spoil easily) and teeth cleaning.
In addition, the animal’s feces will be firm, making it easier to clean the environment.
In turn, wet food is tastier, has a more attractive smell and is 80% water, which helps keep the animal hydrated. Another factor is that they have fewer calories and encourage greater food intake.
As a negative point, they end up accumulating residues on the teeth, causing tartar and bad breath. In addition to making the stool soft and also spoiling more easily.
A great tip is to always look at the label, as dry rations are divided into 3 age groups:
- Puppies (up to one year old): have more protein and fat than adults
- Adults (up to 10 years old): protein content is higher than fat
- Elderly (over 10 years): less protein and fat than adult food.
Wet rations must contain at least 35% protein in their composition.
The fat rate must be between 15% and 25% and have taurine, omega 3 and 6, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.
Cat food: Standard, Premium or Super Premium?
In Standard type diets, the quality of their proteins leaves something to be desired. In this way, you are forced to provide a larger amount of food, which can lead to obesity in your feline.
Another very important point is the presence of sodium, coloring and artificial preservatives. They are found in basic rations.
The dyes have an excess of chemical and synthesized components, in addition to the exorbitant amount of sodium.
Because of this, in the short term, this diet can lead to allergies, skin problems and hair loss. In the long term, they can compromise the kidneys and urinary tract.
These substances are true poisons for cats, considering that in nature, they would never have contact.
On the other hand, the premium type feed has a superior quality and a more affordable cost, as it offers several nutrients needed in the animal’s diet. In addition to having animal and vegetable protein in its composition.
In turn, the Super Premium type feed has a much higher concentration of animal protein than vegetable, in addition to functional ingredients, which improve several aspects of your kitten’s health. These aid digestion and reduce stool odor.
At the same time, some of these foods contain compounds that help strengthen joints and prevent tartar.
Therefore, all rations of the Super Premium line are within the nutritional standards and therefore are excellent. However, we suggest opting for internationally recognized brands, such as Royal Canin and Hills.
Natural cat foods
A technique that has been gaining ground among cat tutors is the natural food, which are home-made rations. For this, the food must be well washed, fresh and, if possible, cooked.
We suggest this type of meal as a supplement, always varying with wet and dry rations.
Be VERY careful with nutritional balance, so as not to exceed the amounts needed for your animal.
Therefore, looking for a veterinarian specialized in nutrition is extremely important.
Only this professional will be able to guide you correctly on the correct amount and proportion to balance the natural food for your kitten’s specific diet.
Cat hydration
The hydration of your pet is a point that should never be forgotten, as cats tend to have kidney problems.
An interactive way to awaken the cat’s desire to drink water.
So it’s super cool to spread several pots around the rooms of the environment. Preferably use clay pots, because it keeps the water fresh,
Putting fonts is also a great tip, as they love it! Making these objects available in various locations and natural sources would be the way they would be found in nature.
On the other hand, for cats that are not used to drinking a lot of water, a solution would be to add the liquid to the wet food. In this way, you will increase the percentage of it.
BONUS TIP
If you have more than one kitten, make sure each cat is eating the correct food. Since a wrong diet can cause obesity or even malnutrition in your puppies.
Another important tip is to always vary the rations over time. This way your pet’s taste will always be sharp.
Mixing dry and wet rations is very valid and it is interesting to keep this practice, always.
Changing countries and feeding cats
Are you moving to another country and taking your kitty with you? Pay attention!
These animals can be methodical and therefore have difficulty adapting to a new feed.
But now, if you want a peaceful trip for you and your kitten, the ideal is to count on the services of PETFriendly Tourism.
Our experts advise on the adaptation of pets in their new homes! In addition, they organize the entire transport process!
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