Know the Best Kept Secrets to Feline Nutrition

Pet nutrition is often a challenge for those who approach it. All animals, including cats, have their own feline dietary needs. Today, we're going to focus on feline nutrition. Let's go over the best diet for cats and why cats need to eat certain foods.

There are often nutrition principles that are left ignored when it comes to feeding cats. You will learn to give your cat a longer life when you learn the secrets to feline nutrition. Let's jump in!

Cat Nutrition: Wet vs. Dry Food

The question in mind for every cat owner is what's the best food for your cat's health? Your cat may enjoy dry food more than wet food or vice versa. However, veterinarians today with adult cat nutrition in mind strongly recommend feeding your cat canned wet food over dry food. Though, you may come across a few veterinarians who are perfectly fine with you feeding your feline dry food. While many commercial pet food companies promote a dry food diet, there are some precautions to be aware of:

Your Cat May Love Dry Food

Your cat may already be a dry food addict, but the truth is that all cats can switch to a wet-food diet. The reason being is that the water content in dry cat food is awfully low. Your cat could be predisposed to urinary tract issues and obstructions, which can be fatal.

The risk of feline diabetes, obesity, and intestinal problems are also high because of the high carbohydrate count in many of these dry cat foods. Your cat may be a carbolic from these dry foods. The dry food becomes dehydrated and depleted of nutrients due to cooking and treatment. So, your cat is not getting the proper nutrition with most dry foods.

Cats are Carnivores

Cats need protein in their diet to thrive. Cats are carnivores. They need to eat meat, not only grains and plants like other animals are. The grains in these dry pet foods are only designed for your cat to be addicted to and to drive a higher profit margin for these big brands. The risks to cats if they are not getting proper nutrition can lead to many health issues, including vomiting from bacterial contamination, fungal mycotoxins (many grains have), respiratory problems, and allergic reactions.

Try sticking with wet food, which contains water and will keep your cat hydrated. Simultaneously, your cat will be getting the proper amounts of protein. Always check labels and nutrition info before sticking to a particular type or brand. You can also try out different organic cat food options.

Try Out Nutritious Cat Food

Your cat may have a preference for the type of protein he or she likes. It's best to try out different kinds of proteins: fish, meat (including chicken and rabbit), and you may even want to try a raw food diet. There are many brands out there who offer raw meat specifically for your feline and their nutrition. See what your cat likes best and check for vet-recommended food options.

Also, be sure there is plenty of water available for your cat throughout the day, especially when you are gone. For this reason, you may want to look into getting an electric water bowl for them.

Cats can quickly get dehydrated, just like humans. Some find alkaline water the right choice for their cat because of its mineral contents and healthy pH. It's best to read up on the pros and cons of alkaline water and to decide on which route to take, depending on what is best for your cat's nutrition.

Can cats eat a vegan diet?

Cats are carnivores and they usually don't thrive on a vegan diet. Their digestive system is not adjusted to an all-plant diet. As carnivores, a cat has specific nutrient needs that can only be supplied through the ingestion of meat.

Is a high protein diet good for cats?

Feeding your feline pet a high protein diet can help curb their appetite and in result, help them lose some weight. Protein can help build and repair your cat's important body parts like fur, skin, and muscles. It's also rich with amino acids, which is essential for your cat's normal body functions.

What is a good diet for cats?

Grain-free foods usually contain more protein, which is good for cats. These foods also have more ingredients like fish and meat.  Even if a grain-free diet can be good for your cat, it's still best to speak to your veterinarian about which kind of grain-free food is best suitable for your pet.