There are so many cat food options available that it can be confusing to choose one, but also to feel confident you’re giving your cat the best possible diet.
Knowing that cats have dietary needs of their own, and not even two cats use the exact same menu we have compiled a guide below with tips for a healthy cat diet.
Let’s have a look at them.
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Be careful changing a cat’s food
When you first get a new cat, you should always try to keep them on the diet they’re used to.
- If you decide to change your cat’s diet for any reason, then one of the key tips for a healthy cat diet is to do it gradually. You should start by adding a little more new food each day and decreasing the one that is being replaced.
- But in case your cat suffers from a sensitive stomach or regular episodes of vomiting, then you should definitely consult a vet for advice on feeding. This is one of the crucial tips for a healthy cat diet, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Think about their essential nutrients
As a cat owner, you should always try to keep your cat on a well-balanced diet with the right nutrients. Here are six key nutrients that cats need to stay healthy.
- Animal Protein: Considering the fact that cats are obligate carnivores meat isn’t just a treat for them it’s a necessity.
Protein is important for our lovely friends as it builds tissues, muscles, skin, hair, and organs. Besides that, protein plays a big role in maintaining a strong immune system in cats. Therefore, if cats don’t get enough high-quality protein, they may lose muscle, feel weak, and develop a dull coat.
Some good protein sources are:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Fish (like salmon or tuna)
You should always look for foods with named meats as the first ingredient and avoid terms like “meat by-products.”
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- Fats: Fats are often misunderstood but are critical for cats’ energy and well-being.
Fats help cats absorb vitamins, support skin and coat health, and provide energy.
Good fat sources include
- Chicken fat
- Fsh oil
- Eggs.
But remember, too much fat can cause obesity.
- Carbohydrates: Cats don’t need carbs the way humans do, but still small amounts provide energy and fiber.
Carb sources like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, brown rice, and oats support the digestive system in cats.
*Avoid carb-heavy foods that use corn or wheat as fillers.
- Water: Cats often don’t drink enough water.
Among the top tips for a healthy cat diet is to provide enough water to cats as it supports digestion, regulates body temperature, and flushes out toxins.
To encourage hydration in a cat you need to:
- Clean and refill water bowls regularly.
- Place multiple water stations around the house.
- Try a pet water fountain for running water.
- Include wet food in their diet for moisture.
- Vitamins: Vitamins are just as essential for healthy cat growth which makes them an important part of the tips for a healthy cat diet.
According to According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, cats need vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B3, and B6 for healthy growth and development.
Vitamin A supports vision and immunity, vitamin D strengthens bones, and B vitamins help with energy, nerves, and metabolism.
Please note that a vitamin deficiency can cause serious health problems to cats.
Specially tailored diets
Some major cat food producers offer an extensive variety of diets, so you can be more precise than just the age. You can find food for specific cat breeds, indoor felines, spayed cats, and dental or hairball formulas.
You decide whether you want to feed your cat a specially tailored diet and whether to pick wet food, dry food, or a mixture of both.
Wet food
Part of the tips for a healthy cat diet is also proper storage. Wet food should always be stored appropriately and replaced regularly, especially in hot weather.
Some wet foods are advised by a vet for particular medical conditions, such as kidney disease or urinary problems. Only use these or change to a different diet at the request of your vet.
Dry food and biscuits
In regards to tips for a healthy cat diet, you should not that biscuits provide a good opportunity to keep your cat’s teeth clean, as they help chip the tartar and plaque off their teeth.
But still, it’s very normal for your cat to require dental work by a vet at various points in its life, usually in the latter years.
Foods to avoid
According to WebMD, “Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk”. Therefore, avoid offering dairy products to your feline friend instead provide fresh water for hydration.
Human meals, including cheese, cocoa, or eggs should be avoided as snacks, unless it is steamed white fish or poultry.
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Please also be mindful that felines will consume grass, and it does often cause them to vomit, but this isn’t harmful to them and is a natural habit for them to do.
You can buy cat grass, but this will do exactly the same thing as them going outdoors and consuming grass.
Be Cautious of Owner Appeal
Many cat foods are designed by companies to appeal to humans.
They will often place vegetables in them, make them multi-colored, or design them to look like our food. In reality, this is done to attract us, rather than because cats need vegetables or fruit in their diet.
A simple but effective reminder of the tips for a healthy cat diet is to avoid products with unnecessary ingredients or lots of brightly colored biscuits.
Avoid overfeeding your cat
Overfeeding cats is a very common problem as it causes obesity and it can lead to many related medical issues. Therefore you should be very mindful regarding this issue.
If your cat is gaining or losing weight, please consult a vet for diet advice.
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Tips for Feeding Multiple Cats
Another thing you should take into consideration is that in case you have more than one cat, you should always feed them separately, even if they’re content eating together.
By doing so each cat can eat peacefully and allows you to monitor who is eating what.
Make mealtime more stimulating
In the wild, cats spend a large proportion of their time stalking, catching, and eating their prey. In contrast, most domestic cats take two minutes to eat their food.
You can make feeding more engaging by trying the following:
- Scatter dry kibble around the dining area.
- Conceal food throughout the home for your cat to discover.
- Use foraging boxes filled with shredded paper and dry kibble.
- Toss bits of food for your cat to pursue.
Pet shops also offer feeding panels, treat dispensers, and puzzle games. Or you can create your own using items like empty toilet paper rolls glued together, allowing your cat to paw out the treats
Last words
Feeding your cat a healthy diet is simpler than it seems when you follow these tips for a healthy cat diet. Stick to foods with high-quality proteins, avoid fillers and toxic ingredients, and consult your vet when in doubt.
A well-fed cat is a happy, healthy cat, one that will enjoy more playful, snuggly years by your side