When it comes to feeding your beloved feline friend, nothing is more important than providing a nutritionally balanced diet that meets their unique dietary needs. As a responsible cat owner, it's essential to understand what constitutes the best food for your cat, including the ingredients to avoid, when to feed, and how much to feed them. Let's delve into these crucial aspects of feline nutrition to ensure your furry companion stays healthy and happy.
What Not to Feed Your Cat
When selecting cat food, it's essential to steer clear of ingredients that offer little nutritional value and may even pose health risks to your cat. There are some human foods that are toxic to your cats and you should keep them away from your feline companions.
Ingredients to Avoid in Commercial Cat Foods
1. Corn, Wheat, and Soy
These ingredients are commonly used as fillers in commercial cat foods to bulk up the product and reduce manufacturing costs. However, they offer little to no nutritional value for cats and can contribute to digestive issues such as allergies, sensitivities, and gastrointestinal upset.
2. Artificial Colours, Flavours, and Preservatives
Artificial additives are often used to enhance the appearance, taste, and shelf life of cat food. However, they offer no nutritional benefit and may even pose health risks. For example, some artificial colours have been linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions in cats, while certain preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin have been associated with adverse health effects, including cancer, in animal studies.
3. Meat By-products
Meat by-products are lower-quality animal parts that may include organs, bones, and other parts not fit for human consumption. Similarly, labels like "animal digest" can contain unspecified and potentially questionable sources of protein. These ingredients may lack essential nutrients and quality control, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and health issues in cats.
4. Excessive Carbohydrates
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet primarily composed of protein and fat. Excessive carbohydrates (more than 10% of the total ingredients), often derived from grains or starches like rice, corn, or potatoes, are not essential for cats' nutritional needs and can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
5. Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as sucrose or corn syrup, are unnecessary in cat food and can contribute to obesity, dental problems, and diabetes in cats. Cats have little to no taste receptors for sweetness, so there is no nutritional benefit to including sugars in their diet.
6. Excessive Salt
Excess salt or sodium (more than 0.2% of the total ingredients) in cat food can lead to health issues such as hypertension, kidney disease, and heart problems in cats. Cats have a low tolerance for salt compared to other animals, and high salt levels in their diet can disrupt electrolyte balance and strain their organs over time.
Common Human Foods Toxic to Cats
1. Onions and Garlic
These vegetables contain compounds called thiosulfates, which can damage a cat's red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts of onion or garlic, whether raw, cooked, or in powdered form, can be toxic to cats if ingested regularly or in large quantities.
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, such as theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats. Ingestion of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death in severe cases.
3. Grapes and Raisins
While the exact toxic component in grapes and raisins is unknown, ingestion of these fruits can lead to kidney failure in cats. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney damage.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can cause alcohol poisoning in cats, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and even coma or death. Cats are much more sensitive to alcohol than humans, and even a small amount can be dangerous.
5. Caffeine
Like chocolate, caffeine contains methylxanthines that can stimulate the central nervous system and affect a cat's heart rate, breathing, and muscle function. Ingestion of caffeine can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, and seizures.
6. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free gum, candy, and other products. Ingestion of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in cats, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
7. Raw Dough
Raw dough containing yeast can expand in a cat's stomach, leading to bloating and potentially causing gastric obstruction or fermentation, which produces alcohol and can lead to alcohol poisoning.
8. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts contain an unnecessarily high levels of oil and fat that can cause weakness, depression, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia in cats. Ingestion of macadamia nuts can also lead to pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammatory condition.
9. Avocado
Avocado contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to cats in large amounts. Ingestion of avocado can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
10. Dairy Products
While small amounts of dairy products like milk or cheese may not be harmful to all cats, many cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Ingestion of dairy products in large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
The Best Food to Feed Your Cat
1. Quality Protein Sources
Opt for cat foods with named protein sources like chicken, turkey, or salmon as the primary protein source. Ensure protein sources constitute a significant portion of the total ingredients, ideally over 50%, to meet your cat's nutritional needs.
2. Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from sources like fish oil or chicken fat promote healthy skin, coat, and immune function in cats.
3. Digestible Carbohydrates
Limited amounts of digestible carbohydrates such as rice or sweet potatoes can provide energy and fiber, but ensure they make up less than 10% of the total ingredients.
4. Natural Preservatives
Mixed tocopherols, a form of vitamin E, serve as natural preservatives in cat food, offering antioxidant benefits to maintain freshness.
5. Added Vitamins and Minerals
Cat foods with added vitamins and minerals ensure a complete and balanced diet, supporting immune health, bone strength, and overall well-being.
How Much Food to Feed Your Cat
Understanding how much food to feed your cat is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. The following feeding charts provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine the appropriate portion sizes for your feline companion for dry, wet and raw foods.
By using these feeding charts as a rule of thumb, you can ensure that your cat receives the proper nutrition they need to thrive at every stage of life. Remember to monitor your cat's weight and adjust their food portions accordingly to prevent overfeeding or weight gain.
Tip: Use a high quality bowl to ensure comfort and hygiene at every meal time. Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are the best at preventing the buildup of bacteria and odours that could compromise your cat's health.
When to Feed Your Cat
As a cat owner, providing your furry friend with a consistent feeding schedule is essential for their health and well-being at every stage of life. Whether you have a playful kitten, an active adult cat, or a senior companion, tailoring their feeding routine to their age and nutritional needs ensures they receive the nourishment they require to thrive.
Feeding Schedule for Kittens
Up to 6 Months Old
During the crucial growth and development stages, kittens have high energy needs that necessitate frequent meals. Aim to feed your kitten 3-4 times a day with a high-quality kitten food specifically formulated to support their growth. Incorporating a mix of wet and dry food helps keep them hydrated and encourages healthy eating habits. Always ensure there's fresh water available for your little one to drink.
6-12 Months Old
As your kitten approaches their first birthday, you can gradually transition them to a twice-daily feeding schedule. Continue offering a combination of wet and dry kitten food to meet their evolving nutritional requirements. Pay attention to your kitten's weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly to ensure they maintain a healthy body condition.
Feeding Schedule for Adult Cats
Once your cat reaches adulthood, typically around 12 months of age, they can thrive on a two-meal-a-day schedule. Serve one portion of wet or dry food in the morning to provide them with the energy they need for the day ahead. Offer a second meal in the evening to satisfy their hunger and maintain proper nutrition. It's essential to monitor your cat's weight and adjust portion sizes as needed to prevent overfeeding or weight gain.
Feeding Schedule for Senior Cats
As cats age, their nutritional needs may change, requiring adjustments to their feeding schedule. Senior cats, aged 7 years and older, benefit from a consistent feeding routine tailored to their needs. Feed them twice daily with a combination of wet and dry senior cat food formulated to support their changing nutritional requirements. Consider dividing their meals into smaller, more frequent portions to accommodate potential changes in appetite and digestion. Additionally, supplement their diet with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids or joint supplements to support their overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, choosing the best food for your cat involves careful consideration of ingredients, feeding schedules, and portion control. By prioritising high-quality nutrition and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure your cat enjoys a long, healthy, and happy life by your side.