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Your main goal for your pets is to keep them active and happy for as long as possible. Cuddles and toys can certainly help, but food is even more important to keep your furball radiant and healthy. To ensure a healthy diet for your cat, there are a few essentials. Read on and you'll know everything about the nutrients they need to stay by your sidefor a long time.
Cats need the right nutrients, well-proportioned, to grow beautifully every day! And since their ancestors come from the desert, they need a lot of water.
So, cat food must containanimal products and be enriched with protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, andwater. Yes, water.Have you noticed that cats drink much less than dogs? They are very picky about their water, which is why it must be an essential component of their food. While wet food has 78% moisture, most dry foods contain only 10% moisture, to keep them hydrated and healthy.
Regarding proteins, they can come from plant sources and amino acid supplements. Animal proteins provide a good amount of minerals (measured in ash), but excessive mineral concentrations can lead to health problems.
Pet food is mainly composed of:
While pet food must meet AAFCO standards to be sold in some US states, almost all commercial food in Canada is designed to follow the nutritional requirements established by AAFCO. Remember that our rules are stricter in Canada than in the United States regarding agriculture, which provides us with meat free of hormones and antibiotics and healthier production conditions.
These little rascals need more protein in their diet than many other animals, to develop and maintain their muscles, skin, fur, claws, ligaments, hormones, etc. Your cat's food must contain a minimum of 26% crude protein. In other words, they need 26% dry matter to maintain themselves as adults and 30% of these same materials to grow and reproduce, according to AAFCO standards.
Next, fat, which is the most energy-rich nutrient of the lot. Fat is also important for skin and coat health, in addition to helping with inflammation.
Giving omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to your cat is also a good idea.
Even though meat is a perfect source of protein, you should avoid giving your cat raw meat.
Treats are allowed,but since they are not very nutritious, make sure they don't replace your pet's meals.
Regarding table food, avoid giving them onions and garlic, raw eggs and dough, milk and chocolate. No, cats should not consume dairy products, contrary to popular belief. Most cats are lactose intolerant, so drinking a lot can create digestive problems. Also stay away from sugar and spices.
The main difference between canned food and dry food is in the moisture content, i.e., the amount of water it contains. As you might have guessed, canned food offers more water, about 70%, while dry food only contains 10%. Due to this difference, the production process is also different, which means dry food will have more carbohydrates.
The eternal question!In some cases, choosing the best food, wet or dry, is easy. If your cat has health problems, such as diabetes or kidney failure, you should follow a prescribed diet. Regardless of its consistency, use the food your vet recommends.
Otherwise, it will all depend on your choice and your cat's preferences.You can alsolook at the prices. Canned food is generally more expensive and, once opened, does not last as long as dry food.
Indeed, dry food has a longer shelf life and will remain fresh until the expiration date printed on the original bag, if kept in a cool, dry place. In any case, if there is food left in the bowl at the end of the day, you should throw it away.
Canned food can be kept for 4 days if refrigerated in an airtight container after opening.
A combination of both types is your best option to take advantage of all their benefits. Your veterinarian can help you create the perfect mix.
When choosing wet food, make sure it meets the AAFCO nutritional standards appropriate for your cat's age.
The answer is not obvious, because your pet's daily caloric intake depends on its age, size, and weight. Factors such as activity level, reproduction, and general health should also be taken into consideration.
Kittens need more energy. However, their stomachs are quite small, so at eight weeks, they should eat five times a day. By six months, they can reduce to two meals a day.
As you can see, portion control mainly depends on your cat's size, so consult your vet for optimal results.
Cats have learned to eat light meals throughout the day. Your little one's daily food intake should therefore be divided into small portions, two at a minimum, six ideally, especially if they eat dry food. Wet food, on the other hand, is usually consumed three times a day in larger meals. Your cat's size and age will influence your decisions, of course, so it's always wise to consult your vet about this.
Choosing the best food for your cat can be a challenge, which is why doing your research and asking your vet for advice is important. You can always rely on La Niche Et Moi to find the right food for your furball. We have been in the industry for over 40 years and have become Gatineau's favorite pet store for a reason! See our range of cat food!
