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Some pets appear to be sensitive or intolerant to certain ingredients and additives and this can cause a variety of problems. Ensure you're feeding your feline the correct amount by measuring out each meal on a set of weighing scales. A few extra bits of kibble or jelly might not seem like a lot, but they can massively contribute to weight gain.
Common symptoms include, lethargy, aggressive or hyperactive behaviour, chronic skin and ear problems, slime and jelly being passed with the stools, and flatulence, bloating and weight gain or loss. Keep in mind that specialized diets and prescription cat foods may be more expensive than other cat foods, but the cost tends to be worth it in the long run. “A specialized diet may be more expensive,” says Machell, “but if that expense spares your cat illness and distress, then it also likely spares you expensive veterinary care.” Cat Food FAQ Unlike dogs, who thrive on grains and vegetables in their dog food, cats are obligate carnivores: their metabolism has evolved to need some ingredients that can only be found in meat. While it is, in theory, possible to feed cats adequately from a home-made diet that includes meat, it makes more sense to use commercial cat food that has been formulated by companies who employ professional nutritional experts so that their products – labelled as “complete” – include everything your cat needs to thrive. They also need arachidonic acid, an essential fatty acid that is only found in animal tissue and the preformed version of Vitamin A, which again is only found in meat. They normally obtain Vitamin B12 from animal tissues as well.
What to Consider When Buying Cat Food
Animal by-products are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in cat food. While many common by-products are highly nourishing and delectable to cats, digestibility and quality control are major concerns. If you're investing in your pets, we also have guides to the best vacuums for pet hair and the best dog food.
Figure out how many calories are in the food per ounce, then divide 200 by that number, then multiply that number by the price per ounce. The easiest, and most cost effective, way to meet your cat’s nutritional needs is to use food that has been scientifically formulated to be balanced by a nutritionist employed by a pet food manufacturer. All pet food that is labelled as “complete” is legally obliged to provide all the nutrients that a cat needs. Are pet store cat foods better than supermarket cat foods?
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Having an AAFCO seal of approval can be a piece of mind for a cat owner to know that the manufacturer of the diet has taken some effort to work within their recommended standards,” adds Machell. Consider Your Cat’s Medical Needs Nutritional needs change as pets grow older. A diet for a growing kitten is very different to one formulated for a fifteen year old elderly cat. Some recent research has suggested that if cats are fed wet food, they may be less likely to hunt so prolifically. If owners are concerned about their cats preying on garden birds, they may wish to try feeding more wet food to see if this reduces the level of hunting. Is dry food better for cats’ teeth? Despite statements on the internet suggesting that dry food may promote good dental health, there is no evidence that standard dry cat food is any better for cats’ teeth than wet food. There are some special “dental” diets that include ingredients that limit the accumulation of dental tartar in the mouth, as well as having a more abrasive, chewier formulation which does a better job of rubbing plaque away from the surface of the teeth. Cats choose their food based on smell, texture and how they feel once they start to digest it. They also like to 'graze' eating small amounts throughout the day, so it's best to leave food out for them (unless they are eating too much and putting on weight).
Our cats’ ancestors were desert dwellers. Because fresh water was scarce, early wild cats evolved to have low thirst drives and a natural inclination to get their water from the moisture-rich bodies of their prey. This means that they typically don’t drink enough water to compensate for moisture-depleted dry food. Favor Foods Free Of Harmful Ingredients Raw pet food has become more popular over the past few years (particularly for dogs), but experts don't generally recommend it, particularly DIY versions. Commercial cat food is classed as either complete or complementary: complete foods provide a balanced array of vital nutrients and are a one-stop solution, while complementary foods need to be combined with other foods to form a complete balanced diet. Dry cat food – or “kibble” – generally tends to be the most convenient and cost-effective way to feed healthy cats. The quality of dry food varies, with cheaper foods tending to have less carefully chosen ingredients, which can make them less palatable for fussy cats, as well as having a poorer long term impact on body condition and overall health.Food for cats in the prime of life, usually between one and seven years old, will be balanced and nutritionally complete, meeting all of an adult cat’s needs. Our unique survey reveals how popular cat food brands, including Iams, James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Purina One and Whiskas were rated by customers. Wellness Complete emphasizes that this recipe supports the 5 signs of kitty wellness—a lustrous skin and coat, a healthy stomach, bright eyes, strong teeth and gums, and plenty of energy and immune health.
Log in now to compare monthly costs between Royal Canin, Purina One, James Wellbeloved, Meowing Heads and Whiskas cat food. There is some debate regarding whether one is better than the other. The BVA says 'there's not enough evidence to recommend one over the other, there are advantages to both. A vet will be able to recommend the most suitable diet.' Artificial flavors and colors are unnecessary and have been tied to health consequences for both humans and animals. Some preservatives may also be of questionable safety. For example, BHA is considered safe in animal feed for all species except for cats due to inadequate safety data. Most pet foods have replaced them with natural alternatives including Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), rosemary extract, and other antioxidants. Seek Brands With Trustworthy Reputations Here's what animal charity PDSA suggests you look for and what to avoid when choosing the right cat food. Look for:
Is this cat food nutritionally balanced? (Does it carry an AAFCO statement, and is it meeting at least the minimum nutritional requirements for my cat’s life stage?) No, it is not recommended that kittens eat cat food formulated for adult cats. Kittens have specific nutritional needs and require more calories than adult cats. Kittens should be fed kitten food that is formulated for kittens or for all life stages. Cat Food Storage Tips Wet (or moist) food tends to be more palatable than dry food, and a wet diet increases a cat’s fluid intake, which is recommended by vets for cats with a number of health issues. Dry foods are usually the most economical and easiest for you to feed and store. Dry cat food can be left out all day for your cat to nibble on and is beneficial for their teeth and gums. What's key is the amount you feed your furry companion, as pet obesity is rapidly on the rise.
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