Feeding the cat is one of the main concerns expressed by caregivers as soon as the new member of the family arrives home. And is not for less. Nutrition is key to maintaining optimal he alth throughout life.
Currently we have so many options that it is normal for doubts to arise about how to choose the best food for a cat. In this article on our site we are going to break down the keys that allow us to succeed with the most balanced meal.
What to take into account to choose the best cat food?
Although it seems obvious, it is not bad to remember that the first thing we must take into account if we want to know how to choose the best food for our cat is the cat itself. Its characteristics will determine its nutritional needs. Thus, the requirements of a growing kitten are different from those of a sterilized adult cat, a pregnant or lactating cat, an elderly cat or a chronically ill cat. Classifying our cat according to its needs allows us to make a first selection among the ranges of feed that we will find for sale.
How to interpret cat food labels?
Selecting the type of food we should focus on, if we want to know how to choose the best cat food it is essential that we learn to understand the labels In them, the manufacturer provides us with information about the components of the food, ordered from highest to lowest according to quantity. Although the legislation does not oblige them to be exhaustive, from the labels we extract data such as the following:
- Protein: Must be the main ingredient. We will not only look at its percentage, since the main thing is its quality, that is, its origin, as well as a guarantee of digestibility, which is the amount that the cat can take advantage of. A feed composed of fresh or dehydrated meat is not the same as by-products or meat derivatives. In addition, some feeds contain hydrolyzed proteins with the aim of avoiding the development of food intolerances, so this data is synonymous with good quality.
- Cereals or their by-products: it is usually the second ingredient in terms of quantity, although we can find grain-free feed on the market. A very high percentage or the fact of using by-products indicates a low quality feed.
- Fats: it is recommended that they be unsaturated. They help the palatability, that is, the feed is tasty, but its caloric intake must be controlled, especially in cats with overweight problems.
- Fibra: essential for proper intestinal transit and elimination of hairballs.
- Minerals, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants: highlights the taurine, but can also include substances that protect the joints, are beneficial for the skin, etc.
- High levels of ash, calcium or phosphorus appear in poor quality feed. The same happens with excess preservatives, dyes or flavorings.
How to know if a cat food is of quality?
When reading the food labels, it is likely that they all have a very similar composition, which is true, but the key to knowing how to choose the best cat food is in aspects such as the quality of raw materialsAs we have said, it is important that the meat stands out among the ingredients and not its by-products. In the first case, we guarantee its origin, which also remains constant in all the bags, which always ensures the same composition. On the other hand, by-products, flours or meat derivatives include parts such as hooves or horns that will be used in the feed depending on the market surplus, so that in each bag we can find a different composition. The quality of this product will be inferior.
Although a higher price is not synonymous with quality, an excessively cheap feed cannot offer sufficient quality. A good feed will have a high digestibility and energy density, which means that the amount that the cat must eat is less and less waste is produced, a fact that there is also to take into account when calculating the cost of both feed and sand.
In general, a product that offers a complete labeling, with all kinds of details about its composition, can help us get very close more to its manufacture and the raw materials it uses, so it can give us greater confidence. On the other hand, a cat food with an uninformative label can generate doubts and even rejection for not knowing what we are giving our kitty.
A clear example of quality, which meets all the above requirements, is the NFNatcane Cats He alth cat food NFNatcane is a company that works with natural ingredients, both of animal and plant origin, without preservatives or artificial colors, and offers a whole range of products at very affordable prices. Focusing on cat food, it stands out for its high content of meat, fish, salmon oil and duck fat, which translates into a good state of he alth for the feline. In addition, it does not contain cereals and the proteins have been hydrolysed, so the risk of suffering intolerances is considerably reduced. Likewise, it is rich in probiotics and prebiotics, guaranteeing high digestibility.
Thanks to all of the above, NFNatcane's Cats He alth Gourmet feed helps prevent kidney stones, the formation of hairballs and promotes the maintenance of the cat's ideal weight.
How to know if it really is the best food for our cat?
Putting into practice what we have explained about how to choose the best cat food, we will surely find a good option, such as the aforementioned NFNatcane maca. We will know that we have succeeded if our cat is he althy, has shiny and soft fur, without dandruff, and eliminates well-formed and compact stools. On the other hand, if the feed is not of good quality or, even if it is, it does not suit our cat, we will notice his coat in poor condition and it is possible that he vomits and has soft stools chronically. It will be time to change my feed, always gradually, since a sudden change can also cause digestive disorders.
The importance of hydration in cats
We know how to choose the best food for our cat, but if we do not take hydration into account, we may have to face he alth problems. Contrary to popular belief, cats need water. The humidity of the feed is low, between 8-10%, to favor its preservation, so we have to ensure a continuous supply of fresh water We can also offer them cans of wet food or, if he refuses, his feed moistened with warm water. Generally, feed manufacturers also make these products, so we don't have to change brands if our cat likes it. This aspect is especially important for cats with urinary problems
In the following article we will find more tips to keep a cat well hydrated: "How to make my cat drink more water?".
