Today, fortunately, it is common for caregivers to spay or neuter their cats as part of responsible ownership. Around this intervention always hovers the idea that it is the cause of obesity. And the truth is that changes occur at the metabolic level that favor overweight if the cat eats too much or does not exercise enough.
In this article on our site we analyze what is the best food for sterilized cats, whether we choose feed or food moist or homemade.
What should a sterilized cat eat?
Sterilized cats can eat the same as any other cat This is a quality diet, with a good balance between protein intake and fat, in addition to fiber and low carbohydrate content. Neutered cats, after the operation, experience hormonal changes that lead to an increase in their appetite. In addition, their basal metabolism decreases and it is common for them to exercise less. Allowing him to eat as much as he wants and to spend the day resting are factors that, maintained over time, will result in overweight and obesity.
Another piece of information to take into account is the age at which the operation is performed, normally before the year, when the cat still feeds like a kitten, although it is no longer in a growth stage Quick. Following this diet poses a risk of being overweight. Due to all these circumstances, it is common for caregivers to wonder what is the best food for their sterilized cat. Likewise, by finding dry feed and wet food on the market, and having the option of making a homemade diet, it is also common to ask ourselves what to feed a sterilized cat among all these options. We explain it below.
Food for sterilized cats: composition and brands
In this section we basically have two options when choosing which is the best food for sterilized cats. On the one hand, there are feeds with a lot of fiber, which are considered diet. Their problem is their low palatability, which is why they are less tasty for cats and, therefore, they may reject them. It is also common for the volume of stools to increase. Another option is the feed with a large amount of protein and few carbohydrates or, directly, without grains, which maintain a great flavor, very attractive to the cat. The caloric intake is reduced in this type of feed in the ranges for sterilized cats. Some of them also add L-carnitine, which helps mobilize fat and provides a feeling of satiety. We highlight this type of feed, in addition to its composition, for the quality of the meat they add, without resorting to by-products. This can be dehydrated or fresh and even, in some brands, it is suitable for human consumption. In addition, these so-called natural feeds do not contain artificial additives.
After reviewing the previous data that help us to guess which are the best feeds for sterilized cats, we recommend natural feed for being the most according to the nutritional needs of cats.
Best feed for sterilized cats
Some of the best brands of natural food for cats include specific products for sterilized cats. This is the case of the following, which we also catalog as the best brands of feed for spayed or neutered cats:
- Carnilove
- Natural Greatness
- Canagan
- Purizon
- Picart
Wet food for sterilized cats: composition and brands
If our option is wet food, to determine which is the best food for sterilized cats we have to follow the same criteria as those indicated in the section corresponding to feed. In addition, to its credit, we must bear in mind that wet food has fewer calories than dry food as it is made up of approximately 80% water. Therefore, it may be a better option if our cat already has a few extra kilos.
Cans for cats offer the additional benefit of providing them with a good amount of liquid, which does not happen with dry food. If our cat drinks little or suffers from kidney or urinary problems, wet food is indicated. Although it is fed with feed, offering canned food daily is beneficial, always subtracting it from the total ration. Another advantage is that the cans offer different textures such as mousse, food bits, pâté, etc., thus adapting to the preferences of each cat. Of course, we must pay attention that the can specifies that it is a complete food and not a complementary one.
Best wet food for sterilized cats
Some natural feed brands also offer a wet version of their products. We highlight the can for sterilized cats from Picart, with beef and poultry, as one of the best for its composition, for the use of natural ingredients and for the results it present in felines with these characteristics.
Homemade food for sterilized cats
With homemade food comes controversy, because if we think about what is the best food for sterilized cats according to our human parameters, we will undoubtedly choose homemade food, made at home on a daily basis, with quality ingredients, chosen and without any type of additive. The problem with this food is that there is still a belief that it is synonymous with giving the cat leftover human food. But with this we would only achieve an unbalanced and even dangerous diet, since our way of cooking and even some ingredients can be harmful to a cat. Therefore, deciding on homemade food implies rigorous training on the nutritional requirements of cats and the consequent preparation of an acceptable menu that does not incur deficiencies. It is not easy and, if we want this diet for our sterilized cat, we have to put ourselves in the hands of a veterinarian specialized in feline nutrition.
We must bear in mind that following a correct homemade diet implies time for the acquisition of food, its preparation and its planning. Currently, the so-called BARF diet has become fashionable, based on raw foods and that includes bones, vegetables, organ meats, fruits and other ingredients such as yogurt, algae or fish oil. It is not exempt from risks such as those associated with raw meat, nutritional imbalances, contagion of diseases, problems derived from the consumption of bones or even hyperthyroidism. That is why it is advisable to offer this type of food lightly cooked
In the following video we show a simple recipe for food suitable for sterilized cats, made with easily digestible ingredients and low in calories, which can inspire you.
What is the best food for sterilized cats?
In short, these are the keys to choosing the best food for a sterilized cat:
- Whatever we choose, quality comes first.
- Pay attention to the balance between proteins, fats, fiber and carbohydrates.
- Among the feeds, the so-called natural ones are made with a composition more in line with the nutritional characteristics of the cat.
- Contrary to popular belief, wet food contains fewer calories than dry food as it contains a large amount of water. It must be taken into account in obese cats or those less predisposed to drink.
- Home cooking always requires the advice of a professional and it is advisable to offer lightly cooked food.
For all of the above, there is no single food for sterilized cats that we can classify as the best; they can all be as long as they adapt to the needs of our feline and we opt for a quality product.
