Feeding your pet is one of the most important things you can do for them. This task becomes a little bit more complicated when it comes to cats. Cats are notorious for being picky eaters and require the perfect blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to keep them happy and healthy. Dry cat food is one of the only ways you have got to make sure you are feeding your cat a healthy diet. All cats have different nutritional needs, which means some dry cat food will be better for others than others. Here everything you have ever wanted to know about dry cat food:
Common Ingredients in Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food can look boring when it comes out of the bag or box. The truth is that dry food has been proven to be more beneficial than wet food because it can keep longer without refrigeration and does not contain any extra additives or preservatives. Not all dry cat foods contain the same ingredients, which can lead to different nutritional requirements, and very similar formulas may not meet all your pet’s needs. This is why it is important that you read the label and try to identify what your cat needs. If you are feeding a low-cost brand of dry food, it could lack certain nutritional contents or could be too rich for the sensitive stomach of your cat. The most common ingredients that are used in dry cat food for cats, include:
Protein
Most dry cat foods are fairly similar because they contain a fairly similar protein content. The one thing that is different between brands is the proportion of those proteins and how much additives and preservatives are added to them. You need to be very careful about the number of carbohydrates and fats in your pet’s diet because this can contribute to obesity, which can cause serious health issues for your pet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A and a form of vitamin D are both vital for healthy skin and eyes, which means you should make sure your cat gets enough of these vitamins when they are on a dry food diet. If your cat has certain conditions that can make it hard to absorb nutrients in food, you may have to supplement their diet with vitamins.
Timers Are Important
Cats have different nutritional requirements depending on their age, so it is important that you find a dry cat food that meets their needs at each stage of life. For example, kittens need a higher percentage of protein in their diet to help them grow, while senior cats need more calcium and less protein. Begin to slow down the progression of your cats’ aging with healthy cat food now and buy the right kind for each stage of life.
Dry cat food is the most popular type of cat food in America, but it is not always the healthiest option because cats need moisture to digest their food properly. In order to avoid too much dusty meat, manufacturers add grain ingredients like corn and wheat. There are some foods that have been known to cause feline gastrointestinal problems if they are eaten too often or in excess amounts. The best option for your cat is always a homemade diet that consists of only dry kibble.