Cats are one of the most beloved pets in the world. As their owners, it’s our duty to make sure they’re not only receiving the right amount of food and water but also eating the right type of food. Feline nutrition is an important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy, so let’s take a look at 10 things that (maybe) you didn’t know about feline nutrition.
1. Protein is Key - Cats require more protein than dogs, which means that protein should be the main component of their diet. This can come from meat, fish, or eggs, with poultry and red meats being particularly beneficial for cats.
2. Vitamins & Minerals - Cats need Vitamin A for skin and coat health as well as Vitamin D for strong bones, teeth, and a healthy immune system. They also need zinc for a healthy appetite and digestion, and other minerals such as copper, magnesium, and iron for energy production, metabolism, and oxygen transport.
3. Fiber - Fiber helps to keep a cat's digestive system healthy by adding bulk to feces which assists movement through the intestines. Sources include grains such as wheat bran or oat bran added to canned or dry foods, or adding fresh steamed vegetables like carrots or broccoli to your cat’s meal plan.
4. The Right Balance - It’s important that cats have the right balance of nutrients in their diet so they get enough essential vitamins and minerals while not getting too many calories from fatty foods like steak trimmings. Overall calorie intake should be controlled to maintain ideal weight and health levels in cats.
5. Water Consumption - Dehydration can be a real danger for cats so it's important that they get plenty of fresh drinking water every day. If necessary, add some salt-free chicken broth or tuna juice to encourage them to drink more.
6 . Wet Food vs Dry Food - While there are benefits to both wet food (canned) and dry food (kibble), many experts recommend feeding your cat both wet food and dry food in order to provide them with a more balanced diet. That said, some cats prefer one type over another, or may do better on one type over another, so it's best to experiment with different types of foods until you find what works best for your pet.
7. Avoid Certain Foods - Some human foods can pose health risks if given in large quantities. To avoid any potential problems, never feed your kitty chocolate, garlic, onion, avocado, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, or sugar substitutes like xylitol.
8 . Supply Fresh Food - Cats can become bored with eating the same food day after day so variety is key when it comes to feline nutrition. Enhance your kitty's nutrition by providing fresh meals at least once per week – this gives them something new to enjoy as well as provides additional vitamins and minerals.
9 . Raw Meat Diets - Many owners now opt for raw diets which contain uncooked animal proteins, eggs, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. For this type of diet, specifically formulated frozen raw diets are available that provide balanced nutrition without having to combine ingredients yourself.
10 . Supplements Needed? - Generally speaking, if you're feeding your cat commercial pet food, no additional supplementation is needed. However, if they're on an all-raw homemade diet, then supplements such as taurine, essential fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin B complex may be necessary depending on the individual case. Always consult with your vet before making any signifcant changes to your cat's nutrition regime.
So there you have it - ten things you didn't know about feline nutrition. Well, I suspect actually that quite a few of these were familiar to you, but having a refresher never hurts. Our kitties depend on us for support and love, so it is always best to keep their best interests in mind.
