Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their diet must consist mostly of meat in order to be nutritionally complete. This can make it tricky to figure out exactly what to feed your cat, especially if you're not familiar with the many different cat food formulas out there. Never fear, though - we've got you covered with these five tips for feeding your feline companion.
1. Make sure that meat is the main ingredient. Cats need a diet that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. A good rule of thumb is to look for food where meat is listed as the first ingredient on the label.
2. Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, flavorings, or colorings. These ingredients can be harmful to your cat's health and may cause digestive issues. Most mass-market cat foods (cheaper) will have undesirable ingredients like this, look for "natural" or vet-approved brands for better quality.
You will pay more for higher-quality food without unnecessary additives, but your cat's health is worth it. If in doubt about which food to choose, consult your veterinarian.
3. Stick to a routine. Cats like predictability, so it's important to feed them at the same time each day. This will help them regulate their appetite and avoid begging for food constantly.
4. Don't free-feed your cat. While it may seem more convenient to just leave out a bowl of food for your cat to graze on throughout the day, this can actually lead to obesity and other health problems down the road.
From my own experience, I found that feeding my cats whenever they meowed for it was a bad idea. Once I established a feeding routine (at certain times) and stuck to it, they were finally able to lose weight and seem to feel a lot better now.
5. Know when to seek professional help. If you're having trouble getting your cat to eat or are concerned about its weight, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any major changes to its diet.
Choosing the right food for your cat can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be stressful! By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you're giving your feline friend the nutritional foundation they need to lead a long and healthy life by your side.
If your cat is overweight due to free-feeding or seems to gobble food down quickly with resulting stomach upsets, consider getting them a slow feeder bowl. I did this for one of my cats who was seriously overweight, and it has helped him lose a lot of it.
Here is a review we did for the best cat slow feeders - check it out.
