The most important ingredient in cat foods is protein, followed by fat. Preservatives are used to extend the shelf life of kibble, since they tend to go rancid more quickly than meat-based foods. The majority of preservatives used are petrochemicals; however, the FDA doesn’t regulate cosmetics. Some common preservatives used are ethoxyquin, saccharin, and saccharin. These substances are generally recognized as carcinogens. Other common additives include flavorings, dyes, and herbal extracts.
Even though dry food may taste better than canned food, it may not be nutritionally balanced. Many canned foods are high in carbohydrates, which can make a cat sick. If you’re concerned about giving your cat commercial food, you can substitute a homemade cat food with a homemade recipe that has the exact balance of vitamins, carbohydrates, protein, and fats needed by your feline friend. If you find it difficult to make a diet for your cat from scratch, there are many commercially prepared cat foods available. The key is to read the label and pay attention to the ingredients.
Kittens and adult cats need different nutritional needs, depending on their age and activity level. Make sure you buy food that meets your cat’s nutritional needs before buying one that is more expensive. Also, keep in mind that kittens may experience nutritional problems during their first three months of life. Some parents feed their kittens kitten corn or other grain foods until they can eat solids. Others introduce whole prey or canned cat food to their kittens after they reach one year of age. Be sure to read the labels on kitten and adult cat food to make sure you provide them with the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and vegetables.
A healthy balanced diet is necessary for the proper growth and development of your cat. Even the domestic cat can experience nutritional deficiencies if certain environmental factors do not meet their nutritional needs. It is important that cat owners learn how to properly assess their cat’s nutritional needs and find a quality cat food that meets them. An easy way to check to see if a cat is getting enough protein is to measure the girth (or length) of its abdomen. If the measurements are normal, then there is no need to look for signs of nutritional deficiency. Other signs that indicate nutritional deficiencies include slow growth, dull coat color, depressed eyes, and swollen abdomen.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a cat food. The first thing to consider is the ingredients. While quality brands will always list the protein, carbohydrate, fat, and vegetables as the main ingredients, cheaper brands may not do so. Cheaper cat foods may use inferior meat, fillers such as corn meal, or chemical additives to boost the pet food price. The ingredients will affect your cat’s health, and it’s best to get the highest quality nutrients at the lowest possible cost.
Many manufacturers will use a variety of ingredients in their cat foods, using fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and other chemicals that are harmful to your pet’s health. Organic brands are better because they use only healthy, humane meat byproducts and essential amino acids that support good health. Feeding your cat a mix of meats, vegetables, and essential amino acids is the best way to get the essential nutrients from your pet food. Make sure to read the label carefully, since some brands may list fish byproducts as an ingredient.
High-quality carbohydrates are a vital part of a cat’s diet and can promote a healthy metabolic rate. Common cat food ingredients that are lacking in carbohydrates are carbohydrates found in fruits, grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, and pasta. To get the carbohydrates you need, look for a brand that emphasizes high-quality carbohydrates such as rice and oats. In addition, look for a carbohydrate source such as brown rice, which is high in both dietary fiber and protein.