Cat health food is made up of all components that are essential for good health and growth. Nutritious food helps the cat's immune system to defend the body from viral and bacterial infections and control normal bodily functioning. Although the fundamentals of a healthy diet remain the same, cats suffering from certain medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus or urinary disease require diets to suit the health concern. The nutritional intake also varies according to the cat's age and degree of activity.
Types of Cat Food
Commercially available cat food consists of a protein source such as fish or chicken. The food is available as either dry food or canned food. Cats may prefer certain foods or even a combination of wet and dry food. Cat health food is also prepared to address several feline diseases. They include low fat diets, high fiber diets and diets enriched with vitamins and minerals. This healthy food provides pets with high quality ingredients along with fiber and fruits or vegetables in appropriate amounts.
Choosing Cat Food
Pet owners are often confused while choosing a diet plan that suits the cat. After determining the cat's nutritional requirements, it's important to read package labels to decide if the contents are ideal for the pet. Since the most important component of a healthy diet is a good source of protein, packages that contain proteins in necessary amounts are best.
Commercially available cat health food includes:
- Innova dry cat and kitten food
- Iams healthy naturals
- Purina one brand cat food
- Wellness core fish and fowl cat food
- Healthwise chicken meal and rice
- California natural canned cat and kitten food
Nutritional Needs
Since pet food is available for kittens, cats and senior cats, it's best to follow the guidelines listed on the package, unless otherwise directed by the vet. Cats may also be given treats occasionally. However, the treats should consist of healthy food ingredients. Table scraps and leftovers shouldn't be given to the pet as it causes intolerance and gastrointestinal disorders. Any new diet should also be introduced gradually to avoid diarrhea and vomiting.
Tips for Choosing a Healthy Cat Food
Packages that contain less than the recommended amount of proteins are not beneficial to cats. In addition, it's important to know that foods flavored with proteins such as beef or chicken may not necessarily contain beef or chicken. Its advisable to purchase food that's certified and tested. Although cheaper food products may not contain high quality ingredients they do consists of basic components necessary to the diet. However, providing pets with high quality ingredients reduces their susceptibility to illness and diseases and thus decreases medical costs. Pets suffering from underlying disease should also be fed nutritious food that alters or reduces the ailments.
Diets for special needs include:
- Purina veterinary diets diabetic management cat food
- Multicare with chicken feline
- Rabbit and green pea formula feline
- Adult light liver and chicken entree minced
Other Food Options
Some pet owners prefer to feed their cats, homemade diets. Although homemade food is less expensive it's important to incorporate all the essential vitamin and mineral needs to ensure a balanced diet. Raw food diets are also beneficial to pets if they're thawed and prepared according to the instructions.
Cat should be provided with nutritious food and water from an early age. Pets that don't consume sufficient water should be given flavored water to increase the water intake. Additional supplements may also be necessary during stress or trauma.