“What do cats eat naturally” is an important question to consider if you want to give your cat the best nutrition possible. Without the proper nutrition, a cat can develop diseases that could have been avoided. Nutrition formulated for a cat’s specific bodily needs can help improve not only his physical health but his behavior and general disposition as well.
The Eating Habits of Wild Cats
Learning about how cats eat in the wild gives us valuable information about the dietary needs of domesticated cats. Cats are mainly carnivorous in the wild which means that the primary ingredient in their diet is meat. Meat contains a vital amino acid called taurine. Without this amino acid, cats lose their eyesight. In the wild, cats do not eat grains, fruit or vegetables except for the occasional chewing on grass or a bit of other greenery.
Raw Food for Cats
The best diet for cats is a specifically formulated raw food diet.
Research has shown that cat colonies who eat raw food as opposed to
cooked food have greater health and a much lower incidence of serious
medical issues.
Most raw formulas contain some small amounts
of vegetables and a very small amount of nuts and seeds, and some raw
bones. The food is mainly made up of raw meat. If you buy the formula
from a reputable pet store and follow the safe handling instructions,
it will be fresh and of high quality.
Raw food has several
advantages in addition to the excellent nutrition. A cat’s digestive
system is well able to handle the raw meat. Moreover, a cat digests
moisture through the intestine. In a raw diet, the moisture is part of
the food in the form of blood and other fluids as it would be in the
wild. Raw bones are safest for a cat and contain valuable minerals and
vitamins.
Wet Cat Food as a Potential Alternative
Some cats who aren’t used to raw food may not be able to tolerate
it, and some humans prefer to avoid the hassle. Wet food is highly
preferable over kibble. At least in wet food, your cat will get the
moisture infused with the food for better digestion. Moreover, in wet
food, the ingredients can be closer to their natural form and less
processed than in kibble.
A high quality wet food will contain
mostly whole ingredients, and protein will be the primary ingredient.
The meat should be listed as “chicken” versus “chicken by-products”.
It’s best to choose food that has little or no grains and one that does
not have corn, soy, fillers, or artificial colors. A low ash content is
also very important for cats. A cat who eats cat food will also eat
flies and spiders that come in the house as well as catching mice
outside. Even if your cat supplements his diet in this way, you should
never stop feeding him cat food.