Remember the days when our cats spent hours outdoors and ate whatever bugs and small critters they could find? It seems like there was a lot less kidney disease, tooth decay, diabetes, urinary crystals, bowel disorders, to name a few. What has changed? They no longer spend as much time outdoors supplementing their diet with wild and raw delicacies. In fact, there are many diseases that afflict outdoor cats and living indoors has become much more common and safer in some ways. Now there are myriad commercial cat foods available, so many to choose from that it is overwhelming. How do you know what to choose?
There are some general guidelines to follow. Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores and need quality meat protein in their diet. They can eat a raw diet if we are willing to prepare it for them. We include a few suggestions in the cat food report car. Second best choice is canned food because of its moisture content. Cats evolved from a desert mammal and do not have a strong thirst drive compared to their canine counterparts. The more water we can provide in their food, the healthier their kidneys will be. Dry commercial food would be the least desirable choice but some households find it to be the most convenient solution for their lifestyle. No matter which form of food you choose, you should strive for grain-free foods. Cats do not readily digest grains. In the wild, they ate the stomach contents of critters such as mice, so the grains were “predigested” for them. Yet these grains are being used in pet foods to reduce the cost of making the food. Many of the grains are being chosen for their “protein” content but the proteins in grain are plant-based, not animal-based, and cats cannot digest the protein and get the nutrients they need.
Bottom line, choose foods that are
- High in animal protein
- High in water content
- Low in carbohydrates
1. Animal protein – Look for “muscle meat,” such as turkey or chicken as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that list meat “by-products” as the first ingredient. Also stay away from foods that list liver first. Liver is a good source of nutrient-dense protein but should be used as a supplemental protein, not as the main course for your cat’s meal. Fish/seafood, beef, lamb, corn, wheat, and soy tend to be the most hyperallergenic ingredients for the cat – especially fish/seafood.
2. Water content – Cats should get their water intake with their meal, not after eating. Look for foods high in moisture content.
3. “Grain-free” – If you do not see high carbohydrate ingredients such as grains, potatoes, peas, etc., listed on the label, it is a safe bet that the food is low in carbohydrates. Many grain-free foods are not low in carbohydrates. Some are loaded with peas and potatoes which are high in carbohydrates. If carbs are listed in the ingredients, you have to check the guaranteed analysis (the protein/fat/carbohydrate profile of the food) to know if the amounts are excessive, unhealthy amounts.