How to choose the right food for your cat

Cats are beautiful, intelligent animals that have more power over us than we like to think. They are fluffy and warm, and we love how independent they can be. But there’s one thing your domestic cat can’t do for itself: feed.

Sure, they can go outside and eat a mouse if they are lucky, or if they are indoor cats they can jump on the shelf where they know you keep your doughnuts and leave you out of sweets (do cats really have a sweet tooth or are they just trying to undermine your morale?). But when it comes to cat food, you are in charge.

With obesity becoming one of the most concerning issues for pets in the UK in the last decade, it really is important that we learn how to feed our cats properly. Here are some tips on how to choose the right food for your cat and improve their overall health.

Some key facts about cat nutrition

• Unlike dogs (who are omnivores), cats are obligate carnivores. They can eat vegetables (most cat foods include some kind of vegetable), but they CANNOT be vegetarian.
• Even though some cats don’t seem to drink too much water, they should always have fresh water available. It should be changed daily.
• Cats are natural hunters. When in the wilderness, cats hunt little prey, such as rodents, lizards or bugs. This is why they need to eat several times a day. This video explains it really well.
• Cats do not really need to eat carbs, although they are added to certain foods as fillers.
• Cats can’t digest the lactose contained in dairy products and cow milk easily. It’s better to avoid feeding them dairy products. Other human foods, such as onions, can be poisonous for cats.

Is wet food better for cats?

There is not really an answer to whether wet food is better for cats than kibble. Most vets, in fact, agree that the best choice is to feed them both for several reasons.

Dry food is more convenient, as it can be left out for free feeding. But it tends to be low in protein and water, and very high in carbohydrates.

Wet or canned food contains a lot of water, which is great for cats who don’t drink that often. A box of wet food pouches usually comes with different flavours - the variety is good for several reasons: it stops your cat from getting bored of its food (it happens), it provides more and different nutrients, and it can help your cat avoid addiction or allergy to certain foods.

What about raw cat food?

Raw cat food, like the one from Bella & Duke, can be a great option for your cat. As previously mentioned, cats don’t really need carbs, although of course they tolerate them. Raw diets for cats however are based on the fact that cats thrive on high-protein, high-moisture diets that are rich in taurine, fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals that can only (or mostly) be found in meat or fish. The idea is that a raw diet is the most biologically appropriate for a cat. It can be perfectly safe for your cat and those around them - especially if it’s commercial raw cat food, as they are usually frozen or freeze-dried to reduce the development of pathogens. In that sense, it’s not more dangerous than wet cat food.

Keeping your cat at a healthy weight

So cats eat many times a day whether they are kittens or senior cats. But the kind of food they eat has to be different, as their nutritional needs will be different when they are six months old than when they are ten years old.

Kittens, who are full of energy, need more fat, protein and calories in their food, while adult cats (who, let’s face it, spend most of the day sleeping anyway) eat food that contains fewer calories and vitamins and minerals that should help with ageing.

The level of activity of your cat needs to be considered as well when feeding your cat. Indoor cats burn fewer calories than outdoor cats, and some may tend to eat out of boredom. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to keep an eye on how much and what kind of food you are feeding them. But if you have an overweight cat, it’s also important to schedule some playtime in between naps.

If you are concerned about your cat’s health, it’s always best to consult an expert before making any decisions on their diet. You’ll also find more natural care tips for your cat here.

About The Author
This is a guest post by Ellie Campbell

What Does Your Horse, Pony Or Donkey Love Doing?

Is your first reaction, eating? Well of course they do love eating, as natural grazers. As a species, equines grazing for around 16 hours a day is how they've evolved.

But what else does your equine love doing? Worth thinking about. I started something with my donkeys. As they're kept off the grass at night, for weight management. I thought they'd benefit some stimulation to stop them eating the fencing! And because happier donkeys makes easier donkeys to handle. And who doesn't want a happy donkey?!

So I started cutting bits off my hedgerow for them to nibble on. And they love it! Beech or willow seems to be their favourite. Hedgerows are something in the wild, given the chance, they'd eat.

Now they're waiting for their hedgerow bits every night. Once you start giving them "enrichment" then they expect it. so you have to continue with it.

How To Enrich Your Equine's Life

Why have I used the word 'enrichment'. Some people call these 'treats' enrichment. Another way of saying 'improving'.

If we're wanting to care for our equines well. Or any animal of ours. Then we want to ensure they have the best possible quality of life. And giving them variety of ways to play, nibble and enjoy life has got to be good!

Take some time today, tomorrow, the next day and next week. Find out what your equines like doing. I've tried giving them other items like the vegetable swede. As know some people have found their equines like playing or nibbling with them. But no, not interested! It is trial and error. What one animal likes doing another won't. They are of course all individuals.

It's good to help your equine to feel good! They'll feel happy and you can be happy knowing you're doing all that you can. And it'll help increase your bond with each other.

Veterinary Research
Effects of enrichment items on activity and social interactions in domestic horses (Equus caballus) - Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010

Like to share your tips for enriching your equine's life?

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Like help finding a holistic veterinary surgeon or complementary therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.