How to select the perfect food for your cat

When you have a cat at home and you are wondering whether or not you are fulfilling all their requirements? You have come to the right place. Apart from the right toys and other supplies, food plays a very important role in the life of your cat. There are a huge number of options that are available today which makes it even more difficult to understand what pet food would be perfect for your feline friend? 

• Nutritional requirements of your cat: The most important aspect of choosing the perfect cat food is understanding what nutritional requirements it has. Cats come from carnivores, this also affects their diet. The general proportions that they require because they are descendants of carnivores are high amounts of protein and a minimal amount of carbohydrates.

Protein is very essential for cats and they need it and also promotes lean muscles. A regulated amount of fat is also required to make sure that their coat stays shiny. However, as a pet owner, you should also know that excess amounts of fat can end up making them gain unnecessary weight as well. Cats also require a good volume of vitamins and minerals in their diet, because in the wild they tend to get these from their prey. Cats have a shorter large intestine which makes it harder to digest carbohydrates, this is why they have much less of a requirement of it.

• Understanding the commercial foods: There are a variety of readymade commercial foods that are available in the market which you can feed your cats. There are various types of commercial foods. 

• Dry foods: Dry foods are known for their convenience. It can make it easy to feed your cat without much hassle. You can also keep it out in their feeding bowls when you have gone out to work. Whenever you are buying dry food you should always make sure that you check the ingredients. It is important to make sure that you mix dry food with moist food, only dry food could become hard to digest for your cats as well. 

• Semi-moist: Semi-moist products usually contain meat and meat byproducts. There might be other ingredients added to the final products such as grains, preservatives, and so on. Many cats would prefer to eat semi-moist food as compared to dry food.  

• Canned food: Canned food has much higher moisture content and also can be a good source of hydration. Unopened canned foods have a very long shelf life as well. These canned foods can contain meats, kidneys, and livers.  

• No matter which food option you choose, make sure that you read the labels and match the requirement your cat might have with the available ingredients.  

• Homemade diets: Another option in choosing cat food could be curating homemade diets. You can consult your vet and make different home foods at home to see if it is feasible for you. In most cases, pet parents are not free enough to be able to make that kind of preparation, but if it is possible, one can do so. 

• Considering safety and quality: No matter which pet food you might buy, it is important to make sure that safety is not compromised. This will affect the health of your cat and compromising in the same could lead to serious consequences.  

• Proportions: While at the beginning of the article, we have talked about the standard proportion of nutrients that most cats require, it is a good idea to get an idea about your cat from a doctor. The proportions might vary as it ages so regular checkups could give you this information as well.

These are the points you must keep in mind to be able to buy the perfect food for your cat!