Since the pandemic, the world’s seen a 45% increase in cat ownership. These statistics highlight that there are more new cat owners than ever before. Pets are easily satiated, but issues arise and diagnosing and caring become difficult since they cannot communicate their symptoms. Worry not because there’s an easy solution. Food and nutrition are the perfect way to control and ensure your cat’s health. However, the market has numerous options, from fresh foods to grain free cat food, making this daunting. Fret no more and read this guide to when and what you should feed your cat.
Understanding Cats’ Diet History
The first step to understanding nutrition is looking at cats and their evolution. Cats were predators, and one can still see predatory instincts shine through despite their domestication. Over 64% of the population agree that dogs are tamer than their feline counterparts.
Cats are more accustomed to the open wild because of their instincts. Cooked grains and millets do not typically fit into their natural diets. Proteinaceous meats are more familiar to their digestive systems.
Nutrition Options in the Market
Canned Food
Canned cat foods vary in composition. Most brands use a mixture of tuna (or any other fish) and vegetables. They also contain numerous chemical substitutes for milk proteins and other essential vitamins.
The canning process results in the loss of many vitamins and minerals.
Pet owners can choose between gravy and dry formulas. However, the variation in ingredients comes with the loss of nutrients. As with human food, canned foods cannot compare with natural fresh meals.
Moreover, gravy foods can leave a huge mess that requires cleaning.
Gourmet Pet Meals
Pet owners only want the best for their precious ones, and this demand fuels the gourmet pet foods businesses.
Freshly prepared, delicious, and planned meals sound like a good deal. However, a large portion of gourmet meals is prepped and cooked. Pets and their digestive systems are not naturally accustomed to such foods.
Moreover, gourmet meals occasionally use vegetable oils and salts that aren’t suitable. Grains and millets do not make a diet balanced but instead foreign.
Pet Kibble
Pet kibble is nutritious, dry (mess-free), and healthy for cats and other pets. However, kibble suffices solely as a snack. Meals need to be heavier and varied.
Customised Mixes
Custom cat meal mixes might be the best options in the market. While they may be slightly more expensive, they give a pet owner choice and freshness. Grain free cat food is an example of what the market offers. Meats and vegetables are fresh or easy to prepare.
The nutrients stay a while, offering pet owners an easy nutrition option.
Custom mixes are meticulous while listing their ingredients. Reading through this list should give you an idea of what your cat is ingesting.
Wet vs Dry Cat Food
While nutrient content may vary depending on the brand, here are a few factors that are standard across these broad classifications.
Carbohydrate Content
Dry cat food typically contains more carbohydrates than wet cat food. Carbohydrates and moisture do not get along well. However, protein and fat content varies across both. While your cat may not get a high carb content, proteins and fats suffice.
Cleaning and Ease
Wet food can create a mess. Many pet owners lead busy lives, and cleaning up after your cat is an excessive chore. Dry foods are easy to serve, and cleaning up afterwards is not a concern.
Bacteria
The moisture in wet food can become a fungi starter if you’re not cautious. Wet food cannot remain exposed for too long. If your cat leaves leftovers, dry food may be a better option.
Nature
Wet cat foods mimic naturally obtained nutrition better than dry food alternatives because of their high moisture content.
Author name- Grace
