How to Choose Cat Food
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1. Food, natural nutrition, or table scraps – which is better?
To begin with, it's necessary to understand what is generally better to feed a cat, as there are still many myths and conflicting advice surrounding the feline diet. For this, it's important to understand that cats are obligate carnivores whose bodies have evolved to be strictly adapted to a specific type of diet and to obtain all necessary nutrients (proteins, fats, vitamins) exclusively from meat, organs, and other animal-based products. Moreover, they require certain amino acids (primarily taurine), specific fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements in precisely measured proportions. Therefore, if you continue to feed your four-legged friend with regular human food, and their diet is no different from yours, this is the worst option. The fact is that such food contains a lot of salt, spices, sugar, onions, garlic, sauces, and fats that are either useless or blatantly harmful to cats. Regular feeding with such food overloads the liver and kidneys, disrupts metabolism, and can lead to chronic diseases that develop unnoticed for a long time.
Another option is the so-called "natural diet" — a diet of meat, grains, and vegetables that you prepare yourself. But this is quite difficult and tedious, and the main problem with this method is the inability to precisely balance the diet without deep knowledge, constant calculations, and the help of a veterinarian. It's not enough just to cook a piece of meat or put it in the bowl raw; you need to know what to give, in what form, and how much. A lack of calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, taurine, or, conversely, an excess of protein and fat can accumulate for years and ultimately lead to problems with bones, heart, vision, and the urinary system. Adding vitamins "by eye" does not solve the problem and sometimes even exacerbates it.
In practice, modern veterinary science and pet dietetics have long concluded that a quality commercial food (dry and wet) is the safest, most convenient, and physiologically justified option for feeding domestic cats. It is designed with attention to the physiology of cats, their age, level of activity, and special needs, contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions, and does not require additional "supplementation." Moreover, it is convenient for owners since such food is easy to dose and stores well for a long time.
while quality dry or wet food is the safest, most convenient, and balanced option.
Finally, it's important to debunk the myth that food is just chemicals harmful to animals. Small, uniform-shaped granules indeed look unusual compared to a piece of meat, and a shelf life of several months or even years raises suspicion. However, in reality, the form and structure of the food are the result of technological processing that helps preserve nutrients and ensure a stable composition in every portion. And long shelf-life is achieved not due to "chemicals" but thanks to moisture control, airtight packaging, and the use of antioxidants that prevent fat oxidation. Quality foods use safe and approved components for this, and not harmful preservatives.
2. How to choose dry food
First and foremost, when choosing dry food, it's essential to consider the individual features of the specific animal. There is no universal diet that would suit all cats, so making an informed choice always starts with assessing the pet's age, health status, and lifestyle.
2.1 Purpose of the food
- For kittens. Such foods are noticeably different from diets for adult animals — they are more caloric, contain increased amounts of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals required for the growth and development of bones, muscles, and the nervous system. Usually, nutrition for a growing body is designed for up to 12 months of age. By the way, this composition also suits the dietary needs of a pregnant and lactating cat.
- For adult cats. At an age from 12 months approximately to 7 years, cats no longer need as many calories, and their nutrient requirements change — accordingly, a kitten's diet isn't suitable for an adult cat. A special diet is developed for them that helps maintain a healthy weight, muscle mass, and physical activity.
- For senior cats. After the age of 7, animals experience a slowdown in metabolism, and the risk of developing chronic diseases increases; hence they might require special food to support joints, kidneys, and other organs. Often diets designed for senior cats aim to reduce the risk of obesity and urinary system problems.
- Prescription diets. There are also foods for cats with sensitive digestion, tendency to allergic reactions, skin and coat issues, as well as therapeutic and dietary diets prescribed for specific diseases. They differ in special composition and are used strictly on the advice of a veterinary doctor. They should be used not for prevention but for addressing specific issues.
- For specific breeds. There are also foods for different breeds, but these often tend to be more of a marketing ploy targeted at owners of expensive breeds. Despite differences in appearance, the physiology and nutritional needs of cats across breeds are largely similar. Although some breeds are predisposed to certain types of diseases. For example, sphynxes need more energy for warmth and skin care, so they eat a lot and do not have a sense of measure. And in Maine Coons, the weak point is the joints. In any case, it's much more important to focus not on the breed but on the real health condition, activity level, and individual predispositions of the animal.
physiological condition, and individual characteristics.
2.2 Composition
Protein
Animal protein should form the basis of the diet and be the primary ingredient in the food. For an adult healthy cat, the optimal protein content is about 30 – 40% in dry food; for kittens and active animals, this figure may be higher. Proteins are the main source of amino acids necessary to maintain muscle mass, immune system function, and all metabolic processes. However, it is important not just the quantity but the quality of the protein.
Prefer foods with a "transparent" composition, meaning where a specific type of meat or fish and its percentage ratio is indicated. For instance, chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, or salmon. Phrases like "meat ingredients," "animal by-products," or undefined by-products do not provide understanding of what exactly the food consists of and may hide low-quality raw materials. Often, manufacturers of cheaper foods use meat by-products, meat and bone meal, necks, legs, cartilage, tendons, feathers. They themselves are usually not harmful, but have less nutritional value and low quality. Moreover, the feline body may not digest them as well as meat. Thus, it is better to choose foods with high-quality meat, and if by-products are present in them, they should be clearly specified and not dominant in the composition.
Fats
Fats are a source of energy, skin and coat health, and the second most important component of the food. On average, the fat content in dry food for adult cats is about 12 – 20%. The sources of fat also matter: animal fats (chicken, turkey, etc.) and fish oil are preferable to vegetable oils because they contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in more suitable proportions for cats. The addition of linseed and sunflower oils is also acceptable, but as a supplement.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not a necessary part of a cat's diet, but in dry foods, they are present technologically to give shape to the granules and as an additional source of energy. These are often grains, legumes, and potatoes. Many manufacturers also add fiber necessary for proper digestion and the functioning of beneficial gut microbiota: this can include vegetables and unsweetened fruits. It's important that the amount of carbohydrates and fiber is moderate — up to 10 – 15%.
In inexpensive foods, it's often the case that grains take the leading positions in the composition and displace animal protein, meaning corn, wheat, rice, etc., are listed first. This amount of plant components does not match the needs of a carnivore; grains are difficult to digest, cause diabetes, and food reactions. That is, in the optimal composition, they can be present, but in small amounts. If a cat has digestive tract problems or allergies, it is better to switch to grain-free food.
and feature animal protein, that is meat or fish, in the first place.
2.3 Vitamins and mineral supplements
Vitamins and mineral supplements are a must in quality food as they ensure normal functioning of the heart, vision, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. It should include a complex of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, D, E, and B group, as well as the essential taurine for cats. The presence of prebiotics that support healthy intestinal microflora is considered an additional plus.
Regarding additives, artificial colorants, flavor enhancers, and unspecified flavorings add no nutritional value and are either entirely absent in good food or minimized.
2.4 Food class
When selecting food, the primary guide can be its class — categories that reflect the overall difference in ingredient quality and cost.
- Economy class — budget foods, typically with the simplest composition. They often use a small amount of animal protein, and a significant part of it may be sourced from plant origins or by-products. The base of such foods is often made of grains, corn, or wheat, which serve as cheap fillers and carbohydrate sources. Flavour and scent may be enhanced using flavourings and attractiveness enhancers. These diets can keep a basic level of satiation, but in terms of a cat's biological needs, they are the least compatible with its carnivorous nature.
- Premium — offers a more balanced composition. In these foods, the share of animal protein is usually higher, and the ingredients are often specified more clearly than in the economy segment. Grains may still be present, but they do not always dominate the composition. Foods are often enriched with vitamins, minerals, and basic functional additives. However, within this segment, quality can still vary significantly from brand to brand, so relying solely on the "premium" label without analyzing the composition isn't advisable.
- Super-premium — foods with higher nutritional value, more closely aligned with the physiological needs of cats. They use more quality animal protein, often specify the exact source of meat or fish, and the carbohydrate part is minimized to a sensible level. Such foods typically lack artificial colorants and flavor enhancers, and the composition is supplemented with functional components like taurine, omega fatty acids, and prebiotics.
- Holistic — foods that are as close as possible to the cat’s natural diet, emphasizing high animal protein content, high-quality ingredients, and transparency in composition. They often use grain-free formulas or alternative carbohydrate sources in small amounts. Producers of these foods emphasize raw material control and the absence of potentially controversial additives.
Thus, the classification helps to broadly understand the level of ingredients and the cost of the diet. But it's important to know that all these labels are conventional, have no official certification, are not regulated by uniform standards, and are used by manufacturers more as a guide rather than a strict quality indicator. Therefore, the class of food can serve as a starting point when choosing, but not the only criterion.
In conclusion, it's significant to note that even the most expensive and high-quality dry food may not suit a particular cat due to individual features. Each animal's body reacts to food differently, so when switching to a new food, it's always worth closely observing the state of the coat, digestion, and the pet's overall well-being.
3. How to choose wet food
Besides dry food, wet food is also suited for a pet's daily diet wet food — it is also balanced and nutritious. However, it contains a large amount of moisture, like natural prey in the wild, making it more appealing to cats, especially the finicky or sick ones. Furthermore, wet foods appeal to animals due to their texture and strong aroma, and their high water content helps maintain optimal hydration, especially if the pet drinks little. When choosing such nutrition, a few important nuances should be considered.
3.1 Age and body characteristics
When choosing wet food, just like dry food, consider the age, health status, and physiological needs of the animal. For example, kittens need diets with higher protein, fat, and vitamin content for growth and development. Adult cats usually receive a balanced composition to maintain weight and organ health. Neutered or spayed cats are better off choosing foods with moderate calorie content to reduce the risk of obesity. Cats with sensitive digestion or prone to allergies are suitable for specialized wet foods — hypoallergenic, grain-free, or with a limited number of protein sources. There are also special therapeutic diets.
3.2 Composition
As with dry food, the key component is animal-based protein. Ideally, a specific meat or fish should be the first ingredient: for example, chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey. However, phrases like "meat and animal by-products" do not explain exactly which parts are used and in what ratio, so they are considered less preferable. Wet food generally contains fewer carbohydrates than dry, but it's important to ensure that carbohydrate sources — rice, potatoes, or oats — do not dominate. Fats and oils are also essential as they provide energy, support skin and coat health, and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Including taurine, vitamins, and minerals makes wet food complete if it's intended for regular feeding.
Pay special attention to the additives in the composition. Quite often manufacturers add sugar, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers to improve taste, color, and smell and stimulate appetite. Sugar and its derivatives can contribute to weight gain and metabolic disturbances. On the packaging, sugar might be listed under various names (glucose, sucrose, caramel, syrups, molasses), and all these variants are equally undesirable. Artificial colorants do not offer any nutritional value and are absent from quality wet food. Artificial flavorings and taste enhancers can form dependencies in cats, complicating transitions to better-quality diets, and they often mask low-quality raw materials.
Preservatives are less often used in wet foods than in dry ones, thanks to airtight packaging and heat treatment. Nevertheless, preference should be given to foods that use safe antioxidants or clearly state that the product does not contain artificial preservatives. The more transparent the information on the packaging, the higher the trust in the manufacturer.
3.3 Food class
Wet foods also have conventional classifications into classes: economy, premium, super-premium, and holistic. This classification helps navigate the assortment and price; however, it is crucial to understand that it is not official and not regulated by uniform standards. Therefore, the food class should be considered just as a general guide, not as a warranty of quality. Even within the same segment, different products can vary significantly in nutritional value and benefit.
3.4 Format
Wet food comes in tin cans or glass jars pouches (laminated packets), and trays with foil membranes. Pouches are convenient for portion feeding and suitable for single servings, cans are convenient for storage but once opened, the contents need to be refrigerated and used quickly.
3.5 Flavors and manufacturers
On the modern market, there is a vast selection of wet food from different manufacturers, formats, and flavors. While experimenting with dry food by constantly changing types and brands is undesirable, wet food provides more freedom of choice: you can offer the cat different types of food (jelly, stew, slices in sauce, pâtés, etc.) with different flavors without worrying about unpleasant digestive consequences from switching dishes. Caution should be exercised if wet food makes up the diet's main component rather than just a supplement to dry food. In this case, the stability of the composition becomes especially important because it is the wet food that provides most of the nutrients. Frequent changes of manufacturers are also undesirable — constant transitions without an adaptation period can cause digestive upsets, unstable stool, and increased food sensitivity. Furthermore, regular experimentation with some cats forms a selectivity trap, whereby the animal starts "waiting" for a new flavor and refuses regular food. In cases of sensitive digestion, allergies, chronic diseases, or senior age, it’s more preferable to have one or two proven options that do not cause negative reactions.
4. Dry or wet food - which is better?
The main advantage of dry food is the high concentration of nutrients — even a small portion of pellets can satisfy the pet's nutritional needs and provide a prolonged feeling of fullness. It is an economical and practical option, as it stores well after opening, doesn't require special conditions, and is easily portioned.
Wet food, on a per-portion basis, is more expensive and has a limited storage time — usually 24 hours or a few days after opening. However, due to the high moisture content, it facilitates urine dilution and reduces the risk of crystal and stone formation. For cats already experiencing kidney or bladder problems, young kittens, and senior pets with dental issues, wet food is often the preferred or even mandatory choice as advised by a veterinary doctor.
On the other hand, dry food contains only up to 10% moisture, so with such a diet, it's essential to ensure the animals drink enough fluids. However, its dense texture helps naturally clean teeth of soft plaque, even if it does not eliminate the need for regular cleaning.
Thus, dry and wet foods have their own benefits and drawbacks. There's no need to choose one or the other exclusively — it's much better to combine the two, as mixed feeding is considered the most optimal. The best option is to have dry food as the mainstay of the diet, with wet food serving as a beneficial supplement. It's most convenient to feed the cat wet food in the morning and evening, leaving dry food in the bowl for the day. However, mixing them is not advisable as they digest at different rates. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the daily feeding norm while considering the calorie content of both types of food. For this, no complex calculations are needed — producers indicate on the packaging how much feed is needed when mixed and when feeding solely one product.
In summary, choosing food is a responsible task that determines a pet’s health, wellbeing, and development. It's essential to take this question seriously: carefully study the composition, assess the animal's needs, and prefer trusted manufacturers. In case of problems and difficulties, it's necessary to consult a veterinary doctor immediately.
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