The Importance of Choosing Healthy Foods That Cats Love
Notoriously finicky eaters, cats sometimes don’t get the nutrition they need because they either don’t eat enough or they turn away nutritious options in favor of flavor-packed, nutrient-poor treats. However, receiving the right diet is essential to health. So, what exactly do cats need in their diets?
Balanced Feline Nutrition
Cats are obligate carnivores which means that a cat’s health depends on nutrients that are only found in animal-based foods. In other words, no vegan or vegetarian diet will do. A well-balanced feline diet contains lots of protein, a moderate portion of fat, and only a small amount of carbohydrates. Additionally, a cat’s diet should include plenty of water, plus a balanced variety of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Finding a Healthy Food Your Cat Loves
The best way to select a healthy diet for your cat is to choose one that’s high in protein and moisture and low in carbohydrates by reading the labels on pet food products. It’s also important to find a food that your cat likes. Although some cats will contentedly chow down on the same food for years, others are much more selective and prefer a variety of flavors.
Cat owners should make a few additional considerations regarding their cat’s diet as health conditions like diabetes and weight management problems can affect the portion and type of foods that your pet needs.
In addition to health and weight considerations, you should also take your cat’s life stage into account when selecting an appropriate food, as their nutritional needs change throughout life. For example, the type of food that benefits a kitten’s development won’t necessarily be the best choice for addressing an older cat’s nutritional needs.
Are Cat Treats Okay?
Treats provide a great tool for bonding with your pet and positively reinforcing good behaviors. However, they can often be high in calories and low in nutritional value. Before you treat your cat to a large number of daily treats, consider the type of treats on offer in addition to your cat’s weight and activity level. Choose smaller, low-calorie cat treats so that you will be able to treat your cat more often.
Schedule a Feline Nutritional Consultation with Our Veterinarian in Escondido
Navigating the cat food aisle of your favorite pet store can be a daunting task. That’s why Companion Animal Health & Rehabilitation Center provides nutritional counseling for pet owners throughout their pets’ lives. We can help you choose a healthy pet food and offer the proper portions to give your cat a strong nutritional foundation.
