Are you confident your cat is eating the right food? Today we talk about What is the best diet food for cats? As well as their nutritional and energy Needs according to age, physiological, state and physical activity. Keep reading in case your cat needs a dietary change.
What types of best diet food for cats?
The feeding of a cat can be based on three main types: wet food, dry food and homemade food. Best ensure proper nutrition is ideal if we can provide a mixture of wet and dry food. You can alternate both options keeping in mind. That they must be of quality Before buying the product. remember to read the label and make sure the main ingredient is animal protein. Homemade food has many benefits compared to commercial food. The most important is that we can best control quality and ensure the cat is receiving the right nutrients.
If you do choose to make your cat homemade food speak to your veterinarian. They can assess the cat’s needs and advise on what diet is suitable for each cat.
What are the nutritional needs of a cat?
Now that you know the best diet food for cats. We should know their nutritional needs. so we can ensure we offer them the correct diet. Cats are strict carnivores and have high protein needs. They also need the nutrients taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid and vitamins. We can say cats have seven necessary nutrients.
1. Protein
Starting with protein. This is the most important nutrient In terms of dry feed, it must contain at least 25 per cent protein But ideally, around 40 in a natural diet The percentage of protein should range from 90 to 95 The remaining 10 or 5 per cent can be from fruits and vegetables. Although these are optional.
2. Essential amino acids
Essential amino acids are the two most Essential amino acids are arginine and taurine. Both are found in meat and their deficiency can seriously harm the health of our felines.
3. Fat
Fat at least nine per cent of The calories of an adult cat must come from Fat Derived from meat. The ideal percentage of fat in their diet is between 15 and 20 per cent, especially in homemade diets.
4. Fatty acids
Cats need a supply of fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6, which are vital for their skin and Coke quality. As well as cognitive cardiovascular and immune systems
5. Carbohydrates.
It has been confirmed that cats can maintain themselves with a diet very low in carbohydrates. Through the catabolism of proteins, they can cover their glucose needs. The one that appears frequently in commercial feed is corn starch. Since they digest it best. Likewise, cereals should not be added to homemade Diets as carbohydrates are not part of their essential nutrients.
6. Vitamins
Vitamins are important for many vital functions of cats. Vitamins C, E and beta carotene kill free radicals that cause cell damage and are involved in ageing. Vitamin A is very important for their eyesight Cell membranes teeth and bones.
7. Minerals
Suitable diets for cats are supplemented with necessary minerals. Such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium or trace elements Of copper, manganese, iron zinc and selenium. In homemade diets, the food should already provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. As long as they are well formulated and Balanced.
What are their energy needs these vary?
According to the cat and its Characteristics, A house cat with little activity should have enough 60 calories per Kilogram per day. If they have been neutered especially a cam or a senior cat, the amount can drop to 45 calories per kilogram per day.
If they are active cats 70 or 90 Calories per kilogram per day is likely. It should also be taken into account. That the youngest tend to use more energy and their needs are higher than older cats.
Pregnant cats need around 100 Kilocalories per kilogram per day at the end of pregnancy. In addition, they must consume more fat to accumulate reserves. That they will need during the Last Weeks of gestation since the weight gain will go to the kittens. For this reason, During pregnancy and lactation, it’s a good option to feed our cat with a feed Formulated for kittens Due to the high amount of energy it Provides.
Finally, when cats become old. It is common for them to suffer from Diseases and need a suitable diet to reduce their impact. A feed that is rich in vitamin C and E Can be administered.
If you want to continue learning more about cats, care to take a look at the MY PET PLANT other articles. That we share here Tell us what you’d like to feed your cat By leaving a comment and we’ll see you.