In addition to high-quality protein sources and nutritious animal protein by-products like liver and other organ meats, you may find grains listed on your food ingredients, and that’s perfectly acceptable for the diet of His cat. dr. says simpson. “Grains and corn are often misrepresented as pet food fillers; however, these ingredients are actually good sources of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fiber,” he explains, adding that although cats are obligate carnivores, they can digest carbohydrates found in conventional cat foods.
how do I choose between the different types of cat food?
“Factors such as age, breed and health can certainly play a role in selecting the right consistency of food for your cat, as can your personal preferences,” says dr. says simpson. For one, dry cat food, such as kibble, comes in a variety of shapes and textures, and can help with dental issues like tartar control. plus, pet owners on a budget and short on time may like that dry food is more convenient to feed and less expensive than wet cat food.
on the other hand, wet food has a higher moisture content, which may be beneficial for cats who need more hydration in their diets, such as those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and lower urinary tract disease, dr. says simpson. he also points out that the consistency of wet food, which ranges from spreads to stews, is easier for cats with fewer teeth to chew. You can even mix some dry food and some wet food together if your cat doesn’t seem to like the texture of just one.
what not to feed your cat?
Apart from standard dry, moist, and wet cat foods, dr. Simpson advises cat owners not to feed homemade or all-raw diets to cats. The former, he explains, offers no benefit over regular commercial cat food in terms of nutritional needs, and can even lead to nutritional deficiencies and foodborne illness. meanwhile, the latter also puts cats at risk of deficiencies. If you’re interested in making your cat’s food at home, Dr. Simpson recommends contacting a veterinary nutritionist through the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.
Speaking of contacting an expert, that’s the best route to take if you’re not entirely sure what might be, say, the best dry cat food or canned food for your kitty. “With hundreds of different brands and potentially misleading online advertising and information, it can be confusing and frustrating to choose the best diet for your cat,” says dr. says simpson. “The best way to choose an appropriate diet is to ask your vet for a recommendation.”
the best vet-recommended cat food
with that in mind, there’s no way we can introduce every brand of healthy, high-protein cat food on the market right now, but with the guidelines referenced by dr. simpson (and a little help from the internet’s most enthusiastic reviewers), below we’ve highlighted some of the best cat food brands for you to try.
hill’s scientific diet
it’s no coincidence that foods from the hill’s scientific diet, and the hill’s prescription diet, the brand’s arm that addresses health issues like sensitive stomachs, urinary tract issues, and maintaining a healthy weight, appear regularly on the shelves of veterinarians’ offices. this brand is a standard bearer when it comes to aafco and wsava compliant foods, employing over 200 scientists at its global pet nutrition center.
real canine
Another favorite among vets, Royal Canin’s in-house team of vets and nutritionists put all their foods through an extensive development process before introducing them to customers. Among their special offers you can find kitten food and meals made especially for older and older cats, as well as recipes rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for shinier coats.
purina pro plan
for science-backed recipes packed with protein and healthy carbs that won’t put a dent in your wallet, purina pro plan is a great choice. From indoor cats to senior cats to cats prone to hairballs, this brand’s offerings have an option that will keep your cat well-fed and healthy. Purina One, a less expensive alternative from the same brand, doesn’t offer as many health-specific recipes, but it will still provide your cat with a balanced diet.
merrick
merrick is distinguished among pet food brands by its team of nutrition experts, company-run factories and canneries, and its ongoing dedication to crafting foods without artificial flavors, preservatives or fillers. Their Bistro Purrfect line of cat foods contains all the necessary vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber a happy, healthy cat needs. and the line features salmon, beef and chicken recipes that are made to promote hairball control and a healthy skin and coat.
pharmacy
This brand isn’t on the same level of name recognition as, say, Purina, but its nutritional chops put it on the map nonetheless. In the name of continuing advancement in pet nutrition, Farmina’s veterinary research team works with independent veterinarians to develop their recipes. These recipes contain ingredients sourced from highly vetted farms and producers, so you can trust your cat to enjoy high-quality, healthy meals.
veterinary diet
With premium packaged ingredients and an ever-expanding in-house health and nutrition advisory board, vetdiet’s mission lives up to its name: to produce meals that put your cat’s health and well-being first. This 25-year-old family business has delicious prepared meals for all stages of life (from kittens to senior cats) and for specific needs like immune system support and weight management. she even makes healthy cat treats, for when your cat has been an especially good girl or boy (in other words, forever).
the logic of nature
nature’s logic was based on the value of whole food nutrition, which means their products contain no added synthetic ingredients: all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your cat needs come from meats, vegetables and carbohydrates healthy. For quality control and contamination prevention, the brand directly purchases or approves all of its ingredient sources and tests every batch of food that leaves its US manufacturing facility. uu.
holistic born on earth
earthborn holistic cat food is made in the usa. uu. from their own kitchens and factories, family-run for almost 100 years, since the founding of the brand. offers both wholegrain and grain-free dry cat foods, as well as grain- and gluten-free wet foods made with abundant protein like chicken liver. In general, their foods have animal protein sources such as salmon, chicken, duck and beef as the first ingredient.
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