The Complete Guide To Feline Nutrition! What To Feed Your Cat!!

Nutritious cat food and diet are important factors for maintaining the health and well-being of our feline companions. The food we give to cats must be balanced with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to ensure they are getting everything they need to thrive. It is important to know the proper diet for your cat to avoid malnutrition or obesity, which can lead to various health problems.

We will discuss the essential nutrients your cat needs and how to provide a balanced diet, the importance of water, feeding guidelines, and some common feeding mistakes—variables to avoid.

Essential nutrients for cats

Protein

Cats need animal protein because their bodies need the nutrients it provides. When a cat eats protein, their digestive tract breaks it down into building blocks called amino acids, which are then reassembled into the type of protein that the cat needs at that time.

A cat’s body can make many of the amino acids they need (nonessential amino acids) from other amino acids, but there are 11 essential amino acids for cats that must be supplied in a cat’s diet:

• Arginine
• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Taurine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

These essential amino acids, as well as other essential nutrients for cats, are best supplied by meat and other animal tissues, which makes sense when you think about it. Why should the body waste resources make nutrients that are abundant in the prey animals that cats evolved to eat?

Fat

Fat is an important source of energy and also helps cats absorb fat-soluble vitamins. The appropriate fat level in cat food will depend on their lifestyle, age, and health condition. Fat sources in cat food include animal fats, fish oils, and vegetable oils. One serving of high-quality cat food should contain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.

Carbohydrates

Although cats are obligate carnivores and do not require carbohydrates in their diet, many commercial cat foods contain them. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy and they also provide fiber, which aids digestion. However, too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity, especially in domestic cats that lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Vitamins and minerals

Cats need essential vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. These include vitamins A, D, E, K, and B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients help with bone and tooth development, blood clotting, immune function, and nerve function.

The importance of water

Water is essential for cats to maintain healthy bodily functions. Cats can quickly become dehydrated, especially if they only eat dry food. Always make sure your cat has access to clean and fresh water. It is also beneficial to provide your cat with wet food, which has a higher moisture content and can help prevent dehydration.

Principles of feeding

Feeding guidelines will vary depending on their age, weight, and health status. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount and frequency of feeding. In general, adult cats need 2-3 small meals per day, while kittens and older cats may need more frequent feedings.

Common feeding mistakes to avoid

Overfeeding

Overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to obesity and other health problems. It's important to measure your cat's food intake and make sure you're providing the right amount based on their weight, age, and activity level.

Unsuitable food

It is essential to choose the right food for your cat. Some cats may be sensitive or allergic to foods and need a specific type of diet. Always check the label of cat food to make sure it is appropriate for your cat's age and health condition.

Scrap feeding table

Feeding cats leftovers from the dinner table may seem harmless, but it can harm their health. Leftovers on the dinner table can contain high levels of fat and salt, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. Some human foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes, are toxic to cats.

How to choose the right food for your cat

There are various types of cat food available, but balanced, high-quality food is always better than a cheap, low-quality alternative. Whichever type you choose, look at the ingredients list. These are listed proportionally and, as a general rule, meat should be the first ingredient. Avoid foods that use broad terms such as ‘animal derivative’, ‘meal’, or ‘cereals’ in their first few ingredients as these generally indicate a lower quality food. Always opt for foods listed as ‘chicken cat food’ rather than ‘cat food with chicken’ as these usually have a higher meat content.

Your vet will be happy to offer tailored advice about your cat’s diet, taking into account their age, lifestyle, and any existing health conditions.

Should I give my cat wet or dry food?

Many cats are notoriously fussy when it comes to food, so while there are benefits to both wet and dry, the decision may ultimately come down to their preference. Dry food is convenient to store and tends to be better for your cat’s dental health as the hard texture helps remove plaque and tartar, which doesn’t then build up around the gum line. It also contains much less water and has a higher concentration of nutrients, so you don’t need to feed as much.

On the other hand, cats often don’t drink enough water so wet food can help keep them hydrated. It’s also much easier to eat, for cats who are recovering from injury or operation.

Can I Make My Own Nutritional Cat Food?

The safest and simplest way to meet a cat’s nutritional needs is to feed them high-quality, AAFCO-approved canned cat food.

But what about making your own cat food? Yes, homemade cat foods can be a nutritious option, but they require a lot of extra effort, time, and money.

If you’re interested in a homemade diet for your cat, schedule a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist or make use of services like Petdiets.com or BalanceIt.com which are run by veterinary nutritionists.

Do not make cat foods from recipes you find online or in books. Research has shown that they are rarely nutritionally complete and balanced.