Cat food grades – what to choose?

three classes

All rations for pets are divided into three classes by price: super premium, Premium и economy.

If we consider options for cats, then the first includes food brands such as Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Sheba, Perfect Fit, Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s, Acana, Berkley, Orijen. The second class includes Whiskas, Felix, Dr. Clauder’s, the third – Kitekat, Darling, Friskies, “Vaska”, etc.

Differences

One class differs from another in several ways:

Daily rate – Super premium foods are richer and mean that the pet should be given a smaller portion than in the case of premium or economy diets.

Range of products – the higher the class of food, the greater the variety is characteristic of it. So, in the superpremium there are separate diets for cats who do not leave the apartment – Perfect Fit Indoor and for certain breeds – Royal Canin Bengal, Royal Canin Persian.

Special additives – for the special needs of animals. They are usually added to super premium foods. For example, Purina Pro Plan Derma Plus includes ingredients that are beneficial for cats with sensitive skin and coats. Perfect Fit Indoor contains Yucca Schidigera extract to reduce litter odor, while Hill’s Science Plan Feline Mature Adult 7+ Active Longevity is formulated for older cats to help maintain kidney and other vital organ function.

Feeding cost – it increases from an economy diet to a super premium feed.

Similarities

Large, responsible feed manufacturers carefully monitor the raw materials and production processes, so the quality and safety do not depend on the cost of the feed, but the ingredients may be different due to the price.

Regardless of which class the owner chooses, the pet is guaranteed to receive the full range of nutrients.

Proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins in each diet are contained in the required amount. The nutritional value of food of any class is fully consistent with the needs of the pet.

At the same time, there are no artificial colors and flavor enhancers in the rations of all classes. But all this applies only to large producers, so when choosing food, you should give preference to them, and not to unknown companies.

What to choose?

A lot depends on what the cat needs from the food.

Super premium diets are designed to solve the most specific problems, taking into account the individual characteristics of the pet (breed, specific disease), satisfying his special taste preferences.

Premium feeds, although not so specialized, still take into account the age and physiological characteristics of the animal.

The task of economy rations is extremely simple: they must be healthy for the cat, balanced, without being expensive.

Thus, if the animal does not need a special diet and does not show unique food requirements, the main guideline for choosing a class remains the price – how much the owner of the cat is willing to spend on feeding her.