What’s wrong with natural cat food

What’s wrong with natural cat food

Proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy and long life for your pet. Any cat owner thinks about how to feed his pet so that she is cheerful and happy. Someone chooses natural food, and someone – specialized food. What is the difference between these diets and what are the pros and cons?

Choice of diet

Many cat owners, especially those who live outside the city, prefer natural cat food. The reason that is called the main one with this choice is that you do not need to go to the pet store, but you can cook food for the cat at home. On one side, boil chicken and vegetables really faster. But can you provide a cat with the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals? Will her diet be balanced?

Natural for cats is a specially prepared food. This does not mean at all that you can feed the cat with food from the owner’s table, such as sausage, smoked foods, or leftover fish soup. Some foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, spicy and very fatty foods, can be dangerous to the health and life of your pet.

A natural cat’s diet should include lean meats such as chicken, beef, or turkey, raw or steamed vegetables, lean dairy products, and fish. Do not give raw milk to a cat – in adult felines, it is practically not absorbed. Also, do not offer the cat bones – it can choke.

Each cat is used to a certain frequency of feeding. On average, an adult cat eats 2-3 times a day. Food should always be fresh, and pets should have constant access to clean drinking water.

Specialized feed

If the owner has opted for ready-made food, a veterinarian should be consulted before introducing it into the diet. There are many pet foods on the market, including premium brands that are designed specifically for pets, taking into account their needs.

The best option for a pet is a food that is balanced in terms of the amount of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the right amount help keep your cat healthy and keep their skin and coat clean and smooth.

When choosing a diet, you can choose both dry and wet food, and combine them when feeding. The source of protein will be chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, corn and egg products. To replenish fat in the body, the food must contain fish oil or oils. The diet should also include calcium and vitamins E and C.

If several cats live in the house, each of them should have their own bowl for food and water. Do not leave the bowls full after the cat has eaten – excess food can lead to overeating, the consequence of which will be obesity.

It is best to consult with a veterinarian about the feeding regimen: he may recommend dividing the daily portion into several small ones. For an older cat or a cat with special needs, free feeding may be the best choice. It is worth paying attention to the daily routine: if there is not so much physical activity, then you should not feed your pet in large portions either.

On sale you can find special food for kittens – they contain an increased amount of calcium and trace elements for healthy growth. The premium food line has options for older cats, oral care or for cats with sensitive digestion.

Whatever the owner chooses, whether it is dry food or natural cat food, it is necessary to pay attention to the well-being of the pet. If the taste, smell or texture of the food does not suit the cat, she may refuse to eat at all. In any case, the transition to unfamiliar food will take time and attention. 

See also:

Prohibited Foods for Cats

How to wean a cat to beg for food from the table

Interesting facts about how a cat eats

Can cats eat eggs?