Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat

Forget the fancy commercials. Pay attention to the label. After all, just because a pretty talking bird tells you its brand of cat food is the taste cats crave, doesn't mean it's true. After all, when is the last time you saw a cat tear across an open pasture to take down a cow? Today's pet food market is fraught with over marketing, but thankfully for animal caregivers, the government is very strict about what words can and cannot be used on a pet food label. Here are some things to look for when choosing a cat food.

1) Your cat is a carnivore. Unlike a dog or a human, both omnivores, cats simply cannot process vegetable matter other than to break it down and expel it. The first ingredient listed should always be "animal protein". If an animal protein, such as beef, chicken or fish is not listed as the primary ingredient, move on. Otherwise you are paying or poop, rather than nutrition.

2) While cats of course love wet cat food from cans, dry food is typically less fatty and better for your cat's teeth, and therefore overall health. If you feed wet food, do so as a treat, but keep the primary diet of the cat, dry food. Cats need fresh water. If your cat is hesitant to drink water, then it may be necessary to give the cat a higher percentage of wet food. Cats that don't get enough hydration run a higher chance of developing urinary tract infections and crystals.

3) Pet food from reputable manufacturers is made to be nutritionally balanced. In fact, the government regulates which foods are allowed to display the words "complete and balanced". Of course, that's the sort of food you want to feed your cat. While cats love treats, human treats should not feature in their diets. Instead, when feeding treats to a cat choose treats made for cats from cat food experts.

4) Lastly, while milk is technically not a food product, it's important to know that most cats are lactose intolerant. In other words, no matter how much your feline companion likes the creamy taste of milk, it is not good for the cat and should be avoided. Cats will never associate a stomach ache with the milk they drank, but caregivers should avoid the choice to thrill the cat, and instead choose only water with which to hydrate cats.

Feeding a cat is an easy proposition once you understand the basics. Carnivores need meat and there is no way around that fact. There is a difference between chosen carnivorous activities, such as is often the case among omnivorous humans, and a cat whose body is simply created to eat animal proteins. Keep in mind that your cat needs meat and your cat needs water, and that other than some love, the cat needs precious little else, and you will do just fine. May you and your feline companion spend many joyful years together.

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1990492/choosing_the_right_food_for_your_cat.html