As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.
However, the most important aspect of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundereds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but most cat owners don't pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food.
The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.
But what is the best cat food for your cat? While each cat will have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that must be considered when looking for cat food.
First of all, cats (like their human owners) need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which to stay away from!
Cats need a high protein diet. Wild cats are very carnivorous, and cats derive a great deal of their nutritional needs from protein. House cats, while not wild, still have many of the same nutritional needs as their wild feline ancestors. So, the most important ingredient in any cat food is protein.
Carbohydrates are also an important part of a cats diet, though not as important as protein. Cats really should derive the majority of their nutritional needs from protein, so cat foods that are high in carbohydrates may not necessarily be the best for them.
Interestingly enough, many of the premium brands of cat food, such as Eukanuba and Innova offer exactly what most cats need, and aren't necessarily more expensive in the long run. This is because high end cat foods need a smaller serving amount than the low end cat foods to give a cat all the nutrients they need to be satisfied and healthy.
When comparing a premium brand such as Eukanuba, to a lower cost brand such as Purina, the cost difference for the recommended serving size is only a nickel a day. Furthermore, because a cat will eat less of the high end cat food, their waste will be reduced. This can cut down on the frequency of litter replacement and litter box related chores.
Another aspect of cat food to be considered is the quality of the protein in the food. Because of the way many pet food companies describe the meat in the food, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the difference between "chicken flavored", and "chicken dinner" is.
Food that contains "chicken meal" can only be made from the skin, flesh, and bones only. This is really the best type of protein for a cat. Food that has "meat byproducts" can contain nearly any animal parts, and are of lower quality than "chicken meal". Food that is "chicken flavored" only has to taste like chicken, but may not contain any animal meat at all. Also, chicken is generally better than beef for cats.
And it goes without saying, preservatives, as well as artificial colors, should be avoided whenever possible. Although specific research is lacking on this subject, we do know that preservatives and artificial colors can have a negative impact on human health. It is only logical that cats will also be negatively affected by artificial colors and preservatives in their cat food.
Greg Podsakoff is an avid cat owner, having recently adopted Hercules the cat, and is dedicated to finding the best ways to care for any cat. Find out more about proper cat care at: http://www.cat-care-cat-information.com
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carI'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More
MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
A dog, like a human baby, experiences the world through... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More
Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
Pet |