Best Cat Food: Top Picks for Optimal Feline Nutrition

A  diet for cats can be a healthy and nutritious option when done correctly. It requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of feline nutritional needs. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your homemade diet is balanced and complete, providing all the essential nutrients your cat needs for a healthy and happy life.

What Is In Cat Food？

Ingredients in Cat Food

Cat food usually contains a variety of ingredients to fulfill your cat's nutritional needs. These ingredients include, but are not limited to, protein sources, fats and oils, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

• Protein is a key ingredient in cat food because cats are strict carnivores, and they need high-quality protein to maintain healthy muscle tissue, organ function, skin, hair and nails. Common sources of protein in cat food include meat, chicken, fish, and certain plant-based ingredients such as corn protein meal and soybean meal.
• Fats are an important source of energy and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fats and oils in cat food also add flavor and promote appetite.
• Fiber contributes to a healthy digestive system, while vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining proper function throughout the body. Cat food manufacturers add these nutrients to ensure that the food is complete and balanced.
• Although cats have a low carbohydrate requirement, the right amount of carbohydrates can provide extra energy. Choosing carbohydrates that are low in polysaccharides or high in fibre, such as pumpkin and sweet potato, can help maintain your cat's digestive health.
• Hydration is vital to your cat's health. Make sure your cat has fresh water available at all times, or increase water intake through wet food or homemade cat meals.
• Cats need the right amount of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Examples include vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. The intake of these nutrients can be ensured by adding specialised cat supplements
  

  Calcium and phosphorus: meat, goat's milk, pet milk, egg yolks, etc.

  Iron: lean meat, animal offal (fed in small amounts), some vegetables high in iron (e.g. lettuce, spinach, etc.).

  Zinc: meat (beef, chicken, etc.), cat grass (wheat seedlings.)

  Manganese: Nutritional supplements.

  Copper: liver type (beef liver, sheep liver, etc.), papaya apple, etc.

  Iodine: okra, kelp, etc.

When choosing cat food, you should look for products that contain a high-quality protein source and moderate amounts of essential nutrients, while avoiding foods that contain potentially harmful additives.

What Food Do Cats Eat？

1.Commercial Cat Food

• Dry Cat Food (Kibble): Dry cat food is a popular choice for many cat owners because it is convenient, affordable, and has a long shelf life. It typically contains a combination of animal proteins, grains, and added vitamins and minerals. However, some dry foods can be high in carbohydrates, which are not necessary in large amounts for cats.
• Wet Cat Food (Canned): Wet cat food is often more palatable and provides higher moisture content, which is beneficial for cats' urinary tract health. It usually contains a higher percentage of animal proteins and fewer carbohydrates compared to dry food. The high moisture content also helps keep cats hydrated, especially important for cats that do not drink enough water.
• Raw and Freeze-Dried Cat Food: Some cat owners choose to feed their cats a raw or freeze-dried diet, which consists of raw meats, bones, and organs. These diets are designed to mimic a cat's natural prey and are often marketed as biologically appropriate. However, feeding a raw diet requires careful handling to prevent bacterial contamination and ensuring a balanced nutrient intake.

2. Natural and Homemade Diets

Raw Meats: Some cat owners provide raw meats as part of their cat's diet. This can include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish. However, feeding raw meats carries risks of bacterial contamination and nutrient imbalances, so it should be done with caution and ideally under veterinary guidance.

Homemade Cooked Diets: Some cat owners prefer to prepare homemade diets for their cats, using cooked meats, vegetables, and grains. While this can be a way to control ingredients and quality, it requires careful planning to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced and meets all of a cat's dietary needs, including taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.

Related: Homemade Cat Food

3. Treats and Supplements

• Commercial Cat Treats: There are many commercially available cat treats made from various ingredients, including meats, fish, and grains. While treats can be a good way to reward cats and provide enrichment, they should only be given in moderation to avoid nutritional imbalances and excessive calorie intake.
• Catnip and Cat Grass: Catnip and cat grass are not nutritional foods but can be provided as occasional treats. Catnip can cause playful behavior in some cats, while cat grass (varieties like wheatgrass) can aid digestion and provide entertainment.
• Supplements: 

  1.For Special Needs
  Cats with specific health problems, such as rough and dry fur, may need fish oil supplements to provide Omega - 3 fatty acids to improve coat condition; cats with bone problems may need calcium and phosphorus supplements. For indoor cats, vitamin D supplements may be needed as they have relatively little sun exposure and vitamin D helps with calcium absorption.

  2.Supplementation when making homemade food
  If the owner chooses to make homemade food, as the homemade food may not be able to fully meet the nutritional requirements of the cat, it is more important to take reasonable supplements according to the nutritional deficiencies of the cat. For example, homemade food may lack taurine, which is very important to the health of the cat's heart and eyes, so taurine supplements are needed.

Fish Oil Concentrate for Dogs and Cats

The Fish Oil Concentrate is rich in high-concentration omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid, which helps to nourish dogs' and cat's skin and give health support for their hair or coat, joint, heart and physical state.

View Product

How to Make Food for Cats?

Making cat meals for cats requires taking into account your cat's nutritional needs and taste preferences. Here are some basic steps and considerations.

• Ingredient selection

Cats are carnivorous animals, so the main ingredient of cat rice should be meat. You can choose chicken, beef and fish as the main ingredients. At the same time, in order to ensure balanced nutrition, some internal organs (such as chicken liver, beef liver) and seafood (such as shrimp, mussels) can be added appropriately. In addition, some vegetables (e.g. pumpkin, carrot) and fruits (e.g. blueberries) can be added, but be careful not to overdo the amount as cats have a relatively low demand for carbohydrates.

• Nutritional supplements

In order to ensure that the cat's meal is nutritionally complete, you can add some essential nutritional supplements, such as calcium powder, taurine, vitamin B1, vitamin E and so on. These supplements can help cats maintain healthy bones, eyes, heart and other organs.

• Preparation Steps

Prepare the ingredients

Wash the selected meat, offal, seafood and other ingredients, remove bones and spines, and cut them into appropriate-sized pieces or slices.

Mix the ingredients

Put the chopped ingredients into a large bowl, add the appropriate amount of nutritional supplements and mix well.

Cooking Method

You can choose to steam, boil or pan fry the cat rice. Steaming and boiling will retain the nutrients of the ingredients, while pan-frying will add flavour to the cat rice.

Storage

Divide the cooked cat rice into sealed bags or containers and store in the freezer. At each feeding, take out the appropriate amount of cat rice and thaw it.

• Precautions

Avoid adding seasonings: cats have a relatively weak sense of taste and do not need to add seasonings such as salt, sugar and soy sauce.

Pay attention to the freshness of ingredients: Choose fresh ingredients and make sure they come from safe and reliable sources.

Gradual transition: If the cat has been consuming commercial cat food, a sudden switch to homemade cat rice may lead to indigestion. A gradual transition is recommended, mixing cat rice with cat food and gradually increasing the proportion of cat rice.

Regular medical check-ups: Although homemade cat rice can provide more personalised nutrition, you need to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular medical check-ups to ensure your cat's health condition.

It is important to note that making homemade cat meals requires a certain amount of time and effort, and you need to ensure that the ingredients are fresh and nutritionally balanced. If you are unsure how to make cat rice, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian or a professional pet nutritionist to ensure that your cat receives adequate nutrition.

How to Know If Cat Is Eating Enough Nutrition?

To know whether the cat is eating enough nutrition, you can judge from the following aspects.

I. Appearance

• Hair condition

Healthy and well-nourished cat hair should be smooth, shiny and not easily knotted. If the cat lacks nutrition, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, the hair may become dry, rough, lustreless and even easy to fall off.

• Eye condition

A well-nourished cat's eyes are bright and clear, without eye droppings or excessive secretions. For example, Vitamin A deficiency may lead to dry, inflamed eyes and vision problems in cats.

• Weight condition

A normal cat's weight should be within the right range. Neither should it be too thin, with ribs and vertebrae clearly visible, which may indicate insufficient nutritional intake; nor should it be too obese, with no ribs to feel and obvious abdominal fat, which may be due to excessive intake of high-calorie food and lack of exercise leading to unbalanced nutrition.

II. Behaviour

• Activity level

Well-nourished cats are usually active and curious about their surroundings and have normal playing and exploring behaviours. If the cat lacks certain nutrients, such as the lack of vitamin B affecting metabolism, it may show depressed spirit and reduced activity.

• Appetite status

Healthy cats have a normal appetite and eat according to a regular schedule. If the cat suddenly loses its appetite or is picky about food, it may be that the current food is not nutritionally balanced or lacks a certain nutrient resulting in a change in taste, or it may be that physical discomfort affects the appetite.

III. Health Check

• Veterinary check-up

Regularly take your cat to the veterinarian for a comprehensive physical examination. The veterinarian can assess the cat's muscle mass and fat reserves through palpation to make a preliminary judgement of the nutritional status.
The veterinarian can also check the cat's oral health. For example, if the cat is deficient in nutrients such as vitamin C or calcium, it may affect the health of the teeth and gums, resulting in problems such as red and swollen gums and loose teeth.

• Laboratory Tests

Blood tests can provide an accurate picture of the nutritional levels in your cat's body. For example, blood levels of protein, vitamins (e.g., vitamin B12, D, etc.), and minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, etc.) can be tested to see if they are within the normal range.
Urine tests can also assist in determining the cat's nutritional metabolism, for example, if abnormal metabolites are present in the urine, it may suggest a problem with the cat's nutritional intake or metabolism.

What Foods Should Cat Avoid?

Certain foods are harmful or toxic to cats and should be avoided entirely:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats.
• Onions and Garlic: Can cause damage to red blood cells and lead to anemia.

  Also Read: Can Cats Eat Grapes

• Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in some cats.
• Dairy Products: Many cats are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive upset if they consume dairy.
• Alcohol and Caffeine: Both are toxic to cats and can cause severe health problems.
• Raw egg: it may contain bacteria and parasites, as well as proteins that destroy vitamin H.
• Leftovers: the oil and salt content of human food is too high for cats and may lead to health problems in the long term. 

Nutritional Requirements for Cats at All Stages

• Kittens need high-energy food, and their needs decrease in adulthood, so they need to avoid overfeeding snacks and human food.
• Special nutritional requirements during de-sexing, pregnancy, lactation and recovery from diseases
• Elderly cats may be accompanied by chronic diseases and require special attention to dietary adjustments.

What Human Food Can Cats Eat？

Cats can consume some properly processed human foods in moderation, and these foods can be used as a way to supplement a cat's daily diet.

• Yogurt: It is rich in calcium and probiotics for lactose intolerant cats and helps to improve digestion and enhance appetite.
• Chicken Breast: which low in fat and rich in protein, helps muscle formation and bone health while promoting calcium absorption.
• Beef: High in protein and rich in iron, important for your cat's growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.
• Papaya: which rich in multi-enzymes, helps to boost your cat's metabolism and improve skin health.
• Apples: rich in vitamins and calcium, help maintain your cat's immune system and bone health, but should be cored to prevent poisoning.
• Cooked egg yolks: rich in lecithin, which contributes to your cat's beautiful coat, as well as protein and calcium.
• Salmon: contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain your cat's heart health and shiny coat.

When feeding these human foods, you should ensure that they are fresh, clean and properly cooked, such as boiled or boneless. In addition, any seasoning, salt, sugar or other additives harmful to cats should be avoided. Each time a new food is fed, the cat's reaction should be carefully observed to ensure that they can safely digest the food.

FAQs

Why My Cat Is Not Eating Food？

1. Summer heat may cause your cat's appetite to decrease as they are more inclined to seek shade to escape the heat than to eat. Ensure that your cat has a cool environment by lowering the indoor temperature with the use of an air conditioner or fan.
2. Loss of appetite can be linked to health problems such as parasitic infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and heat stroke. If your cat continues to lose its appetite, take it to the doctor for a checkup.
3. Cats' tastes may change with the seasons, and they may prefer wet food to dry cat food. Try switching up the type of food and offering more moisture, which may stimulate their appetite.
4. If you have recently changed cat food brands or food types, your cat may need time to adjust to the new food. Gradually transitioning to the new food and mixing in the old food can help them adapt better.

Cats may be reluctant to eat due to age, dental problems, or other unknown reasons. Observe your cat's behavior and physical condition to rule out other potential problems. If you try the above suggestions but your cat is still reluctant to eat, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Can Kittens Eat Adult Cat Food？

Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats at different stages of growth and development. Food for kittens is usually higher in protein, fat and specific nutrients to support their rapidly growing bodies and developing organ systems. Adult cats' food, on the other hand, is designed to maintain the healthy state of adult cats, and its nutrient content differs from the needs of kittens.

Kittens should not consume adult cat food for long periods of time. The nutrient content of adult cat food may not meet the high needs of kittens, especially in terms of protein, calcium and other key nutrients may not be sufficient to support the healthy growth of kittens. Long-term consumption of adult cat food may lead to malnutrition, bone problems, a compromised immune system and digestive issues. 

Therefore, to ensure your kitten's health, you should choose a food designed for kittens and follow your veterinarian's recommendations. If a kitten occasionally accidentally ingests a small amount of an adult cat's food, it usually does not cause serious problems immediately, but should be corrected as soon as possible to avoid long-term effects on its health. After the kitten grows to a certain stage, it can gradually transition to adult cat food, but this process should be done slowly to avoid digestive discomfort.

How Many Hours For a Cat To Digest Food？

Food digestion in cats usually takes between 10 and 24 hours. This range takes into account factors such as the type of food, the health of the cat and its age. Different foods take different amounts of time to be fully digested, for example fiber-rich foods may take longer, while easily digestible wet or raw foods may pass through the cat's digestive system more quickly. Kittens have a relatively short digestion time, while older cats may have a longer digestion time. Gastric emptying time in cats also varies, ranging from 22 to 449 minutes, depending on the physical state and chemical composition of the food. Therefore, food digestion in cats is a complex process that is influenced by a number of factors.

Conclusion

Cats require a diet rich in animal-based proteins to meet their nutritional needs. Whether feeding commercial cat food, homemade diets, or raw foods, it's essential to ensure the diet is balanced and complete, providing all necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial when considering dietary changes or supplements, as cats have specific dietary requirements that must be met to maintain their health and well-being.