16 Point Check List of What to Look for in Cat Food
Commercial cat foods come in all kinds of recipes formulated by companies keen to dominate the pet food market. The virtues of these cat foods will be plastered across their marketing. It is left to the consumer to plod through this information and the ingredients lists to determine what is best for their cat. In this article we point out, in layman’s terms, what to look for in cat food. We also provide a useful infographic tool for our viewers.
Dry vs Wet
Whether cat owners should be buying dry cat food as opposed to wet, or visa versa is not the aim of this discussion. In our view, both have merit, and both can have flaws.
It isn’t whether the food is dry or wet that is important, but rather the quality of the ingredients and formula. There are some excellent dry cat foods and there are some excellent wet cat foods.
What is Considered a Quality Cat Food?
A quality cat food will be a well-balanced meat-based formula providing all the nutritional requirements that cats require, without the inclusion of harmful additives.
The Cat Food Advisor Team have researched and analyzed countless cat foods. By reading the ingredient’s lists of the different products it is a relatively simple task to determine which offers the best cat nutrition.
Checklist of What to Look for in Cat Food
Here is a useful check list designed to guide our viewers with assessing and selecting a premium cat food.
Simply, copy and print the infographic or save it to your device, then utilize it when reading ingredient cat food lists.
We have elaborated upon the details of this Checklist below.
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What to Look for in Cat Food- 6 Must Haves!
Meat Protein/Amino acids
Cats are obligate carnivores deriving their protein from meat. Adult cats require above 25% protein dry weight from meat in their food.
Protein is broken down into amino acids. There are many amino acids essential for cats. An important one, which cats are unable to synthesize, is Taurine.
Omega Fatty Acids
Fatty acids contain anti-inflammatory properties and are essential nutrients for skin and coat health.
They need to be present in the correct ratio/balance in cat food. This ratio is 5 to 1 for Omega-6 to -3. Health problems can occur if the ratio is out.
-Omega 3 Commonly found in oily fish meat.
-Omega 6 Commonly found in chicken fat.
Real Meat
The #1 ingredient on the ingredient’s list should always be named real meat. The better meats are poultry, beef, lamb, rabbit, or fish (in moderation).
Minimal Processing and Cooking
In the wild, cats derive all their nutrients from raw meat.
The process of cooking destroys many nutrients such as vitamins, probiotics, and essential amino acids such as Taurine.
Very high temperatures during cooking will alter the molecular structure of proteins, making them harmful for cats. Slow cooking and baking are better cooking methods.
Balanced nutrition
Ensure a range of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics are present in cat food. Probiotics can help with digestive tract health, and vitamins and minerals maintain overall health.
Conforms with AAFCO Profiles
The Association of American Feed Control Officials regulate the production and sale of cat food. Look for the nutritional adequacy statement located on the pet food label to see if a product conforms to AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
10 Things to Avoid in Cat Food!
Grains
Avoid food with soybean, corn, wheat, barley, or rice. Carnivorous cats’ digestive systems are not geared for them.
Mycotoxin, a by-product of fungi and mold that forms on contaminated grains is damaging to organs, especially the liver.
Pet food companies use grains as a binder, especially in dry kibble. They will validate grains as a requirement for high fiber and essential carbohydrate, however, cats get these from meat.
PH Out of Balance
The ideal PH range for cats is 6.3 – 6.7. A PH above or below this range can cause crystal formation in the urinary tract resulting in painful infections.
Unnamed Meat By-products/Meat Meal
Meat by-product is the offal discarded in meat processing. Meat Meal is similar. Unnamed by-product could include anything from road kills, deceased pets to deceased zoo animals.
By-product meat is usually fine for cats, so long as you know what is in it.
Food Coloring
Food colorings are problematic to cat health. The main colors added to some cat foods are:
-Red 40: contributes to cancers
-Blue2: linked to brain tumors
-Yellow 5: causes allergies and genotoxicity
Preservatives
Chemical preservatives like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) are very effective at preserving dry cat food but are suspected to be potentially cancer-causing agents. These chemicals are often added to oils and fats.
Look for natural preservatives such as Vitamin E and C.
Flavor Enhancers
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate– synthetic palatant can cause dehydration, organ damage, cardiovascular disease and bone and tooth damage)
MSG Mono Sodium Glutamate– tricks the brain into thinking the food tastes good and can lead to obesity and brain cell damage
These will be disguised as “Natural Flavors’ or “hydrolyzed protein”
GMO
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) have been linked with diseases of the liver, pancreas, renal and reproductive system.
Look for non-GMO, or better still, organic ingredients.
Legumes
Enzyme inhibitors found in legumes like peas and beans can interfere with digestion. These may be responsible for taurine and other amino acid deficiencies in cats.
Excessive Oily Fish and Fish Oil
Not an acceptable food for daily feeding. Fish contains high levels of fatty acids, which can lead to a vitamin E deficiency in cats, and painful conditions. Some cats develop allergies as a result of eating too much fish based cat foods.
Starchy Tuberous Vegetables
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are included in many cat foods as a binder. Although not toxic, it is unnecessary to feed cats excessive carbohydrates as this leads to weight gain.
Final Thoughts
Being confident in knowing what to look for in cat food will relax cat owners when buying cat food. Please use our ‘What to Look for in Cat Food’ infographic to assist you.
Viewers are welcome to share the infographic with their friends who have cats. They may well appreciate this simple guide.
There are approximately 95.6 million cats living in American households (National Pet Owners’ Survey 2017). Every one of these cuddly felines need to be fed. The question is… How to choose the best cat food for your cat? In this article Cat Food Advisor delves into this question.
We have reviewed what we consider to be the 10 best cat foods available on Amazon to help you choose the best cat food that is best suited to your cat.
What Do Wild Cats Eat?
First up, domesticated cats are equal to wild cats in their digestive make-up and their nutritional requirements.
The diet of a wild cat is mainly made up of small rodents, such as rats and mice. Other common prey are rabbits, moles, shrews and birds.
However, these cats will prey on almost any small animal, such as large insects, lizards, frogs and snakes. Those wild cats that are game to get wet will even go to the effort to catch and eat fish.
Think what would a wild cat eatwhen considering how to choose the best cat food.
What Nutrition is Important for a Healthy Cat?
Cats are true carnivores. They are meat eaters- plain and simple! They require protein from meat for good vision, a strong heart and muscle development, and a healthy reproductive system.
Meat also contains moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates. Domesticated cats require these general proportions today, just as their wild cousins do.
Cats also require many other nutrients, including vitamins, fatty acids, minerals and amino acids.
Is It Safe to Feed Your Cat Raw Meat?
Whilst it is quite OK to feed your cat a commercial wet or dry food, Cat Food Advisor suggests that you can offer variety in your cat’s diet by feeding it cooked or raw meat.
It is important to ensure that the meat you feed your cat is fresh, as spoilt raw meat, raw fish and raw eggs, can contain bacteria that trigger food poisoning. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for cats.
A lack of thiamine can cause neurological problems. Therefore, it is advisable to not to overfeed your cat raw fish.
So, If Not Raw Meat, What Should You Feed Your Cat?
Cooked beef, turkey, chicken, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give cats their nutritional requirements.
Commercially, there are two types of cat foods available- wet cat foodand dry cat food. These commercial products vary widely, and therefore require looking carefully at their ingredients and where their ingredients have been sourced from.
Many cheaper cat foods will be bulked up with fillers. Cat Food Advisor has looked into grain fillers– often these fillers are not a natural part of a cat’s diet. You want to avoid them. Be aware of grain or corn fillers. Also steer clear of GMO ingredients and products that are excessively fatty, salty or they have added sugar.
Dry Cat Food or Wet Cat Food?
It seems that most cats prefer wet cat food over dry cat food, although there are always exceptions. Wet cat food is closer to what wild cats eat- in texture and water content.
Dry food is fine if it is complete and balanced. Dry food generally is less expensive than canned food, and once dished up to your cat, may stay fresher for longer.
Wet food gives additional moisture for cats. If only fed dry food, cats would need to be provided with lots of fresh water. This is especially so if they are prone to developing urinary tract blockages, constipation or weight problems.
Many wet foods come in three-ounce cans. Cat Food Advisor recommends to feed approximately one can a day for every three to three and a half pounds of body weight. However, ingredients within different products/brands vary and therefore feeding rates will vary. A happy, healthy cat will maintain a good weight and stay active.
For an average sized adult cat, it is recommended to feed ¼ cup of dry food morning and again in the evening. This is only a rough guide, as products vary, and so do cats!
You will know how much to feed your cat through trial and error. If your cat leaves food, then perhaps you are feeding it too much. If your cat is putting on too much weight, then ease off on its food.
We recommend mixing it up a bit for your cat, so he/she does not get bored with a mono-diet. A mixture of wet cat food, dry cat food and raw or cooked meat will keep your cat very happy.
To help you choose the best cat food for your cat we have provided a summary of a selection of products available.
The nutrition that a cat needs is definitely provided in Purina dry cat food and reviews on the product claim that it taste makes their cat happy. There is a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, essential vitamins, and essential minerals providing for a 100% complete nutrition.
Purina dry food with chicken and salmon flavor is available in two different size packs. The small pack size is 1 lb and the larger bag is 13 lb. It also contains high fiber content that helps to control hairballs and avoids digestion problems.
Meow Mix contains four flavors- chicken, turkey, salmon and ocean fish. All flavors that will have your cat salivating! Protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, essential vitamins and essential minerals are provided for 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
Meow Mix dry food with chicken, turkey, salmon, fish flavor is available in two different size packs. The small pack size being 3 lb and the larger 3.15 lb. This food contains ground corn and soybeans as a source of carbohydrate.
Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free cat food is only for adult cats. Its protein comes from real meat, making it tasty for cats and a healthy option. The product promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat with an inclusion of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants have been added to this dry cat food to support the immune system.
Blue Wilderness dry food with chicken flavor is available in three different size packs. The smallest pack size being 2.5 lb, a larger bag- 6 lb and the largest- 12 lb. If you are offering your cat only dry food, Cat Food Advisor recommends ensuring your cat has plenty of drinking water on hand for hydration.
Purina One is a veterinarian recommended food, and safe for your cat, as only natural ingredients are used. It provides 100% nutrition with no added fillers, making this food a great choice for your cat. It includes fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Fiber helps with cat hairballs and keeps the digestive system flowing. Real turkey forms the main protein source and customer reviews vouch for the great taste.
Purina One dry food with turkey flavor is available in four different size packs (3.5 lb, 7 lb, 16 lb 22 lb). Natural vitamins and minerals have been added for whole-body health.
The taste of the wild’s rocky mountain feline formula, with roasted venison and smoked salmon is, according to customer reviews, to be revered by cats! There are no grain fillers, rather the addition of some easy to digest vegetables such as peas and sweet potato provide carbohydrates for energetic cats. Good levels of protein to support lean strong muscles. Safe for your cat as this food is made in the USA with advanced food safety protocols. Additions of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, offering a well rounded diet for cats.
Cat Food Advisor likes that this product is made with all natural ingredients, you can be rest assured that there are no added artificial flavors or colors. The protein level is higher than carbohydrates which is a better balance and something other brands don’t always have right.
Taste of the wild dry food with venison and salmon flavor is available in a 15 lb size pack.
Purina Fancy Grilled collection canned wet cat food would have to be a favorite choice for kittens! Customer reviews account for the great taste. Purina provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for kittens. Purina wet food consists of high quality protein with meaty cuts of poultry or seafood, with a light gravy. The product is made in USA, abiding by the food regulators.
To ensure your cat is hydrated, Purina’s wet food is moist and easy to eat and digest. Essential vitamins and minerals have been included added to support the overall health of your cat
Purina Fancy Feast wet food offers different flavors and is available in two size packs. One containing 24 cans and the other, 30 cans- each can being 3 oz.
Purina Friskies offers a mix of recipes all in one pack. Meal times will be interesting for your cat as he/she will get a variety of meats and flavors. Served as a pate, makes the wet cat food smooth and easy to eat. Suitable for cats of all ages giving a 100% balanced diet. The product does have added artificial flavors, making it tasty for cats.
Available in five different size packs (all detailed on Amazon). Recommended feeding for an adult cat- ¾ to 1 oz per pound of body weight daily. Growing kittens will require more per pound of body weight.
A gourmet adult cat food with 100% complete and balanced nutrition. Three chicken recipes are offered in this pack, each with a different texture (pate/chunks/roasted)- enabling variety for your cat. Added essential vitamins and minerals supporting the overall health of cats. The product is grain free.
Purina classic pate wet food with different flavors/textures is available in a 24 cans. Each can being 3 oz. There are several different meat flavors in the Purina Wet Cat Food range, including recipes specifically for kittens.
A gourmet cat food recipe with 100% complete and balanced nutrition providing essential vitamins and minerals to support the overall health of adult cats. Quality ingredients, including the best protein from tuna and white meats. Contains long grain rice and garden greens for a source of carbohydrates.
Purina medleys wet cat food offers different flavors available- seafood, chicken, turkey and Primavera flavor, all in savory sauces. The product comes in five size pack sizes, as well as single 3oz cans. You can better understand these choices on Amazon. Purina’s wet cat food is not grain-free.
Purina Po Plan Focus offers a low PH, low dietary magnesium wet cat food that improve urinary tract health in cats. It is easy on the digestive system and a good choice for sensitive cats, or cats with health challenges. The cat food contains real chicken providing high-quality protein.
Purina Pro Plan wet cat food with different flavors is available in eleven different size packs. You can better understand these packages on Amazon. Formulated for adult cats with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Foods with cat essential vitamins and minerals is great!
Fatty acids are needed for healthy skin and coats.
Avoid artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
Look for foods with the correct balance of protein vs carbohydrates. Too many starchy ingredients suggests that the carbohydrates are high.
Look for foods that replicate a wild cat’s diet.
Offer variety and a mix of foods.
Raw meats are good, so long as they are fresh!
Cat’s with sensitive digestion or urinary tracts require low PH, low magnesium foods.
The addition of cat probiotics helps with digestion.
You will get what you pay for- cheaper often means a product less nutritious.
Avoid GMO products.
Choose the Best Cat Food Conclusion
We recommend that if unsure, or your cat reacts to certain foods, to seek veterinary advice.
Hopefully, your precious feline won’t be dragging rats into your home any time soon! If kept well fed with one of the Cat Food Advisor top 10 best cat foods, then that should not happen. You should now be an expert on How to Choose the Best Cat Food!
A Final Word
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