Top Ten Cat Health Guide

Choosing the Right Diet for Your Cat

Food and Diet

Overview and Facts

Overview

Idiosyncrasies of the Feline Diet

Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores that have evolved to a diet that is high in fat and protein and relatively low in carbohydrates.

Facts

The Need For Taurine in the Feline Diet

Taurine is one of eleven essential amino acids required by cats and its requirement has been known for over 20 years.

A well balanced diet can help your cat to live a long and healthy life. With so many different types of pet food diets on the market today, it can be very confusing trying to figure out which diet is best for your cat. The following guidelines and recommendations can help you to choose the right diet for your feline friend.

Homemade Diets Not Always More Nutritious or Safe

The debate on whether or not your pet is better off on a homemade diet is an ongoing one. Without a doubt, feeding a commercially prepared diet is more convenient and more economical.

Feeding the Young Cat

The young cat is particularly susceptible to nutritional imbalances and feeding errors. Dietary habits established after weaning in many ways determine the future health status of a cat.

Feeding Your Aging Pet

Don't put your pet on a senior food or a "light" diet just because it is at a certain age. Diets formulated with the older pet in mind frequently contain fewer calories, 18% less protein and 4% to 6% less fiber.

How to Safely Change Your Cat’s Diet

A cat’s diet will need to be changed at least twice during the cat’s life time. Adult cats will need to eat cat food instead of kitten food, and senior cats will need to eat senior food instead of cat food.

Useful Info

Pet Food Labeling

Comparing pet food quality is not as simple as looking at the label.

Is Unsanitary Food Safer for Pets than Humans?

Some are amazed with their pets because even after eating things that would normally be considered inedible, such as food that has been dropped on the ground, dead fish, and garbage, they seem to survive just fine.

Antioxidants as Pet Food Preservatives

The use of antioxidants in dry foods is essential. Without them, all fats, oils and fat soluble micro-nutrients would rapidly deteriorate and the food would become rancid.