Is Fish-Flavored Cat Food Bad for Cats?

Cats are finicky creatures. They may turn their noses up at the highest priced cat food available one moment, and dig through the trash the next. There are, however, certain standards and guidelines that should be followed when choosing a food to feed your cat.

  1. Nutrition Information

    • According to the ASPCA, a cat should be fed "complete, high-quality food made by a reputable manufacturer, approved in feeding trials by the American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO)." All pet food has a nutrition label, which should be examined thoroughly.

    Ingredients to Look For

    • The first ingredient in cat food should be an animal protein. Chicken, fish, beef or another type of animal protein makes the food a winner. While other ingredients, like corn, are not necessarily bad for your pet, they are harder for the cat to digest and he will eat more of it to try to get the nutrition he needs.

    Other Things To Examine

    • The cat food label should have a "guaranteed analysis" of percentages of protein, carbohydrates and necessary nutrients. In this panel, the dry weight protein should be listed as 26 percent or higher for an average adult cat.

    Flavor Doesn't Matter

    • The flavor of cat food does not matter. Some cats do not like fish-flavored products, while others can't stand the taste of chicken. What matters is that there are healthy ingredients in the cat food.

    The AAFCO Label

    • The AAFCO will provide a statement somewhere on the packaging, attesting to how nutritious the food is for your cat. If this statement is not present, the food is probably not a wise investment.