The Best Food to Feed a Cat

What to feed a cat is a controversial topic. Some experts argue prepared foods are best because they are balanced to meet a cat's nutritional needs. Some veterinarians recommend dry foods, others are adamant about feeding moist foods. Some experts say prepared foods are not best for cats and pet guardians should provide felines with a homemade diet. There are some general guidelines and considerations, however, as you make the decision about what foods are best for your pet's health and happiness.

  1. Age

    • The age of your cat will be a factor in deciding what, how much and how often your cat should eat. Cats have different nutritional needs as kittens, adults and seniors.

    Body Condition

    • Consider your cat's weight. Overweight cats need different types and amounts of food than underweight cats. A cat whose weight is just about right has even different nutritional needs.

    Health

    • Certain medical conditions can be treated and controlled by diet. If you cat is diabetic, has allergies, has digestive issues or has other health concerns, these must be factors in considering what foods to feed your pets. In the case of a chronic medical condition, your veterinarian may prescribe a particular food for your pet.

    Meat

    • Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat animal products to survive. A few pet guardians have reported successfully feeding their cats vegetarian diets. However, this is a risky diet for a cat. Cats require several items in their diets that are only available in animal products. One of these is preformed Vitamin A, which may be listed in pet food ingredients as retinyl palmitate. Ingredients on prepared foods should always have real meat sources listed as chicken, beef, turkey, etc. "Meat" or "meat by-product" in this ingredients list doesn't suffice. Meat should be listed as the first ingredient.

    Ingredients

    • Check lists of ingredients on prepared foods. Cats need taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in their diets. Foods with preservatives such as ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole should not be fed. Cat foods should contain little, if any, grains and vegetables.

    Homemade

    • Many experts are now recommending pet guardians use homemade diets made from human-grade food products for their pets. However, if you choose to go this route, it is important your homemade diet consist of foods that meet all the nutritional needs of your pets. Do your homework about how to prepare a homemade diet and learn about what combinations of foods and ingredients are necessary to meet a cat's needs.