Read The Ingredient List Heres How To Do It The Right Way
Its important to read the ingredient list on cat food labels. Maybe you’ve heard that the first ingredient makes or breaks a food. While this is true in part,
its an overly simplistic analysis method and is exploited by cat food manufacturers to create the illusion of a meat-rich food.
Cat food ingredient lists are written in order of weight.
How Often Should I Feed My Cat
In short, it depends. The frequency of feeding depends on several factors, such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, kittens do best with eating small meals throughout the day, while adult cats are usually fine with eating just twice a day.
Free-choice feeding, in which food is left out all day, is convenient if you are not home for most of the day. However, this feeding method puts cats at risk of overeating and gaining excess weight. Providing meals at specific times of day and in specific amounts will help control your cat’s food intake and prevent overeating.
Your veterinarian can help you come up with a feeding plan that is ideal for your cat.
Cats Basic Nutritional Needs
The order of ingredients is just as critical as the kind of ingredients. Unless your cat is on a special diet for a medical reason, the protein source will always be primary. Other ingredients are in order of their percentage of the total weight. Following are some quick guidelines:
Named Protein Source
Protein is one of the most important ingredients to look for in cat foods: a specific protein source other than unnamed meat. Look for turkey, chicken, lamb, salmon, and named organs such as chicken heart and chicken liver.
Specific Carbohydrates or Fillers
Cats are obligate carnivores, and they need to have meat to thrive. They dont need plenty of carbohydrates, and some even have trouble digesting carbs. It may trigger food allergies in some cats. However, most dry foods have carbohydrates as the fillers to hold the other ingredients together.
Experts recommend avoiding grains wherever possible. Cats are carnivores and simply do not need corn or wheat in their diets. Corn is a cheap filler, and many felines are allergic to wheat. Try looking for carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, green peas, or potato starch.
Named Fat Source
Look for a named fat source on the label, such as chicken fat. You may also notice sunflower oil, or other oils listed, typically in premium foods.
Vitamins and Minerals
Many cat food manufacturers add Vitamin C and Vitamin E as preservatives, along with other minerals and vitamins.
Taurine
Read Also: When To Introduce Food To Kittens
Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Indoor Grain
When animals are suffering fromallergies or dry skin they need to have very light ingredients in diet recipes.Each recipe must have one protein source and one carbohydrate source made up ofpotatoes and peas.
Also, this diet helps to eliminate dry skin and sort out stomach issues. You can get this best cheap cat food from Amazon at a very affordable price.
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe
Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product,
American Journey Turkey and Chicken Recipe is a grain-free dry food ideal for active cats. This kibble contains real, deboned turkey as the primary ingredient, wholesome fruits and vegetables, and deboned chicken. It features antioxidants for a healthy immune system, taurine for a healthy heart and eyes, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Additionally, this product is free from fillers like poultry by-products, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial preservatives. Its one of the best affordable cat foods on the market.
Recommended Reading: Can A Cat Recover From A Stroke
Why Brands Like Meow Mix Arent On This List
If price is the only variable that matters then grocery store brands or cheap options like Meow Mix are going to be the clear winner. Heck, you can pick up a bag of Meow Mix for $0.73 per pound which is a price that will be almost impossible to beat.
But lets look at the first five ingredients inside Meow Mix:
Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Beef Tallow
Well go into more detail on this later, but I can tell you that your cats ancient ancestors werent raiding any cornfields when they were hungry. Instead, they tracking down small game for a protein! And protein is one of several things that are missing from this and many other super-cheap cat foods.
As is often the case, going too cheap in one area can cause problems somewhere else.
Its no different for your cat. Cheap cat food can have a cost thats a lot greater than the price tag and it comes in the form of your cats health. Low-quality cat food can cause obesity, an increased chance of diabetes, and other health concerns.
That means more trips to the veterinarian which also means more money. In a roundabout way, you have the potential to actually save money by upping the quality of your cat food.
Best Nutrients For Kittens Adults And Seniors
When it comes to cat food, cats are roughly divided into three age groups kitten, adult and senior. Kittens need more energy-producing nutrients like proteins and fats and more vitamins, minerals and water than adult cats, said Ferris. Formulas made specifically for kittens provide these nutrients in the right amounts.Most cats will move from kitten kibbles to adult food on their first birthday.
Ferris recommended that pet owners gradually introduce new food over a week to help avoid upsetting your feline friends stomach. Adult cat food likely has less calories than kitten cuisine, while senior food will likely be geared toward the specific health of your cat they might have trouble chewing or a reduced ability to smell and taste, for example. If the food you choose is not agreeing with your cat, it will be obvious: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss are some of the telltale signs, says Kornreich.
Don’t Miss: White Persian Kittens For Sale
Wet Cat Food Provides The Hydration Your Cat Requires
Think of the last time you ate popcorn without anything to drink on the side. Thats a rough representation of how your cat feels on a dry diet. Most dry cat foods have less moisture than a bowl full of unbuttered popcorn and cats rarely drink enough to make up for it.
Having originally dwelt under arid desert conditions, it appears that cats evolved to thrive in a dry environment. This means that they have low thirst drives. Rather than drinking from a puddle, stream, or bowl, they prefer to get their hydration from juicy prey.
The fact that many cats now have water bowls and water fountains does nothing to change the feline desire to drink. When a cat is given a water-depleted diet, they may drink more than they would while eating high-moisture food, but they will not take in enough water to thrive.
The most apparent consequence of chronic dehydration is a tendency to develop feline lower urinary tract disease or FLUTD.
The 7 Best Wet Foods For Your Kitten In 2022
Your furry friend will be healthy and happy eating these quality products
Nick Blackmer began his information-digging career as a library reference assistant, then worked for more than 20 years as a researcher and fact checker in print publishing before moving into digital publishing. Hes worked on content spanning the human life cycle, from pregnancy to palliative care and many points in between.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce Pets / Candace Madonna
Kittens are growing cats, so their nutritional needs are different than adult cats. Wet foods designed specifically for kittens will help them grow healthy and strong, allow for chewing and swallowing even if they dont have all their teeth, and are a great way to wean them off of nursing.
Overall, wet foods are great for kittens. “Cats should be introduced to wet food early,” says Dr. Kerri Blackburn of Rivers Edge Animal Hospital in Rock Hill, South Carolina. “Many common diseases/illnesses that cats can get as they progress through life can be managed well with increased moisture in canned diets.” Also, as creatures that evolved in the desert, she says cats are not programmed to drink a lot, so feeding them canned food helps increase water intake.
Recommended Reading: Cheristin For Cats Vs Advantage
Iams Proactive Health Healthy Adult Original With Chicken Dry Cat Food
- Cost is higher than wet and canned foods
- Food must be kept cold until served which makes travel difficult
Smalls food for cats is a subscription service, prepared with 100% human grade ingredients. You can create a customized meal plan for your cats based on their age, health goal, and current food and have freshly prepared food delivered to your door.
Smalls buys all of their ingredients the same day they cook it and then freeze it right away. They also cook on a weekly basis so the food coming to you is never old. All of Smalls ingredients are sourced from 100% USDA certified human grade suppliers.
Smalls currently offers 3 fresh recipe flavors in pate or minced, and can mix and match the foods depending on your cats preference. Their food is free from preservatives, fillers, grains, and artificial flavors.
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
Produced in the United States. This formula contains some of the finest ingredients from trusted sources all over the world. There is a high-quality protein in this food to support your cats healthy growth with lean muscles and a strong heart.
The unique shape helps your cat pick up and eat this kibble. And theyll get 100% balanced nutrition in every portion. Its packed full of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. This helps regulate the digestive system, support the immune system, and improve skin and coat health.
There are eight different sizes available that you can tailor to your cats needs. Additionally, the dry format of this formula ensures that it stays fresh for a longer time. The first cup will be as crunchy as the last. And the bag is durable enough to lock moisture out.
Your cat will enjoy the flavors of salmon, turkey, ocean fish, and tuna in every serving. This flavor profile also adds variety to their diet. There is slightly lower protein content. This ensures that your cat stays at a slender and healthy weight throughout their lives.
Pros
Also Check: How Old Male Cat Neuter
First Always Calculate The Cost Per Cup Whenever Youre Shopping For Dry Cheap Cat Food
It takes two easy steps to calculate the price per cup of your dry cat food:
The final number from Step 2 is your price per cup. And by the way, you shouldnt pay more than $0.26 per cup when it comes to dry cat food. Set your sights there, and your options will include:
See this weeks best pet deals here.
Top Recommended Cat Food Brands By Price
Now that you have a better understanding of what goes into commercial cat foods and what factors affect their price, you may be curious to know exactly how much cat food costs at different price points. Even among super premium cat foods at the high end of the spectrum and cheap cat foods at the low end, there is still a great deal of variety in price. The cat food brands reviewed below represent one of the best brands at each price point.
Also Check: Alternative To Hills Cd Cat Food
Affordable Healthy Cat Food: Our Top 4 Picks
Your cat is your family member, and naturally, you want to feed him the best food to keep him both happy and healthy. Your vet may have recommended some top foods, or your friends might be feeding their cats a quality food that you want to try. But some of those premium cat foods can be too expensive for your budget. The good news is that plenty of healthy cat foods out there are affordably priced. Weve highlighted four of the best-quality affordable wet cat food and dry cat food options to help you get started.
Our Final Thoughts On Best Cat Food
Whether dry kibble, raw or wet food, ingredients are what matter the most when choosing the best diet for your cat. As a quick walkthrough in the cat food world always check the label and remember:
- A high-quality animal-based protein source as first ingredients.
- Less than 10% of calories should come from carbohydrates.
- Unspecified meats and by-products are a definite no-no.
- Essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are a plus.
- GMO ingredients, unnecessary fillers, and artificial additives must be avoided.
With these general guidelines in mind, you are ready to find the best cat food for your pet and your budget. And do not forget, if your feline friend has a chronic condition or specific dietary requirements, talk to your vet before purchasing on Amazon or Chewy.
You May Like: How To Bandage A Cat’s Spay Incision
Does Wet Cat Food Need To Be Refrigerated
Yes, it might be necessary to refrigerate cat canned food once you open it. This is because some elements contained in an ingredient list can spoil after opening. Refrigerating is essential for preserving wet cat canned food.
Despite this, it is worth noting that cats dont tend to enjoy cold food. To solve this issue, you can put the serving of your feline friend inside a microwavable dish, wrap it with some plastic wrap and then warm it shortly in a low setting. Avoid over-heating, as cats dont like hot food either, and you wouldnt want to risk any burns. Alternatively, allow the food to warm to room temperature before serving.
Purina One Tender Selects Blend With Real Chicken Dry Cat Food
- Contains by products
Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food offers crunchy bites and meaty tender morsels, with real chicken as the first ingredient for lean protein to support healthy muscles and energy. This vet-recommended formula for adult cats is made with no fillers and has essential vitamins, minerals and taurine for overall health and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and soft coat.
Purina kibble has a crunchy texture that helps scrub tartar with every bite to keep teeth clean and healthy. This cat food is manufactured in facilities in the USA.
Recommended Reading: How To Get My Cat To Drink Water
Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
No matter if your cat likes chicken, beef, or turkey, this variety pack can help keep them full. There are small bites in this formula that come specially designed to fit your cats mouth.
The thick gravy adds a lot of moisture to each serving. And the soft texture is easy for your cats system to handle without digestive upset. It gets slow-cooked at lower temperatures to help protect the vitamin, mineral, and nutrient content of each serving.
Every serving gives your cat 100% of the nutrients they need to support healthy growth. The lean protein content helps your cat develop healthy muscles while keeping their cardiovascular system in top shape. Your cats skin and coat health can improve with this food due to the fatty acid content that nourishes it.
Each ingredient in this formula comes from trusted sources. The cooking process goes through rigorous quality control standards to ensure its as healthy as possible. Finally, the three different flavor profiles allow you to mix and match to stop your cat from getting bored with the same food day in and day out.
Pros
- Comes in a thick gravy with a high moisture content
Cons
Fancy Feast Flaked Fish & Shrimp Feast
Top 5 Ingredients: Ocean Fish, Fish Broth, Shrimp, Vegetable Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate
Turn mealtime into a big feast with Fancy Flaked Fish & Shrimp. The formula has vitamins, minerals, and taurine to enhance your cats health. Its low-carbohydrate recipe is perfect for owners who want a cost-effective option.
This product contains broth and keeps your friend hydrated. It provides a completely balanced meal and features real meat for the high protein nutrition your cat needs. Its also low in calories, which can help diabetic cats to lose weight.
Don’t Miss: Inexpensive Cat Food That Is Healthy
Benefits Of Wet Cat Food
In addition to aiding hydration, and avoiding unnecessary carbohydrates, wet food boasts many other health benefits:
- Variety of flavors and textures Like humans, kittens can be very fussy eaters. Over time, they can become bored of consuming the same type of food for cats. Fortunately, moist pet food not only has more flavor but also boasts a stronger scent. This makes them a more attractive option for cats.
- Effortless to chew Wet food tends to be a great choice for kittens with mouth problems or teeth issues that can make it challenging to chew dry pet food.
- Higher protein content Wet food is handy when it comes to helping promote muscle mass and bone strength, thanks to the main ingredients being rich in animal protein.
- Less processed Wet cat food undergoes fewer processing stages than dry food. A less processed option provides a healthier, more natural product.
Sams Club Has The Cheapest Dry Cat Food: Meow Mix Cat Food For $019 Per Cup And Thats A Regular Price
Shocking none of the retailers who specifically cater to pets were the ones who had the best prices on dry cat food.
Instead, Sams Club tops our list of the best everyday value on cat food, with this 32-pound box of Meow Mix for $23.78.
The savings on cat food alone could justify the cost of a $45 per year Sams Club membership. Learn how to get a free Sams Club membership.
And even if you dont become a member, you can still shop SamsClub.com . Even then, Sams Club cat food would only cost $0.20 per cup.
See this weeks best Meow Mix deals here.
Don’t Miss: Pet Insurance Ma For Cats