Why Dry Kitten Food
Kittens are like babies in many ways, but with a few key differences. Unlike human babies and even older cats, kittens have very sensitive stomachs and often have trouble digesting some of the ingredients in adult cat food, especially wet food.
Dry cat food is an excellent option for kittens because its good for their teeth and protein digestion. These days, it is clinically tested for the proper energy-dense formula necessary for optimum health.
How Can I Know Im Selecting A High
Mindy Bough, CVT, senior director of client services for the Midwest Office of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals emphasizes the importance of high-quality kitten food. I dont recommend generic or store brands, Bough says. Buy from a reputable company — one that veterinarians recommend more frequently, she says. Research has determined these kitten foods provide excellent health.
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But how can you be certain a kitten food is of high quality? One way is by checking the label. It should at least contain the following: Meets the nutritional requirements of kittens established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials . AAFCO is a group of state and federal officials who regulate pet food. Even better, look for this: Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trials. Complete and balanced nutrition means your kitten will require no mineral or vitamin supplementation. In fact, remember that too much of a good thing can be bad for your kitten, causing severe medical problems. Use supplements only if your veterinarian recommends them.
Also use caution with homemade diets. For example, all-meat homemade diets can be low in calcium, leading to a mineral imbalance that causes hyperparathyroidism, a disease more common in rapidly growing kittens. If you use a homemade diet, make sure its been formulated by a reputable nutritionist, Bough says.
Never Change The Food Suddenly
Always change food over gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Do not change 100% of your cats food suddenly unless you have been instructed to do so by your vet. Sudden changes in your cats diet are dangerous as they can cause them to have an upset tummy with vomiting and diarrhea.
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Wellness Core Dry Kitten Food
Wellness Core dry cat food was designed to give your kitten everything they need to grow up big and strong. Its full of nutritional value, including taurine, zinc, and fatty acids that are important for the growth and development of kittens.
This food is low-glycemic, so that it wont cause spikes in blood sugar or insulin.
Its also low in carbohydrates and has a high protein content , which makes it the perfect choice for people who want to feed their kittens a grain-free diet.
There are also no artificial preservatives or flavors, which is good news for sensitive cats.
Wellness Core Kitten Formula Dry Food
Wellness takes a holistic approach to feeding time, crafting its foods with a focus natural ingredients and no fillers. Turkey and chicken are the first ingredients in this tasty kibble for kittens. The recipe includes DHA omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to promote brain development.
Wellness Core Kitten Formula Dry Food
Your kitten will enjoy chicken and turkeyalong with vitamins and mineralsin this grain-free kibble. To keep the flavors exciting, this formula also features dried kelp and cranberries, providing additional fiber and antioxidants to your growing baby.
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How Much To Feed A Kitten
Now you know what to feed a kitten, but how much should you feed her? The kitten feeding guide on the back of the package will tell you how much to feed your kitten.
If youre feeding dry kibble, you can put an entire days serving out at once or divide in half and feed her twice a day.
You can also divide wet food in half and feed her twice a day. Any leftovers in her bowl should be discarded. You can store an open can of wet food in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it up to room temperature before serving.
The chart below can help you determine how much to feed your kitten. Refer to your kittens food packaging and consult with your veterinarian to ensure your kitten is getting the correct amount of calories each day.
How To Feed Kittens
Cats are creatures of habit, so getting into a regular routine as soon as possible is best for both you and your kitten. Feed your kitten in the same place and at the same times each day, in a quiet area where they can relax, well away from their litter tray.
Choose a surface that can be easily cleaned, or use a kitten feeding mat, and always use a clean bowl, as cats are very particular creatures at heart. Some kittens may prefer to eat from a flat bowl or saucer this can also help slow down fast eaters!
If you have more than one kitten, make sure their feeding bowls are a reasonable distance apart to avoid any confrontation. If your kittens really dont get along, you may even need to have completely separate feeding areas to keep the peace.
When it comes to cat feeding, try to serve wet food at room temperature, as it smells more attractive and is easier to digest. This means taking it out of the fridge an hour or so before feeding. Its fine to use the microwave for a short time to warm it through, but be sure that the food is never hot.
Wet food goes stale quickly so avoid leaving it out. Once opened, dont store wet food for longer than 24 hours, even in the fridge.
Dry food, on the other hand, can be left out during the day without spoiling. Store it in a clean, dry environment, ideally in an airtight container or a resealable box, to keep it tasty and maintain its aromas.
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Cat An Obligatory Carnivore
Cats are hunters and obligate carnivores because of their inherited needs. Their digestive system, teeth and jaws are specically adapted to eat meat. Fish consists of quality source protein, which is necessary in the cat’s diet to prevent from any kind of damage in the body. This delicious food is formulated with the same balance of nutrients providing all the health benets to your cat.
How Often To Feed Your Kitten
Wondering how often to feed your kitten? Kittens need to eat little and often, so offer at least 4 small meals a day initially. It is very rare for kittens to over-eat, so they can also be fed ad-lib, as long as you change the food regularly to keep it fresh.
You should monitor your kittens weight daily, to be sure they are getting adequate nutrition. Kittens should gain at least 10grams per day, on average. If your kittens weight gain is less than this or is dropping, contact your vet for advice. Similarly, if their belly looks tucked in, they are crying excessively, or seem cold or weak, you should call your vet straight away.
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Hills Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control Cat Food Best For Urinary Health
For cats that need a helping hand in the urinary department, veterinarians like to reach for Hills. This diet is perfect for cats that are prone to suffering from urinary issues, such as indoor cats and overweight cats. The key feature of this wet cat food is the careful balance of minerals to avoid crystals, sludge, and stones forming in the urinary tract. Struvite is one of the most common crystal types formed in our feline friends, and it is principally made of magnesium, so this is the most important mineral to balance. Being a wet diet, this cat food also encourages a more natural water intake for cats.
Please note that urinary problems can be severe and even fatal in cats. If your cat suffers from urinary issues you should discuss their diet choices with your vet. This food is not a cheaper alternative to the prescription diets, so if your vet prescribes Hills c/d or s/d you should use only that food or ask them for an alternative.
- Not as effective as prescription diets
Feeding Kittens: What When How Much
Experts answer six common questions about kitten food and more.
When it comes to cuteness, few critters can compare to kittens. If youve just acquired a kitten , youre probably learning all about kitten care. You want to do what you can to ensure that your adorable baby grows into a healthy adult. Proper feeding is a big part of the health equation. After the first four weeks of mothers milk, a kitten gradually transitions to kitten food, and is completely weaned at about eight weeks. Heres what you need to know once youve brought your kitten home.
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Royal Canin Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food
Chewy
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Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals
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Comes in 3-, 7-, or 15-pound bags
The best premium dry cat food for adult felines is Royal Canin Indoor Dry. Recommended by Dr. Singleton, it’s formulated with a blend of fiber for digestion and weight maintenance.
This cat food contains optimal portions of chicken meal, animal fat, vegetable fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The highly digestible and metabolizable ingredients keep your adult cat healthy, energized, and satisfied. Be sure to buy this food from a reputable pet retailer as counterfeit versions of this pet food seem to be an issue. If you’re shopping on Amazon, it’s best to make sure the product is being sold and shipped by the manufacturer.
Price at time of publish: $54.14
Weight: 15 pounds| Form: Dry, Pellets | Flavor: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
Why You Shouldnt Feed Cats Kibble
It is not possible for cats to consume large amounts of carbohydrates due to their obligate nature. Kibble, which contains a lot of carbohydrates, is not good for cats. Kibble is not recommended for cats by veterinarians because it can lead to obesity, certain cancers, FLUTD, and other serious health problems in the long run.
The Pros And Cons Of Wet Cat Food
Some veterinarians believe that wet cat food is the best option for several reasons. Even though wet food is more expensive, it can be beneficial for overweight cats suffering from lower urinary tract disease, constipation, or any other condition that impairs their ability to urinate. Dry food is an efficient method of providing calories in thin cats with limited food volume because it requires less food volume, and it can also be used as a feeding medium with food puzzles and food toy dispensers. There are people who feed wet food to their cats because it is easier for them. Dry food, according to Ferris, is cost-effective, odorless, and can be stored for extended periods of time without becoming spoiled. In fact, according to Julien, dry cat food may contain more carbohydrates than wet cat food. Carbs, in fact, are required for the health of cats because they aid in their energy recovery.
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Kitten Food Should Be Rich In Certain Vitamins And Minerals
Compared to adult cats, kittens have slightly different vitamin and mineral needs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens should consume food with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of about 1.0 to 0.8, while adult cats should get a ratio of about 0.6 to 0.5. Kittens also have slightly higher requirements for vitamin A and require slightly greater amounts of the amino acids lysine and tryptophan.
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When To Start Feeding A Kitten Adult Food
Kittens might look grown up by six to eight months, but theyre still kittens on the inside! Their bones are still growing stronger, and their bodies will keep filling out.
Keep feeding them their nutritious kitten food until theyre about 12 months old, when they can make the switch to adult food. Take a look at our guide to feeding an adult cat for more information.
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Why Is Supertails The Favourite Online Dry Cat Food Shop
At Supertails, we understand the dietary requirements of cats, who have biologically evolved from animals of prey to domestic creatures. Their diet requires generous proportions of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. That is why we have collaborated with the best brands in pet care that sell specially formulated dry cat food to provide the necessary nourishment for your pet cat. Supertails recognises the critical points that go into making perfectly healthy dry cat food, making us the most preferred online shopping destination for your cat’s nourishment supplies.
We have carefully curated the best dry cat food brands under one roof. These brands consider all the above factors while formulating nutritionally processed feline foods for your little carnivorous pets.
Look For Foods That Contain All The Nutrients Your Kitty Needs
Kibble is a great option for kittens and adult cats, but a few things to remember when feeding it to kittens who need more protein than an adult cat to grow and develop. So, make sure the food contains all the necessary nutrients that your kitten needs to grow and thrive:
- Protein: They need a good amount of highly digestible protein in their diet to support normal development and provide energy. Protein levels in the best kitten food should be around 35%. Avoid any brands that offer low-protein cat food.
- Calories: Kittens have high energy needs and must put on weight as quickly as possible. You will need to feed them a high-calorie diet of 300-500 calories to achieve this.
- Carbohydrates: Some kitten foods contain a high amount of carbohydrates, leading to obesity and diabetes in older cats. When choosing the food, look for a low-glycemic formula with a low amount of carbohydrates
Dont be afraid to try out different types of food for kittens some have different dietary needs than others. Finally, always buy from a trustworthy brand to provide quality nutrition. From there, youre on your way to raising a happy and healthy kitten!
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We Looked For Dry Cat Food Sold By Reputable Companies
When researching potential inclusions, we looked up every brands recall history and disqualified those with a history of frequent recalls, deception, or secrecy.
Additionally, we studied each brands customer reputation. We referred to Consumer Affairs and product listings to learn more about customers experiences. We also got first-hand experience with the brands customer service by contacting the companies directly. A two-minute phone call can tell you a lot about a cat food company. We gave preference to brands that offered prompt, transparent service.
Best Kitten Dry Food Options
The quality of food is crucial. You should only feed your pet food certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . This cat food will have been tested to ensure your growing kittens nutritional needs are met.
You may find that your kitten isnt a fan of some foods, but dont fret there are plenty of options to appease your finicky felines tastes. And remember, their taste preferences will change over time.
The following list includes some of the best kitten food options.
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Ingredients In Kitten Food
Food for Kitten is specially formulated with very high levels of protein that come from dehydrated chicken and ocean fish, which are essential for proper growth. Kitten food is specially designed to provide more calories, and when the main ingredients are either chicken or fish like salmon or sardines, the calories are going to be higher.
Their daily requirements as growing kittens are determined by their weight. Like
- A 4 pound kitten needs 275 kcal.
- A 6-pound kitten requires 373 kcal.
- A 460-calorie diet is required for an 8-pound kitten.
- 10 pounds of kittens need 545 kcal.
They have important nutrients like fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and many more.
Other than the main ingredient, Food for Kitten contains grains, vegetables, meat and vegetable by-products, nutrient supplements, synthetic thickeners, and flavour enhancers so that they can get every bit of nutrition they need to have strong bones, healthy skin and coat, improved eyesight, and all in all, a happy and healthy cat.
How Many Calories In Dry Cat Food
The label should also indicate how many calories is in the food per serving . Most cats should be eating a minimum of 25-35 calories per pound of their own weight.
That means that a ten pound cat needs at least 250 calories per day and up to 350. An average house cat is around that 10 pound mark in weight and the average dry cat food is around 350 claories per cup.
But, read the label and see how many calories are in the dry cat food you’re looking at.
And, importantly, note that those minimum calorie amounts are generally for a sedentary indoor cat. If you have an active adult cat , you might need to up that minimum to 40 calories per pound and right up to 55-60 per pound for larger active cats.
It’s a bonus if the label also tells you what the source of those calories is, meaning whether they come from protein, fat or carbohydrate.
Generally about one third of each is a good balance, but if one is more dominant it should be calories from protein. And the main source of protein should always be animal proteins, which means natural meat and fish meats and meat prodcuts.
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