What Should I Feed my Cat?
If you’re a cat owner, you’ll know that choosing what to feed your cat takes a bit of planning. With so much choice in the pet food aisles, finding a balanced diet that suits the needs of your cat can be a confusing process. Here, we look at some of the things you’ll need to consider.
Every cat is different and their dietary requirements change as they grow older.
- Kittens eat around 3-4 times per day
- Adult cats eat between 2-3 meals. Adults also have varying activity levels, so what is sufficient for one cat, may not suit another.
It’s important to get the balance right so your feline friend can stay agile, bright-eyed and purrfectly happy.
They love to graze!
Most cats like to graze, so leaving dry food out for them is an easy option. However, if you notice your cat is putting on weight, reach out to your vet who will be able to give you advice specific to your feline friend. If you like to feed a combination of wet and dry foods, this should be removed after 20 – 30 mins if not consumed to ensure the food is not spoilt, especially in warmer climates.
But what is the healthiest diet for a cat?
- Meat and fish are key – Unlike their omnivorous canine counterparts, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they can’t survive without meat in their diets. Their bodies need certain amino acids, such as taurine, which can be found in proteins such as meat and fish.
- Natural, minimally processed food – At Applaws, we use prime cuts of human grade chicken breast and fish fillets in our wet food that contain natural taurine and arginine, the amino acids that keep your feline its best. Read more about our ingredients here.
- All the senses – Unlike humans, cats choose their food based on smell, texture and how they feel once they start to digest it, rather than on taste. Natural cat food is always better received than cheaper foods that contain low-grade meat and lots of preservatives.
- Variety – We recommend feeding a combination of wet and dry cat foods. Complete dry food helps scrape and clean the teeth, helping to promote better oral health. Wet food is full of moisture and, as cats are prone to kidney problems as they age, can help ensure they stay hydrated. Make sure to read the labels carefully to ensure your cat is getting a complete diet. Click here to read more about complimentary vs. complete foods.
- Hydrate – To accompany their meal, provide plenty of fresh water, but avoid milk, as most cats are lactose intolerant. We know, surprising, isn’t it! Applaws broth products can also be used as a topper for dry food to boost hydration as they include a lovely natural broth.
Most owners are tuned into their cats and know when it’s time to make small adjustments to their eating habits. If in doubt, ask your vet for advice specific to your cat. Of course, diet is only one factor that contributes to a healthy feline. Lots of enriching, active play and a safe home will ensure lots of loving snuggles and contented purring. If you’re keen to learn more about Applaws, click here or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll be happy to help.
Explore our Range
