Do you want to give your cat the very best quality of life possible? A well cared for pet can live many years beyond the average lifespan if fed and cared for properly. If you want to ensure the best health for your cat, the best way to do this is to guard their diet carefully. Pamper your cat with the best in kitty kibble. Avoid greasy table scraps, and make sure your feline friend gets plenty of exercise.
With so many kitty kibble brands and treats on the market, it can be confusing deciding which is best for your cat. Here are a few things you should look for when shopping for your kitty kibble, as well as advice on how to feed your cat.
1. Examine the protein content in the kibble. This is the number one indicator as to the quality of kitty kibble. Does the kitty kibble use high-quality animal sources, or is its protein derived mainly from substitutes like plant materials? Cats are naturally carnivores, and they crave protein from high-quality animal sources like lamb and chicken.
2. Look at the fiber content in the kibble. Although fiber in itself is not bad, too much of it can indicate a lower-quality kibble. Fibrous sources and materials are often used as "filler" ingredients in the lowest quality cat kibble. Very high levels of fiber are not particularly healthy for your cat, either. High levels of fiber have been linked to a lowered immune response and allergic reactions.
3. Avoid artificial preservatives. With the amount of high-quality kibble available today on the market, there's no reason why you should settle for a kibble that is loaded with artificial preservatives. Check the label carefully. Many kibbles add artificial preservatives to preserve the fats and oils in the kibble. You should also avoid kibble that lists artificial flavoring in their ingredient list, especially BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin, which have been linked to cancer and liver diseases in cats.
4. Look for kitty kibble rich in whole foods, such as vegetables and whole grains like barley and brown rice. Your cat needs the nutrients provided by fresh vegetables and whole grains. Avoid kibble that lists some type of 'meal' at the tops of their ingredients list, as in 'corn meal' or 'soy meal.' Kibbles who rely on miscellaneous meals probably indicate a lower quality kibble, as many meals simply consist mainly of filler ingredients.
5. Look for high quality oils such as fish oil or flaxseed oil. Like all creatures, cats need to consume fats, but you should actively avoid kibbles that don't list their source of animal fats.
6. A good rule of thumb: Avoid kibbles that list several ingredients that you do not recognize. When looking for the best kibble, always examine the ingredients list. If the ingredients list is loaded with ingredients you have never heard of or cannot pronounce it's best to move on. Chances are the kibble is loaded with chemicals, artificial preservatives, and inexpensive flavoring ingredients.
7. Don't just choose the most expensive kibble on the market, expecting quality. While it's true that kibble that uses high quality ingredients is generally more expensive than lower quality brands, you should not simply choose the most expensive kibble you can find. When choosing kitty kibble, you should take into consideration your cat's life stage, age, activity level, special dietary concerns, and their own expressed preferences. Take the time to study the ingredients list—your cat will thank you!
8. Strive to feed your cat at roughly the same time everyday. Cats, more than dogs, are very much creatures of habit. Your cat will feel happy and content knowing exactly when her next feeding is on its way. Feeding your cat every day will also help put your cat on a schedule that will help regulate her digestive system.
9. Feed your cat dry kibble on a regular basis. Cats are notoriously picky eaters, so you may be tempted to feed your cat a moist diet. But snacking on dry, crunchy food like kitty kibble will keep your cat's teeth healthy and clean, and is often much easier on their digestive system. If you need to change your cat's diet or switch kibble brands, do so gradually, mixing in a bit of the new food with her old food until the switch has been made completely.
