Proteins are absolutely essential for cats since these animals are obligate carnivores. Protein is responsible for maintaining muscle tone, promoting the normal functioning of the immune system, and carrying out desensitizing effect in some cases.

Cat protein particularly contains a number of essential amino acids that cats cannot synthesize from non-protein nitrogen sources as perTricky (2004). Apart from protein inclusion, manufacturers should also provide cats with certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are essential for maintaining overall health and everything from healthy skin and coat function to proper cognitive and visual development.

As a result, this means that manufacturers should have knowledge about the content of nutrients, vitamins, fats, and fatty acids and implement cat diets that are balanced in respect of these measures to produce whole cat food. With the understanding of the essence of the food needed for a cat, we can proceed to the discussion of different food types that include the following: dry cat food, wet cat food, and combination of the both.

Dry Cat Food

According toSanchez-Vazquez, Benzoni, Gomes, Martin, and Tudela (2017), dry cat food, or kibble, is well-appreciated and practical for those owners who need to economically feed their animals. In addition to being convenient and relatively cheap as compared to other meal options, its applicability to storage also raises the popularity of such type of cat food.

At the same time, it is widely known that dry food helps to reduce tartar formation. The downside of dry food introduction is closely tied to cats that might not like it, since, in combination with the dry food characteristics of some cats not getting enough moisture, cats with urinary tract problems may experience intensified dehydration from eating dry cat food.

Wet Cat Food

Wet cat food has more moisture than dry food and is packed in cans or pouches. It can also help keep your cat hydrated, especially if it is not drinking sufficient water. On the other hand, however, it may be more expensive than dry food, and it may spoil quicker once opened.

Raw Cat Food

Some cat owners feed their cats a raw meal consisting of uncooked meat, organs, and bones. Proponents of the raw feeding regimen argue that it offers the best nutrition and most closely resembles what cats eat in nature. However, raw diets can be difficult to balance and may carry the risk of a bacterial infection when not handled properly.

Homemade Cat Food

Making your cat’s food gives you full control of what your cat eats. However, you will need a vet or an animal nutritionist to ensure that the diet is well-balanced and meets all your cat’s nutritional requirements.

What to Look for on a Cat Food Label?

Here is what you need to know to read and understand the label information:

Look for the following key elements

Make sure the first few components of your cat’s food are high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. This is because the products are listed in descending order of weight. Avoid feeding your cat anything with artificial color, nutrients, or preservatives.

• Guaranteed Analysis: The percentages of minimum protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the food are disclosed here. Based on how old your cat is and how much activity they do, choose the diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.
• Recommended Diet: Make sure you are feeding your cat the right portion by relying on the amount you need per meal stated on the package. Adjust the dose based on your cat’s weight, age, and activity level.

Individual Nutritional Needs

Your cat might sometimes have special dietary needs that require particular food. Below are some common kinds of these special situations.

• Weight Control: A low-calorie, low-fat weight-management diet might be suitable for your overweight or obese cat.
• Sensitive Stomach: A few-ingredient, highly digestible diet free of common allergens like dairy and grains might work for a cat with a sensitive stomach.
• Health of the Urine: a diet promoting urinary health, such as one which reduces the pH of urine by adding more acid or basic ingredients, might be suitable for cats with urinary troubles.

The proper food always depends on your cat’s general health and well-being. You can ensure that your feline friend receives the well-balanced diet by knowing your cat’s specific nutritional needs, researching and comparing different cat food types, closely reading labels, and taking the special diet need into account.

Don’t forget to talk through with your veterinarian for advice that is tailored for the exact requirement and health condition of your cat. Your cat can stay by your side, enjoying a long, happy, and healthy life as long as it gets the right nutrition.