Keeping your cat healthy and happy begins with a diet that is focused on optimal nutrition and pure ingredients. We hope that our curated list helps you find the best formulas for your feline friend depending on their specific needs and your specific wants. Vitamins and minerals are added but, as HiLife points out, that can be necessary to ensure your cat gets all of the nutrients he needs in his diet. Dry foods are usually the most economical and easiest for you to feed and store. Dry cat food can be left out all day for your cat to nibble on and is beneficial for their teeth and gums. What's key is the amount you feed your furry companion, as pet obesity is rapidly on the rise. Dry foods obviously have a longer shelf life than canned or fresh foods and should be kept in a cool, dry, airtight container and opened canned diets not consumed should be refrigerated,” says Machell.

Our unique survey reveals how popular cat food brands, including Iams, James Wellbeloved, Royal Canin, Purina One and Whiskas were rated by customers. Animal by-products are one of the most misunderstood ingredients in cat food. While many common by-products are highly nourishing and delectable to cats, digestibility and quality control are major concerns.Wellness Complete emphasizes that this recipe supports the 5 signs of kitty wellness—a lustrous skin and coat, a healthy stomach, bright eyes, strong teeth and gums, and plenty of energy and immune health. If you do choose this option, look for a supplier who is a member of UK Petfood ( https://www.ukpetfood.org/), (formerly the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association) so that you can be sure that certain standards are adhered to. Can I feed my cat on home-prepared food? There are no definite rules, due to the variation in individual metabolisms between different animals. The best answer is to weigh your pet and start with the mid-range of the amount recommended on the label for that body weight. We mentioned earlier that HiLife makes both complete cat foods and complementary foods. Many cats love complementary foods but they don’t contain all of the nutrients your cat needs in his diet. If you feed your cat a complementary food, you have to feed it in conjunction with complete meals so your cat will have a healthy diet.

Food for cats up to one year of age should have higher levels of vitamins and proteins, designed to promote healthy growth.Pet obesity is the top welfare concern for vets. According to Cats.org.uk, overweight cats are usually defined as being more than 15% over their ideal weight. While menhaden fish oil is the primary added fat in this recipe, herring also supplies animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids. Both are strong sources of DHA, which contributes to brain and eye development in kittens. Omega-3s also play an important role in supporting healthy skin and coats in cats. It is more helpful to assess quality by observing a cat’s enjoyment eating the food, as well as their health. A cat on a poor diet tends to have poorer digestive health, with occasional vomiting, and frequent bulky or loose droppings. A high quality diet creates improved digestive health, with better formed, less frequent motions. Alternatively, you can offer your cat a daily dental chew, or daily toothbrushing is the ideal if you can train your cat to tolerate this attention. Is it worth paying more for expensive cat food?

Read on to find the best healthy food fit for your cat—depending on their age, their preferences, and your family’s lifestyle. Our List Dry cat food, also known as kibble or biscuits, can also be highly palatable. One of the main reasons for obesity in cats is the fact that many carers leave a full bowl of cat kibble out continually, using an ad libitum self-feeding routine. The lower moisture level makes dry food cheaper to transport and store, and it’s more convenient and less messy for cat carers. What is the difference between kitten, adult and senior cat foods? Wet (or moist) food tends to be more palatable than dry food, and a wet diet increases a cat’s fluid intake, which is recommended by vets for cats with a number of health issues. Don't forget to find out the best pet insurance for your cat. Also a dog owner? See the best dog food brands. How to choose the best cat food Have a cat with food allergies or a sensitive stomach? Then a grain-free formula might be the perfect fit! We landed on Purina Beyond’s Grain-Free formula as the best grain-free option for cats. “With Purina, you know that you are getting food that is the result of decades of solid research,” says Dr. Wooten. “This food contains cod, which is high in good quality protein, low in calories, and rich in B Vitamins.”Cheaper foods tend to include poorer quality ingredients. It can be impossible to judge this from reading the ingredients on a cat food label, since these often follow legal definitions of what needs to be written, rather than describing food items that most consumers are familiar with. Contains high-quality fiber, fatty acids, and antioxidants for healthy digestion, skin and coat, and immune system support Some recent research has suggested that if cats are fed wet food, they may be less likely to hunt so prolifically. If owners are concerned about their cats preying on garden birds, they may wish to try feeding more wet food to see if this reduces the level of hunting. Is dry food better for cats’ teeth? Given the farm-fresh nature of the ingredients, customers should be especially mindful of any “best before” dates before offering it to their cat

Caru’s grain-free Turkey Stew is made with a single source of animal protein: fresh turkey. The food is gently cooked in turkey broth for flavor and moisture, so it supports your cat’s hydration as well. That said, some reviewers comment that the food contains too much liquid and verges on soupy. When it comes to the texture of cat food, your cat has the final say. It also doesn’t hurt that the dry matter carbohydrate content of this recipe is very low, under 5%. Is this cat food nutritionally balanced? (Does it carry an AAFCO statement, and is it meeting at least the minimum nutritional requirements for my cat’s life stage?)

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All cats have individual dietary needs, and some cats may require special diets due to certain medical conditions or digestive issues. Machell explains that a medical diagnosis from your veterinarian may bring about a dietary change. This is common in the management of certain conditions such as kidney disease or allergies. In these cases, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to find the best cat food for your pet’s specific needs. Take Cost Into Account Additionally, we consulted three veterinarians to compile our cat food recommendations. These experts include: There are very few ingredients in this food. It contains: dolphin friendly tuna loin (45 percent), tapioca starch, and minerals. It has cassia gum as an additive. As mentioned in a previous HiLife review, cassia gum is often used to add texture and stability to pet food. It is approved by the European Food Safety Authority for this purpose in pet food. According to HiLife, this food can be fed every day as a treat. Be sure to feed a complete diet when feeding your cat treats such as HiLife PERFECTION Flaked Tuna Loin and monitor your cat’s overall calorie intake. Beyond this, it's really about what your individual pet likes the taste of and how much you are willing to spend. Wet vs dry cat food