5 Food Ingredients Essential for Your Cat

 

Reading the ingredient label on a bag or can of cat food can be almost as intimidating as trying to buy healthy foods for the human members of your household. As a general rule, remember that the percentages of ingredients that the food contains are nearly as important as the actual components.  The ingredients that are listed first are the ones that are the heaviest.

First, look for the source of protein, which may be the first item on the ingredient label. Do not settle for a food that merely lists “meat” as the protein source. You need a food that goes into greater specifics. It’s far better to choose a food that features a named protein source, such as chicken, beef or salmon. Cats must have protein to thrive, because they are carnivorous. Unlike humans, they do not require carbohydrates for survival.

Fats are essential cat food ingredients because they help your cat get crucial fatty acids. Although fats are important for helping your feline have healthy fur and skin, fatty acids are necessary for helping your pet's brain and spinal cord work properly.

Look for sources of fiber, too. Fruits and vegetable ingredients will help your cat get the fiber it needs, so you may notice beet or apple pulp on the label of your cat food. Cats need adequate fiber for good digestive health and to help them have stools that are the right consistency. The latter benefit should certainly be helpful when cleaning your cat's litter box. Furthermore, a type of fiber called cellulose is sometimes added to cat foods as a hairball preventative. If you have a long-haired cat, or otherwise notice that the cat seems to frequently get hairballs, it's worthwhile to specifically look for that source of fiber.

Check to see if your feline’s food contains taurine, too. Taurine is an amino acid that cats must get from the things they eat. Unlike other animals such as dogs that can synthesize taurine from other amino acids, cats have to get it from their diets. If cats do not get enough taurine, they may suffer eye and heart damage. Visit this website to learn more about pet vet service in San Jose.