As a cat parent, your number one priority is the health and well-being of your precious feline. What you put into your body reflects on the outside; the same mentality goes for your cat. It’s easy to get distracted by everything in the market, but today, we’re here to narrow down your options so you know precisely what kinds of cat food you should get and which ones you should avoid. At the end of the day, you want to get nutritionally balanced cat food AND something your cat would enjoy, which is not as challenging as you might think!

What Ingredients Should You Look For When You Buy Cat Food?

• The first step is to consult your veterinarian about your cat’s dietary needs compared to their age. From there, you should make a note of critical ingredients your cat would need, some of which include:
  • Protein
  • Natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and other high-quality carbs like rice and oats 
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
• Canned or dry food is usually the best option for cat food. This is because canned food has more moisture which is helpful for the cats out there that don’t drink enough water. Dry food is also beneficial for cats because of its balanced nutritional value. 
• You may not have thought about life stages regarding your cat’s food. It goes without saying that kittens have different nutritional needs than adult/senior cats, so it’s vital to check whether or not the pet food label says something that ensures life stage inclusivity. 

What Kinds Of Cat Food Should You Avoid?

• If you see peas or other legumes as part of the top ten ingredients, put that can back on the shelf! These ingredients can cause certain types of heart disease among cats, so it’s best to avoid those food labels. 
• You should avoid cat food labels with food dyes and other artificial ingredients. Ingredients like these have almost no nutritional value, which doesn’t contribute to a well-balanced diet for your cat.
• Like most raw food, raw food has bacteria that can harm your cat if they ingest it. Better to avoid raw food and buy canned or dry food for your cat!

Caudle Vet Clinic provides compassionate care for all your furry friends! We offer many services for Nashville’s dogs and cats, including an onsite pharmacy and a bathing/boarding facility. With over 45 years of experience in small animal practice, our team is equipped with the latest technology that lets us provide your pet with thorough diagnostic care. If your cat experiences an allergic reaction to their food or is due for an annual checkup, contact us at (615) 227- 6230. We’re here for your pet during every stage of their life!