What type of food should you feed your cat to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition? What is the best mixture of food to maximise your cat's life span?
Firstly we should examine the diet of a cat in its natural environment. Out in the wild a cat's diet will consist of entirely animal tissue. They would normally eat the bodies of small animals, including all of its stomach content which is jam packed full of nutrients such as fibre that is lacking in an animal's muscle tissue. It's no surprise that cat owners believe that fresh meat is the best food for their pets. Unfortunately this is not true, a diet of fresh meat doesn't provide a whole and balanced diet because they contain hardly any protein and are low in important nutrients like calcium. In all honesty, mainstream cat food may contain more nutrients compared to fresh meat.
Some cat owners also believe that it's safe to feed their cats on a completely vegetarian diet. The answer to this question is simply no! Cat's can't get their vital nutrients from a complete vegetarian meal unlike humans are able to.
Cats were originally specialised hunters, but they have lost this ability during the process of evolution. They are prone to skin problems is they don't get enough fatty acids which can be found in animal flesh alone. Another issue is that a shortage of the amino acid 'taurine' which is vital building block for proteins in the body. This shortage can sadly cause blindness and can even cause heart failure. To put it simply cats are carnivores and need plenty of protein rich foods!
It is alright to feed a cat a premium dry food because they provide the right balance of protein and nutrients to keep your cat healthy. But you must remember to provide fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration. Dry food is more convenient affordable, and hygienic than fresh or tinned food. Dry food allows your cat to exercise their teeth and it also reduces the build of tar tar which can be a severe problem if your cat is just fed on a soft mushy diet.
They like to think that they are independent but they soon return home when it's food time or nap time. But they don't fool us! Cats are complex characters and their dietary requirements are just as complicated and they are experts are wrapping us around their tiny paws. There are companies that specialise in premium cat food, so why not take a look to see what's available on the market, don't just settle for your typical supermarket products that really are no good for your pet
