Cat Diets That Work!
Does your cat need to go on a
diet? Cat diets to loose weight can be as simple as choosing the
right food for your cat. The of the first step in trying to help
your cat lose weight is to look at what you're feeding them.
The pet food industry is confusing at best! As you look for the food that will provide the best health for your pet, you hear claims about the food’s nutritional value, added vitamins and nutrients, and natural products your cat would eat in its natural habitat. So how do you choose the nutritional program that is best for your cat?
First you must understand that there are three types of cat food: dry, semi moist, and canned. You must compare the advantages and disadvantages before deciding what to feed your cat.
Dry food is the cheapest available, and has other advantages as well. For example, it can be left out at all times, allowing the cat to eat whenever it wants to. That is a more natural way for the cat to eat, but it can contribute to obesity if not monitored. The process for preparing the dry food makes the carbohydrate content of the food easier for the cat to digest. Dry foods are also abrasive, which allows for cleaning of the teeth as the cat chews, yet it may scrape the cat’s gums causing sores in its mouth.
One disadvantage of the dry food option is a lack of rich flavor. Most cats accept dry food well, but they lack the higher content of animal tissue that the cat would find in its natural setting. Another potential disadvantage is the carbohydrate content is potentially linked to the development of diabetes in cats.
A third disadvantage is the lack of moisture in dry foods. Cats take in some of their water needs through their food. They may not drink until they have already begun to become dehydrated, posing potential health risks. If you choose dry food, be sure to increase the cat’s water intake to avoid such an illness.
Finally, dry food loses nutritional value over time. If this is your choice, be sure to throw out any food stored over 6 months.
Semi moist cat foods seem to be more appealing to the human eye, but they are filled with artificial colors and preservatives, as well as a higher sugar content, which cats do not need and cannot taste.
When you are considering canned foods, it is important to evaluate brands. Some of the less expensive canned foods contain higher levels of carbohydrates and non-meat products, so be sure to read the labels and compare. Canned foods do contain more water than dry foods, helping prevent dehydration. The premium brands contain little or no carbohydrates, and usually contain more fat and therefore more energy. These are good for energetic cats or those who are picky about the taste of their food.
There are downsides to the canned option. The first is that the canned food, because of its soft texture, will not help prevent tartar build up on your cat’s teeth as the dry food will. Also, canned food cannot be left for the cat to feed at will. Within 20 minutes the canned food will begin to smell bad, and the cat will often turn away from it. If feeding from a large can over several feedings, refrigerate what is not used. When feeding what has been refrigerated, warm the food to room temperature before feeding.
It is important to remember that canned foods tend to have a higher protein content than semi most or dry foods, which is healthier for the cat. However, dry food contains significantly more calories than canned food. You would have to feed three to four times more canned food to generate the energy you would generate from the dry food. Talk to your vet, and know your cat’s needs before deciding what the best diet for your cat is.
After making the choice of what type of food to use with your cat, you will be faced with choosing a brand. This is not easy because marketing machines are effective at telling you what you want to hear.
Generic brands do not carry a brand name. They are cheaper because they are produced with lower quality ingredients. They will provide nutritional information on the label as required by law, but will not make claims about being nutritionally balanced or complete. These foods can vary from lot to lot, depending upon the ingredients available at the time of manufacture.
Popular brands are on the shelf in your grocery store every day. They are available from major food manufacturers. These companies spend a lot on testing and marketing, though to keep costs lower, they do not contain as much meat as you might like for your cat to have. Be aware of the meat content compared to the amount of grain in these foods.
Premium brands are available through veterinarians and pet supply stores. These have a higher content of protein and more digestible carbohydrates. They are nutritionally excellent for your cat, though they are more expensive. The content of the foods is consistent across time, so you always know your pet is getting the same food every time you purchase a new batch. Because these foods contain higher quality ingredients, the amount you must feed your cat for optimum health is smaller.
When you are looking at the best cat food diets for your pet, you want to be sure you are providing the best nutritional care you can. Always consult your veterinarian and know what special dietary needs you particular animal has. Making the best choice about your cat’s diet can prolong and enrich both his life and yours!
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