Choosing Cat Food? Here’s What to Look for in a Brand
Ensuring that your cat has a happy, healthy lifestyle is a large part of what it means to be a pet parent. Look out for your cat's health by providing them with healthy food, the type that has all the nutrients they need to stay active and engaged. Here are some things to remember when choosing the best cat food for your pet.
Choose food enriched with vitamins
Aside from protein- and carbohydrate-loaded offerings, your local pet store should have cat food enriched with vitamins essential to keeping your cat in top shape. Vitamin A, B, Folic Acid, and B12 are all critical in ensuring your cat's health.
Vitamin A keeps the immune system robust and promotes good vision and healthy skin. Meanwhile, the B-complex vitamins (biotin or B7, riboflavin or B2, pyridoxine or B6, niacin or B3, and thiamin or B1) maintain a healthy nervous system. Cats, in particular, are prone to Vitamin B1 deficiency, so you should take steps in ensuring that your cat has enough of it.
Also, look for folic acid, or vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Folic acid helps in digestion and cell growth, and it is crucial for pregnant cats and kittens. Meanwhile, B12 helps in the proper development of both blood and nerve cells. Finally, vitamins C and E are antioxidants that contribute to your cat's immune system.
Don't overlook minerals in the product
Aside from vitamins, look for minerals as well. Cat food should have calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc, since these contribute to your cat's nutritional needs.
Calcium and phosphorus keep your cat's joints, teeth, and bones healthy. Iron, which is a component of hemoglobin, is a building block of mammal cells. Magnesium and sodium are needed in various processes and help regulate blood pressure, and zinc helps in building proteins and DNA.
Consider your pet's age and weight
A cat's nutritional needs would vary depending on their weight and age. Speaking with a veterinarian will help you determine the cat food best suited for your pet. For instance, a kitten's body changes rapidly during its first year alive. As such, he needs specially-formulated food. Fish oil, which has DHA, can help in brain and eye development, and folic acid helps his cell growth.
Meanwhile, adult cats aged one through six and mature ones aged seven onwards must feed according to their level of activity and their weight. In addition to this, a cat might need more vitamin C and E to boost the immune system, or vegetable oil to keep the coat soft and smooth. Finally, overweight cats also have different dietary needs from average-sized ones. Consult a veterinarian before putting your cat on any weight loss program.
Conclusion
Today, it's convenient to shop for pet supplies since there are plenty of physical and online stores that sell almost everything you'll need. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or someone who's taking care of their first feline, the best way to know what your cat needs is to consult a veterinarian. Understanding your cat's fitness levels equips you for making decisions that will affect their overall wellness.
Be secure in your cat's health when you shop at Wags to Wiskers. We are a leading supplier of cat food in Michigan, serving the Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Ludington areas. Browse our store and order your first item today or get in touch with us for more information!