Choosing the right food for your feline friend can be overwhelming. Marketing claims like "natural" or "premium" don't tell the whole story. Let's learn how to read the actual ingredient list.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat to survive. The first ingredient should always be a named, high-quality protein source like "Chicken," "Turkey," or "Salmon." Avoid vague terms like "Meat by-products" or "Poultry meal" as the primary ingredient.
Many commercial cat foods use cheap fillers to bulk up the product. Ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy are difficult for cats to digest and offer little nutritional value. Look for foods that use sweet potatoes or peas in moderation instead.
This section tells you the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture. For adult cats, look for a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat (dry matter basis).
Wet food is generally closer to a cat's natural diet and provides essential moisture, which is vital for kidney and urinary tract health. However, dry food is convenient and good for dental health. A mix of both is often the best approach.