Some cat foods are formulated for all life stages, which can simplify the selection process for owners with multiple cats of different ages. The nutritional claim on the cat food label should state the stage of a cat’s life cycle for which the food is complete and balanced, and that it meets the requirements of the AAFCO. These stages include kittenhood, adulthood, pregnancy, and lactation. All pet foods that carry an AAFCO-approved nutritional guarantee, often referred to as the“AAFCO statement,” are considered to be nutritionally complete and balanced.Ī cat’s nutritional requirements change through different stages of life. Labeling regulations are established by the AAFCO and the United States Food and Drug Administration. Pet food manufacturers are required to supply certain nutritional information on the package. Reading the nutrition label on food packaging is the best way to compare cat foods. Basic minimum nutritional requirements for cats have been established by the Feline Nutrition Expert (FNE) Subcommittee of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and manufacturers use these standards in producing cat foods. Some brands, however, may be nutritionally incomplete, and it is important to read the nutrition labels carefully on such specialty cat-food items to ensure that they have a nutritional guarantee.Ĭommercially prepared cat foods have been developed to give your cat the correct balance of nutrients and calories. Gourmet canned cat foods generally feature meats, such as kidney or liver, and whole meat byproducts as primary ingredients. Canned food has the longest shelf life when unopened, but any unused portion of opened canned cat food should be refrigerated to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. Many different varieties are available, which can be helpful if your cat is a finicky eater. It is generally the most expensive type of cat food, but is also highly palatable for most cats. After the package is opened, however, the food can dry out, becoming less palatable and/or becoming rancid.Ĭanned cat food has a moisture content of at least 75 percent, making it a good dietary source of water.
#Define finicky free#
Semi-moist foods may be more appealing than dry cat food to some cats and can also be fed free choice. The cost of semi-moist food is generally mid-range. Other materials, including soybean meal, cereals, grain byproducts, and preservatives are added to make the final product. Meat and meat byproducts are the primary ingredients of semi-moist food, which contains approximately 35 percent moisture. It’s a good idea to store dry cat food in an airtight container to help prevent nutrient deterioration and maintain flavor.
Storing food for a long period of time decreases the activity and potency of many vitamins and increases the likelihood that fats will become rancid. Owners often buy large amounts of dry food that can sometimes be stored for months, so checking the expiration date before feeding it to your cat is very important. If you do use dry food, it is important to store unused portions in a cool, dry location, and not to use the food after its expiration date. However, dry food may be less palatable to a cat than moist or semi-moist food, and depending on the types and quality of the ingredients, may also be less digestible. The pieces of dry food are often then coated with flavor enhancers, such as animal fat, to make the food more appetizing.ĭry cat food is relatively inexpensive, and since it does not dry out, it offers owners the convenience of “free choice” feeding. Depending on the specific formulation, a mixture of ingredients are combined, extruded, and dried into bite-sized pieces. These products differ in water content, protein level, caloric density, palatability, and digestibility.ĭry food contains between six and 10 percent water. Cats should have access to clean, fresh water at all times.Ĭommercial cat foods are formulated as dry, semimoist, and canned. Supplements can be harmful to your cat, and they should never be given without a veterinarian’s approval. This is particularly true of vitamins and minerals, so the use of supplements is usually not necessary if you are feeding a balanced and complete diet. Cats also require more than a dozen other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.Īlthough your cat needs certain amounts of each specific nutrient to be healthy, more is not always better.
Cats evolved as hunters that consume prey that contains high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates, and their diet still requires these general proportions today. Here are some things toĬonsider when selecting an appropriate diet for your cat.Ĭats are obligate carnivores, which means that they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. To live a long, healthy life, your cat needs proper nutrition.
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