A balanced diet is crucial for cats to ensure optimal health and longevity. Cats are carnivores and require a specific diet to meet their energy needs. In this blog post we explain what you should consider when feeding your cat.
Meat for a high protein diet
Cats are carnivores and require a balanced diet rich in protein. Therefore, they should eat meat regularly, especially red meat such as beef, lamb and pork. Proteins are particularly important for cats because they contribute to the formation of muscles, skin, hair and bones. Cats also require certain amino acids that are only found in animal proteins and that they cannot synthesize from plant sources. A diet rich in protein also supports the immune system and helps maintain kidney function.
Fish to absorb important fatty acids
Fish is not only another good source of protein for cats, but also contains important omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the cardiovascular system and immune system. However, make sure the fish is fully cooked or steamed and free of bones. Fat is another important component of cats' diet. It is an important source of energy and helps maintain skin and coat health. Fats also contain essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are essential for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Important vitamins for cats
Cats also need a variety of vitamins and minerals in their diet. Some of the most important vitamins for cats are vitamin A, B complex, C, and E. These vitamins help maintain vision, bone health, skin and coat health, and the immune system. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are also crucial for bone health and tooth development.
It is important to note that cats cannot synthesize certain nutrients and therefore must obtain them from their diet. Taurine is an example of an essential nutrient found only in animal proteins and is critical for the cardiovascular system and eye health. Cats can only produce taurine themselves in very small quantities, which is why all dry and wet cat food contains taurine. A permanent lack of taurine can lead to deficiency symptoms in cats.
High quality cat food
In general, you should make sure to buy high-quality cat food for your cat. This contains no artificial preservatives or colorings and does not contain sugar and grains, which are difficult for cats to break down and can lead to unnecessary strain on the metabolism and ultimately food allergies. In addition, cat food should consist of 60% meat or offal. Plants only serve to cover the fiber and are therefore only eaten in small quantities by cats.
So don't necessarily pay attention to the brand of cat food, but also to the information about the ingredients. The more you have to guess what is in the food, the more certain you can be that the food is not of particularly high quality. Unknown terms in particular often indicate artificial preservatives.
Enough liquid
Adequate fluid intake is very important for cats to avoid kidney problems. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. The rule of thumb is: 50 ml of fluid should be consumed per kilogram per day. If you use wet food, it already contains liquid and your cat will drink less water. To ensure that your cat is getting enough fluids, you should not only feed dry food. Even though the composition of dry food has now been greatly improved, dry food is not a replacement for wet food.
Cats shouldn't eat this
- Milk: Many people think that cats love milk, but this is a myth. Cats cannot digest lactose and can therefore get diarrhea. Instead, always give your cat water.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death.
- Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain allium compounds, which are toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is just as toxic to cats as it is to dogs. It can cause restlessness, rapid heartbeat, convulsions and even death.
Other avoidable and toxic foods for cats include: grapes, legumes, stone fruits, raw pork, tea, avocados.
Overall, it is important that you provide your cat with a balanced diet that consists of high-quality ingredients and meets their needs. Avoid the foods mentioned above and ensure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. If you are unsure what to feed your cat, contact your veterinarian for recommendations.