· By Veronika Broukal
Choosing the right dry food for your cat
There are many myths about dry food. Almost every cat owner has a different opinion on this subject. For many people it's the easiest and most convenient way to feed their cat, while others downright demonize this food. Provided the quality is right, it can be a valuable addition to high-quality wet food. In this article you will find out what you should look out for when buying dry food for your house tiger.
Grain-free
Grain-free dry cat food is now even available in supermarkets. But why do so many companies advertise with this property? Grain is a valuable food for many animals, but cats are only part of it to a limited extent. Since in nature they feed on small animals such as rodents, which they eat almost completely, cats also eat a small part of vegetable components such as grain. These are found in the intestines of mice, for example. Since the digestion of grain-rich components takes longer than that of (animal) proteins, the digestive tracts of herbivores are considerably longer than those of carnivores such as cats. Feeding grain makes digestion more difficult and slows it down. It is therefore advisable to feed your fur nose completely or at least mainly grain-free. Since the intestine is also an important part of the immune system, an unbalanced digestion can also promote skin diseases, for example, in addition to diarrhea and flatulence.
High proportion of meat and innards
Every cat owner knows that cats are obligate carnivores. It is therefore important to ensure a high animal protein content. But meat is not just meat! While some manufacturers mainly use pure muscle meat in their products , many rely on other animal components such as fur and skin. Of course, these components also contain protein, but the proportion is not nearly as high as in pure meat. Plus, it's a lot easier for pet food manufacturers to source. Because these materials are not approved for human consumption. This also includes a lot of innards. However, these often add value to your cat's diet. The liver is an excellent example: firstly, it is very readily accepted by house tigers, secondly, it contains a large number of vitamins as well as copper and zinc. However, it may only be added to the feed proportionately, otherwise there is a risk of oversupply, especially with vitamin A.
With valuable fats
Some unsaturated fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the cat itself. Therefore, the intake of animal and vegetable fats is significant to ensure healthy and wholesome feeding. Omega-3 acids in particular are considered anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating. Many owners assume that their darling, as a pure carnivore, can only use animal fats. As a result, they often purchase products like salmon oil to enhance their pet's diet. Cats can also process vegetable oils such as linseed oil very well. Also, since cat food is mostly meat (at best), it naturally contains fats from animal sources. These contain omega-6 acids, which should be in a 4:1 ratio (with omega-3 acids).in high-quality feed . A combination of animal and vegetable fats is therefore best.
With added value
Food for our cats can provide so much more than "just" energy. That's why you should make sure when buying that the product of your choice is also an additional benefit for your animal. These include, for example, prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are nutrients that benefit your cat's gut bacteria. Probiotics are beneficial viable bacteria that can help promote proper digestion. Since the intestinal walls are home to many cells of the immune system, a strong digestive tract is an important pillar of your cat's health. When you buy food with added value, you are supporting your animal from within.
In the right amounts
As mentioned earlier, kibble is a quick and easy way to feed your cat. But unfortunately it contains very little moisture. Many owners assume that their pet will make up for the lack of water by drinking. The study situation speaks against it, unfortunately cats only partially compensate for this. Feeding your cat only dry food can therefore damage it and promote diseases such as CRF (chronic renal failure) in the long term. Therefore, when feeding, you should ensure a mixture of wet and dry food as well as healthy snacks . Of course, don't forget to follow the manufacturer's recommended amounts to avoid obesity in your cat.
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