What food is good for cats? Cat food: instructions from the veterinarian. What food to choose for a cat

A cat's diet is an important component of its health and general condition. In the question of what better food When eating cats, advice from veterinarians will definitely help the owner of the animal, because saving on food for a pet can result in expensive treatment. Many people feed their cats scraps from their table. This diet is not suitable for animals. They need a balanced diet.

Each cat is individual and therefore has its own tastes. If you choose the right menu for your pet, it will live much longer. It has been experimentally proven that cats fed a balanced cat food lived on average up to 14-15 years, while poorly fed animals barely lived to be 9 years old.

“Calculating” the correct and suitable food for a particular cat is doubly useful: in addition excellent health, such a pet will be easy to raise. It is unlikely that a cat, accustomed to its own food, will encroach on its owner’s lunch. When it comes to the question of what food is best to feed a cat, advice from veterinarians will help you decide optimal diet for a furry friend.

It is the owner who chooses food for his pet, taking into account the animal’s tastes, the presence of allergies to certain foods, as well as sensitivity to the quality of food. There are two types of diet for cats: ready-made professional food and natural food. In addition, cat food can be: canned, wet, dry.

Sometimes owners decide to buy canned food for cats, pampering their pet with a similar treat. Here it is important to adhere to the sales deadline and compliance with the composition of the canned food. Canned food can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time, but as soon as the can is opened, the contents must be consumed immediately. If the portion is smaller than the volume of a can of canned food, the excess is transferred to a glass container and stored in the refrigerator.

Wet food is a cross between canned food and dry food. The bags are made for one feeding. Owners who decide, for example, to buy Arden grange for cats, should provide their pet with plenty of clean water.

By class, cat food is divided into economy, commercial, premium and super premium.

Economy class food (“Meow”, “Kiticat”, “Darling”) are cheap, but they simply suppress the feeling of hunger, and do not bring any benefit, since they replace meat soy protein. Commercial-grade food "Whiskas" and "Friskies", for example, have a quality similar to economy class. It is better not to use either the first or the second as the main diet. When it comes to the question of what food is best to feed your cat, the advice of veterinarians is clear: cheap food contains dangerous dyes and preservatives.

Variety of professional feeds

Professional food is practical, convenient and economical. Ready-made food will cost the owner less than all the products needed for cooking natural menu. If dispensing ready-made food distracts a busy owner for a couple of minutes, then preparing a natural lunch for your beloved cat can take much longer. Another advantage is balance: the finished food has all the vitamins and minerals in the required doses. For example, Felix cat food advertising claims that this food has natural ingredients.

Convenience professional food is that it is developed for pets, taking into account their individual characteristics:

sedentary and very active cats;
nursing cats;
for actively growing kittens;
for castrated cats.

Professional food has many options. For example, you can buy Felix cat food with turkey, chicken, salmon, beef, rabbit, and trout. Among the disadvantages of this type of feeding cats is the need to understand different types of food. Before offering it to your pet certain type feed, you need not to be lazy and consult with a good felinologist. Relying on advertising or a private veterinarian is very dangerous. Some cats are allergic to ready-made food, so only natural food is recommended for them.

A more important disadvantage of ready-made food is the discrepancy between the ingredients listed on the packaging and the internal contents. Marketers often replace high-quality food with cheap analogues. And manufacturers are being cunning: instead of “meat products,” the food may contain ground bones, tendons and other “waste,” but not meat. Feeds that combine meat and vegetables are cheaper. For example, you can buy Felix cat food cheaply with the addition of tomatoes, green beans, carrots and other vegetable ingredients to different types of meat.

Popular brands of different types of food

High-quality dry food helps prevent urolithiasis and removes plaque from the teeth of animals, which leads to the formation of stones. This type of food can be left in the bowl as it will not spoil or dry out. Any veterinarian will advise you to use only food from well-known companies and brands for your cat. This includes the Happy cat brand. It produces balanced, high-quality, appetizing food for the harmonious growth of adult cats and kittens. Owners of furry pets can buy Happy cat cat food in specialized stores.

This dry food has a pleasant smell without artificial chemical additives. Happy Cat Junior is perfect for kittens aged 5 weeks to one year. This food is suitable for all breeds and is also indicated for sensitive cats.

Veterinarians say that animals eat Happy cat dry cat food with appetite, the main thing is not to overfeed your pet.

This food is based on poultry, salmon and rabbit. It is important before you buy Happy Cat cat food to check your pet for an allergic reaction to the components of the food.

High-quality Felix has a specific grilling technology, so it presents tender pieces of meat in a juicy jelly. The original food of this brand does not contain dyes. Veterinarians say that for a medium-sized cat you need 3 packs per day, which should be divided into 2 doses. Felix cat food is given to pregnant and lactating animals without restrictions. After opening, the packaging can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day. Before eating, your cat needs to warm the food to room temperature.

The English company Arden Grange produces dry grain-free food that belongs to the super-premium category. The balanced formula of Arden grange cat food is “meat + rice + healthy vegetables + vitamin-mineral complexes + probiotics.” Dietary food has been developed for sensitive animals. Therefore, buying Arden grange cat food means taking the best possible care of your pet.

Cat Chow Special Care 3in1 is able to act in three different directions: protects teeth, monitors the urinary system and prevents the formation of hairballs in the cat’s gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, many believe that Cat Chow cat food is most suitable for the constant nutrition of a pet.

For cats large breeds special food is required, since such animals are often at risk of joint diseases, skin diseases, and also require more energy.

Bosch Sanabelle Grande is the best food for large breed cats because it has a balanced nutritional formula. With this food, your mustachioed pet will always be active and energetic, because the energy value of this food is within 16.3 MJ per 1 kg.

Secrets of natural nutrition

The main disadvantages of natural food for cats include the length of preparation and the special purchase of additional products. A cat's diet must contain meat, and this is an expensive product.

The list of benefits of natural nutrition includes the following main points:

It is important to be responsible when preparing the diet, since too much or too little of substances will not be noticeable until the cat gets sick.

What is the composition of natural food?

In addition to regular meat, the cat should be given meat by-products. The necessary vitamins and fiber are contained in vegetables, which the cat should eat boiled and pureed every day. It happens that cats are disdainful plant foods, so it is mixed with meat. Once a week the cat should receive eggs, dairy products(but not milk), fish oil. It is useful when a cat's diet includes sprouted oats or wheat.

It should be noted that the best food for cats, according to veterinarians, is pieces of meat. But at the same time furry friend should receive mineral or vitamin supplements from time to time.

What should not be in a natural diet?

This may seem strange, but fish and seafood can lead to urolithiasis. Experts have long argued about the presence of fish in a cat’s diet. The main thing is not to have too much of it. In addition, cats should not eat:

Not all cats can dose their food, so you need to leave food in a certain portion. Constant access to food is unacceptable, otherwise the pet faces obesity. But clean and fresh water should always be within the animal’s field of vision. The more often the water is changed (2-3 times a day), the better for the pet. The bowl for water should be large. Read about how many times a day you need to feed your cat.

Combining several types of food when feeding an animal is harmful to the cat’s stomach. There should be one type of food (store-bought food or homemade food). It is better to stick to one brand of food. Then the cat will be healthy, active and live long.

Natural nutrition does not exclude the possibility of using ready-made feed for cats. The assortment of these, even in regular stores, is quite diverse. Select class, brand, dry or liquid form release remains with the pet owner. Which one is preferred depends on its composition and focus: for daily use, for certain health problems, or for a specific breed. Even within the same class of cat products, there are many representatives that deserve attention. Analysis of the composition, advice from veterinarians and customer reviews will help you decide.

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Cat food classes

A beginner in caring for a furry pet will be confused when choosing cat food.

The sequence of feed classes in terms of nutritional value and quality is as follows:

Economy class;
premium;
super premium;
holistic.

Economy class

The purpose of such nutrition is to satisfy hunger, but not to saturate the cat’s body with vitamins and minerals. These foods do not contain meat or other components beneficial to the body. Common brands: “Kitiket”, “Meow”, “Darling”, “Whiskas” and “Friskas” brands. Sometimes it is called commercial class, but the composition and purpose are the same.

The main disadvantage of economy class food is its low nutritional value.

Nutrition with such food should not be the main one, since it does not contain animal proteins. The presence of dyes, preservatives and general low quality makes it undesirable for the health of the animal.

Constant consumption of economy class food will harm your cat.

Hill's line of food for cats: types and composition

Premium class

Unlike the previous one, the premium class contains healthy ingredients: meat, offal. This composition will no longer harm the health of the animal. It costs a little more, but is still inexpensive.

Premium class: acceptable nutritional value at low cost.

Popular premium brands are: Hills, Royal Canin, Bozita, Eukanuba, Belcando, Lims, Brit, Natural Choice, Advans, Flatazor, Matisse, Happy Cat, Guabi.

The best of those presented, according to veterinarians, are Hills and Royal Canin, which are of higher quality.

Super premium

The best lineups representing balanced diet for cats from quality ingredients. Use of such brands super premium will provide the cat with all the necessary substances and give a healthy appearance to the coat.

Super premium: nutrients, vitamins and minerals at virtually complete absence unwanted additives and dyes.

Super premium brands include: Bosh Sanabelle, ProNature Holistic, 1st Choice, ProFine Adult Cat, Arden Grange, Cimiao.

Holistic class

When looking for the best cat food, you should look at the holistic grade. The nutrition of animals in expensive nurseries under the supervision of professionals differs from what is usual at home - this is food of the highest class . That is why not all cat owners know about such food.

The first place in the production of holistic food is nutritional value and maximum benefit for an animal. This food contains no dyes, flavorings or other useless ingredients.

Common brands of holistic food: Holistic, Chicken Soup, Wellness, Natural@Delicious, Eagle Pack Cat Canidae, Orijen, Felidae, ANF holistic, Almo Nature, Acana, Earthborn Holistic, Go and Now Natural, Innova, Golden Eagle.

Giving preference to any food, caring owner cats first determines the class of food based on considerations of the pet’s nutritional characteristics and the cost of food. After choosing a class, it is appropriate to pay attention to the listing of brands. The best are first on the list.

Having decided on the choice of product and offering it to your pet, do not despair if the pet eats it without much desire. This behavior is an indicator of the natural composition and the absence of flavor enhancers.

Popular cat foods: description, advantages and disadvantages

Switching from simple to better and more expensive is not easy: cheap food contains a lot of flavoring additives and aromas, so replacing it leads to the fact that the pet simply refuses to eat.

The wide selection of ready-made food within each class leaves cat owners confused. Descriptions of specific brands and identification of the advantages and disadvantages of specific foods will help in resolving the issue of proper cat nutrition. Below are the foods that are best in their class, according to veterinarians and pet owners.

"Whiskas"

Developing since 1958, Mars Inc. has remained a faithful manufacturer cat food economy class. It is presented in both dry and liquid form. The wet one comes in pouches with a zipper fastener. Dry in packages weighing 350 g, 1.9 kg, 5 kg.

If the pet has no health problems, shiny coat, normal tests and stool, and is cheerful and cheerful, then it is acceptable to use Whiskas food. When purchasing it, you need to be prepared for the fact that this is a bright representative of the economy class, i.e. . For its production, skins, tendons and other unsightly components were used.

Despite all the shortcomings of representatives of this class, Whiskas has a number of advantages:

food does not require preparation;
the composition is balanced, the presence of vitamins and minerals;
at long absence It is permissible to leave a portion for a day;
low cost;
the best composition in premium Whiskas food: “Pur-r-fish”, “Meow-meat”.

Despite all the advantages, significant disadvantages of Whiskas food, according to veterinarians, exist and make you think seriously:

Almost all Whiskas products belong to economy class, that is, this is the lower level of food quality.
Canned food at a fairly high cost for this class.
Disappointing reviews from customers and specialists. Eating this food for a long time can have serious consequences: from deterioration of the coat condition to complex diseases eyes and urolithiasis.

When asking the question of proper feeding of a cat, everyone is faced with a choice: to prefer a dry or wet release format. If your pet is not a fan of drinking water, then you should not feed it dry food at all. When using it, proper storage is important: no moisture should be allowed to enter.

Wet ones are preferable to dry ones, although they are more expensive. After breaking the seal, it is permissible to store them in a closed bag in a cool place for 24 hours.

"Royal Canin" for cats (Royal Canin)

Royal Canin offers a premium line and super premium medicinal foods. This affiliation suggests that they can replace natural nutrition, it has a balanced composition, will help satisfy hunger and provide the body with the necessary nutrients.

Royal Canin allows you to choose the right option for both everyday use and special occasions:

for cats aged 4 months to a year - Royal Canin Kitten 36;
healthy adults aged from one to 7 years - Indoor 27;
Indoor Ling hair 35 is more suitable for long-haired breeds of any age;
for cats sensitive to food - Sensible 33;
Hair@Skin 33 will help facilitate the care and maintenance of skin and silky, shiny coat;
for elderly cats, Royal Canin Outdoor Mature 28 and Indoor 7+ are recommended;
for sick cats Intestinal GL32, Renal RF23 and others;
cats suffering food allergies, can be powered by Hypoallergenic DR25;
food for cats of certain breeds: Maine Coon, Siamese, Persian, etc.

Advantages noted by customers:

relatively low cost;
within the framework of premium feeds they represent excellent quality;
high-quality medicinal feed;
the wide availability of food, the ability to purchase it at any specialized store for animals;
a wide range of.

When choosing this food, there are some concerns:

Royal Canin contains preservatives, flavorings, dyes (including small quantity);
the basic line of products of this brand is inferior in composition and quality to the medicinal line;
products of this brand should be preferred in European format compared to Russian ones.

"Sanabelle"

Production using modern technologies. The main components of "Sanabel" are duck and turkey meat. All ingredients included in the composition are certified. Thanks to their serious approach to production, they have gained popularity among customers.

Range:

Kitten - nutrition for kittens, nursing cats, expectant mothers. Characterized by a high content of protein, vitamins, minerals, and an increased dosage of omega-3 fatty acids, ensuring the development of the brain and the formation of the kittens’ visual organs.
Adult - a complete composition for adult domestic cats.
Senior - feeding older cats with the intended relief of the gastrointestinal tract due to great content fiber, slows down the aging process due to its antioxidant content.
Sensitive is designed for cats with sensitive digestion. Sensitive is characterized by increased nutritional value, digestibility, and a high content of animal proteins.
Sterilized - good nutrition sterilized cats and neutered cats. Prevents obesity, reduces hunger thanks to crystalline fiber. Grains are excluded, so it is convenient for allergy sufferers.
Urinary for individuals with a sensitive urinary system. Reduced protein content reduces the load on the kidneys. The risk of inflammatory processes is reduced thanks to antioxidants. Urinary is distinguished by its balanced composition of magnesium and phosphorus, which prevents the formation of stones.
Grande will provide nutrition for large breeds like Maine Coons. The shape and size of dry food granules are adapted to the powerful jaws of individual cat breeds. A component has been thought out that ensures the formation and correct work joints, is mussel flour with chondroitin.
Hair@Skin will help you monitor the condition of your skin and coat. Unsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 will eliminate skin redness, flaking, and promote the growth of a shiny and smooth coat.
Light provides light nutrition for cats. Provides weight control due to its low fat content; weight loss is guaranteed even with the usual three meals a day.
Dental is focused on preventing diseases of teeth and gums. Granules with structured crystalline fiber successfully remove plaque. The likelihood of inflammatory processes in the mucous environment is reduced due to vitamin composition stern.
Vitality - nutrition and delicacy, improved joint nutrition thanks to glucosamine, chondroitin. Recommended for older individuals and large breeds.
Hairball is aimed at improving the digestive system, contains sunflower seeds, and will help remove hairballs from the body.

Sanabel is a widely available food and does not contain artificial flavor enhancers, colors or soy protein.

Thanks to its complete composition, it will provide balanced, proper nutrition. The use of "Sanabel" does not have a negative effect on the coat or well-being. According to consumer reviews, it has an “opaque” composition and high cost.

"Hills"

Premium food, although some users classify it as super premium. Hills presents lines for daily nutrition and medicinal ones for sick individuals. They are produced both in dry and liquid form, like canned food. Veterinarians often recommend Heels because of the wide range of medicinal foods with a specific purpose for each: for neutered, food-sensitive, etc.

Distinctive features of the composition of Heels food are high-quality protein, necessary standards taurine, phosphorus, calcium and antioxidants, that is, everything that is needed for the normal functioning of a pet. Manufacturers even took care to slow down the aging of the pet’s body by adding vitamins C and E.

Like competing foods, it offers the consumer a wide range of foods for kittens, adult cats, and medicinal:

The Science Plan main line is designed for the proper nutrition of healthy adults:

Natural's Best, consisting only of natural ingredients, serves to maintain immunity and improve health.
Adult Hairball Control is a line of food for long-haired cats, the composition is balanced taking into account the need to remove hair from the stomach.
Healthy Development Kitten - balanced, complete healthy nutrition for kittens.

If necessary, in the Hills food range you can select specialized series for sterilized cats, neutered cats or treatment lines to improve the quality of coat, for feeding pets with sensitive digestion, with heart failure, overweight, and with problems with the urinary tract.

Reasons for choosing Hills food:

widely available, can be purchased at any pet store;
The food is packaged conveniently for multiple use;
the composition is detailed on the packaging;
a wide selection of foods according to age and health problems;
When faced with a specific problem, there is no need to change the brand of food; it is enough to change the Heels line of food.

When choosing food for a particular pet, it is advisable to study the opinions of consumers and professionals. According to consumers, when feeding with Heels food childhood As the animal grows older, there is increased shedding of fur, bad breath, and even blood in the stool. Such a comment does not apply to treatment lines. Consumers agree: "Heels" can be used occasionally, medicinal food - for specific diseases. It is not suitable for constant, long-term nutrition. But if the owner is forced to save money, it is better to buy “Hils” than “Whiskas” or “Kitiket”, which are much worse in quality.

According to veterinarians, a cat's diet should contain both dry and liquid food; Hills meets these requirements. Zoo doctors recommend it as a relatively inexpensive food with acceptable composition. When studying the composition, undesirable elements are still encountered. Hills contains a cheap filler that often causes allergies in cats - this is corn. Experts agree: the percentage of plant protein is too high. Poorly digestible carbohydrates, such as milled rice and corn, are considered unnecessary by experts. Canned food contains salt that your pet does not need.

"Sheba"

If you want to pamper your beloved pet with something special, you should choose Sheba food as a treat. Premium representative. Available only in liquid form, in jars and bags. The food contains natural ingredients: meat, tuna, shrimp, turkey, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Taurine in its composition helps the cat digest food.

Sheba offers only wet food, so the variety is small; there are no specialized lines for specific diseases:

Pleasure is a food based on steamed meat, poultry and fish. In the packages “Trout and shrimp”, “Duck and chicken”, “Beef and lamb”, “Tuna and salmon”.
Classic is made from poultry and fish fillets: “Sautéed chicken breast”, “Tuna sauce”, “Shrimp cocktail with tuna”.
Fusion is gourmet food, pieces of meat of two types: “Chicken with beef with Togliata sauce”, “Turkey and chicken with Tournedo sauce”.

Natural composition is an advantage in providing the cat with proper nutrition. Thanks to the natural ingredients in its composition, the packaging cannot be stored for several days, even in the refrigerator. Each type of packaging is designed for a single meal. Despite the fact that the food looks like pieces of meat, it contains additives (tapioca - flour from the root of the cassava plant, taurine, vegetable fats, omega fatty acids, vitamins), but according to the manufacturer, their presence is justified by the need for the cat's diet.

The high cost is unreasonably called a disadvantage; this food should not be basic. It is recommended to use "Sheba" together with cereals, boiled meat, and fish. The manufacturer recommends using "Sheba" as a treat; the daily intake should not exceed 5 packs.

Acana - representative of the holistic class

Products best quality different from cheaper options high content proteins. In all previous brands, these beneficial substances are replaced by offal and grain fillers. The cost of expensive food is justified; it ensures healthy muscle development and is perfectly absorbed by the body. Cat food Acana has been awarded multiple times by Canadian and American independent pet nutrition associations. The preference of veterinarians and experienced cat breeders is given to Akana food.

You should switch to Acana food gradually, slowly increasing the dosage in your regular diet. Acana feeds are based on beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, and duck. Content of meat and fish ingredients 70%, healthy proteins in the amount of 30%. Sources of plant proteins include brown rice, peas, and lentils. To ensure the presence of vitamins and fiber in the feed, manufacturers add herbs, berries, fruits and vegetables.

Hypoallergenic composition that does not contain grains, which are replaced by potatoes. On the cat food market it is represented by the Acana grasslands cat, Acana pacifica cat, Acana wild prairie cat lines.

Akana dry format offers balanced nutrition for castrated and sterilized cats. This food provides for the prevention of urolithiasis. Acana wild prairie cat, Acana pacifica cat, Acana grasslands.

The freshness of the ingredients from which the food is made is the key to the health of the animal. Sufficient content of meat and fish with a small amount of carbohydrates. The latter are broken down in the body into glucose, which raises blood sugar levels, subsequently causing obesity and diabetes. The ash content in it is about 6%, this ensures the absorption of food and natural taste, sufficient calcium and phosphorus content.

Despite the many advantages of holistic nutrition, there are some disadvantages related to the transition to a specific type of product. The natural composition and the absence of flavor enhancers leads to the fact that animals are reluctant to eat it at first. There are no medical directions in its lines.

Today, pet stores offer a wide range of ready-made food in different forms from many manufacturers, among which it is difficult to choose the best option. But if you know what you should pay attention to, then in the variety presented it will be easy to find an option that will suit your pet and will not harm its health.

The problem of choosing food is a common problem for a cat owner, since it is important to choose food with full complex nutrients, feeding which will suit both the pet and its owner. Before you buy a new food, you need to decide on the release form and study the information on the label.

Types of feed

Depending on the form of release and the availability of water, cat food is divided into:

Canned food - different high level humidity, which is especially important for animals that drink little and have a long shelf life if unopened.
Wet - represent an intermediate option between canned food and “drying”. As a rule, they are sold in portioned packages containing appetizing pieces in sauce, the moisture content of which is approximately half that of canned food.
Dry ones are convenient for owners who spend little time at home, since food left in a bowl will not spoil even if the cat eats it several times during the day. The inconveniences of this option include the need to provide constant access to water, which not all animals want to drink, as well as possible difficulties with chewing pellets for kittens and older individuals.

Studying the label

The packaging of each product contains a list of the main components and various additives. But before you buy your pet new food, you should know what basic ingredients your cat’s body needs.

According to veterinarians, a cat’s diet must include:

meat (duck, chicken, rabbit, beef) or fish protein – building material for normal growth and functioning of the body;
taurine is an essential amino acid that is key to maintaining healthy vision, heart and reproductive system;
fatty acids – substances that are necessary to provide energy to the body, as well as to improve vision, hearing, smell and stimulate brain function;
vitamins, macro- and microelements are important substances that help strengthen the immune system, develop bone and muscle tissue, remove toxins and maintain other processes without which the cat’s body will not be healthy.

The cat's body does not digest carbohydrates well, so their excess may be the cause. hormonal imbalances, diabetes, obesity, disorders reproductive functions and other health problems. Only low-glycemic carbohydrates, the sources of which are: raw vegetables and fruits.

The source of protein and its percentage should be listed first on the label. If by-products are included, they should also be listed, but phrases like “products of animal origin” should raise suspicion. As for cereals, the composition should contain no more than 50% grains and vegetables, and ideally no more than 25-30%.

Selection rules

Products that have the following information on the label should be eligible for purchase:

the inscriptions “nutritious, balanced”, the abbreviation of AAFCO (American Association for Food Quality Control);
indicating in the first place a specific source of protein (type of meat, fish or liver), and not just the generalization “protein” and its percentage of at least 25%;
It’s good if the composition includes at least two protein sources to enrich the amino acid profile;
vitamins A, C and E or rosemary as preservatives;
a small recommended amount of food per day: the smaller this figure, the better, since the high quality of the product indicates its high digestibility and, accordingly, requires a smaller serving size;
the presence of taurine, omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, arachidonic acid.
fresh deadline manufacturing.

It should be taken into account that kittens, pregnant and lactating cats, as well as animals with diseases require a specialized diet, but you should purchase medicated food only after consulting a veterinarian.

It is better not to buy food whose label indicates:

the inscription “bone meal, offal”, since these ingredients are not best food for a cat;
a large feeding rate, that is, the cat must eat a large amount of food during the day, which indicates its poor digestibility;
inscriptions BHT, BHA, propyl gallate, ethoxyquin - these substances are dangerous chemical preservatives;
flavorings, dyes, increased content wheat, corn (more than 50%).

Feed classes

Cat food is not only divided into different types, but classes are a system of classification depending on the composition, benefits and price category nutrition.

Economy class

Products in this category are suitable exclusively for muffling the pet’s hunger, since they simply fill the stomach, but contain virtually nothing useful for the cat’s body, much less meat. The basis of such feeds is by-products, soy, grains, food additives, preservatives and flavor enhancers. They can be compared to fast food for people, so they are categorically not acceptable as the main food for a cat. Their only advantage is their low price.

This category can also include the so-called commercial class, which is not much different in composition from the economy class, but has a higher cost due to the promotion of the brand.

Manufacturers: Whiskas, Felix, Darling, Doctor Zoo, Meow, Friskies, Kitekat, etc.

Premium class

Unlike the previous category, the products contain natural meat and vitamin-mineral complexes, but at the same time there are by-products, cartilage, and protein of plant origin. The quality in this case is much higher than economy-class products, so eating such food is not so harmful to the pet. It is premium food that most cat owners prefer, since it differs comparatively affordable price and increased nutritional value, which allows you to reduce the volume of daily servings.

There are different manufacturers represented in this category: some are not inferior in quality to more expensive products, while others save on ingredients and add large amounts of wheat, rice, corn grits, which are poorly absorbed by the cat’s gastrointestinal tract.

Manufacturers: Royal Canin (Russia), Brit, Natural Choice, Hill's, Advance, Eukanuba, Bozita, Belcando, Matisse, Happy Cat, Flatazor, etc.

It should be noted that Hill’s and Royal Canin are often classified as super-premium, since compared to others they are distinguished by better balance and presence in the assortment of medical nutrition. But in Lately Veterinarians and felinologists do not always recommend these products. One of the reasons for this: the opening of production lines in Russia, which did not have the best effect on quality.

Super premium class

Super-premium food is characterized by a perfectly balanced composition, which includes all the beneficial substances a cat needs, micro- and macroelements, with the complete absence of vegetable protein, grains, dangerous dyes and carcinogenic preservatives. This food helps strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of the coat and prevent the development of urolithiasis. The price is noticeably higher than the cost of low-class products, but the information on the label exactly matches the contents of the package, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

Manufacturers: 1 st Choice, Arden Grange, Nutra Gold, Cimiao, Bosch Sanabelle, Profine Adult Cat, etc.

Holistic (Human’s Grade)

These are innovative products based on components suitable for human nutrition. They use only natural animal and plant ingredients, grown without added hormones and pesticides, as well as natural preservatives. Due to the fact that they are completely free of any flavorings and taste enhancers, the cat will have to be initially accustomed to such food, especially if he is accustomed to strong-smelling food. Typically, this food is used for purebred show pets, as well as for breeding animals in nurseries, which is why it cannot be found on the open market.

Manufacturers: Earthborn Holistic, Acana, Golden Eagle, Innova, Origen, Chicken Soup, Almo Nature, Natural&Delicious, Evo, etc.

Note: the digestibility of high-class feed is 80-90%, so their high cost is compensated by a small daily portion.

Veterinarians recommend not saving on your pet’s health and feeding it at least premium food. If you have the financial opportunity, it is better to give preference to super-premium products, which are characterized by a high meat content and a full range of nutrients necessary for the full development of the cat’s body. Thus, it is not so much the rating of the food that is important, but its class.

Which food is better: wet or dry?

There is no consensus among veterinarians, breeders and cat owners about which option is better: wet or dry. According to scientific research, they generally have the same composition and nutritional value, despite differences in advantages and disadvantages. Some veterinarians recommend balancing the diet, including dry food as the main one and wet food as the main one. additional food. Others, on the contrary, do not recommend using mixed nutrition, because different shapes food can negatively affect the animal's gastrointestinal tract.

In practice, owners most often consider wet food and canned food as a supplement to the main “dry” diet and a pleasant treat. But in this case, it is important to select products from the same manufacturer. The main thing when choosing is to take into account the needs of the pet, its age, gender, health status and other characteristics.

The best food

According to veterinarians, the best food is one that contains most of the proteins, some fats, and a minimum of carbohydrates. It should also contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, as well as important organic compounds and trace elements found in fruits and vegetables.

Orijen Cat&Kitten. One of the most popular holistic-class cat products from a Canadian manufacturer. It contains 41% animal protein, the necessary set of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Completely absent here cereal crops, dyes and harmful food additives. The only drawback of Orijen Cat&Kitten is its high price.
Now Natural. The main component of the American brand food is natural boneless meat, which is balanced by the addition of prebiotics, fruits and vegetables. It is completely free of by-products and grains, which can cause allergies. These products are not always available in pet stores, but they can be easily ordered online.
1st Choice. Super-premium products made in Canada with a high-quality and balanced composition, a third of which is animal protein. It contains dietary poultry, fish oil, chicken eggs, and natural flavors. A separate hypoallergenic line is offered for the treatment of allergies in cats.
Wellness. Holistic class food from the American manufacturer WellPet with a high protein content (50%) that does not cause digestive disorders. The composition includes 5 types of meat, a vitamin-mineral complex, antioxidants, potatoes, tomatoes and cranberries in the complete absence of questionable components (cereals, flavors and flavor enhancers). The product meets all standards and provides the cat with a full range of substances necessary for health.

Acana. This Canadian manufacturer has earned a good reputation among veterinarians. The assortment includes dry food that provides protection for your pet from diseases and a healthy shine to the coat. They contain a large amount of high-quality meat and fish (up to 80%) without the addition of grains, as well as probiotics and lactobacilli that are beneficial for cats. But due to the fairly high price, it can only be purchased in some veterinary pharmacies or online stores. The disadvantages also include not a large assortment products and lack of a therapeutic line.
Bosch Sanabelle. The German manufacturer offers balanced nutrition with big amount protein of animal origin, as well as fish oil, mineral complex and digestive enzymes. There are no artificial additives in the composition, but some components (cellulose) can cause allergies in the animal, although experts say that this risk is minimal.

You need to understand that even if a product belongs to the super-premium or holistic class, it does not always mean the best choice, since any of its components can cause intolerance in a cat. In addition, these products contain a large amount of protein, the excess of which can harm the health of sterilized and neutered animals. To avoid harm, you should not choose food at random, but based on the advice of a veterinarian, the state of health and the individual characteristics of the animal.

An important issue for good cat care is the choice of food. What is the best cat food according to veterinarians, and how often should the animal be fed? If you know the answers to these questions, pet will delight the owner with its activity and health for a long time.

Veterinarians divide into 3 categories industrial feed for cats:

Dry.
Wet.
Canned food.

In addition, there is a division of feed into classes - holistic, superpremium, premium, economy.

Many owners of furry pets feed their pet food “from the table”. But this is a different category of feeding. The food that industrial manufacturers offer for feeding cats takes into account the animal’s essential needs for vitamins, proteins, and microelements, depending on the breed, age, and presence of diseases.

According to veterinarians, if the owners fed the cat ready-made feed, then it will be difficult to transfer the animal to food “from the table”.

It is not possible to provide your cat with the full range of necessary substances on your own.

The best types among dry brands

This category is most popular among breeders and amateur owners. The advantage of dry food is that this type of food is convenient, as it does not require preparation, and it is cheap. Dry pieces are good at cleaning the surface of a cat's teeth from plaque. In addition, they can be stored long time without loss of quality. True, there should always be water next to the container for dry food.

The best cat food according to veterinarians from this category must be determined in its class. For the full development of a cat and beautiful coat, professional breeders use holistic nutrition.

A distinctive feature of this choice is its high cost. This is due to the fact that the food contains high quality natural ingredients with high energy calorie content. For a cat, 100-150 g of granules per day is enough to make him feel full and alert.

Holistic food includes additives that improve the functioning of the cat’s digestive organs; the components are absorbed by the body almost completely. Besides, Artificial flavors and taste enhancers are excluded from the composition, which are present in cheap samples. For proper feeding of a cat, natural food, according to veterinarians, is the ideal solution.

Veterinarians consider the best brands of holistic dry food to be:

Akana (Canada).
Chicken soup (USA).
Artemis (USA).
Eagle Pack (USA).
Felide (USA).
Gou (Canada).
Howe (Canada).
Power of Germany (Germany).
Innova Evo (USA).
Orijen (Canada).

Super premium dry kibble is also a fully balanced cat food. They do not contain harmful impurities, the components are selected taking into account the needs of the animal - proteins, carbohydrates, fiber. This is usually chicken, turkey, lamb, as well as fish and eggs. These foods are inferior in price to the previous class, but this does not mean that such food is significantly inferior in quality. Veterinarians note the high quality of super premium food and recommend it to cat owners.

The best super premium food according to experts:

Almo Nature (Italy).
Test of the wild (USA).
Nutra Gold (USA).
First Chase (Canada).
Pronature Holistic (Canada).
Bosch Sanabel (Germany).
Leonardo (Germany).

Premium meals should be chosen carefully. Among it there are high-quality, well-selected components, but also feed, the manufacturers of which wanted to save on raw materials.

In some brands, poultry meat is replaced with cartilage, low-quality rice, and corn. Such components are either not absorbed by the cat’s body at all, or are poorly absorbed.

At the same time, the food does not contain components harmful to the animal. These foods fully compensate for the cat’s need for nutrients; they are cheaper than super premium food, but more expensive than economy food. This best option for thrifty cat owners who are watching proper nutrition your pet.

Veterinarians call the best premium food:

Eukanuba (Canada).
Advance (Spain).
Bozita (Sweden).
Nutra Mix (USA).
Royal Canin (Russia, France, Poland).

this one good inexpensive food for cats, which ensures normal development of the animal.

Economy class food

Economy class food does not include natural ingredients. This is dictated by setting a lower price for the product. But to stimulate the cat’s appetite, the food contains chemical components - flavorings, taste enhancers. Veterinarians believe that feeding animals with this diet should be done with caution. The only advantage of such feeds is their low cost. If you constantly feed your cat economy food, you can disrupt the functioning of its digestive system.

Among the best dry food of this class:

Gourmet* (France).
Friskes (Russia, France, Hungary).
Kitiket (Russia, EU, USA).
Whiskas (Russia, EU, USA).
Purina Van (Russia, Hungary, France).

*this food is considered the best in the economy class. Experts place it on the same level as premium food, so it is not surprising that veterinarians recommend it among inexpensive dry food.

Wet types - which one is the best?

Manufacturers produce wet food in jars, special packaging equipped with a zipper, in trays, etc. A distinctive feature of this food for cats is its consistency. These are pates, pieces of meat in jelly, stews, sauces and broths. This food is not required drinking plenty of fluids, as in the case of dry food. But, unlike dry food, this type of food quickly deteriorates if it is not used immediately. Therefore, food for cats is packaged in small containers designed for one meal.

The cost of such food is significantly higher than dry food. The best wet food according to veterinarians is quite difficult to determine. But there are still a number of companies that are leaders in this part of the production of cat food.

Among the holistic class, the following are recognized as the best:

Applous.
Almo.
Moonlight Dinner.

There are lines of food for cats suffering from certain diseases.

The best of the super premium class:

Brit Keir.
Bozita.
Gina.

This food does not contain components for sick animals. These are universal foods that contain natural meat - turkey, rabbit, chicken. And also vegetables - carrots, peas. Does not contain harmful components.

In the premium class it is:

Hills.
About the Plan.
Royal Canin.

Premium meals are cheaper than previous options. But it is considered complete, and veterinarians speak rather flatteringly about it.

The best canned food for cats

Food for cats that is produced in the form of canned food can hardly be called everyday. It's more of a treat. The reason for this is simple - the high cost of food, as well as the composition.

Some canned food contains a limited list of ingredients, so it is not wise to regularly feed your cat such food.

As a rule, canned cat food is produced by the same companies that produce other types of food. Therefore, many amateur owners and cat breeders regularly feed domestic cats with a cheaper type of food. Canned food is used as complementary food or as a kind of encouragement for fluffy. It is convenient to use one brand, but options for combining food from different companies are also quite acceptable.

Almo Necher Alternative.
Leonardo.
Applous.
Evanges Signeisha Series.
Petite Couisin.

Almo Nature Alternative

These canned foods contain natural meat of animal origin or fish - tuna, sardines, seafood - crabs, shrimp. The first position is 95% of the main product, the last is 60%. The rest is broth and vegetables, which are also useful for the development of the cat.

The advantage of this type of food is its composition - completely natural. In addition, the packaging is designed for one use. Therefore, there is no danger that food will remain in the refrigerator and spoil over time. This type of food has many lines designed for various situations– for kittens, for old cats, for sick cats. Veterinarians recommend including such complementary foods as a special dietary food for animals suffering from digestive problems.

Veterinarians consider the disadvantage of this diet to be its soft consistency. It does not clean your cat's teeth like dry food does.

Natural nutrition

Many cat owners begin feeding their animals by offering the animal the food they themselves eat. This approach is not correct. Cats require a specific set of vitamins and minerals, which regular food cannot provide. You can often hear complaints about feeding your cat natural food, but she is often sick and behaves restlessly.

The problem is lack of nutrients. A cat is a predator, so an abundance of meat and fish is mandatory for such an animal. Self-provide for a pet a complete set of essential nutrients is almost impossible. Therefore, the best option is a balanced diet approved by veterinarians. This is exactly the diet offered by companies that produce special food for cats.

But if you still decide not to spend money on industrial food, then for the normal development of the cat it is necessary to diversify the menu, include meat, vegetables, and fish in the diet.

Food for kittens and sick animals

All companies that produce food for cats produce lines designed for feeding kittens. They contain components that are as close as possible to cat milk.

Kittens should not be fed natural cow's milk.

The purpose of milk from cows is to feed calves. Biologically, it is designed for the weight and digestive system of a calf. In its pure form, such milk is dangerous for little kitten, which is several times smaller than even a newborn calf. For the normal development of kittens, the ideal option is mother’s cat milk.. If such feeding is not possible, use special food for kittens.

Surely, every owner wants to give their pet only the best. And this applies not only sleeping place, toys, tray, filler. First of all, this concerns food. Which food is better to choose: natural or dry (industrial)? Which company should you choose? What to look for when choosing dry food? What is better to choose: super premium cat food or holistic class? Many questions arise, so you need to figure it out.

Common Myths

Let's start studying the questions posed with common myths.

Dry cat food can cause urolithiasis. There is no clear answer here. If your pet has urolithiasis disease, then this is a consequence (80%) of the lack of sufficient water in the animal’s bowl. When consuming industrial pellets, a cat requires a large amount of water. The carelessness of the owners leads to disastrous results. It should not be surprising that after a short period of time the pet will need the help of veterinarians.
Dry food for adult cats can cause gastrointestinal diseases. Again, there is no clear answer. Stomach and intestinal diseases can occur due to excessive consumption of granules. If the cat has eaten everything, this does not mean that she needs to add more. Especially if it is economy class food.
The composition of dry food contains solid chemicals, there are absolutely no natural ingredients or they are there minimal amount. If the choice fell on economy class pellets, then naturally it will be so. But premium, super premium and holistic food contains only natural ingredients (in different mass fractions). All products, starting from the premium class, undergo the strictest control. If in doubt, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Feed classification

The division into classes helps the kitten owner to make the right choice in favor of the pet's health.

Economy class products - the composition of these products cannot please cat owners. The ingredients do not contain natural meat, fish or poultry; only bone meal and plant ingredients. The quality of such granules leaves much to be desired. This food seems attractive to cats only because of the presence of flavorings and flavoring additives.
Premium products - manufacturers use selected meat and fish to make pellets, containing minerals and vitamins in the required quantities. Corn is supplied here as a vegetable component. All ingredients contained in the composition have a veterinary certificate. A distinctive feature is economical consumption and high digestibility.
Super premium products - ingredients only highest quality become the basis of granules. These include: salmon fillet, lamb, turkey, rice, egg, etc. The composition contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates in a balanced form. When consuming this food, the cat will receive everything it needs. Super premium products belong to a specialized and balanced diet.
Holistic class products are elite food that contains only environmentally friendly ingredients. Distinctive features Such products are considered to have excellent digestibility and high taste. In addition to the main components there are fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Before choosing dry cat food, you need to read numerous reviews from cat owners and experts. They may vary, but you need to draw your own conclusions. How best option- contacting a veterinarian regarding nutrition.

List of manufacturers of economy class dry food

Dry food for kittens and cats contains a lot chemical components and low-quality raw materials. Chemical additives, flavors, and taste enhancers cause persistent addiction in your pet.

In addition, to keep the animal well-fed, it will require twice as many pellets as in higher-class products. To prevent kidney failure, the cat should consume 2-3 times more water than food. To get enough food, the cat eats a lot (!) of food; she is not able to consume as much water, so her kidneys become clogged, and this is the root cause of diseases of the urinary system.

Having studied the classes and composition of dry food for kittens and cats, experts came to the conclusion which products belong to the economy class.

Kitekat;
Whiskeys;
Friskies;
Purina
Felix;
OSCAR;
Katinka;
Perfect Fit;
Darling;
Kitti;
Dr.Clauders;
Sheba, etc.

List of premium industrial pellet manufacturers

Dry food for adult cats, which belongs to the premium class, is not as harmful as economy, but still not as healthy as superpremium and holistic. It will contain meat and fish as a base, but in addition to them it will contain soy, additives and substitutes. The amount of dry food for premium cats will be lower than that of economy class, and accordingly, there will not be such a load on the kidneys.

It has been noticed that most owners buy premium dry cat food because it is expensive (but not as expensive as super premium or holistic food), but does not cause much harm to the pet’s health. Many cats eat this way and live long and healthy (!) lives.

Rating of premium dry cat food:

Royal Canin is one of the most popular manufacturers, supplying the market with a wide range of products;
PurinaProPlan;
Hills is a renowned manufacturer of industrial pellets with a wide range of products;
Natural Choice;
Belcando;
Brit is also a popular food that has won the trust of many cat owners;
Happy Cat;
Advance;
Matisse.

Royal Canin, Brit and Hills stand out from this list. Experts often classify them as super-premium pellets, since these manufacturers have a large assortment of medicinal foods in their product line. But you need to choose the food that was packaged and produced in Europe. They monitor quality better and control all products. In Russia there is no such control yet.

List of super premium industrial feed manufacturers

Choosing dry cat food is not a problem; Which one is better - every cat owner will decide for himself. In super-premium class granules the amount of protein is balanced, there are practically no dyes or flavors. When feeding such granules, the animal’s risk of getting sick is significantly reduced.

The best manufacturers of super premium cat food:

1st Choice;
ProNature Holistic;
Profine Adult Cat;
Cimiao;
Nutram.

Rating of holistic class dry food manufacturers

The best dry food for cats is holistic grade granules. In nurseries, their children are fed exactly these pellets, produced by professionals for professionals. This food has, perhaps, only 2 disadvantages:

high cost;
lack of flavorings and additives, which is why a cat accustomed to eating premium food will turn up his nose at expensive food(in the evening he will still go to eat, no one wants to sit hungry).

Rating of holistic dry cat food:

Orijen;
Acana;
Golden Eagle Holistic;
GO and NOW Natural holistic;
GRANDORF Natural & Healthy;
Almo Nature Holistic;
Gina Elite, etc.

Such food does not cause allergies in animals. Each component in the composition is designed to preserve the health of the animal and prolong life. When feeding, the pet receives all the necessary substances, which eliminates the need to purchase an additional vitamin and mineral complex. The ingredients are selected in such a way that they do not interfere with the absorption of each other. The cat owner needs to remember that feeding holistic granules should not be combined with other foods and, especially, with natural food. If you add meat or fish to the bowl in addition to holistic food, your pet will develop kidney problems, which will be caused by an excess of protein.

Alternative rating of feed manufacturers

First place is rightfully taken by:

1st choice;
Acana is a Canadian manufacturer that has won the trust of millions of cat and dog owners (products undergo the strictest control at all stages of production);
Brit Care Cocco;
Grandorf - this line includes 6 hypoallergenic foods, two varieties contain probiotics necessary for digestion;
Nutrivet;
Orijen is a Canadian manufacturer that produces granules with a high content of protein and a vitamin-mineral complex (the composition contains 75% meat (fish), eggs);
Pro nature holistic.

Why were they given the palm? The composition contains only natural ingredients and high-quality meat. Food from these manufacturers is suitable for daily feeding of your pet. Their only drawback is their high cost.

Second place was given to such manufacturers as:

Animonda (grain-free);
Brit Care;
Hills Ideal balance;
Nutram Sound;
Power of Nature.

In third place are:

Brit;
Golden Eagle is an American manufacturer that for the first time put on the market a product developed by nutritionists, geneticists, and famous veterinarians;
Holistic Blend Perfect;
Pronature Original.

These super premium and holistic foods are suitable for the treatment of allergic reactions and certain diseases. Such food for every day is not suitable for healthy animals.

Knowing that feed is divided into classes, the owner should pay attention to the composition. If it mentions by-products or bone meal, you can safely refuse such a product.

Super premium cat food, as well as holistic class, contains selected beef, rabbit, chicken, and fish. No chemicals, no by-products.
The shorter the ingredient list, the better.
First on the list of components are those mass fraction which predominates in the feed. Meat, fish, and poultry should be among the first.
You shouldn’t buy industrial granules because of their beautiful packaging or enticing slogan. Dry food for adult cats and kittens must be of the highest quality, tested by time and the technical control department.
You should not purchase food from different manufacturers. It turns out that cats are very picky, so they have a hard time getting used to a change in food.
If the list of ingredients contains grains, then it is better to avoid such granules. It is desirable that the composition contains legumes, since grains can cause allergies. Reviews from veterinarians indicate that animals will not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract with food that contains rice.
If the list of ingredients contains flavors and dyes, it is better to avoid such a product. Responsible manufacturers have long abandoned the addition of chemicals.

Principles of cat nutrition: how to feed and how much to give?

Before switching their pet to industrial granules, many owners wonder: can cats eat dry food? The answer from the professionals: you can. But in moderation and following the recommendations.

The amount of dry cat food is indicated on the packaging from the manufacturer. It is strictly forbidden to overfeed your ward with such food. You can use premium dry cat food, but the diet should be monotonous. Unlike humans, cats do not require constant variety in their diet. Ideally, one food will last a lifetime. Tough, but true. The less variety in an animal's diet, the fewer health problems it will have. If the owner is satisfied with the state of health, fur, and teeth of the cat, then the best dry food for cats has been found, and there is no need to replace it with other granules.

If the owner has purchased dry cat food based on veterinarian reviews, he must remember several rules regarding the cat’s diet.

There must always be access to water. Ideally, the water in the bowl should be changed 1-2 times a day.
If you use holistic or super premium dry cat food, then you need to remove natural food from your pet’s diet.
The amount of food given depends on age, physical health, activity and characteristics of the breed. It is best to consult your veterinarian about the amount of kibble your cat should consume.
The cat should eat 2 or 3 times a day. If a pet wakes up its owner early in the morning, then the last meal can be moved to late evening.

From personal experience

When we got a British Fold kitten, we immediately turned to the veterinarian for advice on many issues. Among them was the question of nutrition. In the first minutes of the conversation, the veterinarian indicated that it was not worth buying Friskas, Whiskas and similar cheap food for our baby (of course, if we don’t want to have a bunch of diseases at the end of the day). We were recommended Royal Canin, Hill's, Pro Plan and Brit. A little expensive, but it won’t cost our pet’s health and life. Subsequently, when the kitten got stronger and gained strength, we chose Brit.

Initially, we bought Royal Canin by weight; our growing baby devoured it at the speed of light. Feedback from the seller at the veterinary clinic regarding Royal Canin is only positive. She advised us to put it in a bowl daily norm so that the kitten does not think that he has run out of food, and he does not subsequently pounce on a new portion. That's what we did. At first he tried to eat everything, but then he realized that he had enough food, no one was taking anything from him and he would not starve. So it happened that in the morning I pour him a cup of food, it lasts him until the night. He eats when he wants. There is always fresh water in the bowl.

As for 2 or 3 meals a day, we do not adhere to this principle. Because the cat just walks around and begs for food. And so, if there are granules in the plate, he comes up, eats about 3-5 pieces, washes it down with water and goes about his business. Everyone wins. It may be wrong, but the cat is used to eating this way. And he has no health problems.