Before even bringing the cat home for the first time we have to stop by the pet store to buy its feed. The problem is that what should be a simple and quick task can turn into a complicated job, as new brands appear every time. And they all say more or less the same thing: »complete food for your cat or kitten». How true is that phrase?
The truth is that it depends a lot on the composition of the cat food that we have in our hands or that we are going to buy. Therefore, to make sure that we are going to give you a quality meal, we have to carefully read the ingredient label. So let's see how is the composition of a good feed.
How to interpret the feed label?
The ingredients with which the feed is made will appear from higher to lower proportion. Of all, the ones we have to look at the most are the first three, since they will be the ones that will really nourish the animal. In this sense, if we take into account that it is carnivorous, in the event that cereals are included (rice, corn, barley, etc.) it is best to leave it on the store shelf, otherwise We could put the health of the feline at risk.
What types of meats make up cat food?
A good cat food will consist of fresh meat, while another of medium or low quality will make it from by-products of animal origin. What do we mean by "by-products"? Well, heads, beaks, nails, ... parts that a cat would not eat.
What proteins do we find in feed?
The cat must ingest proteins of animal origin, since they are the ones that have all the amino acids they need; On the other hand, those of vegetable origin do not provide all that it needs to synthesize proteins. To understand it better, say that proteins, whether of animal or plant origin, are composed of amino acids that the animal's body recovers separately and then synthesizes them, thus creating new proteins.
What ingredients does the cat NOT need?
These:
- Cereals: we discussed it before. Not only can cereals cause allergies, but your body cannot use them well, which often causes diarrhea or loose, odorous stools.
- By-products: When we talk about by-products, I always like to ask the same question: if none of us would be able to eat the beak, nails or head of an animal, why do we give it -even in the form of feed- to our cat?
- Beet fiber: This fiber comes from the sugar companies that extract the juice from the vegetables obtaining a paste of vegetable fibers that will end up in the animal feed companies. Although they provide more structure to the stool, it is not recommended for a cat.
How much does it cost?
El price of a low quality feed It is usually very low (I say "usually" because there are brands that invest a lot in marketing, but then when you read their labels they can surprise you a lot by including, for example, cereals). Often the kilo comes to 1 euro.
By contrast, a I think of high quality It costs at least 4 euros. The most expensive I have seen is 8 euros / kg, which is logical if we think that fresh meat already costs us more or less that in a butcher shop.
I hope this article has been useful to you 🙂.