Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and certain enzymes should also be present in the recipe. This nutrient is crucial for heart health and good vision, so only buy wet or dry cat foods that list it in their ingredients list. Taurine is one of the essential ones and should be included in any food that you are considering. There are 22 amino acids that cats need for proper functioning, and out of those, 11 are essential amino acids.
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For more options, check out our detailed review of grain free cat food. In any case, although low-carb recipes are best for most cats, healthy dry foods should contain a few antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits. Grain free food options are available as are recipes with whole grains which are less refined and less likely to cause issues. Some of these – particularly wheat, corn, and soy - can cause sensitivities in some cats. Most foods contain carbohydrates, some for their fiber and antioxidants, others as fillers. There is still great disagreement as to whether cats need any carbohydrates in their food, and if so, how much. Find out more about high fiber cat food here. Sources of fiber in dry cat food include whole grains, rice hulls, bran, and beet pulp. It also helps to reduce the risk of hairballs getting stuck in the GI tract, so it's a must in well-balanced formulas, especially when it comes to foods crafted for indoor cats or those that have digestive issues. It is recommended that fats should make up around 9% of your cat’s dried food.Ĭats do not derive any energy from dietary fiber, however, fiber is still considered beneficial for the smooth transit of food through the digestive system. This should ideally be from an animal source but can also include vegetable oils. Take a look at our review of the best high protein cat food for more options.Ī source of fat should be listed within the first five ingredients.
Aside from the right amount of protein, look for the quality of protein as well healthy dry cat foods should contain animal protein as the main ingredient. For the average adult cat, it is recommended that their dry food should contain around 30% to 40% protein, depending on their lifestyle and activity levels. This should be the top ingredient in any cat food and should come from a named source. Given this, the best dry cat foods should contain: As such, cats are considered to be obligate carnivores, and their modern diets need to reflect these evolutionary needs. This prey contained high amounts of protein, fat in moderate amounts, and only a minimal amount of carbohydrates. They recognize that our beloved feline companions evolved as hunters that consumed prey. The best cat food brands understand the unique nutritional needs of cats.
What to Look for When Buying Dry Cat Food