What is the best cat food and how to choose the right one? What to feed a cat: advice from veterinarians and ratings of ready-made feeds

Ready-made (industrial) feed

Feeding with ready-made feed is more convenient, because. allows you to save time on cooking, it is balanced and the cat receives all the necessary nutrients.

You can feed dry and canned (canned) food.

There are also differences between dry foods. Experienced "cat breeders" categorically do not recommend buying cheap advertised dry food, because they are made from products of dubious quality and often lead to severe kidney and liver diseases. Choose the so-called premium food Hills (Hills), Nutro Choice (Nutro Choyce), Iams (Yams), Royal Canin (Royal Canin), Eagle Pack (Eagle Pack), Nutra Gold (Nutra Gold), Purina Pro Plan (Purina Pro Plan) in specialty stores. Of course, they are more expensive, but your pet's health is worth it, don't skimp on food! Good foods are usually labeled "Premium" or "Superpremium".

In each such line of food there is food specifically for kittens. All over the world, diets such as Eukanuba Puppy & Junior Small Breed, Hill's Science Plan Puppy & Kitten, Royal Canin Size Nutrition Mini Junior and many others for every taste and budget.

Cheap food like Kitty Cat, Katinka, it is IMPOSSIBLE to give! The same goes for highly advertised foods such as Whiskas, Friskas, etc. They are of poor quality, contain too many mineral salts, they use not meat and high-quality offal, but bones, skins, feathers as protein. Their use leads to various diseases and does not satisfy the needs of the cat. There is also a high risk of developing kidney stones.

From canned food, good dry food manufacturers recommended above, as well as Gourmet (Gourmet).

A kitten up to 8-10 months, sometimes up to a year, is fed with special kitten food, both dry and canned. This is very important for proper development. Then they are transferred to adult food. Also, kitten food is given to pregnant and lactating cats. When feeding dry food to a cat (male), especially a neutered one, the package should be marked “prevention of urolithiasis” (these foods have a special formula with a low content of ash, phosphorus and magnesium). For a cat, this is not so important, just high-quality food is enough. Dry food can be poured for the whole day, it does not deteriorate. Canned food is given as much as the animal can eat at one time. The following diet is recommended (based on the daily dose): 75% dry food 25% canned food. You can increase the consumption of canned food up to 50% of the daily diet (especially important for show cats).

Vitamins Sanal, Jim Pat, Kitzim, etc. are given with such feeding in smaller doses and not constantly, but in courses (if necessary) than with natural feeding (consult your veterinarian or sales assistant).

Natural food for kittens, cats and cats

If you want to accustom a kitten to natural food, certain conditions must be observed. Food should be varied. If a kitten is not accustomed to a product in childhood, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do this in adulthood. Therefore, offer different foods so as not to turn the kitten into a fussy and provide good nutrition. Never feed an animal from the table - human food is not good for cats, it can cause severe indigestion, in addition, you risk raising a beggar if you constantly feed the animal from your plate. Do not give anything smoked, salty or spicy, have pity on the animal! No bones, especially chicken. Such bones, when passing through the digestive tract, can very severely injure the internal organs. Remember that cats need weed to effectively regurgitate the hair that has accumulated in their stomachs. Sow weed directly in flower pots or buy already grown in a pet store. The kitten should have its own dishes, its own permanent place for a meal and its own diet. And don't forget your vitamin and mineral supplements. If you feed the animal with natural products, then you can not do without additives.

First of all, put meat in the cat's "grocery basket". It can be beef (it’s better to start with it), poultry, rabbit, lamb, horse meat. Give up pork - this meat is too fatty, especially for small ones, and besides, it can infect the kitten with helminths. Oddly enough, it is also better not to get carried away with fish - let's give sea fish once a week in small portions. Meat can be given both boiled and raw, at first it is better in finely chopped or mashed form.

Dairy products are the most native food for a kitten. However, some delicate stomachs cannot tolerate cow's milk. Whole milk can be replaced with curdled milk, kefir and other fermented milk products. An excellent product for a growing organism is cottage cheese. A small kitten can be given a mixture of cottage cheese with milk and yolk - a very healthy and nutritious eggnog, eaten with great pleasure. Also, do not forget to occasionally pamper your purr with low-fat sour cream and cheese.

Almost all cats eat eggs with pleasure. This is a real delicacy for them. Include eggs in the menu a couple of times a week, they have a great effect on the condition of the coat. Can be given raw or cooked. For small kittens, offer a mixture of milk and yolk.

For full development, vegetable products are also needed - cereals and vegetables. It is best to cook porridge. For young animals - on milk, for grown-up kittens - on water or broth. A variety of cereals can be used, legumes and hercules should be avoided. Legumes are poorly digested and provoke bloating, and rolled oats are too saturated with carbohydrates and can lead to obesity. Pureed boiled vegetables and meat are usually added to porridges in broth.

Remember that the kitten must have constant access to water. When fed with dry food, water intake increases by about 4 times. The water should be clean, fresh, change the water every day and scald the water container with boiling water.

Cat food is not salted.

Meat and meat offal, which are given raw, must be pre-frozen.

You can not feed the kitten only meat and fish, or only cereals. You should not get carried away with fish at all, its excessive consumption leads to inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urolithiasis. Castrated animals should not be given fish at all.

Food should be slightly warm or at room temperature. Do not give too hot or cold (from the refrigerator) food.

All food for the kitten is very finely chopped, large and small bones are carefully removed. For an adult cat, food is cut into small pieces. Don't give big pieces!

Raw meat is given in its pure form, boiled meat or fish (boiled) can be mixed with vegetables, cereals, etc.

Kitten 1.5-2 months. fed 5 times a day (or free access to food). By six months, gradually reduce the number of feedings to 3 times a day. From 8 months Feed like an adult cat 2 times a day.

Remember: a cat is a predator, and she is not obliged to eat borscht, pasta or coleslaw. The cat has its own, special diet, and you should take this into account when feeding your pet, and not try to accustom it to what we eat - this is HARMFUL for cats and leads to various diseases.

FEEDING THE KITTEN - RECIPE

Here is my way of feeding kittens for busy people.

For 1 kg of raw twisted beef: 2 medium grated carrots (without nitrates), 200 g of kindergarten cheese (cheap, mild, unsalted), 1 raw chicken yolk (or 3 quail) for a bunch, a tablespoon of brewer's yeast (this is the whole group of vitamins B from B1 to B12), calcium gluconate (ordinary chalk) - 6 tablets (put in a tablespoon, a teaspoon to a powder state), vitamin D - 20 drops.

The amount of meat can be increased by 2-5 times, respectively, increasing the amount of other products.

Turn the whole mixture into a homogeneous mass with handles. Roll out with a rolling pin in layers of 0.5 mm and put in the freezer. A layer of parchment or foil is a layer of the mixture.

Came from work. They tore off a piece, quickly thawed it, make small meatballs that increase with the age of the cat.

mixed food

Mixed nutrition - when dry food (high-quality!) is taken as the basis of the diet, to which the animal has constant access. As bait 1-2 times a day (for example, in the morning and in the evening), the animal is offered meat, fish, dairy products (see the table on feeding with natural food).

With such feeding, it is imperative to give vitamins for cats.

Such food is less desirable.

Artificial feeding of kittens

It happens that a kitten comes to you very small, still breastfeeding, unable to eat on its own. What to do with such a baby and how to feed him in the absence of a mother?

Most often, these kittens are fed from a bottle with whole cow's or goat's milk mixed with a raw egg. Strain the mixture through gauze and feed in the form heated to 30-35 degrees 6 times a day. Infant milk formulas can also be used, and specially formulated milk substitutes are now sold in pet stores. When the kitten is 1 month old, you can start introducing grated or scraped meat (beef, chicken), sour-milk products, liquid cottage cheese into the diet. At 1.5-2 months. kittens are already able to eat on their own and easily get used to the chosen diet. Introduce new products gradually, one after another, without mixing.

A complete, balanced diet is the key to your pet's health. Observe the appearance and behavior of the kitten. He must be active and full of energy, grow and develop well. Organize your pet the right feeding, and you can easily raise a healthy, beautiful cat!

WHEN YOU CHOOSE THE FOOD FOR YOUR PET,

• Do not give your cat natural products. When systematically combined, ready-made cat food and natural products will cause a nutritional imbalance - an oversaturation of the body with some elements with a shortage of others and, as a result, illness.
• Provide your cat with clean and fresh drinking water at all times. It is absolutely unacceptable to have a full bowl of dry food and an empty bowl for water: the cat is in danger of dehydration.
• Canned cat food is more flavorful than dry food and comes in a wide variety of flavors.
• Heating canned cat food to 39-40°C can enhance its odor and indirectly improve palatability, this can be used when feeding a finicky cat.
• Experts recommend not mixing dry and canned food - in terms of effect, such a mixture is closer to dry food. It is better to feed the cat only canned food from time to time.
• Cats are very good at distinguishing shapes and prefer food with small granules.
• It is not necessary to change food throughout the life of a cat. You can choose a quality cat food from one company and stick to it according to the age and weight of the cat.
• In many diseases, changes in taste in cats are observed. In this case, you should use a special diet cat food with the best palatability ("Hill" s, "Iams", "Mars", "Royal Canin").

And finally, you can determine how suitable the food you have chosen for your cat can be using the following external indicators:

1. Optimal fatness of the pet (ribs are not visible, but easily palpated);
2. Good physical condition;
3. Shiny coat;
4. Small amount of stool (approximately 25% of the amount of food eaten);
5. Maintaining a constant weight of the cat.

Most cat owners are careful when choosing food for him. Pet stores offer a variety of foods. But how do you choose the one that suits your cat?

The most correct answer to this question will be given by qualified veterinarians.

Important! If you like to cook, and it does not take much time, then it is better to feed your pet with freshly prepared food. We must not forget about the balance of food for the pet.

Be sure to supplement the cat's diet with important vitamin complexes, which include minerals and trace elements. This opinion is shared by more than half of veterinarians.

Ingredients in a balanced diet:

• Poultry (chicken, turkey);
• Lean beef;
• Sea fish;
• Vitamins, amino acids and minerals,
• Amino acid - taurine.

Rating of the best feed: dry and wet

The second half of veterinarians believe that the best food is ready-made.

It is already balanced, does not require additional ingredients. What is the best food for cats? This question will help us answer the feed rating according to the reviews of veterinarians.

Remember to pour clean water into the bowl if you are feeding your pet dry food. This food is important for the teeth and digestive tract. Chewing it, the pet cleans the teeth from plaque.

The food is quite coarse, it cleans the gastric tract from toxins well. It must be stored in closed plastic containers without air access.

Breeders and veterinarians believe that the daily diet of a pet should include not only dry, but also soft food in the form of canned food.

Canned cat food

Canned food is a favorite treat for cats. They are pleasant to the taste, liquid, as they contain water. This is useful if the cat drinks little water.

One jar of canned food is enough for one feeding. It's comfortable. If the cat has not eaten a portion, put the leftover food in the refrigerator. It will be possible to offer them at the next feeding.

Wet canned food is good for feeding older cats. It is difficult for an older cat to chew dry food. Soft she swallows without difficulty.

The best canned food, according to veterinarians, are:

• Almo Nature
• Applaws
• Animonda
• Hill's
• Organix
• All cats
• Barking Heads
• Schesir.

Feed types

An important problem that cat owners need to understand is food classes:

• Economy class;
• premium class;
• super premium class;
• holistics.

Economy class. It contains only protein substitutes, it does not include natural ingredients.

If you picked up a cat on the street or took it from a shelter, then calmly feed it with food of this class. These are Kitikat, Whiskas and Friskies. But thoroughbred domestic cats are highly discouraged from feeding such food.

Premium and super premium class. This class of food is made from the highest quality ingredients. Contains no soy protein. And also there are no unnatural dyes and preservatives. In the required amount contain vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Among premium and super premium feeds, veterinarians recommend: Golden Eagle, Acana, Royal Canin, Arden Grange.

Manufacturers have also taken care of animals that are allergic to certain products. A special hypoallergenic food has been created for them. A good and inexpensive food for allergy sufferers is the Hill's Prescription Diet line.

Manufacturers paid special attention to creating a diet for castrated and sterilized cats. It has less calories and contains less protein. What brand of food is popular for spayed cats? Veterinarians consider Royal Canin Sterilized.

Feed class holistic. This class is made up of the best cat food. Their composition is closest to the natural diet.

Breeders and veterinarians agree that holistics are the ideal food for pets. It perfectly combines the highest quality ingredients.

Holistics of different manufacturers differ in composition. Some use only meat, others combine meat and vegetables. Third manufacturers produce grain-free feed.

The owner of the cat must understand whichever holistic he chooses - it will be the best quality food.

The best holistic class veterinarians include:

• Innova Evo;
• Felidae;
• Pronature Holistic;
• Orijen;

Read labels

Discussion: 5 comments

Are these foods suitable for all cats and cats? For example, my cat had urolithiasis and certain types were advised for him. And as a result, he did not eat half, because he did not like it. At acquaintances, the cat eats generally only homemade food. How harmful or helpful is it?

Reply

It is best to feed the cat with natural products. So at least you know exactly the composition of the food. My cat started to feel much better after going off the food!

Reply

After consultation with the veterinarian, they switched to dry food for my cat. Prior to that, they ate exclusively homemade food, and did not observe health problems. While my cat is happy to eat dry food, I buy expensive.

Reply

Pet food manufacturers pay attention to small pets. There are whole lines of specialized nutrition for kittens. Wet food occupies a special place in them. High-quality wet food has a number of features:

• It has a high content of natural products. There is meat, fish, chicken or turkey.
• Jelly with pieces can eat any breed of kittens without any problems. The dish will not damage the emerging teeth.
• Packing in bags or jars is intended for exactly one meal. It's comfortable. The owner does not need to calculate the weight of the dish, and the contents will not be stored for a long time and will not deteriorate.
• Wet food has a minimum amount of preservatives and chemical additives. They are safe for animals.
• The composition includes products ideally suited for a balanced diet of a kitten.
• The product has a high energy value. The pet will be satiated quickly and for a long time.

Feed classes

Wet food is divided into classes. The main criterion here is the quality and price of the product. The owners, based on their capabilities, independently determine how to feed the pet.

There are four classes in total: economy, premium, super premium, holistic. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. There is no single answer to the question “what is the best wet food for kittens”.

Economy food

The disadvantages of this class include the fact that there is no meat in packages with food for animals, it is replaced with vegetable protein. There are no vitamins. The feed is not optimized in composition, it is poorly absorbed by the fragile organism of small animals. It is known that these feeds are made from canned food. Pros - general availability, low price, a wide range of flavors. Among the varieties of feed economy stand out:

- Meal;

— Doctor Zoo;

- Vaska;

Premium class

Cons of the product - there is a small amount of meat, a large amount of water. There are more pluses. The food is well digested by kittens. They are optimized. The cost is average. Premium food names:

— Royal Canin (Russia);

- Doctor Alders, Flatazor;

- Happy Cat;

Super premium class

The only negative in these feeds is their high price. There are many pluses. This is a balanced food, in which there is enough meat to satisfy the needs of the baby's body in this product. Huge range of choice. There are no dyes. The minimum amount of vegetable protein. Such food does not contain substances that are not absorbed. The food will be to the taste of animals of any breeds. Super premium food:

— Royal Canin (France);

Holistic

Holistic is a class of feed that contains all the substances for the health of animals. It is these feeds that give one hundred percent balance in the diet of pets. They are better than natural food or other prepared foods. Manufacturers of this class of products are confident that they know the answer to the question “wet food for kittens: which is better?”.

There are many advantages to the product. Holistic foods are superior to natural foods. There is a lot of quality meat without antibiotics. There is no chemistry.

A significant disadvantage in such feeds is a very high price.

Holistic foods include:

Eagle Pack Holistic Select

Experts advise owners to start giving wet food to a kitten that is already two months old. Soft foods can be introduced as complementary foods. Dry food will cause stress in a small organism. After the milk that the cat drank or drinks from his mother, dry solid figures are categorically not suitable.

At 2 months, the kitten is already quite developed. He is very active. The kid is constantly playing and exploring the apartment. In order to be strong and energetic, he needs high-calorie food in addition to mother's milk.

If the pet drinks milk from the mother, then food should be given 1-2 times a day. If he shows an increased interest in food, then the number of feedings should be increased. The animal does not feed on mother's milk.

It is better to buy food in a specialized store for animals. Sellers will be able to orient the buyer and provide him with the necessary information about different brands of products.

You can not feed a thoroughbred pet with cheap food. Because of this diet, the kitten may have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

If the owners buy an economical option for a small pet, then it should be supplemented with special vitamins from the pet store.

Wet food for kittens, which one is better to buy for a pet, is decided by the owners. Much depends on the welfare of the people. However, it should be understood that a thoroughbred kitten needs better food than a normal one. Be sure to monitor the health of your pet and his mood. A cheerful, active kitten will bring only joy to its owners.

Surely, every owner wants to give his pet only the best. And this applies not only to a bed, toys, a tray, a filler. First of all, it concerns food. What is the best food to choose: natural or dry (industrial)? Which company should you choose? What to look for when choosing dry food? Which is better to choose: super premium cat food or holistic class? There are many questions, so you need to understand.

Common myths

Let's start the study of the questions raised with common myths.

• Dry food for cats can cause urolithiasis. Here it is impossible to answer unambiguously. If a pet has urolithiasis, then this is a consequence (80%) of the lack of sufficient water in the animal's bowl. When consuming industrial pellets, a cat needs a large amount of water. Carelessness of the owners leads to disastrous results. No need to be surprised that after a short period of time, the pet will need the help of veterinarians.
• Dry food for adult cats can cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Again, there is no clear answer. Diseases of the stomach and intestines can occur due to excessive consumption of granules. If the cat ate everything, this does not mean at all that she needs to add more. Especially if it's economy class food.
• The composition of dry food contains continuous chemistry, there are absolutely no natural components or there is a minimum amount of them. If the choice fell on economy-class granules, then naturally, it will be so. But premium, super premium and holistic class feeds contain 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 contributes to the fact that the owner of the kitten can make the right choice in favor of the health of the pet.

• Economy class products - the composition of this product cannot please the owners of cats. Among the components there is no natural meat, fish or poultry; only bone meal and herbal ingredients. The quality of these granules leaves much to be desired. This food seems attractive to cats only because of the presence of flavors and flavors in the composition.
• Premium-class products - manufacturers use selected meat and fish for the manufacture of pellets, containing minerals and vitamins in the required quantities. As a plant component, corn enters here. All ingredients in the composition have a veterinary certificate. A distinctive feature can be called economical consumption and high digestibility.
• Super premium class products - only the highest quality ingredients become the basis of the granules. These are: salmon fillet, lamb meat, turkey, rice, egg, etc. The composition contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates in a balanced form. When consuming such food, the cat will receive all the essentials. Super premium class products refer to a specialized and balanced diet.
• Holistic class products - elite food, which contains only environmentally friendly ingredients. Distinctive features of such products are excellent digestibility and high taste. In addition to the main components are fruits, vegetables, grains.

Before choosing dry cat food, you need to read the numerous reviews of cat owners and specialists. They may differ, but you need to draw your own conclusions. The best option is to contact your veterinarian about nutrition.

List of economy class dry food manufacturers

The composition of dry food for kittens and cats includes a lot of chemical components and low-quality raw materials. Chemical additives, flavors, flavor enhancers are persistently addictive in a pet.

In addition, in order for the animal to be full, it will take twice as many pellets as in higher-class products. In order for the kidneys not to fail, the cat must consume 2-3 times more water than food. To eat, the cat eats a lot (!) of food, it is not able to consume the same amount of water, so the 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, the experts came to the conclusion which products belong to the economy class.

1. Kitekat;
2. Whiskas;
3. Friskies;
4. Purina
5. Felix;
6. OSCAR;
7. Katinka;
8. Perfect fit;
9. Darling;
10. Kitty;
11. Dr. Clauders;
12. Sheba etc.

List of premium industrial pellet manufacturers

Dry food for adult cats, belonging to the premium class, not as harmful as economy, but still not as healthy as super premium and holistic. It will be based on meat and fish, but in addition to them, soy, additives and substitutes will be contained. The norm of premium dry cat food will be lower than that of the economy class, respectively, there will be no such load on the kidneys.

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

Premium Dry Cat Food Rating:

1. Royal Canin is one of the most popular manufacturers with a wide range of products on the market;
2. PurinaProPlan;
3. Hills is a well-known manufacturer of industrial pellets with a wide range;
4. Natural Choice;
5. Belcando;
6. Brit is also a popular food that has won the trust of numerous cat owners;
7. happy cat
8. advance;
9. Matisse.

Royal Canin, Brit and Hills stand out from this list. Experts often classify them as super premium granules, since these manufacturers have a wide range of medicated feeds in their line. But you need to choose the food, the packaging and production of which took place in Europe. There is better quality control and control of 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 and flavors. When feeding with such granules, the risk of getting sick in an animal is significantly reduced.

The best manufacturers of super premium cat food:

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

Rating of manufacturers of dry food holistic class

The best dry food for cats is holistic grade granules. In nurseries, the wards are fed with just such pellets, produced by professionals for professionals. Such food, perhaps, only 2 minuses:

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

Rating of dry food for cats holistic class:

1. Orijen;
2. Acana;
3. Golden Eagle Holistic;
4. GO and NOW Natural holistic;
5. GRANDORF Natural & Healthy;
6. Almo Nature Holistic;
7. Gina Elite, etc.

Such feed 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-mineral complex. The ingredients are selected in such a way that they do not interfere with each other's absorption. The owner of the cat must remember that feeding holistic granules should not be combined with other foods and, moreover, with natural food. If you throw meat or fish into the bowl in addition to holistic food, then the pet will begin to have kidney problems, the cause of which will be an excess of protein.

Alternative rating of feed producers

The first place is rightfully occupied 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 (75% of meat (fish), eggs are displayed in the composition);
• Pro nature holistic.

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

Second place was given to such manufacturers as:

• Animonda (grain free);
• Britcare;
• Hills Ideal balance;
• Nutram Sound;
• Power of nature.

In third place are:

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

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

Knowing that the feed is divided into classes, the owner must pay attention to the composition. If it mentions offal, bone meal, you can safely refuse such a product.

• Super premium cat food, as well as holistic class, contains selected beef, rabbit meat, chicken, fish. No chemicals, no offal.
• The shorter the ingredient list, the better.
• In the first place in the list of components are those whose mass fraction prevails in the feed. Among the first should be meat, fish, poultry.
• You should not take industrial pellets because of the beautiful packaging or an enticing slogan. Dry food for adult cats and kittens must be of the highest quality, tested by time and the technical control department.
• Do not buy food from different manufacturers. It turns out that cats are very fussy, so it's hard to get used to a change in food.
• If the list of components contains cereals, then it is better to refuse such granules. It is desirable that legumes be present in the composition, since cereals can cause allergies. Feedback from veterinarians suggests that there will be no problems with the gastrointestinal tract in animals with feeds that contain rice.
• If the list of ingredients contains flavorings and dyes, it is better to refuse such a product. Responsible manufacturers have long abandoned the addition of chemicals.

Cat nutrition principles: how to feed and how much to give?

Before transferring a pet to industrial granules, many owners ask themselves: is it possible for cats to dry food? The answer of professionals: it is possible. But in moderation and following the recommendations.

The rate of dry cat food is indicated on the packaging from the manufacturer. It is categorically impossible to overfeed your ward with such food. Premium dry cat food can be used, but the diet should be consistent. Unlike humans, cats do not need a constant variety in their diet. Ideally one food for life. Harsh but true. The less variety in the diet of an animal, the less health problems it will have. If the owner is satisfied with the state of health, wool, teeth of the cat, then the best dry cat food is found, and there is no need to replace it with other granules.

If the owner purchased dry cat food based on veterinary reviews, he must remember a few rules regarding the cat's diet.

• Access to water should always be. Ideally, the water in the bowl should be changed 1-2 times a day.
• If dry holistic or super premium cat food is used, then natural food should be removed from the pet's diet.
• The amount of food given out depends on age, physical health, activity and breed characteristics. It is best to check with your veterinarian about the amount of pellets your cat should consume.
• The cat should eat 2 or 3 times a day. If the pet wakes up his owner early in the morning, then the last meal can be moved to the late evening.

From personal experience

When we got a lop-eared British kitten, we immediately turned to the veterinarian for advice on a variety of 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 bouquet of diseases at the exit). We were advised by Royal Canin, Hill's, Pro Plan and Brit. Expensive, but will not cost the health and life of our pet. Subsequently, when the kitten got stronger and gained strength, we opted for Brit.

Initially, we bought Royal Canin by weight, our growing baby ate it at the speed of light. Reviews of the seller in the veterinary clinic about Royal Canin are only positive. She advised us to put the daily allowance in the bowl so that the kitten would not think that he had run out of food, and he would not pounce on a new portion later. We did just that. 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. It just so happened that in the morning I pour him a cup of food, he has enough 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 only walks and begs for food. And so, if there are granules in the plate, he comes up, eats about 3-5 things, drinks it with water and goes about his business. Everyone wins. Maybe wrong, but the cat is used to eating like this. And he has no health problems.

People who keep cats at home think about the issue of their proper nutrition. It has long been known that ordinary food is not suitable for these animals, so a large number of specialized feeds have long appeared on the shelves of specialized stores. They favorably affect the health of a pet, the condition of its coat, normalize digestion, and so on. However, choosing food for an animal is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. In this regard, before proceeding to a direct review of the varieties of feed, we decided to give some recommendations related to the choice of these products.

If you have just got a cat, then you should remember that these animals are hostages of their habits, so they prefer to eat food strictly in one place and at the same time. It is desirable that the room where they eat is quiet and with a small number of people.

Do not give these animals food designed for dogs, as these animals have different needs for minerals and vitamins. If more than one cat lives in the house, then their bowls should be placed at a distance from each other so that there is no competition between them. If possible, place the bowl as far away from the tray as possible.

Both dry and wet foods are complete nutrition for a family pet, they contain all the necessary nutrients to ensure the health of a cat for many years. The only key difference between these types of food is the percentage of liquid content - in wet food it is up to 80%, while in dry food it is only about 10%. Many owners prefer to combine food: dry food one day and wet food the next.

However, the preferences of the animal should also be taken into account - many cats prefer dry food, and eat wet food without much enthusiasm. If necessary, you can combine these foods: leave some wet food in the bowl and add some dry food so that the animal can eat as needed. Dry food is more convenient than wet food, as it can last longer. If the animal does not eat it immediately, it will be able to approach the bowl during the day.

An important advantage of dry food is to provide additional hygiene of the animal's oral cavity - such feeds additionally clean the pet's oral cavity, remove plaque from the teeth. If the cat has some digestive or kidney problems, it is best to give preference to a wet diet, as it contributes to an increase in the overall level of moisture in the body and the formation of a large amount of urine. This allows you to adjust the work of the bladder and stabilize the work of the kidneys - this moment is very useful for animals that are prone to developing cystitis.

When compiling our ranking of the best cat food in 2018, we took into account all these points, paid attention to the price-quality ratio of the food, and took into account user reviews. As a result, the review includes only the most popular brands that have long been time-tested and have a beneficial effect on animal health.

The Best Cat Foods of 2018

10.Proplan

Despite the low cost, this brand belongs to the premium class, and this line includes food for a variety of categories - kittens, adults, animals with specific diseases. All commercially available food can be divided into three large groups - dry, wet and medicinal food. However, the latter is allowed to be given to the animal only on the recommendation of a veterinarian. The convenience of this food lies in the fact that it contains all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal development and life of the animal, so the pet owner does not have to worry about purchasing additional bait or additives.

The line of cat food is produced exclusively in dry form, it contains a decent amount of protein - about 40% of the total mass, about 20% fat, which contributes to the additional nutritional value of the feed. Of the trace elements, it contains a large amount of magnesium and calcium, which strengthen bones and teeth, and also put in order the genitourinary system of the animal. In addition, there is a line designed for sterilized cats: it is produced both in dry form and in bags or in cans. It perfectly strengthens the skin, normalizes the condition of the coat, bladder and all the mucous membranes of the animal.

Advantages:

• Ideally balanced composition designed for different types of pets - kittens, adults, sick and sterilized animals;
• High quality;
• Provides good health benefits for cats.

Flaws:

• Some species can only be found in pet stores.

9. Brit Premium

This brand has been on the market for over 20 years, but it appeared on the shelves in our country not too long ago, so most pet owners are wary of it. This feed is a high quality food, taking into account all age norms and other characteristics of the animal. This food is perfectly absorbed by the intestines, and the occurrence of serious side substances that can cause serious harm to the cat's body is not allowed. All feeds of this brand are produced on the basis of the latest veterinary achievements, thanks to which the pet receives all the necessary substances and elements. In addition to the required proteins, fats and lipids, the feed contains unique substances that can significantly improve the course of key biological processes in the cat's body.

Literally a few days after the start of using this food, the pet's diet becomes balanced, digestion returns to normal. Wool acquires a natural luster, and the body begins to better resist various kinds of diseases. On sale you can find both dry and wet food, sold in bags or in the form of canned food. The composition contains exclusively natural ingredients, genetically modified products are completely absent.

Advantages:

• The highest quality of workmanship - the food is produced on the basis of natural meat;
• The coat of the animal after a few days after the start of the feed becomes shiny, soft and silky;
• The animal becomes more and more energetic.

Flaws:

• Wheat and corn are added to some species, the nutritional value of which leaves much to be desired.

8. Royal Canin

This line of food provides not only food for adults and healthy individuals, but also for most categories with a certain vulnerability in terms of health - elderly pets, kittens, animals with certain diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems, animals that some time ago underwent surgery intervention and so on. Also on sale there are feeds that can satisfy even the most fastidious animals. All these products belong to the premium class. The composition contains everything necessary for proper nutrition of the animal - proteins of both animal and vegetable origin, various grains rich in fiber. In addition, yeast is added to the composition, which improves the process of digestion of the animal.

All types of food are on sale - dry, wet and canned. Particular attention deserves a line for kittens under the age of two months - this food includes a large amount of protein necessary for the proper growth and development of the animal. It also contains a decent amount of minerals, in particular, potassium and calcium, which are responsible for the proper development and formation of bones, for the heart and other internal organs of the pet.

Advantages:

• Large selection of a variety of feeds;
• Quite acceptable cost;
• Excellent quality, especially this moment concerns the medical nutrition series.

Flaws:

• From the variety of feeds, it will be difficult to choose the most suitable one.

7 Hills

To date, this manufacturer is characterized by a large number of positive reviews among buyers. They celebrate high quality standards and an expanded product line. On the shelves of pet stores you can find dry, wet and canned food of Dutch or American production. Most feeds are universal - they are suitable for healthy animals, for pets with diseases of the digestive tract or circulatory system, and can also be used as a prophylactic in order to prevent the occurrence of various kinds of diseases. These feeds differ according to the type of meat that is used for their manufacture - chicken, beef and rabbit meat. Corn flour and rice are added to them: these products are designed to saturate the cat's body with fiber and carbohydrates.

It will not be possible to find such products on the shelves of ordinary stores; they are sold exclusively in specialized outlets. The manufacturer himself divides all feeds into two large groups - for healthy and therapeutic nutrition. The latter variety is ideal for older animals, with its help you can quickly improve the functioning of the digestive system, tidy up the coat and prevent a number of serious diseases.

Advantages:

• One of the lowest prices among luxury feeds;
• Expanded product line - you can quickly choose food for the animal, depending on its taste preferences and physiological characteristics;
• A large number of different nutrients that will be useful in the young, mature and old age of the pet.

Flaws:

• Too high amount of carbohydrates and vegetable proteins in some types of food.

6 Arden Grange

This product is produced exclusively in dry form, this food is made in the UK. The feed is characterized by excellent taste characteristics. It easily allows you to provide the cat with a complete diet, regardless of the age, breed and health of the animal. Such food includes the maximum complex of organic compounds and mineral trace elements. A cat that takes this food immediately becomes more active and mobile. The entire product line is free of grains and cereals, which is why it is considered the closest to the natural nutrition of the animal. The composition contains only natural high-quality components of a hypoallergenic plan. The food does not contain flavors, preservatives, which could cause indigestion, intestinal blockage and other health problems for the cat.

Thanks to this food, the cat's body fully satisfies its need for all useful compounds. Protein products are represented by chicken or fish meat. At the same time, the developers claim that it is meat that is used, and not an offal. In addition, the function of protein is additionally taken over by a dry whole egg. The percentage of plant products does not exceed 26%, the rest is meat. This amount is quite enough for the animal to receive the required amount of fiber and cellulose, and there are no cereals here, potatoes are used instead.

Advantages:

• Meat acts as a source of protein;
• The absolute absence of grain crops;
• All the necessary substances for the normal life of the animal are present;
• There are no artificial preservatives;
• All types of feed are hypoallergenic nutrition;
• Also, there are no substances in the composition that can cause addiction to food.

Flaws:

• A small amount of glucose in the composition may cause some laxative effect.

This Canadian-made food is recognized by veterinarians as one of the highest quality, and cat owners who decide to use it as the main element of the animal's diet adhere to exactly the same opinion. The range of products is quite wide, so the food can be easily selected for a pet of any breed, age and taking into account its taste preferences. In its price category (regardless of the fact that the food belongs to the luxury class, it is characterized by a low price), the food is one of the most popular.

All these products go through a large number of tests and tests. If the batch does not meet the declared quality standards, then it is not allowed to be sold. /This allows you to be completely sure that the composition of the products indicated on the packaging really matches the composition of the contents. All feeds produced under this brand are a balanced diet for cats and cats of all ages. They contain about 28-30% protein, which fully satisfies the daily requirement of the animal in this product. All proteins used in the production of such food are of animal origin and dietary - poultry, fish and rabbit meat. In addition, the composition contains fish oil, flax seed, chicken eggs and rice cereal. One of the distinguishing elements is yucca extract, which helps to eliminate bad breath from the pet's mouth, and also removes the smell of the animal's secretions.

Advantages:

• Expanded range of products;
• Acceptable cost;
• Strict quality control;
• The food is great for cats with allergies;
• Reduces the presence of unpleasant odors.

Flaws:

• A slightly high salt content, which makes the animal very thirsty.

4. Bosch Sanabelle

This nutrition has been developed by a wide staff of specialists, which includes professional veterinarians, breeders and livestock specialists. This line includes more than 20 items that fully comply with all international standards for cat food. In the composition you can find extracts of vegetables and fruits, various medicinal herbs, minerals and vitamins. In addition to saturation, the animal receives everything necessary to maintain health and activity. There are special foods designed for pregnant cats: when they are used, all kittens of the litter will be born full-term, fully developed, so that their growth will proceed normally, the probability of death of at least one kitten is reduced to zero.

Feeds are made on the basis of dietary fish or poultry meat, which contains a large amount of omega-3 acids that maintain healthy hair and skin. In addition, this food is characterized by the presence of a large percentage of proteins with a high content of useful amino acids, there is also a dry extract of a chicken egg, apple, pear, beet flour and other products that are responsible for saturating the cat's body with fiber.

Advantages:

• The percentage of meat content varies depending on the feed within 20-40%;
• All useful substances of natural origin;
• Food is sold in most pet stores;
• You can choose individual food for the animal;
• High degree of quality control;
• Availability.

Flaws:

• Some of the ingredients are not exactly named;
• Some foods contain allergenic substances.

3.NOW Natural

Another Canadian brand that produces a range of natural cat food. The main distinguishing characteristic of this diet is the absolute absence of cereals. This food is designed both to satisfy hunger and to protect the state of his health, maintain his emotional state. All components are connected to each other so that the cat gets the maximum benefit from them. The developers have tried to make the pet's food as close as possible to the diet that the animal receives in the wild. It is this diet that is ideal for cats, as it acts as an excellent prophylactic for most diseases. Even with a large amount of food, the animal's obesity is not allowed, the cat will always be healthy and energetic.

The ratio of nutrients, in particular proteins, fats and carbohydrates, is optimal, largely due to this, this food should be classified as a luxury food. The protein contained in this feed belongs to chicken, duck or turkey meat. In addition, there are additives from salmon fish meal, which are not allergens for the cat's body. The bulk of the fats contained in the diet is represented by fish oil.

Advantages:

• A useful and carefully balanced complex of all the substances necessary for the cat's body;
• High quality of the components used;
• Strict compliance of the description with the actual content;
• The animal does not become obese.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive products;
• Designed for healthy individuals, there is no health-improving diet.

2. Acana

Another Canadian brand took second place in our ranking of the best cat food of 2018. It is an environmentally safe food for animals, characterized by the highest hypoallergenic characteristics. Feed production is carried out in an ecologically clean northern region of Canada. The composition contains poultry meat, which is grown in free-range conditions - such a product is considered one of the most valuable. In addition to it, this includes sea and river fish, eggs and red meat, represented, as a rule, by fresh beef. All vegetables included in the composition are carefully checked and purchased exclusively from reliable suppliers. The company never uses frozen products in the process of making feed, only fresh products are always brought in. The quality of all components is ideal, and the composition is balanced, so this food is especially popular among cat owners.

The food is perfect for both kittens and adult animals. Thanks to such a diet, the animal will receive everything necessary for normal life, so the owners will not have to think additionally about the acquisition of various vitamins and minerals. Everything that a cat needs is included in the diet in the required amount.

Advantages:

• Exclusively natural composition of products;
• No excessive carbohydrate content;
• Good balance of all useful substances;
• Excellent taste characteristics;
• The salt balance is normal - the cat drinks a moderate amount of water after eating food.

Flaws:

• There are no medicinal foods in the line.

1. Orijen

Despite its relatively high cost, this food rightfully occupies a leading position in our review of the best cat food in 2018. It contains all the necessary elements that will not only be useful for the animal, but also provide excellent taste characteristics of this food. On sale you can find dry food, as well as a diet in bags, cans and vacuum-packed. This product retains freshness for a long time and all the useful qualities that have a positive effect on the health of the animal. The feed contains natural meat, which has previously passed strict veterinary control: in particular, it does not contain hormones and antibiotics, various preservatives, it fully meets the nutritional requirements for animal nutrition.

The main ingredients here are fresh dehydrated chicken and turkey meat with the addition of beef and chicken liver, eggs, meat of several fish species. As a result, about 42% of the total mass is animal protein. There are also vegetable components - red and green lentils, peas, other crops rich in natural carbohydrates.

Advantages:

• The highest class of production;
• A decent percentage of the content of meat and fish;
• Sufficient fiber.

Flaws:

• Expensive.

In conclusion, an interesting video