A healthy cat is a happy cat! Best Cat Food Guide 2021

Cats are a very different species as compared to dogs. Their personalities are different and more importantly, their diets are also very different. Cats are carnivores by nature which means that they need a lot of meat in their diet to maintain a healthy life. Hence, you cannot feed your cat the dog food that you have bought for your pet dog. So, what is the best cat food? Keep on reading to find out!

Just like humans, food plays an important role in a healthy life in animals. And it varies based on cat breed, dieting needs, age, etc. So there is no one magical healthy food for all cats. You have to be very cautious about the ingredients in the cat food you select as they can result in side effects like vomiting, malnutrition, and even more critical health issues. At PetFoodRanked, we have complete editorial guides covering every aspect of cat food including what type of food is best for what breed of cat. We have also covered extensively on cat foods based on cat eating habits. And with all that we have mentioned the recent cat food recalls for each brand to make sure that you get the best food for your beloved pet.

Factors To Consider While Choosing The Best Cat Food

The food industry has taken a great hit in recent years due to the rise in competition. The manufacturers have started producing low-quality products hence, you really have to make a conscious choice since, and your pet is entirely dependent on you. Hence, you should look for the following characteristics when picking up food for your pet cat;

Quality Of Ingredients Being Used In The Product

The ingredients in the best cat food must be high in quality and must not contain byproducts, unspecified fats, unspecified proteins, dyes, other types of colorants, or animal protein. These qualities are typically present in cheaper cat food hence, do not shy away from spending a couple more bucks for the sake of your cat’s health.

Look For Meaty Options

As mentioned above, cats are carnivores, hence, you should look for food options that contain meat as their first five ingredients. Otherwise, the food will not do much for your cat’s appetite or health.

Every Ingredient Should Be Their Own

When looking for cat food with grains as one of its ingredients, make sure that the company has manufactured those ingredients themselves unless it is either soy, corn, or wheat.

Compliance with AAFCO (concerned food authorities)

The cat food must be complete and balanced. It should be manufactured as per the rules laid down by the concerned food authorities.

Transparency with Ingredients

The manufacturers must be transparent with their ingredients. If they are being vague about it then chances are that they want to hide something unacceptable or harmful. So, when you read the ingredients, look for specifics, such as chicken, fish, tuna, etc. rather than just “meat”.

What Does A Cat Need In Its Diet?

Apart from the above mentioned characteristics, one should always consider the nutritional needs of a cat when looking for the best cat food. The following should be kept in mind before making the purchase.

Protein from meat, poultry, or fish
Amino Acids such as taurine
Fatty acids
Vitamins
Enzymes
Minerals
Water

What Is Not Required In A Cat’s Diet?

Cats do not require the same nutrients as human beings so, what seems good for us may not favor a cat’s health. Provided below is a list of nutrients and other factors that are not needed in a cat’s diet.