If your cat is overweight or experiencing weight problems, you may need to switch them to a diet food. These foods are low in calories, high in nutrients and are designed to help control obesity and urinary tract issues.
The best diet foods for cats are those that have animal-source protein, whole grains and vegetables. They should also contain limited carbohydrates.
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Castor & Pollux
Castor & Pollux is one of the most popular organic pet food brands. Started by Shelley Gunton and Brian Connolly, the company has been creating new standards for organic pet foods since 1999.
Their dry cat foods are mainly above average in nutritional quality. They contain a good balance of animal and plant proteins.
But the dry food does lack variety. They have only about half as many varieties as their dog food range.
The ingredients list in this dry food is pretty short, and it only includes three named meat and fat sources (organic chicken, organic chicken meal, and organic chicken liver). Generally speaking, these are high quality animal-based ingredients that should provide cats with a balanced diet.
They are then supplemented with a few plant-based ingredients to increase the protein and fiber content of the recipe. These include organic peas and chickpeas. But the problem with this formula is that it contains too much carbohydrate.
Merrick
Merrick is a well-known pet food brand that uses quality ingredients and is manufactured in the United States. Their recipes are formulated to help cats live healthy lives with a balanced diet of real meat, fruits and vegetables.
Merrick makes a variety of diet cat foods including dry, wet, and raw foods. They are made in three production facilities that uphold high standards for quality and safety.
They have three main product lines: Purrfect Bistro, Limited Ingredient Diet, and Backcountry. The Purrfect Bistro line is the most affordable and includes both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes.
The Limited Ingredient Diet line targets felines with allergies or food sensitivities, featuring a single protein source for each recipe.
Merrick is a family-owned company that was founded in Hereford, Texas by Garth Merrick. Their mission is to use only the highest quality whole foods sourced from trusted farmers, without fillers or preservatives.
Orijen
Orijen is a pet food brand that is made from fresh, raw and freeze-dried ingredients. They are formulated by veterinarians and nutritionists to provide the best possible nutrients for your cat.
Their formulas feature a high percentage of animal protein. Their dry foods have up to 90% animal meat and their wet foods have up to 95%.
These formulas are designed to approximate the ratio of animal parts that a cat would eat in the wild, and they include organs, bones and cartilage. Their recipes also use low-glycemic fruits, vegetables and other additives.
The first five ingredients in every Orijen diet are either raw or gently dehydrated, which makes for an exceptionally concentrated source of protein. The kibbles are also enriched with L-carnitine to promote weight loss and maintenance, and they are topped with freeze-dried chicken liver.
Orijen’s 85% premium whole prey ingredients are supported by healthy fats, and the nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits used in this diet support skin and coat health. The peas, lentils and garbanzo beans are a good source of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion.
Ziwi Peak
Ziwi Peak is an all-natural, premium pet food company that sources its ingredients from sustainable New Zealand farms and ranches. They take pride in their commitment to humane farming practices and sourcing only meat cuts that are “passed fit for human consumption.”
Their products are made in small-scale, family-owned kitchens at their Mount Maunganui and Christchurch facilities, where the food is carefully handcrafted in order to maintain its high quality and consistency. They strive to keep their food nutrient dense, without any added sugars or grains.
They also avoid the use of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. All of their dry foods are air-dried to preserve the nutrients and prevent them from spoiling.
They focus on the fact that cats are carnivores and need a diet that’s rich in protein and healthy fats to stay fit. Their recipes are based on a whole-prey model of eating, meaning they include meat, organs, and bones in authentic ratios.
