If you’re a cat owner, you know how important it is to feed your cat the right foods. Your cat’s nutritional needs are different from those of other animals.
Choosing wet canned food that features high protein, high moisture, moderate fat and low carbs is the best way to ensure your cat gets what it needs to stay healthy.
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Meat
Cats are carnivores and need a substantial amount of meat in their diet. Protein helps improve their vision, reproductive system and keep their heart strong.
Chicken, turkey and beef are all good sources of protein. Lean deli meats are also fine for an occasional treat.
Canned fish can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and selenium. However, it’s important to avoid smoked and canned versions as these have higher levels of sodium.
Fish
Fish is a great source of lean protein for cats, as it offers plenty of muscle-building amino acids. It also contains essential omega fatty acids, which are beneficial for their skin, coat, and joint health.
The key is to make sure your cat is getting high-quality fish that is low in mercury, which can cause damage to their kidneys and urinary tract. Tuna, in particular, can be toxic to cats if eaten on a regular basis, so it is best not to give them a lot of it.
Raw fish, however, is not a suitable addition to a cat’s diet as it can contain an enzyme called thiaminase, which can interfere with their ability to absorb thiamine, causing a vitamin B deficiency. So it is important to cook all raw fish before feeding it to your cat, which also reduces the risk of bacteria.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals that cats may not get from their diet alone. They also help with weight loss control in overweight cats.
However, vegetables must be prepared properly to avoid choking and internal impaction. They must be cooked thoroughly and cooled to make them safer for your cat to consume.
Vegetables that can be safely offered to cats include cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and peas. These veggies are easily digestible and provide your cat with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients such as vitamin K1 and B6.
Fruits
Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals and can be an occasional addition to your cat’s diet or served as a healthy snack. However, like with most treats, it is best to keep fruits to a minimum and avoid them if your pet is overweight or on a calorie-controlled diet.
Some fruits, such as grapes and raisins, are potentially poisonous to cats. They can cause kidney failure and should be avoided if possible.
Apples
Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They’re also a good source of fiber, which is important for keeping your cat’s digestive system healthy and functioning at 100%.
However, apples should only be given to your cat as an occasional treat and never as part of their daily diet. This is because they can contain a lot of sugar, which is not healthy for your feline friend’s digestive system.
Bananas
Bananas are sweet and delicious, but pet parents should be cautious about giving them to cats. They can cause gastrointestinal issues in some cats, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s diet and offer them new foods only a few times a week.
If you do decide to try offering bananas to your cat, be sure to remove the peel before serving it. The peels are difficult for cats to digest and may present a choking hazard or digestive upset.
Pears
Pears are a wonderful source of vitamins and dietary fiber that protect your feline friend from various diseases. The vitamin C and antioxidants boost white blood cell production, which helps in boosting the immune system.
They also reduce inflammation in the lungs and throat and boost lung immunity. The ripe fruit’s juicy flesh and nectar lubricate the respiratory tract and help in reducing mucus.
However, if you want to feed your cat pears, make sure that it is ripe and that you peel the skin and remove the seeds and stem. Raw pears can be toxic for cats and should be given in small amounts only.
