Choose the Best High Protein Cat Food for Your Feline

Discover how to choose the best high protein cat food for your cat. Learn about the benefits, ingredient analysis, and why fur/ball stands out.

Cats evolved over thousands of years as hunters, primarily consuming small prey like birds and rodents. They have unique digestive systems that differ significantly from those of dogs and humans.

As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on a diet primarily composed of meat. These foods suit their digestive systems well as they break down and derive nutrients from the animal tissue easily. The high protein and fat ratio, combined with a low carbohydrates composition contributes to their overall health. 

Today, options like high protein diets - BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) or raw are readily available. However, both diets run the risk of bacterial infection and balancing the appropriate nutrients sufficiently. It is important for cat owners to stay informed with their cat’s diet while weighing out the risks and benefits. 

 

Is Cat Food with Vegetables Good for Cats?

Cats should primarily consume meat-based diets. Their bodies cannot break down large amounts of plant matter. Foods containing high levels of vegetables, grains, or carbohydrates can lead to nutritional deficiencies and more immediately, constipation.

Feeding a cat a vegan or plant-based diet leads to severe malnutrition, as it lacks essential nutrients. For example, cats do not naturally produce taurine, yet it is vital for their heart and eye health.

You may hear - vets often disapprove of grain-free cat foods. Not surprisingly, these foods typically replace grains with other carbohydrate sources, which causes more harm than intended. Additionally, some grain-free diets link to heart disease in cats due to their unsuitable nutrient profiles. As much as we want to associate grain-free food to cat's health, reading the ingredients is still very important.

 

The Impact of a High-Protein Diet on Cats

Nutritional Benefits

Proteins contain essential amino acids that cats cannot make on their own. These amino acids support muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall well-being. Proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish are good options because they provide the highest nutritional value for cats.

Energy Levels and Activity

Indoor cats, who are often less active, still need a high-protein diet but in controlled portions to prevent weight gain. Conversely, outdoor cats with a more energetic lifestyle, benefit from the additional energy provided by a high-protein diet. Despite various concerns, high-protein diets do not usually cause excessive weight gain in cats. They are often a result of overfeeding caloric-dense, high carbohydrates content kibbles.

Weight Management

High-protein diets actually aid in weight management. Proteins make your cat feel fuller for longer than carbohydrates do, so your cat is less likely to overeat. This is particularly important for indoor cats who may be prone to weight gain due to a more sedentary lifestyle.

Muscle Maintenance

Proteins build muscles. A high-protein diet ensures that your cat maintains lean muscle mass, crucial for their overall health and mobility. This is especially important for senior cats who may be experiencing muscle loss due to aging.

 

How to Choose the Best High Protein Cat Food

Understanding Ingredient Labels

When selecting high-protein cat food, understand how to read ingredient labels and analyze nutritional content. Look for cat food with animal-based protein sources listed first, and ensure the crude protein content is high. 

Also, consider the moisture level to calculate the dry matter basis. For instance, a cat food with 10% protein and 78% moisture translates to a much higher protein content on a dry matter basis.

Types of Meats

Cats have distinct preferences for meat types. Commonly favored meats include chicken, beef, lamb, and fish. These meats appeal to their palates and provide the necessary nutrients for optimal health.

At fur/ball, we offer a variety of high-protein options made from these meats. We ensure your cat gets the best nutrition.

Comparison with Other Brands

Our high protein cat food stands out compared to commercial brands. We commit to using premium quality meats and maintaining low carbohydrate content. We also ensure our protein content is well-balanced. This avoids the pitfalls of overfeeding protein, which can tax a cat's kidneys if not managed properly.

Moisture Content

Wet cat food generally has a higher moisture content compared to dry kibble. This benefits your cat’s hydration and urinary health. When evaluating high-protein cat foods, consider adding wet cat food into your cat’s diet. This ensures they receive adequate hydration along with their protein intake.

 

High-Protein Diet Myths

Myth: High-Protein Diets Cause Kidney Problems

Some believe high-protein diets cause kidney problems in cats. However, little evidence supports this as the main causative factor. Protein is essential for kidney and overall health function.

Taking away excessive amount of protein from the diet can lead to muscle loss and health issues. High-quality proteins support overall health.

Myth: Cats Don't Need a High-Protein Diet

Another myth suggests cats don't need a high-protein diet. As obligate carnivores, cats require more protein than many animals. Protein maintains muscle, supports immunity, and provides energy. A low-protein diet leads to health problems like muscle wasting and a weak immune system. 

 

Choosing the Right High-Protein Cat Food

Identifying High-Quality Protein Sources

When selecting a high-protein cat food, look for named meat sources as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that list generic terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products." These can be of lower quality and less digestible. High-quality protein sources include chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, and fish.

Balancing Protein with Other Nutrients

While protein is crucial, ensure that your cat's diet balances other essential nutrients. This includes fats, vitamins, and minerals. Look for cat foods that provide a complete and balanced nutritional profile. They should meet the standards set by organizations like AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

Wet vs. Dry Cat Food

Both wet and dry cat foods have their pros and cons. Wet cat food generally has higher moisture content, which can help with hydration and urinary health.

Dry cat food is more convenient and can help keep your cat's teeth clean. Consider adding both into your cat's diet. This provides a variety of textures and benefits.

 

Our Commitment at fur/ball

At fur/ball, we understand the importance of providing a balanced and complete diet for your feline friend.

Why try fur/ball?

1. High-Quality Ingredients: We use only the best meats, ensuring that our cat food is rich in essential nutrients.
2. Balanced Nutrition: Our recipes provide a complete and balanced diet, supporting your cat's overall health.
3. Variety of Flavours: We offer a range of flavours, including chicken, beef, lamb, and fish. This caters to your cat's preferences.
4. Low Carb Content: We keep carbohydrate levels low, aligning with your cat's natural dietary needs.

 

Ready to give your cat the nutrition they deserve? Try fur/ball today with 10% off your first month of subscription. https://tryfurball.co/products/salmon