What Ingredients To Look For When Buying Cat Food?

A healthy, balanced diet is vital for our cats, but finding the right food can be overwhelming due to the countless options and information available.

This can result in choosing food that doesn’t meet your cat’s nutritional needs, leading to health issues.

This guide simplifies the process by highlighting key information.

Look for these 10 essential ingredients when choosing cat food!

 

1. Animal Protein

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal protein to thrive.

High-quality sources of animal protein support muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall health. Without adequate protein, cats can suffer from muscle wasting and poor immune function.

Extra Tips

When choosing cat food, opt for named meat sources instead of generic terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products," as these can contain lower-quality protein that lacks essential nutritional benefits.

 

2. Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce in sufficient quantities on their own. 

Cats must obtain taurine from their diet, making it a vital ingredient in cat food.

It is crucial for heart health, vision, and reproductive functions. 

Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues, such as enlarged heart muscles (dilated cardiomyopathy), retinal degeneration, and reproductive problems.

  

3. Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids are essential for maintaining your cat's coat and skin health, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall well-being.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: primarily found in fish oils and flaxseed.
• Omega-6 fatty acids: found in chicken fat and vegetable oils.

These fatty acids also play a significant role in brain development, joint health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Extra Tips

A balanced ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids will help improve your cat’s skin and coat health, which can also minimise the hairballs your cat swallows.

 

4. Vitamins

Vitamins such as A, D, E, and B-complex are essential for various bodily functions, including vision, bone health, immune system support, and energy metabolism.

• Vitamin A: supports healthy vision and immune function.
• Vitamin D: promotes calcium absorption and bone health.
• Vitamin E: acts as an antioxidant, shielding cells from harm
• B-complex vitamins: responsible for energy processing and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Cats require these vitamins in their diet because they cannot synthesise them in sufficient amounts.

Extra Tips

When choosing the right cat food, look for foods labeled "formula with functional ingredients" to ensure your cat gets all the essential nutrients in every meal.

 

5. Minerals

Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium are vital for bone health, nerve function, and overall cellular processes. 

• Calcium and phosphorus: maintain strong bones and teeth.
• Magnesium: supports muscle and nerve function.
• Potassium: maintains fluid balance and proper cell function.

These minerals are crucial for a cat's overall health and well-being.

Extra Tips

Choose a cat food that is rich in the calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. This will ensure your cat develops strong bones and healthy teeth, supporting their overall growth and well-being.

 

 

6. Fibre

Fibre aids in digestion and supports healthy weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help prevent overeating.

Ingredients like pumpkin, peas, and beet pulp are excellent sources of fibre that can benefit your cat's digestive health.

Cats on a high-fibre diet are less likely to suffer from digestive issues and are better able to maintain a healthy weight. 

Extra Tips

Look for cat food with 3-5% fibre content to ensure your cat gets the benefits of this essential nutrient.

 

7. Moisture Content

Hydration is crucial for cats, especially since they naturally have a low thirst drive. 

Wet food helps ensure they get enough moisture, which supports kidney health and prevents urinary tract issues.

Proper hydration is essential for overall health, as it aids in digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste removal.

Extra Tips

Look for wet cat food that contains more than 75-80% moisture. Cat food that contains bone broth is a great bonus, as it adds extra nutritional value to your cat's diet.

 

8. Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential for muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health. 

Cats require a variety of amino acids from their diet because they cannot synthesise all of them in sufficient quantities.

Essential amino acids include lysine, methionine, and arginine, which play vital roles in various bodily functions.

By providing a diet rich in amino acids, you help maintain your cat's muscle mass, immune function, and overall vitality.

 

9. Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, crucial for digestion and overall immune health.

• Probiotics: helpful bacteria that maintain a balanced gut flora.
• Prebiotics: dietary fibres that nourish the beneficial bacteria.

Together, they promote a healthy digestive system and improve nutrient absorption.

Including probiotics and prebiotics in your cat's diet can help prevent digestive issues such as diarrhoea and constipation.  

 

10. Antioxidants

Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium, help protect your cat's cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage and chronic diseases.

Antioxidants counteract free radicals, reducing the risk of oxidative stress and promoting overall health.

Incorporating ingredients rich in antioxidants into your cat's diet supports their immune system and enhances longevity.

Extra Tips

Natural sources of antioxidants, such as blueberries, cranberries, and spinach, provide your cat with effective protection against cellular damage.

 

11. Takeaway

What we feed our cats is crucial for their growth and overall quality of life. Choosing the right food means carefully checking the ingredients.

In summary, select cat food made from high-quality protein, enriched with omega fatty acids and taurine. Ensure it has at least 85% moisture and includes essential minerals and vitamins.

Also, look for food with antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics to support your cat's health. Avoid meat by-products, lower-quality animal ingredients, and high-carb sources to provide the best nutrition possible.