Every feline parent wants their feline to
lead a long, healthy and active life. One of the best ways to achieve this is
by making sure she gets the right nutrition to thrive. That’s why this article
is created to share useful information about how to ensure the right nutrition
for a feline.
Read on to find out the essential nutrients
and the right ways of feeding it.
Essential
Nutrients
To keep a feline fit, the correct balance
of all vital nutrients is required. A good quality cat food is formulated in a
manner that provides the perfect balance of all nutrients and delicious
flavour. For the healthiest diet, make sure to feed the following nutrients:
Proteins
& Amino Acids
Felines are ‘obligate carnivores’, which
means they require a high percentage of meat in their diet. It’s their main
source of protein. Meat also provides them with four essential nutrients that a
feline needs: Taurine (for heart and vision), Amino acids (for energy), Vitamin
A (for coat health and vision) and Arachidonic acid (for skin and coat).
Deficiency of protein in a feline’s diet can result in poor growth and
immunity, loss of muscle strength, poor skin and coat condition and increase
the risk of infection.
Minerals
A feline’s diet needs to include the right
quantities and balance of minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These provide
the benefits of strong, healthy teeth and bones to kittens and pregnant
felines. Other important minerals are sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc,
copper and iron. All these need to be in the right proportions as too much of
one mineral can lead to a deficiency of another and compromise a feline’s diet.
Carbohydrates
Although carbohydrates aren’t essential in
a feline’s diet, these provide a quick source of energy. Dietary carbohydrates
also help in maintaining a healthy gut by promoting good bacteria and
controlling bad bacteria. These reduce the chances of diarrhoea and promote
good stool quality and intestinal functions.
Vitamins
Felines need vitamins in small amounts for
healthy growth, good vision, wound healing and healthy skin and coat. Vitamins
are as important as antioxidants and also help in the metabolism of fats,
carbohydrates and proteins.
Fatty
Acids
Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and
omega-6 provide the ‘fuel’ to keep a feline active, protection of internal
organs and are vital for keeping her skin and coat healthy. Without the
presence of these, a feline may develop unhealthy skin and coat condition.
Feeding
Wet Food
Wet food often comes in cans or pouches and
consists of flavorful varieties of homemade cat food gravy. Wet cat food
served at room temperature is always the best as it allows a feline to get the
most sensory pleasure from the food’s textures and smells. Once it’s opened,
the remaining portions need to be covered and stored in the fridge. It
shouldn’t be left uneaten for more than an hour, as it becomes unappetizing and
can allow chances of bacterial contamination. And this can eventually upset a
feline’s stomach.
Feeding
Dry Food
Dry food often comes in bags or boxes and
contains kibbles that have a crunchy texture and the right balance of
nutrients. Small servings of these are sufficient as these are more
concentrated in nutrients than wet foods. These can be fed at any room
temperature and are also great for training purposes.
Whether it’s the decision to feed wet food
or dry food, make sure to read the label to check it says ‘complete food’,
otherwise the actual purchase may be of a snack or treat instead of the right
balanced meal.
