Cat Food Ingredients You Should Look For

Cat Food Ingredients You Should Look For – When looking for cat food, it’s important to pay attention to the order of ingredients listed. Typically, the protein source will be listed first, followed by other ingredients according to their percentage of total weight. Below are some essential ingredients to look for in cat food

Cat Food Ingredients You Should Look For

Specific Protein Source

It is vital to look for a specific protein source such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or salmon. Avoid “meat” as a source of protein. The protein source may be enriched with named organs such as chicken liver or heart, which are rich sources of taurine, an essential amino acid for maintaining feline health.

Cat Food Ingredients You Should Look For

Specific Carbohydrates (aka “Fillers”)

Cats don’t require carbohydrates in their diet; in fact, carbohydrate-rich foods may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues. However, most dry foods depend on carbohydrates as fillers to bond other ingredients. Avoid corn or wheat and look for carbohydrates such as green peas, sweet potatoes, or potato starch. Consider mostly canned food and use high-quality dry food as treats.

Cat Food Ingredients You Should Look For

Named Fat Source

Named fat sources such as chicken fat or sunflower oil may be used in premium foods.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and other minerals and vitamins are added as preservatives.

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid for maintaining your cat’s health. Cats require a dietary source of taurine, and its deficiency may contribute to retinal degeneration or heart disease. Most cat food manufacturers add taurine to their products, making it an essential ingredient to watch for in cat food.

For more information, visit this website with a useful comparison chart of the ingredients in both premium and “supermarket” cat food.