TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finding nutritious and high-quality cat food that fits your budget can be a challenge. Cats can live a healthy and long life with dry, wet, or a combination of both types of food, as long as the food is complete and balanced according to the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The ideal food should include adequate nutritional content, the right amount of calories, and high-quality ingredients.
As reported by Insider, adult cats weighing around 4-5 kilograms generally require an intake of 230 to 270 kilocalories (kcal) per day to maintain their ideal weight, according to the Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Caloric needs can vary depending on the cat's activity level. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian before changing their diet.
Dry food is the most economical option to provide a feeling of fullness for cats. Ensure that it contains at least 26 percent protein, 9 percent fat, as well as important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and magnesium. Since cats are carnivorous animals, the main ingredient should preferably include whole meat or meat meal. Sources of carbohydrates such as grains are also beneficial to help reduce hairballs, maintain the ideal body weight, and promote healthy digestion.
Essential Nutrition
According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they heavily rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Cats have evolved as hunters consuming prey with high protein content, moderate fat, and minimal carbohydrates. The feeding pattern of cats still requires a similar proportion of nutrients. In addition, cats require more than a dozen other essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.
Although cats require a certain amount of each nutrient to stay healthy, providing more is not always better. This is especially true for vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the use of supplements is usually unnecessary if the cat is fed a complete and balanced diet. In fact, supplements can be harmful if given without the advice of a veterinarian. Cats should also always have access to clean and fresh water at all times.
Consider the Following
Wet cat food is generally more expensive but has a longer shelf life before being opened. Once opened, this food spoils quickly. The water content in wet food is quite high, around 75-78 percent, therefore, it provides a feeling of fullness more quickly and is suitable for cats with a large appetite.
According to clinical nutrition expert from the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, Korinn Saker, domestic cats do not always require different types of nutrients compared to outdoor cats. However, food specially formulated for indoor cats usually has lower calories and fat to help maintain the ideal weight.
The frequency of feeding needs to be adjusted according to the cat's age, lifestyle, and health condition. For example, kittens are better off being fed small but frequent portions throughout the day, while adult cats generally suffice with being fed twice a day. Providing food at regular times and in the right amount also helps control portions and prevents overeating by the cat.
When selecting food, it is also important to read the ingredient list. Similar to human food, ingredients are listed based on their weight. Choose products that list meat, meat by-products, or seafood at the beginning, as this indicates a relatively high content of animal ingredients to provide essential amino acids and fatty acids.
After ensuring that the food is complete and balanced, the type of food can be adjusted according to your cat's preference. Some cats prefer canned food, while others prefer dry food, or a combination of both. Choose the most suitable option for your cat.
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