Feeding your cat a healthy diet is a critical component of caring for them. For best results, avoid leaving food out all day for him/her to nibble at and instead establish a feeding schedule of twice-daily meals.
Cats are obligate carnivores who thrive on protein-rich animal products with some fat and carbohydrates for fuel. Adequate nutrition serves as preventative medicine to ensure your cat lives a long and happy life.
Meat
Meat provides your cat with an excellent source of protein to maintain strong muscles. Furthermore, meat contains plenty of other essential vitamins such as selenium, niacin and phosphorus – perfect for supporting overall wellness!
Raw meat may be part of your pet’s diet, but it’s essential that they receive a complete and balanced meal. Certain varieties of raw meats or bones could contain bacteria which could make your cat sick.
Make sure your cat receives high-quality, raw animal-based foods. Avoid giving cooked bones as these may splinter and lead to blockages inside their digestive systems.
Fish
Fish is an excellent source of animal protein and other vital nutrients, with particular focus on omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which have been linked to reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health.
However, fish should not be the sole component of your cat’s diet as this could lead to an imbalance in nutrition intake and even raw fish may cause deficiency of Thiamine (Vitamin B1).
Canned salmon is an excellent option as it contains less mercury than tuna and provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. Other ocean dwellers such as squid and octopuses can be safely fed to your cat provided they are cooked before consumption.
Eggs
As cats are obligate carnivores, their diet requires animal protein. Eggs provide ample animal proteins as well as various minerals and vitamins such as Vitamin D, B12, iron, riboflavin and selenium – essential ingredients in their daily meals!
Cooked eggs can make an excellent treat for most cats as long as they’re cooked without adding seasonings, such as salt. Be cautious of feeding eggs to cats with digestive issues like pancreatitis as this food source could increase calories significantly.
Consider that raw eggs pose the potential threat of salmonella infection in both people and pets.
Vegetables
Cats may be strict carnivores, but they still benefit from eating some vegetables for vitamins and fiber. Cucumber, cooked carrots (rich in vitamin A), and green beans are safe options to feed to your cat in moderation.
Always cook vegetables you feed to your pet as raw foods could pose a choking hazard. Furthermore, avoid giving any vegetables from the allium family like onions, leeks, chives and garlic that could potentially cause vomiting, diarrhoea or other health complications for cats.
Please keep in mind, though, that vegetables and fruits should never take the place of a high-quality commercial diet approved by your veterinarian.
Fruits
Fruit can make for a tasty treat for your feline companion, but too much should not become part of their regular diet. Pet parents should avoid giving too many high-sugar fruits such as apples to their feline.
Bananas contain high concentrations of sugar that can quickly add calories to your cat’s overall calorie count. Furthermore, their seeds and rinds pose a potential choking hazard and must be removed prior to giving them as treats to your furry pal. Other fruits that are safe for cats include pears, strawberries and avocados.
Herbs
Herbs can make an excellent addition to your cat’s diet, providing various health benefits as well as easy digestion and stimulating their appetite. However, not all herbs are safe as some may be toxic if eaten.
Catnip, thyme and parsley are great herbs to offer your cat for digestive issues, reduced anxiety levels and improved immunity. In addition, these plants contain anti-fungal properties to aid with skin issues.
Spices
Cat owners know their cats will attempt to consume anything within reach, from herbs and spices we consume to potentially toxic items that could prove fatal for her health.
Spices such as turmeric contain numerous essential vitamins and minerals for cat health, such as Vitamin C, Magnesium and Potassium which promote strong bones and muscle development. Furthermore, peppers should be avoided due to capsaicin which can lead to digestive issues in felines; try instead using cloves and celery seed instead for extra warmth and flavor in meals!
Milk
Milk provides their beloved felines with essential proteins and fats they crave, yet consuming too much can cause diarrhea, vomiting and obesity issues. Therefore, only give your cat whole, skim or lactose-free milk in small doses.
Milk should only ever be consumed as an occasional treat and never as an essential dietary staple for pets. Kittens can obtain all their required nutrition through their mother’s milk and formula until weaning, after which dairy milk becomes harmful as it displaces meat-based food sources and potentially results in nutritional deficiency.
Oils
Oils can be beneficial to cats when used moderately; however, always consult with a veterinarian who understands your individual cat’s individual healthcare needs before beginning supplementation regimens.
Olive oil helps promote shiny fur and soft skin in cats while aiding digestion and relieving constipation in some cases. Plus, its low level of saturated fats and presence of vitamin E makes it even more valuable!
PetHonesty’s Omega-3 fish oil is made with wild anchovy and sardine fish rich in DHA and EPA that can be easily added directly into their food to support heart, skin and coat health. It can help support their overall wellbeing!
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts provide essential Vitamin E and healthy fats that can help lower your pet’s blood pressure. They may even help regulate its function.
Nuts can be difficult for cats to digest, leading to stomach upset and leading to weight gain if fed regularly.
Cats that are overweight may develop diabetes or pancreatitis. Furthermore, they could experience urinary tract blockages or other health problems that require professional veterinary attention – for this reason it’s essential that cat food contains a balanced mix of meat, grains and vegetables.
