If you’re trying to find the right food for your cat, you need to consider both her nutritional needs and her preferences as far as taste, smell, and texture are concerned. A well-balanced diet keeps your kitty healthy, but she may resist eating certain reflex cat food if she doesn’t like the way they smell or taste. To make mealtime more enjoyable for both of you, check out this list of 10 tips to find the right food for your cat . Some of these tips are geared towards raw-food diets , which are becoming increasingly popular with both owners and cats alike.
Know-How Much To Feed
Feeding your cat too much or too little can lead to a host of serious health problems. It’s always best if you seek advice from your vet, but there are certain guidelines that every cat owner should know. Like how much reflex cat food is appropriate for your furry friend.
Why Calories Matter
When it comes to weight gain, some people automatically assume it’s all about calories in vs. calories out. While that is technically true, many other factors come into play. The diet of your cat (age, activity level, health condition). And personal dietary preferences are all important when picking out reflex cat food. If you’re looking for a general formula. One pound of dry food per day per cat should get you in a good ballpark as far as calories go.
Know The Ingredients
Cats’ sensitive digestive systems and their high protein requirements make it essential that reflex cat food is all-natural, without fillers or other ingredients that can upset their stomachs. Cats have a very particular diet, so know exactly what goes into your cat’s food before purchasing. You can use an app like Petcurean Pet Chef ($5) to find out which foods are right for your pet.
Don’t Overdo It With The Treats
Most cat treats are low in calories and are intended as a way to reward your cat for good behavior. Treats should make up less than 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
Specialized Diets Are An Option
There are many different types of cat food on the market. While an all-dry diet is usually ideal, cats with health issues may do better on specialized diets. Some examples include a renal diet, which is high in protein and low in sodium to support cats with kidney disease. And a diabetic diet, which helps regulate blood sugar.
Safety Concerns On Specific Ingredients And Products
When choosing reflex cat food, look out for ingredients like carrageenan and propylene glycol as well as products that contain wheat gluten or grain. These ingredients may be harmful in high doses and can also trigger allergies. If you think you’re allergic to your cat’s food, you should see a doctor about it. It could be something else going on entirely. Consult your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
Vet Approved Brands
Cats, like humans, come in all shapes and sizes—and different brands may cater to your cat’s specific needs. For example, if you have a particularly sensitive feline with health issues, a hypoallergenic diet is probably best. And if your cat needs to lose weight or gain some muscle mass (e.g., an active or elderly kitty). A food specifically designed for that purpose might be best.
Get Your Furry Friend Using To Their New Food Slowly
Gradually change your cat’s diet over a 7-day period, mixing in more and more of their new food with each feeding until they’re eating exclusively with their new food. This allows them to get use to their new diet, keeping away from gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or vomiting. It also allows time for any allergic reactions that your cat may have in response to certain ingredients in their new food.
