Key Facts About Healthy Cat Foods

Key Facts About Healthy Cat Foods

As much as cats can be mischief mongers, literally turning the house upside down, life without these feline friends is impossible to imagine for cat parents. And much of the energy cats derive is through meals. Cats’ ideal meal plans differ considerably from ours; therefore, thoroughly considering your cat’s nutritional needs is vital to ensure its well-being. This article provides a detailed insight into the health and nutrition of cats. Let’s have a look:

Types of healthy cat food
Cat food may be classified into different types based on the food’s texture and consistency. Each type of cat food is required in optimal amounts to ensure the cat’s holistic growth and development. Some of the prominent types of cat food you may find in your local supermarket, or online websites are as follows:

Dry food
Dry food consists of 6-10% water content and, owing to its longer shelf life, lends itself to travel. It is also less expensive than wet food and more hassle-free to serve. Experts suggest that a combination of wet and dry food in equal amounts can facilitate a balanced meal plan for cats. One may also purchase different types of cat food packages on online retail websites and supermarkets. Ideally, dry food consists of many nutrient-rich ingredients, such as whole grains, poultry, meat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Furthermore, dry food is ideal for increasing body strength among weak cats. It helps to purchase dry cat food based on your cat’s age and specific requirements. Although preserving dry cat food for long periods is fine, it is equally essential to check the product’s expiry date before purchase.

Canned or wet food
Canned or wet food contains 75% moisture, providing cats with the required hydration and nutrients. Although it is more expensive than dry and semi-moist foods, it can help with several common health issues among cats, including constipation and urinary tract infections. It can also help limit your cat’s calories in case of issues with weight. For example, fish chunks, grilled chicken, beef, duck, and other nutrient-rich food sources in gravy are good examples of wet cat food.

Types of healthy cat foods
Healthy cat foods may be classified based on the nutrients they contain and the importance of these nutrients for your cat’s well-being. Here are some foods your cat can devour to gain optimal nutrition:

Chicken
Chicken contains high levels of omega-6, essential for better coat growth, skin, and muscle development. It’s also a rich protein source and supports a healthy immune system. The best bet is to serve your cat boiled, skinless chicken with no added salt or spices. In addition, several store-bought cat-food packages also contain chicken.

Fish
Fish is an excellent source of lean protein; moreover, fatty fish varieties like tuna, mackerel, and salmon contain omega-3 in high concentrations. However, it is best to avoid serving them raw fish, which can contain infection-causing bacteria. Therefore, boiled fish without salt and spices is healthy for your cat’s metabolism.

Grains
Grains like barley, corn, brown rice, and wheat berries are generally considered healthy to be incorporated in cats’ meal plans. However, it is advisable to mash these grains well to avoid digestive problems. One may even serve smaller grains like couscous in small quantities. Store-bought cat-food packages may incorporate grains in their whole forms or as flour.

Eggs
Eggs are packed with protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. Boiled and scrambled eggs are nutritious breakfast or snack options for your canine friends; however, pet parents must avoid raw eggs as they contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli.

Carrots
The beta-carotene present in carrots works wonders for your cat’s fur and eyes. Peeled and cooked carrots are the best bets to avoid choking. Carrots are also incorporated in some of the cat-food products available in the market.

Meat
Cats are primarily carnivorous creatures that need daily meat doses for overall health and well-being. Meat is rich in protein and amino acids, which are essential for a healthy immune system; therefore, one must ensure to serve cooked meat without sausages, added salt, or spices.

Shrimp
The various essential nutrients present in shrimp, including calcium, protein, omega-3, and phosphorus, can help your cat thrive and work wonders for its heart health. One can also incorporate plain-cooked shrimp periodically into their cat’s meal plan.

Some tips for a hale and hearty cat

Limit or avoid semi-moist cat food
Semi-moist cat food contains nearly 65% water content and is typically laden with added sugar and salt. High quantities of semi-moist food over long periods can cause lifestyle diseases like cholesterol. In addition, it helps to limit semi-moist cat food in your cat’s meal routine, replacing it with wet and dry cat food.

Regulate the frequency of feeding
Cat parents must regulate the foods they serve their cats and the frequency of feeding. Typically, kittens should be well-fed twice a day, whereas adult and senior cats do well with one or two meals a day.

Ensure that they are hydrated
4 ounces of water per five pounds of body weight is the recommended volume of water for cats. It helps to have several easily accessible water spots for your cat and serves optimal quantities of a wet food containing maximum water content.

Consult a vet before feeding home-made foods
While homemade food ensures adequate hygiene and customization, it may include only some essential nutrients. Thus, it is advisable to consult your vet before including homemade foods in your cat’s meal plan.

Conclusion
Cat health and nutrition are all about maintaining the right balance of nutrients and understanding your cat’s specific requirements. Healthy food practices, proper exercise, and sufficient hydration can help prevent diseases and facilitate a long, healthy life for your canine friends.

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10 Nutritious Foods That Dogs and Humans Can Enjoy

Even if you feed your dog bowlfuls of branded foods, they show up under your table in no time, persuading you with those puppy eyes. This situation happens in every dog owner's house. Mealtime is synonymous with bonding, and food is a means for your dog to spend quality time with its favorite human. What's more? We have a list of human foods your dog can consume at the table without repercussions! Let's have a look: Carrots Carrots are packed with essential nutrients such as fiber and beta-carotene. This food is a healthy inclusion to your dog's meal plan. Moreover, this root vegetable is low in calories and facilitates healthy teeth and eyes. Dogs need to be served carrots diced into bite-sized chunks to prevent them from choking. Chicken In addition to being a favorite among dogs, chicken is an easily digestible protein source and a wonderful meal for their immune systems. The meat is also packed with phosphorus, vitamins B3 and B6, and selenium. But you need to avoid serving them raw or deep-fried chicken as it can cause digestive problems in the long run. Boiled chicken without spices is the way to your dog's good health! The ideal portion size is about a third of a cup of chicken for every 20 lbs. of its body weight. Readily available chicken-and rice-based wet foods by Royal Canin are recommended by vets for your dog's meals. Unsalted popcorn Does your dog feel left out on those movie nights while you and your loved ones gorge on popcorn? Fret not, as unsalted popcorn is absolutely safe and healthy for your doggo! Popcorn is a rich source of zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium and is low in calories. However, ensure that the popcorn you feed dogs does not contain salt, butter, spices, or other additives. Fatty fish Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are as nutritious for humans and dogs. Varieties like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring are ideal fish to serve your dogs regularly. Even though raw fish is soft meat, it is better to feed cooked food to dogs to avoid digestive issues. Bananas Bananas are packed with potassium, magnesium, zinc, and other essential nutrients, making them complete meals for humans and dogs alike. However, they are also high in carbohydrates and sugar and should not be fed to dogs in huge quantities. It works to include bananas in your dog's meal routine once or twice a week. If you are up for some baking, you could prepare delicious banana and peanut butter cookies with oatmeal flour for your pawed buddy and feed them alongside its usual dog food from Paw Tree. Oatmeal Oatmeal, a fiber-rich breakfast, boosts your dog's energy levels and immunity. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. But instant oats often contain added sugar and are highly processed; thus, rolled oats are a better alternative. Oatmeal flour can be used as the base for various baked items you can prepare for your dog. Peanut Butter Peanut butter is an excellent alternative to regular butter, which is much more highly processed and contains higher fat levels. Peanut butter consists of vitamins B and E, protein, omega 6, and healthy oils, which are essential for your dog's overall strength and physical well-being. However, ensure to purchase unsalted peanut butter and verify that it does not contain xylitol, an element extremely harmful to dogs. Turkey Contrary to popular belief, turkey can be essential to your dog's meal routine. However, the turkey we prepare for Thanksgiving is way different from the form in which dogs should have this delicacy. Thanksgiving turkey comprises high levels of fat in the form of butter and oil, together with spice seasonings, stuffing, and salt content ‒ a delicious but detrimental recipe for your doggo. Instead, feed your dog de-skinned, boiled turkey meat with no seasoning, onion, or garlic. Turkey-fed plain is rich in vital nutrients such as riboflavin, proteins, and vitamins B6 and B12. Pork Whether dogs should be fed pork is widely debated among experts and dog owners. Pork fed in a specific form can be nutritious for your dog, but take adequate care before serving our gentle giants any pork-based preparation. Avoid serving raw or undercooked pork to your dog as it contains the parasite trichinella that causes severe digestive issues. Second, ensure that the pork is not seasoned with spices, onion, or garlic, as these are major irritants. Pork fat and bones are also harmful and should be discarded. In short, plain, well-cooked pork with its fat removed can be integral to your dog's food plan. Cucumbers Cucumbers are rich in water, low in calories, and packed with vitamins B, C, and K, potassium, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus. These juicy salads make for ideal snacks and treat for your dogs. Ensure to peel your cucumbers and dice them into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. You may even prepare an exciting blend of carrots and cucumbers for your gentle giant's snack time or breakfast in conjunction with dog food from good brands like Paw Tree. Serving human food to dogs is advantageous in several ways, from facilitating common, interactive mealtimes between you and your puppy to ensuring a wider variety of foods you serve alongside the best brands, like Royal Canin. A healthy blend of dog and human foods prepared in the right form is the surefire recipe for your dog's well-being.

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Worst Cat Foods to Avoid as a Pet Parent

Cats have incredibly sensitive digestive systems, and foods incompatible with their tummy may result in severe illnesses. While cat owners want to feed their beloved pets the tastiest and most nourishing meals possible, not all nutrient-rich foods suit felines. In fact, some foods can be downright dangerous to them. Specific items must be kept miles away from a cat's meals to keep them energetic, happy, and healthy. Here are eight such examples: Beans Cats need protein for healthy growth, and as is the case with humans, amino acids are building blocks for cats too. Proteins are the primary source of energy and get consumed very rapidly by cats' bodies. However, plant-based proteins are harmful to them. Felines must only consume meat-derived proteins, not plant-derived ones found in foods such as beans. Beans and other plant-protein-rich foods can make cats heavy and give them several digestive problems. Apart from beans, other foods rich in plant-derived protein are broccoli, chickpeas, peas, nut butter, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Bread Cats generally tend to stay away from carbohydrate-rich foods. They do not contain adequately-built enzyme pathways to digest the chemical compounds found in carbohydrate-heavy food items. Essentially, cats' bodies do not get any benefits from such foods. Therefore, some of the worst cat foods contain more than 50 percent carbohydrates. Bread is among the most carbohydrate-heavy food out there. While consuming bread, feline owners may feel the urge to feed their pets some bites from their plates. This must be avoided at all costs. However, cats can easily consume and thrive on about 1 to 2 percent carbohydrates per serving per meal. Chocolate milk Carrageenan is a substance derived from edible seaweed. It is used as a thickening agent in many foods and is a major part of most human meals. Chocolate milk is among the foods that contain massive amounts of carrageenan. Why is this ingredient bad for cats? First of all, it affects their immune system adversely. This substance causes a feline's immune system to react aggressively, and as that happens, the cat's digestive system and organs become inflamed, causing a great deal of pain. Apart from that, carrageenan causes several gastrointestinal disorders in cats. Some of these disorders include ulcers and tumors. Yogurt Despite their nutrient-rich status, dairy products are highly detrimental to a cat's digestive system and overall health across breeds. One could say that yogurt is truly one of the worst foods imaginable for lactose-intolerant cats. Feeding cats yogurt, ice cream, or other dairy products can debilitate their digestive systems. If a cat is lactose intolerant, their digestive system will not process and digest foods such as milk, ice cream, and yogurt. While avoiding them altogether is a sensible thing to do, one can consult a veterinarian to know if lactose-free milk and yogurt are good for cats. Onions and garlic Onions are an essential part of most human meals due to the taste and flavor they bring into meals. However, onions are amongst the worst foods possible for cats. This is because of multiple reasons. Onions break down a cat's red blood cells, and consequently, your cat can suffer from anemia, overall weakness, and shortness of breath if they consume onions. Like onions, garlic also causes the same issues for cats' digestive systems, blood, and overall health. In fact, garlic is five times more potent than onions in this regard. All in all, one must not feed their cat onions, garlic, or chives in any form, whether they are cooked, powdered, dehydrated, or raw. Undercooked fish Raw meat is another huge no-no when it comes to the dos and don'ts of cat food. Raw fish contains harmful active bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. These bacteria are already harmful to humans and can be even more harmful to cats and other immunocompromised pets. On the other hand, as stated earlier, properly cooked meat is good for cats as it is a much-needed source of protein for them. Undercooked fish contains several elements that destroy another critical B vitamin called thiamine in cats. As a result, consuming too much raw fish can cause a cat to end up in a coma. Therefore, raw sardines, salmon, or other types of fish must simply be avoided to keep cats healthy. Apart from undercooked meat, raw eggs are also not suitable for felines. Raw eggs contain an enzyme that reduces a cat's biotin absorption capabilities. Biotin is an essential kind of vitamin B as it keeps the animal's coat and skin healthy. Your pet may have a poor coat and skin issues in case of a biotin deficiency. Coconut water Now, it is worth saying that small amounts of coconut flesh or water are not harmful to cats. However, like many items on this list, larger amounts of coconut water can result in nasty digestive issues in cats. Coconut water is a rich potassium source, which makes it dangerous for felines. On top of that, the oil found in coconut water or pieces can cause some skin issues for cats. If your pet accidentally has coconut water or you are considering giving something to your pet with the ingredient, it is advisable to consult the veterinarian first before doing so. Oranges Citrus foods are also bad for cats' digestive systems. For example, various parts of an orange (or other citrus-heavy foods), such as the leaves, peels, stems, seeds, and fruits, can result in cats having an upset stomach. In fact, things can get as bad as your pet having terrible vomiting bouts and diarrhea in the immediate or long term after consuming the fruit. Such foods can also affect a cat's central nervous system and cause them to end up with depression and anxiety. Therefore, oranges definitely need to be removed from your pet's daily meals.  

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