Choosing The Best Cat Food

Choosing The Best Cat Food

While cats are affectionate and extremely adorable, they are also known to be picky and temperamental – and this is no different when it comes to food. While a dog may be highly adaptable and get used to any kind of food, cats can be slightly more difficult in this regard, which is why choosing the best cat food can be quite the struggle if you are a first-time cat owner.

What Do Cats Primarily Eat?

Before choosing food for cats, it is important to understand that they are obligate carnivores, as supported by research carried out in 1984. They have also been referred to as ‘strict carnivores’ in another study conducted in 2005.

Often referred to as ‘nature’s magnificent feline’, cats have naturally evolved to have carnivorous instincts and characteristics, and this is consistent from small domestic kittens to large wild tigers.

Tiger Cub
Cats have naturally evolved to have carnivorous instincts and characteristics

This means that in order for their nutritional needs to be met, they need to rely on animal-based protein. Their teeth are made for gnawing and ripping flesh, their stomachs contain strong acids to digest raw meat, and their short digestive tracts are made for avoiding the colonisation of potential bacteria found in raw meat. In short, they are meant to eat meat and should not be trained to consume a vegetarian diet.

How To Choose Good Cat Food

Before looking for the best cat food for your cat, it is important to understand that the best will also cost more. When it comes to cat food, the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ is extremely accurate. This is because a lot of meat goes into creating the best cat food; good cat food contains high quality meat without any artificial fillers and grains, which is why it is usually quite pricey.

While there certainly are cheaper brands available, they are false economy – you end up spending more despite believing that cheaper food helps you save money. This is explained by the fact that cats eat according to the nutrition they need, so they will probably consume twice as much of cheap cat food, causing it to run out faster.

Cat Eating
Feeding more cheap cat food does not necessarily mean your cat is getting enough nutrients.

Therefore, to give your cat the best cat food available, you must be prepared to invest appropriately. While this may seem like a large expense, remember that feeding your cat the best cat food means that it will minimize other costs, like vet bills for health related problems caused by low-quality food.

Now, let’s look at how to distinguish good cat food from bad cat food. The best cat food will always provide for the cat’s complete nutritional needs, which  includes the following:

  • Protein from a variety of meat, or fish
  • Taurine, which is an amino acid that cats need
  • Minerals and vitamins
  • Some fatty acids and enzymes

Here is what should be avoided; brands containing these ingredients or combinations are definitely less desirable:

  • Low meat content
  • High percentage of simple carbohydrate sources and grains such as rice, wheat, soy or corn meal
  • Artificial/chemical preservatives
  • Added sugars
  • Meat byproducts like bonemeal

Different Types of Cat Food

There are many types of cat food available, and it is recommended that you practice food rotation in order to introduce your cat to all the types of cat food available in the market. This not only helps you reduce the risk of your cat developing food allergies , but also keeps mealtimes exciting in order to please a finicky cat. Additionally, it makes it easier to provide a well-balanced and complete diet.

Dry Cat Food
Dry Cat Food

Dry Food – Dry cat food is usually less expensive and can be bought in a large bag, which makes it convenient. It is often also said to be better for the dental health of the cat. However, it has to be noted that cats don’t regularly drink water from the bowl like dogs do, so hydration needs to be provided by food, which is something dry cat food lacks. If you are feeding your cat dry food, then you must keep an eye on the water intake and make sure it is adequate.

Wet Cat Food
Example Of Wet Food – Schesir chicken and pineapple fruit dinner

Wet Food – Wet cat food is highly recommended and is definitely better with regards to the issue of hydration. It is also usually less processed when compared to dry food and usually contains a higher percentage of proteins. While wet cat food can cost more, the investment is usually well justified and definitely worth it.

Dehydrated Cat Food
Feline Natural frozen raw Lamb & Chicken cat food

Raw Food – Since the natural diet of cats are raw meats, raw cat food is often recommended by experts. A raw diet includes fresh and unprocessed foods; these gets your cat the nutrients it needs while completely avoiding artificial preservatives. Needless to say, dehydrated raw food is a convenient solution for cat lovers who want their cat to enjoy raw foods without hassle.

Homemade Cat Food
Homemade Cat Food should only be practiced if you have complete knowledge of what should go into a cat’s diet

Homemade – Some people prefer to make complete meals for their cat at home. While this is not a bad idea, it should only be practiced if you have complete knowledge of what should go into a cat’s diet. The only major drawback of home cooked food for cats is that you might be unintentionally depriving your cat from the balanced nutrients it needs, or even including ingredients that can be potentially harmful.

Recommended Cat Food Brands

There are many cat food brands out there in the market and choosing the right one for your cat can prove to be pretty challenging. Instead of listing all the brands of cat foods available, here are some brands that you can consider switching to to give your feline a balanced and delicious meal!

  • Wellness – Packed with healthy ingredients like high-quality proteins, vitamins and more, Wellness grain free cat food is available in two ranges: Wellness CORE and Wellness Complete Health Grain Free. Ideal for growth and energy, Wellness’ extensive range of dry and wet cat food makes it one of the most popular and reputable cat food brands in Singapore!
  • Fussie Cat – Also available in dry cat food and canned cat food, Fussie Cat is noted for their grain free yet affordable cat food in Singapore; their food comes in a variety of flavours made with different sources of protein, from poultry to fish.
  • PrimalPrimal freeze-dried raw cat food uses antibiotic and steroid free meat and certified organic produce from USDA approved sources. Primal cat food comes in novel protein flavours such as duck, turkey and pork.
  • Stella & Chewy’sStella & Chewy’s is another brand freeze-dried raw cat food from USA that uses meat with no added hormones or antibiotics. Like Primal and other dehydrated raw cat food, it is best served rehydrated, not only for texture but to increase your cat’s water intake as well. It is further enhanced with probiotics to prevent digestive problems.
  • AddictionAddiction is the only brand in Singapore with dry kibble, dehydrated raw and wet canned food for cats! Addiction was the first brand to use unique proteins like venison, rabbit, brushtail and unagi in their canned food, and are known for their high quality kibble and dehydrated food.
  • Fromm – Fromm is the oldest brand in this list; their history spans over a century! Fromm’s dry and canned cat food recipes are all easily interchangeable – you won’t have to worry about upsetting their tummies. This makes food rotation a snap! Do note that not all of their cat food is grain free though.

We hope that this article proved beneficial for you in choosing the best cat food for your cat. Feel free to message us any more questions you might have on choosing the right cat foods at Kohepets.