Any cat owner may become confused when looking at the available range of food in stores. All manufacturers, from small private firms to huge world-famous corporations, claim that they were the ones who managed to create food that meets all the needs of the cat’s body. What food to choose so as not to harm your pet and how to navigate the variety of cat food manufacturers will be discussed in this article.
So, below we will consider the following questions:
- What to look for when choosing food?
- Three types of cat food.
- How to read food labels?
- Types of feed by class.
- Should I feed my cat homemade food?
Cat food rating
When compiling the rating and selecting nominees, we were guided by responses. They also served as the basis for determining the main characteristics that interested buyers more than others. The most common reviews included the following:
- Type of food – dry, wet, semi-dry;
- Class – holistic, super-premium, premium, economy;
- Granule size – large, small, medium;
- Composition – natural or mixed.
The reviews served as the basis not only for choosing the best foods, but also for determining the strengths and weaknesses of each of the nominees.
How much does the most expensive cat food in the world cost and what is it made from?
Cat food has 4 classes: economy, premium, super-premium and holistic.
Holistic food of a new generation, developed by professionals and made using technology from high-quality raw materials, with practically no preservatives. This kind of food is definitely expensive. But it is able to cover the daily requirement of the four-legged friend’s body for minerals and nutrients. The Green Pantry company from Britain, which produces inexpensive and popular brands of pet food, has gone further and decided to produce exclusive food. It is designed for its clients, wealthy owners of purebred cats. Precisely those who do not look at price when it comes to giving the best to their pet.
The recipe for British Banquet, which means “British banquet”, was developed with special care over the course of two years. The manufacturer guarantees that the food contains no GMOs, preservatives, chemical additives or artificial colors. And the taste of the food is so tempting that it can drive not only the cat, but also its owners crazy. Although people still shouldn’t eat it. In addition to natural ingredients, the composition contains a proprietary herbal premix, Pura-pel, which promotes the natural functioning of the intestines of cats.
In addition to herbal ingredients, the food includes black caviar, the freshest Scottish salmon, selected crab meat from Devon, lobster from Norfolk, organic asparagus, quinoa and saffron. Such an exquisite gourmet set!
The price for it is very impressive. A 2kg British Banquet bag costs £250. This is somewhere around 23,500 rubles. By British standards, it is 30 times more expensive than the most popular British brand of food. This is quite possibly the most expensive cat food in the world.
It is estimated that a standard 85g portion of food costs around £10. The owner will have to spend about 750 pounds per month, and 9,000 per year. This is twice the food costs of the average British family. But the developers assure that the food is worth the money. It will preserve and maintain the pet’s cheerfulness, vigor and health.
It is impossible to buy food in the store. It is made to individual order because it has a minimum shelf life, however, like any food that does not contain preservatives. In Russia, precisely for this reason, it will not be sold.
Source
The best holistic cat foods
High quality food. Veterinarians take part in the development. The product does not contain artificially obtained additives, dyes, or flavors. Vegetables, meat and other ingredients are exclusively of organic origin. Three brands meet these requirements.
Grandorf hypoallergenic, 4 meats with brown rice
The top is opened by the manufacturer - the company Grandorf (Belgium). Designed for cats that have undergone sterilization. It is a dry low-grain food for animals older than one year. A special feature of the product is the presence of live probiotics: 109 units per kilogram.
The main component of the product is meat. It accounts for 70%. Among the features one can also highlight a reduced content of fat components against the background of an increased amount of protein. L-carnitine is also present. The substance is responsible for maintaining the pet’s optimal weight.
Does not contain grains, by-products, chicken meat and fat, eggs, salt, as well as artificial flavors, colors, fillers, genetically modified products and soy.
The food is enriched with carob flour. The latter is a digestive regulator of natural origin, so your pet will definitely not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The composition also contains a complex of natural antioxidants SYNOX 3D and Antarctic krill - a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 bioelements.
The manufacturer used natural preservatives - tocopherol and ascorbic acid - as well as careful production. The components were dried at temperatures up to +80°C.
Advantages:
- Well absorbed;
- Normalizes the microflora of the intestinal tract;
- Strengthens immune defense;
- Reduces the likelihood of developing food allergies;
- Prevents pathologies of the urinary tract;
- Improves the condition of the skin and coat.
Flaws:
- Small granules.
Animals like it. Buyers note the convenient wide Velcro fastener on the bag. The packaging lasts a long time due to the low daily requirement.
Summit Three Meats with Salmon, Chicken and Turkey
Manufacturer: Petcurean Pet Nutrition, Canada. To manufacture the product, high-quality raw materials from our own farms are used. Available in 1.8 and 6.8 kilogram packages. Allowed for feeding young animals (up to one year), as well as adults (from one year old) and aging cats (from seven years old) - this is indicated by the mark “All Life Stages”.
It is a complete nutrition in dry granule format. There is a choice of taste. The composition, according to customer reviews, is excellent. Dried rosemary is used as a preservative.
The source of the protein component is dehydrated chicken, salmon and turkey. Several ingredients are responsible for the carbohydrate component: brown rice, peas, potatoes and oatmeal. The manufacturer used high-quality ingredients of animal origin - chicken and salmon fat. These are sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6.
The food is enriched with additives necessary for the health of the animal. Dried chicory rhizome improves the condition of the gastrointestinal microflora. The manufacturer chose extracted dried yeast to play the role of a prebiotic that strengthens immune defense. Yucca Schidigera extract reduces the unpleasant odor of stool.
Advantages:
- Absence of corn and wheat, which cause allergies;
- Balanced vitamin and mineral composition;
- Use of natural preservatives;
- Nice smell.
Flaws:
- The packaging does not close;
- Large packaging - no possibility to sample.
GO! Carnivore, grain-free, chicken, turkey, duck
Manufacturer: GO brand. The product is part of the Carnivore line, represented by high-protein foods consisting of 70–89% animal protein and optimal fat content. Available in 1.36, 3.63 or 7.26 kilogram bags. Designed for all periods of a pet's life.
The product is completely grain-free, i.e. does not contain grains. This type of food is recommended for animals with individual food intolerance.
The composition is represented by dehydrated meat of chicken, turkey, trout, salmon and duck. The vegetables and fruits included in it contain a large amount of natural antioxidants, which are responsible for the quality of the immune system.
Taurine helps preserve the animal's vision and also improves heart function. Pro- and prebiotics included in the diet improve intestinal health and normalize digestive processes. A small percentage of carbohydrates prevents your pet from gaining weight.
The manufacturer maintains the “holistic” status, so the product does not contain by-products, growth hormones, artificial preservatives, as well as corn, soy, wheat, and gluten.
Advantages:
- Minimum carbohydrate components;
- Improves the functioning of the digestive system and brain;
- Prevents obesity;
- Does not contain hormones, grains;
- Strengthens immune defense.
Flaws:
- The granules are small in size, which is inconvenient for adult cats;
- A specific smell that your pet may not like.
Buyers in reviews indicate that cats like the taste. The condition of the skin and coat improves. Animals become more active and cheerful.
TOP 10 best dry food
Class | Firm | Features of the composition Manufacturer | price, rub. per 1 kg (depending on package size) |
Holistic | Acana | Champion Pet Food (Canada) These are the best holistic foods for cats. Unfortunately, only three types of the first are produced, and four of the second. True, the manufacturer says that its food is suitable for kittens, pregnant cats (you need to increase the dose), as well as sterilized and neutered pets. The composition is very good, there are no grains or potatoes, from 75 to 85% are animal protein sources: duck, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, etc. | 800-1500 |
Orijen | 800-1500 | ||
Go! | Petcurean (Canada) In general, the composition of all foods is similar. Almost everywhere there are potatoes in 5-10th place, except for some types of GO! and Gather. Good ingredients are used. Of the minuses, their % is not indicated. | 500-800 | |
Summit | 350-450 | ||
Gather | 800-900 | ||
Grandorf | United Petfood Producers NV (Belgium), MONGE & C. SpA (Italy), Asian Alliance International Co (Thailand). registered in Moscow. Contains whole brown rice and/or dried sweet potatoes in 3-4 places. It's not as bad as just rice or potatoes, much less grains, but carbohydrates shouldn't make up such a large portion of a carnivore's diet; it would be better if they weren't among the first five ingredients. Another significant disadvantage is that the manufacturer does not indicate the percentage of meat ingredients in the feed. For example, here are the first components of one of the best foods Grandorf Adult Cat Indoor Lamb & Brown Rice Hypoallergenic: dehydrated lamb and turkey meat, whole brown rice, fresh lamb and turkey meat, turkey fat. | 500-900 | |
Super premium | Applaws | Applaws Pet Food (UK) Even the best food contains potatoes in third place, but overall the composition is not bad. Among the best in composition we can recommend Applaws Senior, Kitten and Adult Cat Chicken Grain Free. | 400-500 |
Etosha | Wildcat (Germany) Very good composition, up to 10% carbohydrates, everything else is ingredients of animal origin, vitamins, minerals. For example, dry chicken food contains 72% dried chicken meat, 9% chicken, 9% chicken fat. Next up is flaxseed, a good plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. The ingredients do not include rice, corn, potatoes or other ingredients that are not particularly healthy for cats. Unfortunately, the food has a very high price for a small package and is difficult to find in Russia. | 730-1750 | |
Premium | 1st Choice | PLB International (Canada) 34-35% chicken or fish, depending on the type. They contain rice or rice protein in 2-3 place, which is undoubtedly a minus. | about 700 |
Organix Adult Cat with Fresh Salmon | Holland We can relatively recommend only one type of this food, with salmon, although rice is in second place there. Other foods from the manufacturer, for example, with chicken, as well as chicken, duck and salmon, contain maize, i.e. corn, which cats do not need, is deficient in amino acid composition and can cause allergies. In addition, a large amount of carbohydrates threatens animals with diabetes, obesity and other problems. | 220-300 |
If your budget allows, then high-quality holistic cat food would be ideal. They are advised by experienced doctors and experts. In addition to those presented in the table, there are many more companies that produce good pet food (for example, Grandin, Primordial, Canagan, Carnilove). Unfortunately, almost all foods have their downsides.
The best super premium cat foods
Includes a large percentage of meat components. Vegetable protein is minimal, but it is allowed. The content of cereals is also acceptable, but in small quantities. Based on the reviews, the VyborExpert team selected three nominees.
Royal Canin 37, prevention of excess weight
Manufacturer: Royal Canin. Dry food is developed taking into account the needs of castrated and sterilized animals. Age – from one to six years. Available in packs of 0.4, 1.2, 2, 4 or 10 kilograms. Cat-friendly kibble size.
Neutered pets do not need excessively high-calorie nutrition, as they quickly gain excess weight. Royal Canin food helps reduce it due to its reduced fat content. Properly selected BJU will not allow the development of obesity, but will preserve the required amount of muscle mass and support the health of the urinary system.
The manufacturer has increased the content of protein components in the product, which helps maintain muscle tone. The optimal mineral composition improves kidney function, reducing the likelihood of stone formation. Due to the L-carnitine included in it, the animal’s body actively processes fat reserves.
If a mixed diet is practiced, then feeding standards must be strictly taken into account.
Advantages:
- Appetizing smell;
- Does not cause allergies;
- Prevents the formation of kidney stones;
- Easily digestible;
- High-quality mineral composition.
Flaws:
- There is no zipper on the bag.
According to customer feedback, animals like the product and eat it with pleasure. Improves the condition of the coat, removes the symptoms of urolithiasis.
Hill's Science Plan, with chicken
Manufacturer: Hill's. Food for sterilized cats is designed taking into account the characteristics of the body. Available in packages weighing 0.3, 1.5, 3 and 10 kilograms. Designed for feeding pets aged one to six years.
It's part of the Science Plan line, which means it contains tasty, easy-to-digest ingredients and high-quality protein. The formula maintains healthy skin, improves coat condition and normalizes stool. It also contains natural antioxidants that enhance the animal’s immune defense.
Hill's Science Plan helps keep your pet's weight under control due to the presence of L-carnitine, and thanks to its balanced vitamin and mineral formula, supports the health of the genitourinary system. Reduced fat content and increased L-lysine content make the pet more active.
Advantages:
- Easy to digest ingredients;
- Contains L-carnitine, L-lysine;
- Maintaining ideal weight;
- Balanced set of minerals;
- Low fat content;
- Normalizes digestion;
- Convenient snake clasp.
Flaws:
- Low calorie content.
Berkley grain-free, with poultry, with wild berries
The rating of dry and wet cat food includes the manufacturer - Berkley. The products of this brand belong to the super-premium group, so they contain only high-quality natural ingredients. Canned food is intended for kittens under one year of age and fully satisfies the needs of a growing organism. Available in 200 gram cans.
The food consists of 70% poultry meat and is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Cereal and vegetable proteins are absent. A special feature of the product is the presence of forest berries: cranberries and blueberries.
The canned food contains no soy, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives or dyes. The nutrition is characterized by a thoughtful, balanced formula, which was developed by a team of professional nutritionists and veterinarians.
The product belongs to the grain-free group, so it can be recommended for pets intolerant to grains.
Advantages:
- High quality ingredients;
- Natural composition, does not contain grains;
- Fragrant;
- 70% meat composition.
Flaws:
- A bit expensive;
- Big expense.
Myths about dry food
There are three popular speculations about industrial feeds that you should not believe. It is not for nothing that many owners and veterinarians prefer granules.
- Contains only harmful chemicals. This myth can only be compared with economy feeds. Large premium, super premium or holistic manufacturers use natural ingredients. Each food has its own balanced composition, which, in addition to organic matter, includes essential vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances. The needs of the animals are taken into account. Many produce special medicinal lines that are prescribed by veterinarians.
- Dry food causes urolithiasis. Pets should drink enough water when consuming kibble. The disease is caused by a lack of fluid. Therefore, everything depends on the responsibility of the owner. A daily change and a filled bowl freely available are the key to the health of your furry friend. If your cat is not drinking enough liquid, you should alternate between dry and wet food.
- Excessive consumption of dry food leads to gastrointestinal diseases. In this case, you should remember that there are daily norms, which are not recommended to be exceeded. Excess food can lead to obesity and gastrointestinal problems.
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The best premium cat foods
Premium cat food contains natural meat components - most often chicken - and high-quality by-products. The food is easy to digest and safe. The downside is the presence of chemical preservatives.
Brit Premium Family Plate
Manufacturer: Brit. The product is a complete wet food in the format of a set of 12 spiders with different flavors - pieces of chicken, turkey, beef, cod, salmon and trout, filled with delicious jelly. Total weight – 1200 grams, each – 100 grams. Designed for feeding pets aged one to six years.
A serving contains up to 82% meat components. Wet food contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the development of the animal. Additionally, taurine is included, which is responsible for maintaining vision and a healthy heart and blood vessels. Pauchi can be considered as a complement to a dry diet.
Advantages:
- Excellent price-quality ratio;
- Taste variety;
- Pleasant aroma;
- Natural composition without preservatives.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for all cats.
The food reacts very sensitively to violation of storage conditions. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Bozita with chopped chicken
Manufacturer: Bozita. Complete wet food with chicken flavor in the “meat pieces in jelly” format. Available in convenient Tetra Recart packaging from Tetra Pak weighing 370 grams. Designed for feeding pets aged 1 – 6 years.
The product is designed taking into account the needs of the animal during the most active period of its life. The food is satisfying: the pieces contain up to 93% natural meat. The raw materials are produced on the company’s farms and are not pre-frozen.
The pieces contain a small amount of fat, so your pet will maintain optimal weight, even against the background of decreased physical activity. But he will receive the full amount of fatty acids he needs. Taurine strengthens and protects the nervous system, improves the functioning of the heart muscle and visual analyzer.
The product contains the natural immunostimulant MacroGard. It helps improve your pet's immunity and stress resistance. Vitamin A is a natural antioxidant that improves the quality of vision. The food is additionally enriched with vitamins D and E.
Advantages:
- Fresh, unfrozen meat is used;
- Content of meat components up to 93%;
- Does not contain chemical components, sugar, wheat gluten;
- Includes a natural immunostimulating complex;
- Low fat content;
- Contains taurine.
Flaws:
- Not all cats like it.
Cat owners indicate in their reviews that the animals like the food. Although sometimes cats refuse it. Does not cause intestinal upset, satisfying. The variety of flavors offered is noted. On average, a package is enough to feed a pet of average weight and size for two days.
ProBalance
Manufacturer: ProBalance. Complete dry food intended for sterilized animals. Since the nutrition is balanced, it is suitable for daily feeding. Available in 0.4, 1.8 or 10 kilogram packages. Designed for pets aged 1 – 6 years.
Practicing veterinarians took part in the development of the food formula, so it fully takes into account the characteristics of the body of sterilized cats. After the loss of reproductive function, animals become lazy, eat a lot and move little. This causes weight gain and the formation of kidney stones.
Among the features of Probalance Sterilized, it is worth highlighting the optimal nutritional and calorie levels. The product includes the herbal collection “Fitocare for cat” - a patented development of the manufacturer - that strengthens the immune system and improves overall tone.
Contains L-carnitine, which accelerates fat burning processes. Lysine helps strengthen the immune system, and taurine maintains the cat’s vision at a decent level. The food does not contain artificial additives or preservatives that are dangerous to animals.
The source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that cats need are flax seeds. The substances ensure the pet’s good physical well-being.
Advantages:
- Complete, suitable for daily feeding;
- Reduces the unpleasant odor of feces;
- Good, balanced composition;
- Medium size granules;
- Improves the condition of the coat.
Flaws:
- There is no fastener to ensure the packaging is sealed;
- Strong specific aroma.
Frank´s Pro Gold (Franks Pro Gold), Holland - super-premium
Frank´s Pro Gold is a perfectly balanced premium cat food that does not contain grains, GMOs or soy additives. A distinctive feature of these feeds is reasonable price and excellent quality. A wide range of these products allows you to choose the optimal diet for your pets, regardless of their age, physical condition and breed. Among the rich variety of tastes there are: fresh meat of lamb, rabbit, chicken, turkey, fish.
Advantages:
- - affordable price level and high quality
- — availability of a line of special dietary foods for diseases of the liver and heart, digestive system, kidney diseases, and urinary system
- - no gluten component
- — availability of preventive feeds to strengthen teeth and bones
- — special food for kittens and cats over 11 years old
Flaws:
- — average level of quality among premium feeds
Cost: from 1110 to 3400 rubles depending on the weight of the package.
The best economy class cat foods
The content of meat components is no more than 4%. There must be aromatic additives and artificial colors. It is better not to use for constant feeding. Based on numerous positive responses, the VyborExpert team selected three nominees.
Friskies prevention of ICD, with chicken, with liver, with meat
Manufacturer: Purina. Inexpensive food for cats, it is a balanced complete diet in dry granule format. Sold in packages weighing 0.4, 2 or 10 kilograms. Designed for feeding adult pets aged 1 – 6 years. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.
The packaging is designed in eye-catching yellow tones. The overall design is recognizable - a ginger cat happy with life from different angles.
The composition for economy class food is not bad. Includes meat and meat products. But the main component - this is confirmed by the order of its location - is cereals. Additionally, it includes proteins of plant origin, artificial preservatives, dyes, thickeners, and antioxidants.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Good volume;
- Average granule size;
- Prevention of the development of urolithiasis.
Flaws:
- Strong smell of feces;
- Flatulence.
Cats like the food. Reviews of dry cat food indicate that the cat's coat improves. Pets do not have problems with digestion and stool. Adequate price-quality ratio for economy-class food. Even purebred cats like it.
Whiskas with chicken, with turkey
Manufacturer: Whiskas. Available in the format of crispy pillows filled with delicate pate. Sold in bags weighing 0.35, 0.8, 1.9, 5 and 13.8 kilograms. Intended for feeding adults aged 1 – 6 years. The manufacturer recommends combining dry food with wet spiders from the same line.
The product formula is well optimized. Offers a good combination of nutritional components and nutrients, which ensures the maintenance of metabolic processes at the required level. As in other economy-class feeds, the main ingredients are cereals. In second place on the list of ingredients is chicken and turkey flour.
The composition includes tocopherol and zinc to support immunity, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids for a beautiful coat and healthy skin. Vitamin A and taurine are responsible for the quality of vision, and the incoming fiber improves the digestion process.
Advantages:
- Possibility to select packaging volume;
- Nice smell;
- Improved digestion;
- Normal composition.
Flaws:
- Contains many chemical components.
Animals generally like the food. The smell is pleasant, not aggressive. The packaging, if you take a large volume, lasts a long time.
Kitekat Meat Feast
Manufacturer: Kitekat. The manufacturer positions the food as complete. Designed for feeding adult cats during the most active period of their life - from the first to the sixth year inclusive. Available in bags of different weights - 0.35, 0.8, 1.9 or 15 kilograms.
The composition is not bad, it includes all the components necessary for the animal - meat components, vegetables, vegetable oils, cereals. Contains taurine, which is responsible for vigilance and also supports good functioning of the heart muscle. The manufacturer refused to use flavorings and flavor enhancers.
Feed is given on demand. To ensure that the recommendation is followed, the daily amount is poured into a bowl. The cat eats itself when it has an appetite. With this feeding option, the animal must have free access to water.
Advantages:
- Improves the condition of the coat;
- Inexpensive;
- Possibility to select packaging volume;
- Does not contain flavorings or flavor enhancers.
Flaws:
- Sometimes causes indigestion.
Is fish harmful?
– There is a theory that it is not physiological for a cat to eat fish, since in the wild it usually does not eat such meat. But in the same way, in nature, cats do not eat rabbits and do not hunt cows, but food from these animals is actively sold, and there is nothing wrong with that, since the food is designed for normal absorption, explains Darina Berezina. – For example, salmon and trout can be classified as high-quality fish, but cheaper fish (capelin, herring, blue whiting) are rather undesirable.
This fish may contain too much iodine and other minerals that cannot be absorbed in such a volume, which causes the formation of stones in the genitourinary system, adds Galina Chernova.
“As for ordinary raw fish, it is not suitable for everyone, there is a lot of phosphorus, little calcium,” says Ekaterina Nigova. – If you are a compassionate citizen and consistently feed street cats, then dry food is perfect for them. It is also advisable to bring water to the animals, although even here they will most likely get out on their own, because in the summer you can drink from a puddle, and in the winter they can eat snow
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How to choose cat food
Studying reviews when choosing the best feed manufacturer, experts identified several characteristics that were most often mentioned by customers. They are the ones who act as leaders when purchasing a product. This is the class and type of food, the age of the cat, composition, and the special needs of the animal.
Feed class
Classes of cat food differ in the percentage of meat or fish components.
The product classification is as follows:
- Economy The basis is by-products, cereals, soybeans. Low-calorie food. The percentage of meat components is up to 4%.
- Premium It has a close to optimal ratio of macro- and microelements. Minimum vegetable protein.
- Super premium. Balanced product. Contains only ingredients of natural origin - meat fillet, vegetables, eggs, rice.
- Holistic. Completely natural composition, including substances necessary for full growth and development. The share of meat components accounts for more than 50%.
Type of feed
Depending on the consistency of the feed, they are divided into three groups. This:
- Canned. It has a long shelf life and a large selection of flavors. Contains less carbohydrates and almost 70% water. Recommended for convalescent and aging pets.
- Dry. Allows you to feed your cat on a flexible schedule. Prevents the formation of dental plaque. Sold in bags and boxes of various sizes. Provided the packaging is sealed, it can be stored for several months. Contains a large amount of sugar and only 10% water.
- Semi-dry. Available in the form of multi-colored pieces of soft consistency. The smell is less pronounced compared to canned ones. Contains more sugars than all other foods.
Animal age
When choosing food, it is necessary to take into account the age of the pet. The recommendations are as follows:
- For kittens, it is necessary to choose food whose formula takes into account the needs of a growing organism.
- Inactive cats that are prone to gaining excess weight are given foods with a light composition.
- Pregnant and lactating women need to buy food that takes into account the characteristics of their current condition.
- Aging cats need senior food.
Compound
Before purchasing, study the composition of the product. The components are listed in descending order. The food may include meat - natural or dehydrated - by-products, and also have a mixed composition.
In holistic and premium foods, only natural meat or fish is allowed. A prerequisite is to indicate the percentage of the product on the packaging.
The first to be listed in the food composition is the base product – meat or fish. Natural meat can be replaced with dehydrated meat, i.e. devoid of liquid. Added to feed in ground form. The quality is not inferior to natural.
The composition may contain by-products. The specific type of the latter must be indicated. You should refuse to purchase if the composition does not contain specific ingredients.
Economy class food has the poorest composition. It does not contain pure meat, so the animal will need to be supplemented.
Special Needs
When choosing food, you need to take into account not only the period of your pet’s life, but also the individual characteristics of the body. Depending on this, food can be of the following varieties:
- lightweight;
- everyday;
- medicinal;
- for pregnant / lactating women;
- for sterilized ones.
TYPES OF FEED BY CLASS
Premium food
Premium food, which is sold in pet stores and sometimes in veterinary clinics, is the most expensive segment. Most often, such foods contain more fat and protein than others and are of stable quality.
Premium food is more nutritious than other foods. This means your cat will get all the nutrients it needs from less volume than if you fed it regular or genetically modified food. The market offers premium food for cats of different ages and physical conditions, both canned and dry.
Read more about premium food in our article: Rating of super premium cat food. Review Top 15 best food.
Regular/standard feed
Supermarkets and pet stores most often sell regular, or standard, food. You have probably come across advertisements for these foods many times. They are available for cats of all ages and come in an incredible variety of flavors. Manufacturers offer canned food in a variety of consistencies and textures, such as small cubes, slices, gravy, and stews.
Regular/standard foods are less expensive than premium foods, but still provide all the nutrients your cat needs for good health and longevity. Regular food is not as nutritious as premium food, so your cat needs a slightly larger volume of this food.
If you decide to feed your cat regular food, buy food from different manufacturers and with different flavors, otherwise the cat may become addicted to one product.
Holistic - food made from natural ingredients
These foods are sold in natural food stores and some pet stores. They can also be ordered by mail. Foods that state that they are made only from natural ingredients do not contain any artificial additives. Vitamin E and ascorbic acid are used as preservatives.
The concept of Holistic food may seem very attractive to you, but think about what you are really giving your money for. Just because a product is made only from natural ingredients does not mean it will provide all the nutrients your cat needs. Study the labels of such foods and compare them with premium foods.
Genetically modified feed
These foods are sold in supermarkets, wholesale grocery stores and discount stores. I would recommend treating genetically modified food with great caution. Feed in this segment is not always of consistent quality.
The low cost of genetically modified foods is also very often deceptive: you pay less money for food, but we have to clean up more feces from the cat's litter box. This means that the cat digests a small part of this food, i.e. you pay less, but you also get less. I don't see any particular benefit here.
Even if the ingredient content indicated on the packaging matches the information on the packaging of premium food, this does not mean that the genetically modified food is of the same quality.
Which cat food is best?
You can determine which cat food is the best, but only after purchasing and taking a “sample” from your pet. The animal will either start eating with pleasure or refuse. And it is impossible to predict in advance what kind of reaction it will give.
The VyborExperta.ru team would like to draw your attention – as a recommendation only – to the following nominees:
- Grandorf hypoallergenic, 4 meats with brown rice - holistic for sterilized cats, does not cause allergies;
- Berkley grain-free, with poultry, with wild berries - canned food for kittens, does not contain grain components;
- Brit Premium Family Plate – complete wet cat food, a set of 12 pouches with different flavors in the format of pieces in jelly;
- Whiskas with chicken and turkey - economy class dry food in the form of pillows with pate inside.
You decide for yourself which dry cat food to choose and buy. But during the search process, it is necessary to take into account the special needs of the pet, as well as the age.
1st Choice Indoor (Fest Choice), Canada - super premium
1st Choice Indoor is a dry cat food produced by the Canadian company PLB International. A wide range of these products is designed for animals with different needs: regular domestic, sterilized, picky, overactive, etc.
The company's specialists have developed a balanced composition of ingredients included in this food, which is ideal for cats at different stages of their life and corresponds to their current physical condition.
Advantages:
- - wide range of products
- - excellent nutritional value and great taste
- – high content of animal proteins
- - presence of rice - one of the best sources of carbohydrates
- - presence of probiotics and prebiotics
- - optimal concentration of vitamins
- - balanced antioxidant formula
- - ability to reduce odors of urine and feces
Flaws:
- — lack of a line of wet food (at the time of publication of the review)
Cost: from 280 to 5300 rubles depending on the weight of the package.