In the 21st century, people love their pets. Ours is a culture geared toward our pets, and the number two pet in the world, the house cat, is the one most likely to be spoiled when it comes to the food they are given. Though, it wasn’t always this way. There are many different types of cat food and the variety of options is overwhelming. Wet versus dry, raw, natural, organic, homemade, vegetarian, grain-free – what is really the best food for our furry friends?
Since antiquity, people all over the world have adored and revered the feline, considering them a sacred animal. The cat was first domesticated in ancient Egypt more than 4,000 years ago. Many animals, including cats, were considered to be in close contact with the gods. In the year 2000 B.C.E., people began bringing the fully domesticated feline into their homes. In some cultures, cats became exalted to the status of gods.
Despite their domestication, felines were believed to be the embodiment of two goddesses, Bastet, protector of children, fertility and other felines, and Sekhmet, goddess of war and destruction. For the Egyptians, they represented the balance of the forces of nature. Cats lived a lavish lifestyle in temples, where they were waited on and supplied with an endless buffet of rodents, mice, milk and bowls of food.
Throughout history, the feline has been an asset to human society on the domestic front, keeping mice, rats and other rodents at bay. Cats, of course, consider these pests as prey. The natural diet of cats in the wild consists of animal carcasses, which includes bones and organs. Many supporters of a raw diet for cats claim that the animal’s health will be best served by a diet focused on its evolutionary drive.
These advantages include a lower risk of gum disease, an increased activity level and improved digestion. Opponents of a natural diet for cats claim that natural is not always better. Many dangers can accompany this type of food, including airway obstructions from bones and a higher rate of food contamination.
Human society found a very inexpensive and efficient method to control vermin infestations. Although cats killed off mice and other rodents, they were not interested in the grains, fruits, or vegetables that people depended upon for survival.
A symbiotic relationship began to emerge between cat and human. Each species derived a clear benefit from the other. It is theorized that the Egyptians began to leave food out for wild cats, slowly winning them over and taming them. The cats, seeing humans as non-threatening and kind, became less apprehensive and less hostile.
Cats as a whole have seemed to retain their snobby dispositions due to the fact that in ancient Egypt they were worshiped as gods.
Today, popular consensus of what type of nourishment is best for felines seems to change and evolve constantly. Marketing campaigns for the competitive retail sales market of cat food can often be misleading. Even some unscrupulous veterinarians often have personal agendas, pushing a specific brand onto their patients, not for the health of their feline patients, but because they receive money for endorsing certain brands.
That is why it is critical for a concerned and caring pet lover to thoroughly research the ingredients of cat food labels and be aware of what special needs their cat has and what is healthiest.
Almost all commercial brands of cat food have three main ingredients: protein, fat and carbohydrates, in varying degrees.
Cats are strictly carnivores. They do not ingest grains efficiently. A food source with meat-based protein is far superior to that of a corn-based protein food.
The commercial cat food market is vast, and navigating the endless array of choices can be an overwhelming task. Premium and non-premium brands must adhere to the same nutritional criteria. Non-premium brands tend to use more fillers, such as grains and fish or meat by-products. Premium brands often contain better quality ingredients, but tend to vary greatly in price.
When you are shopping for cat food, it is important to read labels rather than taking a particular brand’s advertisement at face value. One must take into consideration the cat’s individual needs, choosing the highest quality formula, while keeping in mind the overall shopping budget.
When shopping for the healthiest cat food, look for a specific meat as the first ingredient, such as turkey, chicken, tuna or beef.
Many cats suffer from kidney problems and urinary tract infection. A diet high in ash can cause these problems. Wet (canned) cat food has lower ash content than dry. If your cat suffers from urinary tract infection, consider switching to a canned diet. Foods with an ash content of 3.5 or lower are optimal. You can find this listed in the guaranteed analysis section of the label.
Better quality foods tend to have higher quality ingredients. Low-cost foods, while they do meet the minimum guidelines for protein, fat and carbohydrates, they also contain ingredients that are difficult to digest and can cause obesity in cats. Often, these lower-quality proteins and fillers pass through your cat’s digestive tract quickly and whatever nutrients they contain are not absorbed.
A meat source is the most important ingredient, and should always be listed as the number one protein source on the label. Do not bother with the brands that list grain first on the label. It is nothing more than a filler to keep manufacturing costs down. It is the equivalent of junk food for your cat. In fact, the cat will have to eat more to simply get the nutrition they need, which over time will lead to obesity.
Other common cat food ingredients that are not healthy for your cat are soy, corn, and wheat. These ingredients also keep the cost of the food low. When keeping your budget in mind, look for brands that have only a minimal amount of these ingredients. Many of these ingredients can result in food allergies for cats.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has more information on cat food nutrients. Profiles of each vitamin and mineral and what role they play in maintaining your cat’s health are also explained.