Cat food is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of cats. Although cats are obligate carnivores, most commercial cat food contains both animal and plant material, supplemented with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. An important nutrient is the amino acid derivative taurine, as cats cannot synthesize the compound. Cats fed a taurine-deficient dog food may develop retinal degeneration and go blind, for example.[1]







Commercial cat food




Cat food for sale at an Istanbul animal market

Most store-bought cat food comes in either dry form, also known in the US as kibble, or wet canned form. Some manufacturers sell frozen raw diets and premix products to cater to owners who feed raw.

[edit] Dry food



Dry food (8-10% moisture) is generally made by extrusionpalatability, and other minor ingredients, such as heat-sensitive vitamins, which would be destroyed in the extrusion process, may be added. cooking under high heat and pressure. Fat may then be sprayed on the food to increase

Major brand-name dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients with animal protein by-products or animal digest to cut cost. Higher end foods offered as ‘premium’, ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’ formulas contain less or no grain, and a higher percentage of animal protein. However, grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or tapioca. The starch in those ingredients allows the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create glucose from protein.[

Wet food




Wet (Canned) cat food example (Fish flakes in jelly)

Canned or wet food (75-78% moisture) generally comes in common can sizes of 3 oz (85 g), 5.5 oz (156 g), and 13 oz (369 g). It is also sold in foil pouch form by some manufacturers.

Owners and veterinarians who recommend a diet consisting largely or entirely of canned, homemade or raw cat food point to higher water content of such food and the increased total water consumption in comparison to a dry food diet as an important health benefit. Wet food also generally contains significantly less grain and other carbohydrate material. Many foods are made with fish, however an excessive consumption of fish (which contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids) can cause yellow fat disease.[9] In comparison to dry food, canned food is thought to either help treat or noticeably reduce the likelihood of numerous health issues including urinary tract disorders[10][11], diabetes, chronic renal failure[12], constipationmegacolon), and obesity.[citation needed] (sometimes leading to

Canned cat foods in pop-top containers may play a role in the development of hyperthyroidism in cats[13]. This may be due to bisphenol A used in the pop-top can coating leaching into the food, so it is suggested to place unused food in reusable containers to prevent contamination.

Major brand-name dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients with animal protein by-products or animal digest to cut cost. Higher end foods offered as ‘premium’, ‘natural’ or ‘holistic’ formulas contain less or no grain, and a higher percentage of animal protein. However, grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or tapioca. The starch in those ingredients allows the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create glucose from protein

Your Cat’s Eating Habits
Cats love their meat. In fact, these furry carnivores must eat meat to maintain their long-term health. Cats require high amounts of amino acids, "building blocks" that prevent disease. Vegetarian diets, therefore, are out of the question for cats.

Kittens (cats less than a year old) need food specially designed for their young systems- with an increased level of the necessary proteins for growing muscles and bones.

Many cats enjoy raiding a dog’s food bowl. However, cats are not small dogs and they have unique dietary needs that dog food products will not provide them. When choosing a food, cat owners should look for one that contains proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Extra vitamin and mineral supplements are not only unnecessary but potentially harmful. Supplements can unbalance a complete and balanced cat food.

Monitor your cat’s water in-take. If your cat doesn’t drink enough water, you should consider feeding your feline friend a moist or canned food diet. The canned food will cause your cat to take in larger amounts of water and they typically contain a higher percentage of protein versus dry food, which is more like their natural diets. Feeding your cat moist or canned food can prevent bladder issues later in life.

Cats are naturally efficient eaters. They typically eat to satisfy their need for energy then stop eating when that energy demand is met. Cats tend to eat small but frequent meals. While most cats will naturally regulate their eating habits, some do over indulge. Since obesity is the most common feline nutritional problem, if your cat needs to lose five or more pounds, visit the veterinarian before you begin a weight loss program.

Many cats eat in cycles, a trait passed down from their wild ancestors that ate depending on the success of the hunt. Do not mistake these peaks and valleys for dissatisfaction with the food. Talk to your veterinarian about what diet is best for your cat.