What Do Cats Eat? Best Foods for a Happy, Healthy Cat

Are you unsure what to feed your cat? Perhaps you’re looking to add variety to your pet’s diet. Whether you’re a first-time fur parent or not, it can be tricky to remember what cats can or can’t eat. Understanding what to feed your feline friend is essential for their health and happiness. So, to avoid any confusion, this guide lists the best food for cats and tips to make mealtimes more enjoyable for both you and your animal companion.

Nutritional Needs of Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are sustained by a diet primarily composed of meat. Their natural diet in the wild consists of small animals like rodents and birds, which provide them with proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Obligate carnivores cannot process raw plant matter because they are unable to break down plant cellulose, so avoid products with fillers like corn, soy, or wheat. When selecting cat food, opt for those with meat as the first ingredient.

Because cats are obligate carnivores, they don’t naturally eat fruits or vegetables. You might think that fresh produce is good for cats, since, well, they’re good for humans, right? But due to the very nature of their diet, cats will reject fruits and vegetables, especially when they’re raw. This shows that cats cannot consume all human food unless it is prepared in a specific way.

Best Food for Cats

Since human food is trickier to feed to cats, it’s ideal to prioritize commercial cat food for health and safety reasons. Healthy cat food in the Philippines consists of many options, including dry kibble and wet food. These cater to different preferences and dietary requirements. Let’s see the pros and cons of each:

Dry Food (Kibble)

Kibble is a popular choice among cat owners due to its convenience and affordability. Many high-quality dry foods contain balanced levels of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, ensuring that cats receive the necessary amino acids, like taurine, for optimal health. Dry food can also help maintain dental health as it reduces plaque buildup.

The downside is dry food is often high in carbohydrates and low in moisture, which can lead to potential health problems. You can mitigate the risks by selecting kibble with high protein content and low carbohydrates.

Wet Food (Canned)

Wet food is another excellent option for feline nutrition. It typically contains a higher moisture content, which is great for hydration. Wet food comes in many flavors and textures, making it a more palatable option. However, it can be more expensive.

Dry or Wet: Which is Better?

You may choose to feed your cat a combination of both dry or wet cat food. Mixing them or giving one type of food during each feeding time allows your cat to receive the best of both worlds. It also ensures that your cat has a dynamic diet.

If you’re considering mixing dry and wet cat food, consult your veterinarian to find the right balance. Your veterinarian will recommend the correct serving size for the two food options. Remember, every cat is unique, and the amount you feed will depend on their age, breed, and health condition.

Some Human Foods Safe for Cats

While cats should primarily eat cat food, certain human foods can be healthy treats. Here are some safe options that can be safely enjoyed in moderation:

1. Fruits

Cats can consume small amounts of fruits like bananas, blueberries, and strawberries. Always remove seeds and peels. Remember that cats require a diet rich in aminal-based proteins, so give fruits with caution.

2. Cooked Vegetables

Cooked carrots, peas, pumpkins, broccoli, and green beans can also be fed as occasional treats. Avoid giving your cat raw vegetables as they cannot digest those properly and can be a choking hazard.

Food Cats Should Avoid

When asking the question, “What do cats eat,” it’s also important to think about which foods are toxic and harmful. Here’s a list of what to avoid:

1. Onions and Garlic

These can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage red blood cells.

2. Chocolate

Like dogs, cats are also sensitive to chocolate, which contains theobromine and caffeine.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Keep grapes and raisins out of reach to cats as these can cause kidney failure.

4. Oranges

The seeds, leaves, stems, and peels of oranges contain oils that are poisonous to cats. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruits are also very acidic.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol is a big no-no! Even a small amount can be dangerous and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

6. Dairy Products

Kittens transition from mother’s milk to solid food. In this process, the enzyme that lets cats digest lactose in milk and other dairy products decreases. While some cats may enjoy cheese, many are lactose intolerant and can suffer from digestive issues.

7. Raw Meat, Fish, and Eggs

Uncooked proteins may contain fatal viruses and bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella. Ensure that all proteins are cooked thoroughly.

8. Small Bones

Small pieces of bone can easily get lodged in your cat’s esophagus or rupture their stomach and intestinal lining during digestion.

Choosing the Right Cat Food: the Verdict

While it seems easier to feed your cat with whatever’s readily available at home, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet primarily based on cat food. Always refer to this feeding guide so you’re better equipped to provide your cat with a diet that supports their overall well-being. You can also consult your veterinarian for professional advice on your pet’s nutritional needs.

If you’re looking for healthy cat food in the Philippines, search no further than Consumer Care. We offer a range of products that support your pet’s overall well-being:

1. Cherish Complete Cat Food

Cherish Complete Cat Food is a premium, human-grade cat food crafted with hormone-free chicken as the primary protein source. This diet is packed with essential nutrients to support your feline friend’s growth and vitality. It has no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ensuring a natural and wholesome meal. One of the standout features of this product is it contains paraffin oil, which helps prevent hairballs by lubricating the digestive tract. This is particularly beneficial for cats that are prone to hairball formation.

Cherish Complete Cat Food also contains CocoMCT™, a unique ingredient that enhances brain and cognitive function across all life stages—kittens, adults, and seniors alike. This product is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health, promote a shiny coat, and boost the immune system.

2. Nutripe Cat Food

Nutripe Cat Food offers an irresistibly delicious wet food option designed specifically for picky eaters. Its formulation is ideal for cats recovering from illness or surgery, as it has a soft texture that is easier to chew and digest compared to dry kibble. The high moisture content in Nutripe also helps keep cats hydrated.

This cat food is made with ethically sourced 100% New Zealand meat, a high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and overall health. It also has green lamb tripe for gut health, green lipped mussel extracts that support joint health with anti-inflammatory properties and Omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 that acts as a powerful antioxidant.

3. CatCare Cat Food

CatCare Cat Food is a high-quality animal protein that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your cat at every life stage. It’s also formulated to reduce the risk of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and kidney issues, thanks to its low magnesium content and holistic ingredients.

Enriched with taurine, it supports heart health, clear vision, and digestion. This nutrient is particularly important for cats, as they cannot produce enough taurine on their own. Additionally, essential vitamins and minerals promote growth, while Omega 3 and 6 oils ensure a shiny coat and healthy skin. CatCare Cat Food is also highly palatable that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy mealtime.

For more information about Consumer Care’s exceptional product line for cats, contact us today.