When you get your new adorable family member, there are a series of questions that come up. It is hard to know what to feed them, how much, when, do they have special dietary needs? We thought we would answer some of the most common questions when it comes to finding the best wet kitten food.
Are Kittens Dietary Needs Different From Adult Cats?
A kitten’s weight doubles during the first weeks of their life. In order for them to do this, they will need specific nutrients. Kittens also have tons of energy, so they burn calories at a much faster rate than an adult cat. For the owners, this means you will need to feed them more often, so they can gain weight and have fuel.
Kittens need fat, fatty acids, and vitamins like an adult cat. However, they have a higher requirement for protein, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. It is because of this that feeding your kitten formulated kitten food to ensure they are getting the best nutritional value.
Kittens also need to drink plenty of water, which is why best wet kitten food is ideal. It has a higher moisture content to fill their water intake needs. Kittens and cats are not good about drinking out of a water bowl.
How Can I Be Sure That I am Choosing High-Quality Kitten Food?
One way to ensure that you are making a high-quality cat food choice is to read the labels. You want to make sure that there is an animal protein listed at the top of the ingredients. Cat and Kitten food labels are required to list items by weight. Kittens get 30% of their energy from quality animal proteins, not animal by-products or vegetable proteins. Understanding how to read pet food labels and be aware of what is actually in it.
Research the brand. You can find out if the brand is a reputable company, one that focusses on high-quality human-grade ingredients. As well as if their brand of foods tends to be on the food recall list often.
Do I Feed My Kitten Dry or Wet Food?
It was mentioned above that wet kitten food has a higher moisture content than dry food. Kittens also have very small teeth and can’t chew dry food well. Without wet food, they won’t get enough nutrition to grow properly. It is also easier for their body to digest moist wet food.
What is the Best Method for Feeding My Kitten?
Kittens need to eat 3 to 4 meals daily, whereas adult cats typically eat twice a day. Cats will eat all day long if you go with the free feeding method. However, once your cat becomes an adult this will only make them overweight. While free-feeding is ok for kittens, it can be hard to transition them later when they get older. With free feeding and wet food, be mindful that they can not sit out too long, they can spoil.
Foods to Avoid?
There are some foods that are not good for kittens, and for cats. It might seem like a good idea to give them some table scraps as a treat. However, it is not always a good idea. Some foods that you want to avoid feeding your kitten are:
Milk– It can cause diarrhea in kittens that are weaned and cats. They lose the enzyme needed to break down the milk.
Raw Eggs– Eggs may contain Salmonella and decrease the absorption of Vitamin B leading to skin and coat problems.
Raw Fish– Similar effect as raw eggs.
Toxic Foods – Onion, garlic, chocolate, tea, raisins, and grapes are all toxic to your kitten and cat.
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