When you are a cat owner, you worry about your cat’s health and well-being all the time. Which means that their diet is at the forefront of your mind. There are so many diets and food options it can be hard to know what is the best option.
There are so many brands, so many varieties, and so many categories that as a consumer it is complicated to differentiate between them. Plus, there are phrases that are commonly known but not necessarily a cat food diet. Let’s look at what premium cat food means and what type of diet it is.
What Does Premium Cat Food Mean?
Premium cat food is more densely packed with nutrients than economy brands. Cat food varies in the quality of ingredients and nutritional value. Premium cat food typically has higher quality standards.
Basic Nutritional Needs of a Cat
Your cat’s food needs to provide these four basic nutritional needs.
Protein from a meat, fish or poultry source
Taurine, an essential amino acid
Vitamins, Minerals, Enzymes, and Fatty Acids
Water
Your cat’s nutritional needs are based on age, activity level, temperament, environment and physical makeup. However, if your cat has allergies or you are unsure about what your cat’s specific needs are, then consult with your veterinarian.
What Doesn’t My Cat Need?
Cats are carnivores and need protein in their diet. Corn, rice, and wheat are used as fillers in economy food. They are cheaper to use, however; cats are not able to digest these carbohydrates easily. Cats also do not require many carbohydrates in their diet. When cats eat food with carbohydrate fillers, they tend to eat more than they would if given higher quality cat food.
Protein can come from a variety of sources, including plant matter, however, cats need the protein from meat and animal based products. If you are reading the ingredients label and it says meat by-products. By-products can vary but it can contain internal parts of animals and organs. These are not the source that you want to feed your cat.
Why Choose Premium Cat Food?
These high quality cat foods meet all the cat's nutritional needs taking into account their natural in the wild diet. Better ingredients contribute to better overall health of your cat. Cat’s who eat premium cat food are less likely to put on weight and become obese.
Premium cat food does not have artificial dyes, grains, and are more likely to be human grade quality ingredients. They use artificial dyes for visual purposes there is no benefit to a cat.
A Trustworthy Brand
Manufacturers have different standards regarding the freshness of ingredients. This is where label reading will not help you. You have to trust the brand that will put their reputation on the line. Research the brand and see what they represent and what their values are. You want a premium cat food brand that has your cat’s best interests at heart.