Top 10 Healthiest Cat Foods in 2024 (Top Ingredients & Brands)
Carbohydrates
Too many carbohydrates can be a bad thing. They can cause your cat to gain weight, and they often aren’t very nutritionally dense. However, cats need carbohydrates just like they need protein. They use them for energy, and one of the main purposes of food is to give our cats energy!
Look for grains like rice, oats, and potatoes. These often work well for many cats. However, some cats are sensitive to gluten, so you may need to select a gluten-free food for these felines.
Life Stage
Like humans, cats have distinct nutritional requirements at different stages of life. Therefore, it’s best to choose food specifically designed for each stage.
Here’s a breakdown of what cats need at each stage:
- Kittens require food that supports their growth and should contain single-source proteins like beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, or tuna. Their diet should be high in protein, fat, and folic acid.
- Adult cats are generally less active than playful kittens and require less protein and fat in their diet. This is also the ideal time to consider portion control or timed feeding to prevent excessive weight gain.
- Senior cats (typically 7 years or older) benefit from foods that are lower in protein and fat to avoid weight gain. These foods should also provide ample vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support their aging immune system. Senior formulas are designed to reduce kidney stress, helping older cats avoid kidney disease.
Always choose a food that fits your cat’s life stage.
