EmailThe following is what reviews say to look for when purchasing cat food; the brands listed in the ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed section meet most, if not all, of these criteria.
- Look for more meat in the list of ingredients and less by-product, grain and vegetable products. C.J. Puotinen, a natural health and nutrition expert and author of several books on pet care, says, "Any commercial pet food where the major ingredient is grain is bad. Mother Nature doesn't feed dogs and cats that way; why should you?" Other reviews agree, and add that this is especially true of cats, which are obligate carnivores. Therefore, the primary ingredients in cat food should be chicken, turkey or fish instead of by-products and grains (such as corn, wheat or soy).
- Choose foods without dyes or artificial preservatives. There's no proof that dyes or preservatives are unhealthy for cats, but little has been done to research the effects of these ingredients building up in cats' systems over time. The preservatives may be hard on your cat's internal organs. Dyes can stain carpets and upholstery. Premium foods seldom contain dyes and artificial preservatives, but many supermarket brands do.
- Balance canned food and dry food. Canned cat food has an advantage in that it contains a high percentage of water -- which reviews say matches the water content wild cats would get from a natural carnivorous diet. Wet food ensures better hydration, since cats will need to drink less water throughout the day. Dry food is easier on owners and their wallets, but many experts urge moderation in their use. If using a dry food, look for one that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and make sure your cat has plenty of water.
- Read the label. Given the absence of rigorous comparison testing, the food's ingredient list and nutritional data is the best guide to quality. The best products avoid the use of grains like corn, wheat or soy and don't include animal by-products. If cost, availability or your cat's preferences are an issue, try to stick with a food that minimizes such ingredients and lists them further down the ingredient list.
- Pet food safety is a growing concern. Past recalls of cat foods because of tainted wheat and rice glutens have spotlighted some major issues regarding pet foods and their ingredients. While the majority of foods -- and all of the foods listed in ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed section -- have been deemed to be safe, this is an ongoing issue. It is a good idea to keep a watchful eye on things for the foreseeable future. The Food and Drug Administration and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals websites are a good place to start. Those web addresses can be found in Useful Links.
Opinions differ on the importance of palatability. It's important that your cat finds its food tasty, otherwise he or she might not eat enough. However, most experts say the food's health content is more important than its taste -- after all, you wouldn't feed your kids candy for dinner just because they like to eat it. Savvy pet owners feed their cats what's healthy and don't allow themselves to be trained by their pets to deliver kitty junk food on demand. Cat experts largely agree: finicky eaters aren't born; they are created by their owners.
Some foods are formulated for specific life stages (kitten, old age, etc.) or special needs (overweight, hairball formula, etc.). The products that appear in the ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed section are available in a variety of formulas, but you may want to do some more research or ask your vet if your cat falls into one of these categories. Note that some experts, such as veterinarian Jean Hofve at LittleBigCat.com, recommend avoiding such niche products altogether.
There has recently been an explosion of cat foods that mirror human health concerns, such as a reduction in calories or an increase in vegetarian components. However, most experts feel these foods are more driven by marketing than nutritional considerations. Cats are carnivores and require a mostly meat diet, though some vegetable matter (like grass) is an important aid in digestion. Caloric intake is also important, and cutting down on calories may reduce your animal's energy levels substantially.