Cats have very specific nutritional requirements and choosing a high-quality diet is one of the most important factors for maintaining good health. If you’re wondering what to feed cats, here’s our guide to ensuring they’re eating the best cat food.
Feline nutrition is very different to that of their canine friends and it is important that cat owners recognise this. Cats are obligate carnivores meaning that their diet should be largely made up of high-quality protein from meat, and they do not require vegetables like we do.
How to choose the best cat food
The best cat food for your pet will provide complete and balanced nutrition for their age, weight, size and lifestyle.
To choose the best cat food, make sure that a meat, such as chicken or lamb, is specified as the first ingredient, especially in canned food. Taurine is an amino acid found mainly in animal protein that is essential for your cat’s vision, heart health, digestion and more. Ensure that taurine is included on the food label along with other key vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc and calcium to keep your cat happy and healthy.
When choosing the best cat food for your pet, super premium cat food is ideal as these foods are scientifically proven to provide a complete and balanced diet for your pet. Super premium cat food includes options targeted towards different life stages and dietary requirements, so use our Cat Food Finder Tool to understand which diet is best suited for your unique cat.
Is kibble or wet food better for my cat?
Some cats may prefer certain tastes and varieties over others, so find a cat food that best suits your cat’s preferences. While some cats enjoy chewing on dry kibble, as they get older, issues with their teeth might make them more likely to go for the softer wet food.
The best diet for your cat may actually be a mixture of wet and dry food so they can enjoy the benefits of both. While dry food will help to clean your cat’s teeth of plaque as they eat, wet food will provide your cat with more flavours and some additional water. Be aware that cats who have a largely dry food diet will drink more water, so ensure that your cat always has access to clean drinking water.
Super Premium cat food comes in both dry and wet food options so you can give your cat the best diet no matter their preference and you can also use our Cat Food Finder Tool to find which products are best paired together for your cat.
How much should I feed my cat?
Check the back of your chosen cat food’s packet to find the feeding guide, which will recommend ideal portions for your cat based on their weight. Following this is the easiest way to manage portion control, but you can also ask your Greencross Vets for advice.
If your cat prefers to eat several times throughout the day rather than twice, remember to adjust their portion sizes and feed a smaller amount for each meal. Most cats are grazers when they eat.
What treats can I give my cat?
Though it’s tempting to treat your cat, their specific nutritional needs and calorie intake must be kept in mind. Treats should only make up 10% of your cat’s diet and you should aim to buy healthy treats specifically formulated for them.
Your cat may enjoy eating fish, and small amounts in moderation is okay. Remember to only feed your cat cooked fish and make sure any bones have been removed.
Still not sure what to feed your cat?
If you need more guidance on your cat’s diet, don’t hesitate to check in with your local Petbarn team members who can recommend you the best cat food for your pet’s unique needs.