As carnivores, cats require specific nutrients that can only be obtained from meat, such as taurine, arginine, and vitamin B6. Brands that sell cat food keep these requirements in mind. Still, pet parents must be careful when buying food for their feline friends, as some products may contain harmful ingredients that can affect a cat’s health. This post lists a few tips to follow when buying cat food to ensure your pet’s well-being.

Ensure the food has the essential nutrients
For cats to remain healthy, they must receive essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in balanced ratios. This is vital for a cat to grow, maintain its body, remain active, and prevent illness or injury. In other words, nutrients help cats thrive rather than just survive. In most cases, the product’s label describes the nutrients it has and in what quantities.

Choose easy-to-digest meals for cats with sensitive stomachs
Sore areas in the abdomen or vomiting hairballs indicate your pet has a food sensitivity. In such a situation, you must buy special meals formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs that are easily digestible and irritant-free. The food should have moderate to low fat, moderate protein, and moderate carbs and preferably include soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and higher quantities of antioxidant vitamins. At the same time, they should not have gluten, lactose, food coloring, or preservatives. If possible, speak with a veterinarian about trying a different kind of cat food or altering their feeding schedule.

Read the label carefully
Ensure that chicken or “meat meals” is specified on the ingredients list printed on the label. Being carnivores, cats need to eat meat to receive enough protein. While reading the label, also watch out for phrases like “gourmet,” “premium,” or “natural” because they lack a defined meaning and do not reflect the caliber of the product.

Compare cat food brands
The market is filled with many cat food brands, making choosing difficult. A few famous names you may come across are Hill’s, Royal Canin, and Purina. Getting your veterinarian to recommend a brand of cat food could help you make sure it is high-quality and worthwhile to buy for your pet.

Set a budget
The cost of cat food can vary depending on various factors, so it is essential to set a budget before heading to the store. A few things that influence its price are:

• Brand: Premium products are usually more expensive than mainstream ones.
• Type: The prices of wet and dry varieties can differ.
• Quality: Meals with superior ingredients and higher-quality products may cost more.
• Quantity: Food in larger bags or cases may be less expensive overall.
• Store: The cost may vary based on the store you buy from, be it online or offline.
• Specialization: Some cat feeds are made specially to address certain health issues, like urinary tract health, making them expensive.

The simplest and safest way to give cats the nutrition they require is to feed them premium canned cat food approved by the AAFCO. Although it requires much more effort, money, and time, homemade cat food can also be healthy.