How to Pick the Best Cat Food
What is the best cat food for indoor cats? Understanding a cats' biological needs helps narrow down what the best cat food is. This guide will cover what cats need in their diet, focusing on high-moisture, high-protein, and low-carbohydrate choices.
The Importance of High Moisture
All of our modern house cats have evolved from desert-dwelling wild cats who received most if not all of their hydration from their eating their prey. A mouse caught in the wild is about 70-80% moisture, whereas kibble is about 10% moisture. Evolving in the desert has given cats a very natural low thirst drive and can suffer from dehydration if they don’t consume enough moisture through their diet, making moisture one of the most important aspects of choosing a food for your cat.
Raw food diets, like our Quest cat food, contain a higher moisture content than traditional dry or even canned options. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining kidney health and preventing urinary tract issues, which are unfortunately common in cats. By providing a diet that mimics their natural prey—such as raw meat, organs, and bones—you can ensure that your cat receives adequate moisture in their meals.
How to Ensure Adequate Hydration
When selecting raw food, look for options that contain at least 70-80% moisture. Feeding a high moisture food promotes healthy digestion and supports overall well-being. Moreover, introducing fresh water alongside their meals can encourage your cat to drink more & stay hydrated.
The Necessity of High Protein
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet rich in animal-based protein. High protein content is essential for maintaining muscle mass, energy levels, and overall health.
A protein-rich diet provides essential amino acids that cats cannot produce on their own. Taurine, for example, is vital for heart health, vision, and reproductive function. When choosing a diet for your cat, ensure it is primarily made from high-quality animal protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish.
What to Look for in Meat Used for Cat Food
When selecting a diet for your cat, look for products that list meat as the first ingredient, ideally followed by organ meats and a small amount of natural fats. Avoid fillers and by-products, as these can dilute the quality of the protein & compromise your cat’s health. A diet that prioritizes high-quality, bioavailable protein will keep your cat energetic and vibrant.
At Steve’s Real Food, we use only human-grade quality meats, and include muscle meat, organ meat, and bone in our recipes. The Quest recipe is a PREY diet, meaning it is 90% muscles, organ and bone, and 10% supplemental superfoods.
The Case Against Carbohydrates
Cats have NO dietary requirement for carbohydrates. In fact, high-carb diets can lead to various health problems in cats, including obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Cats derive their energy primarily from protein and fat, not carbohydrates. High-carb foods can spike insulin levels and lead to weight gain, particularly in indoor cats who are less active.
Why Low Carbohydrates is Essential
Cats derive their energy primarily from protein and fat, not carbohydrates. When selecting a raw food diet, ensure it is low in carbohydrates—ideally below 5%. High-carb foods can spike insulin levels and lead to weight gain, particularly in indoor cats who are less active.
Ingredients to Avoid
When assessing raw food options, steer clear of those containing grains, potatoes, and other high-carb fillers. Instead, focus on products that utilize meat, organs, and small amounts of vegetables. These ingredients provide essential nutrients without the negative impact of carbohydrates. All Steve’s Real Food diets are grain-free. The BARF diet, like the Original Recipe, contains fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Choosing the Best Cat Food for Kittens
Kittens are at a crucial stage of development and require more calories than adult cats to grow. As imprint feeders, their early experiences with food will influence their preferences for life.
Start with Variety!!
Introduce your kitten to a variety of textures and temperatures early on to reduce the chance of picky eating. Offer food at different temperatures—some slightly warmed, others at room temperature, and some chilled—to see what your kitten prefers. It’s also good to feed them both freeze-dry and raw food to help them adapt to both wet and dry food. (you’ll be glad you did when you have a cat that will happily eat everything you give them later down the road)
Choosing the Best Cat Food for Senior Cats
As cats age, their nutritional needs sometimes change. Senior cats may face various health challenges that require special attention to their diet.
- Maintain Protein Quality: Older cats still need high-quality protein, but it’s essential to monitor their intake carefully. Look for raw foods formulated for seniors, emphasizing easily digestible proteins that support muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Hydration is Key: Just as with kittens, moisture content is crucial for senior cats. Ensure their food has high moisture levels to aid kidney function and prevent urinary problems. This will also help maintain hydration, which can be especially beneficial for aging felines.
- Address Specific Health Concerns: Consult with your veterinarian about any specific health issues your senior cat may have. Some may require specialized diets, such as those low in phosphorus for kidney health. A vet can guide you in selecting the right diet that meets your senior cat’s unique needs.
Get Steve’s Raw Cat Food Delivered to Your Home!
Steve’s Real Food raw cat food is high protein, high moisture, and low-carbs, making it the perfect choice to feed a cat of any age. RawPetFood.com offers nutritious, all-natural pet food that you can order online. Sign up for recurring, or just one-time delivery.
We're here to help you keep your pets healthy, and give them long, happy lives. Start your journey with raw food today and see the difference it can make!
