Cat Food & Treats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are real carnivores who must eat animal flesh in order to meet their nutritional needs. Although cats are opportunistic feeders and may happily accept cooked food, even domesticated cats will enjoy freshly slaughtered meat from rodents, rabbits, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and fish, as well as dry cat food when it is offered, provided it is tasty. Therefore, vegetables are not a part of a cat's natural diet, however, some plants and grasses have been found to be consumed by cats on occasion, usually as an emetic.
The amino acids taurine and arginine, which are important for cats' life and cannot be produced by them, must be obtained from fresh meat in their natural diet. Because cats need a high-protein diet and lack the specialised physiology to efficiently extract nutrients from plant-based materials, high-energy meats from recently killed prey are the best sources of nutrition.
Energy intake should rise with energy expenditure in order to maintain a neutral energy balance and, by extension, body weight. Studies that attempt to link cats' daily activity levels to the number of meals they receive have produced mixed results. It has been demonstrated that cats who are given four meals a day or an arbitrary number of meals have energy levels that are higher than those given just one meal a day. This higher level of energy has been theorised to be caused by alleged surges in activity before meals, or food anticipatory activity. According to other research on female cats, increasing their daily food intake may result in a reduction in their level of activity. The factors affecting activity level include age, sex, and whether the cats are intact or have undergone spaying or neutering.
Because vitamins play a variety of roles in metabolism, deficiency can result in a wide range of clinical problems. Cats need 12 different minerals as important nutrition. For healthy bones and teeth, calcium and phosphorus are essential nutrients. Cats require additional minerals including magnesium, potassium, and sodium for the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of muscles, and the signalling of cells. Numerous minerals that are found in the body only in trace concentrations, such as selenium, copper, and molybdenum, aid in a wide range of enzyme reactions.
What does milk thistle do for cats?
For thousands of years, people have used milk thistle, also called Silybum Marianum, for its potent medicinal benefits. One of the rare herbs with multiple applications that lacks a traditional medical equivalent is milk thistle. Silymarin, the active component, comprises flavonoids with a variety of advantageous qualities, such as:
- Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory
- Detoxifying: Releases toxic chemicals that can accumulate in your cat’s system
- Boosts cellular regeneration and repair
- Protect against free radical damage
Milk thistle is one of the few herbs that have no counterpart in conventional medicine and has many uses.
For Liver Function- Aids with detoxifying a damaged liver
- Improves the regenerative effects by strengthening and supporting the liver.
- Glycerin-based milk thistle for cats is secure for long-term use. This strong herbal blend can be used in conjunction with conventional therapy and offers good proactive assistance.
For Kidney Function- Enhances kidney function as well as aids the damage that can happen in the body because of the usage of radiation therapy, drugs, diabetes, and certain infections.
- Primary studies have shown Milk Thistle improves markers associated with diabetic kidney illness in urine and blood.
For Anti-Cancer Support- Its antioxidant properties help in reducing or slowing down the development of distinct cancer cells.
- Milk thistle may prevent and protect cancer cells from dividing in your cat’s body.
- As Silymarium may boost the action of several chemotherapy medications, milk thistle may also be advantageous for cats receiving chemotherapy. Holistic doctors advise and use milk thistle because it is a secure herb. Herbal remedies function in harmony with the body and don't cause as much toxic overload as conventional medications and therapies, so the more you can use them as a pharmaceutical substitute, the better.
- Remember that it may take 4-6 weeks before you notice effects because you are balancing the needs of the body and the plant. This is perfect if you're trying to avoid giving up your cherished pet when you're detoxing the liver. Slow and steady is the way to go since milk thistle will help the liver while it detoxifies and de-stresses.
Do cat treats taste different than cat food?
The distinction between junk food and your dinner applies equally to cat treats and cat food. Cat food is made to be balanced nutritionally and to provide your cat with everything she needs to stay healthy. Contrarily, cat snacks are created to be delectable treats provided in moderation.
Cat treats are not balanced or full diets for cats, unlike commercially produced cat foods. Up to 85% of the protein in some of the most popular cat treats is more than what is present in a formulation of properly balanced and nutritive cat food.
To ensure optimum health, your cat's diet must contain the proper proportions of each of the six major nutritional categories. Protein, lipids and oils, minerals, vitamins, and carbs make up these nutrient groups. For your cat to get the most out of its meals, any high-quality cat food must contain these six nutrient groups.
Numerous other cat food varieties are created to specifically satisfy particular demands, such as if your cat is pregnant, elderly, or a growing kitten. The overarching principle governing elements is just as significant as their nature and quality.
Low degrees of processing are typically indicated by foods that contain meats (protein) as the first ingredient and have a small number of ingredients. The protein source should be noted first if your cat is on a particular diet for another reason, such as a medical condition.
Carbohydrate content ranges from 25 to 50 per cent in crunchy cat treats. These enormous carbohydrate amounts will be converted to sugar, and the extra sugar will increase insulin levels and cause resistance. Excessive sugar is stored in your cat’s body in the form of fat. The mystery meat in treats comes from dead, diseased, dying, and disabled animals. Legally, these meats may be used in pet food as long as they are roasted to extremely high temperatures in order to kill any bacteria and other living microorganisms.
The euthanasia medications could not be eliminated along with the bacterium. There have been numerous recalls of cat treats, kibble, and canned food due to the presence of euthanasia medications. The health of your cat will be severely harmed by this!
The plant-based protein comes last. It almost seems redundant to mention that cats must consume meat in order to thrive as they are carnivores. The ideal ratio of amino acids, fat, vitamins, trace minerals, and protein is found in meat, bones, and organs. Cats, however, are unable to transform plant components into necessary nutrition.
What kind of treats should I give my cat?
Most cat owners want to give their cats goodies as well as affection to demonstrate how much they adore them. They enjoy giving their cats snacks, but it can be challenging to pick the correct one due to the large range of goodies on the market. Some treats are meant for general use and bonding, while others are made to promote dental health, serve as pill-snatching devices, aid in training, or simply soothe your cat. While some treats are considered hypoallergenic and don't include common allergens, some have substances that not all cats can accept. To offer sufficient nutrition and prevent weight problems, it's also essential to be aware of the calorie content of treats and the targeted life stage.
Cat treats are the way to go whether you're searching for an easy way to reward your cat or you just want to spoil them with a little extra affection. Naturally, some snacks are more nutrient-dense than others, so if you regularly give your cat a particular treat, make sure to read the label to find out what components, how many calories, and where the treat was produced. Additionally, you should restrict cat treats to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake so that you don’t unbalance your cat’s overall diet.
Kennel Kitchen Mutton Jerky Cat & Dog Treat
Thinly sliced, boneless mutton that has been carefully dried to preserve its nutrients is the key ingredient of Kennel Kitchen Dog Mutton Jerky, an all-protein treat for your dogs and cats. It is free of soy, corn, and wheat. Mutton, which is good for bones and muscles and provides digestible protein, is used to make Kennel Kitchen Mutton Jerky. Its high fibre content helps the digestive system by enhancing it. This food provides nutrients breakfast that guarantees advantages, from good oral health to a robust immune system.
What human food can I give my cat?
Many people may sneak their cat a savoury bite of what they are eating, but have you ever paused to consider `what human food can a cat eat?` Let's learn what foods are suitable for your cat to consume.
Many people mistakenly believe that only dogs behave in this way when they beg at the dinner table, but your cat may also frequently display these behaviours. It's very probable that your cat will be anticipating you sneaking them a sweet bite when you're eating a delicious tuna sandwich or dish of ice cream. But it's crucial to keep in mind that just because food is acceptable for us to eat doesn't mean we should make it OK for them too.
Generally, cat food that is 100% complete and balanced should provide all of your cat's nutritional needs. There's no need to supplement your pet's diet with extra substances, although you can occasionally treat them to some human delicacies. A few human items that your cat can consume are listed below:
- Meat
You can give your cat cooked, lean foods such as beef, chicken, turkey, liver, and lamb. To ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before offering it to your cat, remove all skin and bones, and make sure the meat is never given to cats raw.- Fish
The majority of fish species are actually safe for your cat to consume, despite cats' well-known fondness for them. They have omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy for their general health and may help cats with kidney and arthritic problems. Never offer your cat raw fish; instead, ensure sure it is thoroughly cooked and that all of the bones have been taken out.- Whole grains
Oats, corn, brown rice, and even couscous are all whole grains that are suitable for cats to eat and are high in protein.- Eggs
It might surprise you to hear that eggs are on the menu when considering what cats can eat. A modest piece of cooked eggs can be enjoyed by cats (scrambled or boiled) and they’re full of amino acids and protein, so they make a healthy treat. Never give your cat raw eggs since they could contain salmonella, just like with humans.- Vegetables
Cats frequently dislike vegetables, so when given one, they can just turn their noses up at it. However, they do provide a lot of vitamins, fibre, and water if your cat prefers an unusual veggie snack. Cucumber, steamed broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and peas are a few veggies that cats can consume without getting sick.- Fruits
Similar to vegetables, cats' reactions to fruits can be hit or miss, with many expressing dislike for the flavour or texture. There are actually quite a few fruits that are healthy for cats to eat if they have a slight sweet appetite.
What is the highest calorie food for cats?
Helping your cat gain weight is crucial if they are underweight, ill, or elderly. Giving your pet more food with more calories is one of the finest strategies to assist them in gaining weight. You can achieve this goal by selecting a high-calorie meal. As the name implies, high-calorie cat meals contain more calories than regular cat food. They're not, however, fast food. These feeds are made with more protein and fat so that they provide more calories per serving while still giving cats the nutrition they require for growth.
High-calorie foods are made specifically to have more calories than other comparable options. High-calorie cat contains a lot of protein and fibre. Your cat will eat more calories in a given serving size than it would from regular cat food. They may gain extra weight as a result of this.
There are several options to think about when selecting a high-calorie meal for your cat, including wet, dry, organic, fresh, handmade, or a combination of all of the above. In order to enhance the likelihood that your cat will eat her new food, it is often a good idea to stick with flavours that you know she likes since many cats who need high-calorie cat food are also pickier eaters. There are several reasons why cats could require high-calorie diets. In addition to providing kitties with more energy than typical cat diets, high-calorie foods can also help cats grow weight.
High-calorie cat food is formulated for the specific needs of growing. It is an exclusive complex of antioxidants and vitamins that supports a young kitten’s growth and development. Some of the finest high-calorie foods are - Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra Soft Mousse, Whiskas Mackerel Flavour Kitten Dry Food, and Kennel Kitchen Chicken in Jelly Cat Food.
What can I feed my cat to put weight on?
Although obesity is a serious health problem for cats, underweight cats often struggle. And just like losing weight, gaining weight can also be a challenging problem for cats. It involves more than just adjusting food quantities.
A skinny cat can have one of two major causes: either they don't eat enough, or they burn more calories than they consume. Due to stress, dental disease, sickness, or a variety of other conditions, they might not be eating enough. Weight loss can be the earliest and in some cases the only, visible symptom of a developing underlying problem in cats with certain conditions.
Lack of access to food is another factor that may contribute to a cat's excessive leanness. If you come across a stray cat that appears to be undernourished, you can receive advice on what to do to restore the cat's health from your neighbourhood shelter or veterinarian. If it's possible, they might instruct you to bring them in. Always bring adopted stray cats to the vet for a checkup to rule out any medical issues.
5 Healthy Ways to Help Your Cat Gain Weight
- Feed your cat canned food: Since canned cat food is made with meat, your cat will prefer it over dry food because of its more alluring flavour and aroma. Additionally, all that additional wetness encourages your cat to consume more water, so it's a win-win situation for keeping the feline hydrated and satiated.
- Give them warm food: Your cat may prefer food that is slightly warmed, and not too hot.
- Try hand feeding your cat: This might also motivate the cat to eat. Petting your cat could be helpful.
- Change up the food: Change it up because cats do have preferences when it comes to taste. If they often eat chicken, Herrick advises serving a tuna dish, and vice versa. Never forget to introduce new foods gradually to prevent stomach distress.
- Ask about a supplement: Consult with your veterinarian if a vitamin or mineral supplement or high-calorie supplement is necessary for your cat at this time.