What Cats Actually Need in Their Food
Cats are obligate carnivores which means they must eat meat to survive. Unlike dogs, cats cannot produce certain essential nutrients on their own and must get them from animal protein. The first ingredient in any cat food you buy should always be a named meat or fish.
Dry vs Wet Cat Food
- Dry food: convenient, good for dental health, cats can graze throughout the day
- Wet food: higher moisture which is crucial for urinary tract health, more protein, cats prefer the taste
- Many vets recommend feeding wet food at least once daily for hydration
Important
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive and often do not drink enough water. Feeding wet food at least once per day significantly reduces the risk of urinary tract disease and kidney problems later in life.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Corn, wheat, soy as main ingredients — cats cannot properly digest plant proteins
- Meat by-products or generic "animal protein" — low quality unnamed sources
- Artificial colors and preservatives — unnecessary and potentially harmful
- Carrageenan in wet food — linked to digestive inflammation in some cats