Basic Feline Nutrition Nutrition management is a major part of every good cat health plan.

It means providing proper nutrition to your cat on a daily basis, throughout his lifetime. The right cat diet can protect your cat from a number of common health problems, and can speed recovery from illness. In fact, aside from providing regular veterinary care, a diet for your cat that delivers 100% of the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates your cat needs is one of the most important things you can do to help increase you cat’s lifespan. Basic Nutrition Cats have specific nutritive requirements, so make a high-quality cat food the staple of your pet’s diet. The following are the basic nutritional components your cat’s diet should provide for optimum health: Protein. Protein is the foundation for the enzymes and hormones that regulate your cat’s body.

It is essential for muscle development and maintenance, and is a key source of energy. Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy and vitality. Vitamins and Minerals. The following chart lists the essential vitamins and minerals your cat needs for good health.

Taurine. Taurine is a key component that is absolutely essential to the good health of your cat. Taurine deficiency may result in blindness or the potentially fatal heart problem known as cardiomyopathy. Water. Fresh, clean, cool water is the single most important nutrient in your cat’s diet. It is essential and should be available at all times. While food preferences may vary, a cat’s need for fresh water remains constant.

INGREDIENT: SOURCE OF: PURPOSE: Vitamin A supplement Vitamin A Eyes, skin, coat, growth, and bone formulation. Vitamin D3 supplement Vitamin D3 Vigor, bones, and teeth. Vitamin E supplement Vitamin E Antioxidant, muscle function, and a healthy heart. Riboflavin supplement Riboflavin Energy and metabolism.

Calcium Carbonate Calcium Bones and teeth. Niacin Niacin Energy metabolism and healthy breath. Folic Acid Folacin Protein metabolism, blood,and growth. Calcium Pantothenate Pantothenic Acid Skin, coat, fat metabolism, and nerves. Thiamin Mononitrate Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Nerves, appetite,and carbohydrate metabolism.

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Protein metabolism and blood. Vitamin B12 supplement Vitamin B12 Blood, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Salt Sodium Chloride Electrolyte balance, fluid, and healthy urine. Manganese Sulfate Manganese Energy production, bone formation and growth. Potassium Iodide or Calcium Iodate Iodine Thyroid health and metabolic rate. Biotin Biotin Energy, metabolism, and healthy foot pads. Ferrous Iron Healthy blood.

Taurine Taurine Development and function of the retina, heart. Zinc Oxide Zinc Immune system function Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex Vitamin K Blood clotting. Choline Chloride Choline Nerves, fat metabolism. Choosing The Right Diet Dry or canned? The choice between dry and canned food is largely a matter of convenience for you and taste for your cat.

Many cat owners feed their cats canned food for one meal and dry for the other. Others feed dry or canned exclusively. As long as the brand you feed provides 100% complete nutrition, and you follow recommended feeding guidelines for the amount, your cat should be fine. How much should you feed your cat? It’s best to follow the recommended feeding guidelines provided by the manufacturer on your pet food label. Since most cats consume only the calories they need, less active cats will usually eat less. Be aware that obesity can be a serious health problem for cats. Your cat’s feeding requirements will vary depending upon: New Articles in our Cat Wiki! You can contribute to these articles and others: Cat Dental Care Indoors or Outdoors? Cats and Aging How To Give A Cat A Good Home age activity whether she is spayed or he is neutered environment health If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian.

When should you feed your cat? If you feed your cat canned food exclusively, you may wish to establish specific mealtimes to prevent the food from drying out or spoiling in warm weather. Dry food allows more flexibility. In free choice feeding, for example, your cat has access to her food at all times and is allowed to nibble throughout the day. For cats on diets to maintain urinary tract health, this is an optimum feeding plan, since it helps maintain a reduced urinary pH level throughout the day.

Some basic “Don’ts” Don’t feed dog food to your cat. Dog foods don’t contain the protein level, amino acids, or nutrients (like Taurine) that your cat needs. Don’t feed your cat table scraps. You can’t be sure you’re supplying all the nutrients she needs, and you could create or increase finicky eating behavior. Don’t feed your cat bones. These can splinter and become lodged in her throat or intestines.

Don’t feed your cat raw fish. It contains an enzyme that destroys some of the vitamins your cat needs, and may contain parasites. Don’t give your cat milk. Cats over the age of 2 months don’t really need it, and it often causes diarrhea in adult cats. Don’t switch foods suddenly. To introduce new cat foods, mix a tiny amount with your cat’s current food. Gradually increase the quantity of new food and reduce the amount of the old food, until your cat has adjusted to her new diet.See also: