What types of cat food are there? Which cat food is best: the correct diet for a meowing pet

Not a single advertisement contains the phrase: “Buy our food.” Manufacturers adhere to a different policy - you yourself will buy this product if it is shown “in person”. In the store, everything is even more complicated - the display cases are filled with bags and jars so impressively that most often we buy something that is not what we had planned. And it is important for cat owners to choose the best food that is suitable for their pet. To avoid making a rash purchase, you need to study the features of different foods in advance.

Types of cat food

A cat owner can feed his pet in one of two ways:

• store-bought (industrial) feed.

Each method of feeding a cat involves several types of food.

Natural food is food for the cat prepared by the owner from good quality products. We are not talking about home-cooked food for people, but about dishes prepared specifically for the animal (taking into account its age, body characteristics, breed and health status).

Industrial feeds are divided into several categories by type and class. The types may be as follows:

• (in the form of granules);
• wet food (canned food in the form of pates, jellies);
• (for cats with health problems);
• (special treats that do not carry a calorie load).

All store-bought cat food is divided into 4 classes:

• economy class (these are budget products that contain almost no meat);
• premium class (they contain natural meat, but also artificial additives);
• super premium (expensive, practically no dyes, contains a lot of meat);
• holistic class (the most expensive, up to 90% meat, do not contain dyes or preservatives).

What food to choose for a cat

Pouches are intended for one complete feeding of a cat.

Mixing different brands of food is not recommended. But to feed a cat, you can combine wet and dry food if we are talking about products of the same brand.

Many of my friends leave their cats dry food in a bowl for the whole day (while they are at work) and a full bowl of fresh water. And in the evening they pamper their pets with wet food. Yes, mustachioed pets prefer wet food. But dry during the day is the best option. Firstly, cat owners can calculate the daily requirement in advance and leave everything at once (and the cat will distribute this food over the required number of times). Secondly, dry food is good for teeth. Cat breeders I know who feed their cats pellets never complain about the health of their cat's teeth.

The quality of the food can be determined by its composition. The food should be well balanced - a lot of meat, few carbohydrates. The word “meat” does not necessarily mean pieces of veal pulp or tenderloin from a rack of lamb, but proteins of animal origin:

• natural fresh meat;
• dehydrated meat and fish;
• by-products and processed meat and fish products;
• bone flour.

When a cat owner asks a veterinarian which food is best to choose, most likely the advice will be the same - the more expensive option. The fact is that veterinarians often encounter cat diseases that arise from improperly balanced food. Dyes, artificial flavors, allergens - all this leads to various ailments. Therefore, professionals are trusted by high-quality food, which simply cannot be cheap.

In addition, one of the veterinarian’s recommendations may be a warning about the diet itself. After all, no matter how good the store-bought food is, the owner of the animal can negatively affect the health of the pet by violating the feeding rules.

Choose among the expensive ones and feed only it; there is no need to dilute or alternate with natural food.

DOCTOR-VeT, forum user, veterinarian

https://www.vetmedicus.ru/forum7/topic13573.php

Most often, veterinarians advise feeding pets industrial food.

Experts often advise switching pets to a special (therapeutic) diet. Our family has never had to go to the vet for our cat's diet, but my sister's cat suffers from urolithiasis. A couple of years ago he had a severe exacerbation, the veterinarian said that it was due to a metabolic disorder. Indeed, my sister fed Donut both meat and fish, but he never ate milk or dairy products. A lot of phosphorus accumulated in the body, but there was not enough calcium, so stones formed. The veterinarian recommended that they switch to medicinal food (Urinary) - several brands have such a line.

For a cat who has given birth, I advise you to switch to Hills feeding for kittens, it is higher in calories and will replenish the energy that is spent on feeding kittens and recovering after birth.

Vikki-Vikki, user, veterinarian

http://forum.webmvc.com/index.php?/topic/4361-feeding-cats/

According to veterinarians, it is better to immediately discard food if it contains one (or more) of the following ingredients:

• potatoes (this is a product with a high glycemic index, which means it can lead to diabetes);
• the liver of any birds and animals - it is believed that it is capable of retaining toxins for a long time, so its consumption is potentially dangerous;
• soy protein concentrate (it is an allergen; there are cases when soy in the feed is classified as GMO);
• animal mixture (may contain hair, claws, hooves, feathers) - very allergenic;
• corn and its processed products, wheat, flour made from it, gluten are allergens;
• any artificial additives (the letter E will help you detect them);
• salt in any quantity;
• yeast.

By remembering this list, you will be able to choose the most healthy cat food, even from an inexpensive series.

Video: Farmina veterinarian's opinion on cat food

Rating of cat food 2019

Economy class feed

The following brands have been the favorite economy class foods for a long time:

• Felix;

Table: comparison of economy class feeds

Photo gallery: the best economy class food in 2019

Kitekat is a cheap food that can be found in any supermarket. Although Purina One is an economy class food, veterinarians often recommend it to their patients. Night Hunter cat food is a relatively new pet food brand, which from the first days began to enjoy the trust of customers
Veterinarians and breeders of purebred cats are dissatisfied with the quality of Whiskas, but the animals themselves simply adore this product Felix food is a more budget-friendly option for Purina One

Video: examination of popular cheap cat food

Premium segment products

Popular premium segment foods include:

• Brit;
• Pro Plan;
• Iams;
• Gourmet.

Table: comparison of the most popular premium foods

Photo gallery: premium cat food

Veterinarians trust Royal Canin food, as manufacturers offer a wide veterinary line
Sheba is only wet food, but this brand has many lines. The Hill’s brand has many foods with different tastes and for animals of different ages.
Even with a limited number of Gourmet foods, you can choose the right option with the right taste
Pro Plan is one of the products of Purina, which has long been popular among Russian consumers

Super premium food

The most popular super premium food among buyers:

• Pronature Original;
• Gina;
• Bozita;
• Flatazor;
• 1st Choice;
• Bosch;
• Brit Care;

Super premium foods are harder to find than their cheaper counterparts. Some cat owners have to order them from suppliers (this also guarantees quality). In addition, now you can place an order through online stores, in which case you can receive the goods at home.

Table: popular super premium foods

Photo gallery: super premium cat food

1st Choice super premium food cannot boast of a large number of types Pronature Original food does not contain dyes or flavors Gina super premium food is highly valued by veterinarians for its high quality
Unlike many other high quality foods, cats like Bozita. Bosch products do not contain soy protein; all protein comes from animal products

Holistic segment feed

The best holistic foods, according to cat owners, include:

• Innova;
• Almo Nature;
• Nature Holistic;
• Barking Heads;

Table: comparison of the best holistic foods

Photo gallery: popular luxury cat food

When purchasing Almo Nature wet food in a package (for example, 12 cans), their price will be lower. Not all cats eat expensive food such as Pronature Holistic, because they do not contain taste and odor enhancers. Even humans can eat food like Innova. Feed Go! can only be ordered directly from the manufacturer Lesser known holistic foods such as Now can be purchased at premium prices

Food with different flavors

Manufacturers try their best to make food more attractive to consumers and healthier for cats. To do this, recipe developers and veterinary nutritionists create products with different flavors. Moreover, it is absolutely not necessary that the food contains exactly the meat that is indicated on the label. Most economy, premium and super premium class products contain flavorings. Of course, some owners understand this trick perfectly well, but what can you do to please your pet?

There are foods with the following flavors:

• chicken (Whiskas for kittens with chicken, 1st Choice Vitality);
• beef (Kitekat beef in jelly, Almo Nature Beef&Rice);
• rabbit (Monge Rabbit);
• beef tongue (Sheba from veal and tongue, Dinner Menu No. 7);
• lamb (Acana Grasslands);
• ducks (Innova Evo 95 Duck, Sheba mini, Monge Duck);
• turkey (Sheba with turkey in Bechamel sauce);
• liver (Brit Premium with chicken and chicken liver);
• salmon (Sheba mini, Whiskas for kittens stew with salmon);
• tuna (Monge Tonno Del Pacifico Con Salmone);
• shrimp, seafood (Monge Fantasia Di Mare Con Pollo, Schesir with chicken and shrimp);
• trout (Sanabelle Adult with trout);
• anchovies (Monge Anchovies);
• combinations of meat/fish with vegetables/fruits (Farmina N&D fish and orange, Pronature with turkey and cranberries).

Some manufacturers produce food with “rare” flavors (shrimp, seafood, fruit, etc.)

The best specialized cat foods

Specialized foods are those products whose formulation was developed taking into account the characteristics of cats:

The physical condition of the animal means not only diseases (food still cannot cure them), but also a predisposition to any ailments. Currently, products are produced for mustachioed pets with the following diseases and conditions:

• diabetes mellitus (Monge Diabetic, Royal Canin Diabetic DS46);
• urolithiasis (Hill’s K/D or Urinary Care series);
• thyroid diseases (Hill’s y/d);
• tendency to be overweight (Monge Obesity, Hill’s Metabolic);
• skin diseases (Monge Dermatosis);
• orthopedic problems (Hill’s j/d series, Royal Canin Mobility MC28);
• prone to dental diseases (Royal Canin Dental DS029);
• liver pathologies (Monge Hepatic, Royal Canin Hepatic HF26);
• those recovering from operations (Hill’s a/d);
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or sensitive digestion (Bosch Sanabelle Sensitive Lamb, Go! Sensitivity + Shine);
• poor appetite or capricious taste (Royal Canin Savour Exigent 35/30).

In many cats, urolithiasis develops in parallel with weight gain; for such animals, Metabolic + Urinary food from Hill’s is suitable

A separate specialized line includes food for pregnant and nursing mothers. It is important that the cat receives many vitamins and nutrients that will be beneficialand to her, and future kittens. Most large manufacturers develop baby food lines in such a way that the nutrition meets the needs of the expectant mother:

The best and most popular

Foods for sterilized animals and fattening cats have similar compositions - this is a low-calorie diet

Video: how dry animal food is made

On forums dedicated to cats, discussions about what to feed your pet: “natural” or ready-made food, are as intense as disputes between meat-eaters and vegetarians or political debates. However, more and more owners are leaning towards ready-made industrial feeds with a balanced composition, which contains added vitamins and microelements necessary for the animal.

Pet stores offer such a variety of food that it is very difficult to make a choice without understanding the composition. Among the presented assortment there are complete balanced diets and frankly useless nutrition. To help you choose from this variety, here is our cat food rating.

The best economy class cat food

Manufacturers of economy class feeds either do not give a percentage breakdown of components at all, or the amount of meat (not meat and bone meal!) in them does not exceed 4%. It should be noted that the streamlined formulation “meat processing products” means skin, bones, feathers and similar production residues that have virtually no nutritional value. Grains often come out on top, and a seemingly good percentage of protein comes mainly from plant ingredients. Let us remember that cats are obligate carnivores, and the basis of their diet is meat (with the exception of medicinal food). In addition, upon careful study, it turned out that economy-class food turns out to be not at all economical. Thus, the daily norm for one of the widely advertised dry economy foods is 100 g per 4 kg of cat weight, while for food in the average price category it is 45-65 g, and often this portion has to be reduced as the animal begins to gain excess weight . But if it is not possible to feed your pet with at least premium brands, you have to choose the best of what is available.

3 TERRACOTTE

Lowest price and naturalness
Country Russia
Average price: 201 rub. for 2 kg
Rating (2019): 4.6

The most inexpensive of budget feeds. It costs less than the advertised Whiskas and Kitekat, but the quality is significantly better. The domestic brand produces dry and wet food based on natural ingredients. There is minimal harm, but there is also no benefit - it will not satisfy the cat’s daily biological needs. Granules of different shapes contribute to high-quality teeth cleaning.

The manufacturer produces food only for adult cats. There are many flavors - quail, lamb and rabbit liver, turkey, veal, salmon. There is no unpleasant, pungent odor from the product - the meat aroma is felt, despite the absence of artificial flavors. Only completely healthy cats can be fed on a regular basis, provided that additional nutritional supplements are introduced into the diet. Veterinarians do not recommend giving it to cats with urolithiasis and kidney problems. Lack of food - not sold in all pet stores.

2 OUR BRAND

Good wet food
Country Russia
Average price: 26 rub. for 100 gr.
Rating (2019): 4.7

One of the most popular domestic economy-class wet food. Not found in supermarkets, sold only in pet stores. The food manufacturer itself positions it as premium, but the composition does not reach them. According to experts, only wet food is of good quality - it is made from high-quality by-products and looks like selected stew. They can be given to cats regularly without fear for the health of the pets.

But veterinarians recommend avoiding dry food brands, even if you need an inexpensive option. The composition consists mostly of corn; it is very far from the biological needs of cats. The only advantage of Nasha Marka dry food is that artificial flavors, taste enhancers and other harmful additives are not used. But there is no benefit from it either, so using it as a regular diet is not recommended.

Briefly about how to choose the right cat food

• The first place in the composition should be meat. And not “protein extracts”, but specific meat (chicken, rabbit, turkey, etc.). If the percentages are indicated, and “dehydrogenated” is indicated before the name of the meat component, it means that the dry food contains exactly that percentage of the component. If it is not indicated, it means that this is the amount of raw product, which after processing will decrease by approximately 5 times and may well move to the end of the list. Do not confuse meat and meat/fish meal: the latter, as a rule, is a product of processing non-standardized residues.
• Cereals can be a source of carbohydrates, but not the first ingredient in the composition. It is better if it is oats or rice, ideally in the form of cereals rather than flour. Corn and wheat flour can provoke allergies, but if the animal is not allergic, it’s okay.
• Potatoes or other vegetables are a better source of carbohydrates than grains.
• Soy, yeast, dyes are potential allergens (for animals). However, yeast is often used as a source of vitamins and biologically active substances necessary for the functioning of the immune system.
• Ideally, the amount of each ingredient in the composition is indicated as a percentage. It’s worse when only the percentages of nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) are indicated.

The cat should be fed according to the standards specified by the manufacturer. A feature of predators is the lack of a sense of satiety. In some breeds this feature is more pronounced, in others less, but if the cat is not controlled, it will regularly overeat and gain excess weight.

1 PURINA ONE

The best composition among economy feeds
A country: USA (manufactured in France or Russia)
Average price: 262 rub. per package 0.75 kg
Rating (2019): 4.8

One of the best budget food. It belongs to economy class, but its composition is closer to premium brands. It features a wide range of diets for cats with different needs - active, domestic, kittens, elderly, fluffy, sterilized pets. The composition is opaque, but simple - there are a minimum of harmful additives, but also useful ones. When feeding cats Purina One on a regular basis, it is advisable to give additional vitamins and protein supplements. Fiber and prebiotics are contained in sufficient quantities, which promotes normal digestion and helps avoid diarrhea or constipation.

Some cats develop food addiction to the food, but this quickly goes away when switched to other brands. The protein content is quite high, but most of it is of plant origin. According to experts, Purina One dry food can be made the basis of the diet in extreme cases, when it is not financially possible to keep your pet on more complete brands. Many veterinarians believe that the manufacturer pays more attention to product advertising than to the quality of the ingredients.

The best premium cat foods

Premium food costs a little more, and in some cases, is cheaper than economy-class brands. But their composition is already more nutritious and balanced. In a real premium food, meat products should come first, but the percentage of animal protein will be low. They are safer than cheap advertised brands; some brands even have good lines of medicinal diets. When choosing between economy and premium, you should definitely give preference to the second option.

4 ROYAL CANIN URINARY S/O LP34

Balanced diet for cats with bladder stones
A country: Russia. Brand country – USA
Average price: 1400 rub. for 1.5 kg
Rating (2019): 4.8

The formulation is designed to dissolve stones in the bladder of cats, and is suitable for the treatment of both struvite and oxalate stones. The manufacturer allows 5 weeks for their dissolution, but the course of treatment to prevent relapses should be at least 6 months. Contraindicated in pregnant and lactating cats, with renal and heart failure, hypertension. Increases the volume of urine, which allows you to reduce the concentration of salts in it and dissolve stones. Enriched with vitamins and microelements, a source of glycosaminoglycans has been added, which create the lining of the mucous membrane of the bladder and protect it from inflammation. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that cereals come first in the composition, however, this is allowed for medicinal feeds.

There are other medicinal foods. Regular diets are also fairly balanced, although not all ingredients are ideal for feeding cats. In our country, ROYAL CANIN is considered a good premium food; by European standards it falls a little short of this class. When purchasing, it is better to look at the manufacturer and purchase foreign-made food. An interesting feature is that the brand’s assortment includes an analogue of cat’s breast milk for feeding kittens.

3 LEONARDO CANNED SELECTED MEAT WITH HEART

Natural composition with high meat content
Country: Germany
Average price: 165 rub. for 0.4 kg.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The composition of the food speaks for itself: 90% chicken meat, 10% chicken hearts. Added vitamins B, A, D and E. Microelements: calcium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese. According to reviews from owners who bought this food for their pets, there is not much jelly in the jar, most of the volume is filled with meat, which looks like stew for humans. The food contains no dyes, flavors or preservatives. The jar contains 400 grams, which is enough to feed a cat weighing 3-5 kg ​​during the day without using other food, so overall the option is quite economical, despite the fact that it belongs to the premium class. Takes a place in the ranking for the best composition without any additives.

The manufacturer's line includes canned food with other flavors - poultry, salmon, game. Quite good dry food is also offered. Their feature is 90% digestibility due to a carefully selected and balanced composition. Animals are satisfied with a small portion, the output of excrement is significantly reduced. There are completely grain-free diets; all foods contain many useful additives. This is an excellent brand for constant feeding of pets of all breeds and ages.

2 HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET METABOLIC + URINARY FELINE DRY

Good food for overweight cats with urolithiasis
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 1,399. for 1.50 kg.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Combines a hypocaloric diet necessary for weight loss with the ability to dissolve bladder stones. In addition, the manufacturer promises a 10% reduction in pet weight in two months. At first glance, this is not much, but in fact it corresponds to veterinary standards: too rapid weight loss is not good for animals. At the same time, it has a very good composition - 26% chicken, flaxseed, fish oil, carrots. Added vitamins, microelements and beta-carotene. The daily requirement for a 4 kg cat is 45 g, which makes the food quite economical (1.5 kg package). Not recommended for pregnant or lactating cats or growing kittens.

The rest of HILL'S food is also of high quality - regular varieties can be made the basis of a pet's diet. They have a very wide range of flavors. The line also includes other medicinal diets. All of them are balanced strictly for a specific problem, so they cannot be fed to healthy cats - they are prescribed veterinarian. The only drawback is low nutritional value. Even three feedings a day may not be enough - the pet will still feel hungry. The price of all brand diets is quite high - comparable to full-fledged super premium food. So this brand makes sense to use only medicinal varieties For regular feeding, you can choose more worthy options at the same cost.

1 PURINA PRO PLAN DELICATE FELINE CANNED

Best wet food for cats with sensitive digestion
Country: USA
Average price: 71 rub. for 0.09 kg
Rating (2019): 4.9

PRO PLAN is one of the most famous premium foods. The quality is average, but quite acceptable if you combine dry and wet diets. There are no frankly harmful substances in the composition. According to experts, the advantage of this brand is its wide range of medicinal foods. For example, pate for cats with sensitive digestion. It contains 20% turkey, enriched with vitamins A, D, iron, zinc, selenium. A mixture of oils (sunflower and fish oil) are sources of vitamin E. Taurine is also added. It also contains vegetables as a source of fiber.

According to the manufacturer, all components of the food are easily digested without irritating the delicate gastrointestinal tract of a cat with sensitive digestion. A cat weighing 4 kg needs 2-3 cans of this food per day. But you cannot constantly feed your pets with wet food - this will lead to dental problems. One of the disadvantages is the rather high price for such a composition, especially in terms of daily needs.

The best super premium food

Super-premium food is a completely different, more complete and high-quality category. You can safely choose any brand from this segment for constant feeding of your pet, without using fortified supplements. Grains are rarely found in them. As a rule, they are replaced by legumes or potatoes.

4 BRIT CARE TUNA & SALMON

High-quality canned fish for cats
Country: Czech Republic
Average price: 80 rub. for 0.08 kg
Rating (2019): 4.8

Another wet food with a laconic, but therefore better composition. 40% tuna meat, 4% salmon, rice. The protein content is 11%; it also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It contains only 0.3% fat and 1% fiber, which is necessary for normal digestion. The product is completely natural. Judging by the reviews of the owners and photographs of open cans, there are indeed pieces of fish inside. Despite the relative high cost (an adult cat needs 2-3 cans per day), this hypoallergenic food without dyes, flavors and preservatives has rightfully earned its place in the ranking of the best.

Veterinarians have a good reputation for wet and dry food from this brand. The composition of diets is initially aimed at preventing the most common diseases. Dry food consists of 50% meat ingredients. The composition does not contain strong allergens and components that are poorly absorbed by the animal’s body. The range is wide - you can choose food in accordance with the age, lifestyle and physiological state of the pet.

3 BOSCH SANABELLE GRANDE

The best food for large breed cats
Country: Germany
Average price: RUB 2,151. for 2 kg
Rating (2019): 4.8

Big cats don't just need more food. Their musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems are under great strain. Often their jaws are not designed for grasping and chewing small pieces. Bosch Sanabel Grand food was created taking these features into account. Mussel flour is a valuable source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which are essential for joints; flaxseed and fish oil supply the cardiovascular system with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Cranberries, blueberries, calendula are sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Thus, this food takes its place in the ranking as the best diet for large breed cats.

The manufacturer also has other high-quality foods. The main advantage of the brand is that production is located only in Germany, so the quality is consistently high. The composition of all diets is completely balanced, no additional additives are required. But veterinarians recommend giving this food with caution to pets who have had allergies, since maize and cellulose are added as binding elements.

2 1ST CHOICE INDOOR VITALITY FOR ADULT CATS

Wide selection of balanced feeds
Country: Canada
Average price: RUB 1,342. for 2.72 kg
Rating (2019): 4.7

The main source of protein is chicken. In order for the composition of amino acids to be more balanced, methionine, lysine and carnitine are added additionally. Natural vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties, acts as a preservative. Sources of carbohydrates and fiber are peas, brown rice, beet and tomato pulp. Also contains flax seed, salmon oil, vitamins, dried mint. Microelements (iron and copper) are added in the form of proteinates - they are better absorbed as part of protein complexes. The daily norm for a cat weighing 4 kg is 60 g.

The manufacturer offers a wide selection of dry and wet food for cats of all ages. There are specialized diets for allergies and for sterilized pets. All feeds have a fairly balanced composition. Veterinarians consider the only drawback to be the addition of sodium bisulfate. Despite the fact that this food additive is permitted in all countries and is often found in human foods, its effect on the animal body has not been sufficiently studied.

1 ACANA GRASSLANDS FOR CATS

The Best Set of Protein Sources
Country: Canada
Average price: RUB 1,787. for 1.8 kg
Rating (2019): 4.9

Contains 70% protein ingredients of animal origin: lamb, Canadian duck, perch fillet, herring, pollock, chicken eggs, lamb and duck liver - sounds like a menu from one of the best restaurants, doesn’t it? Source of carbohydrates - legumes: green and red lentils, green and yellow peas; as well as vegetables and fruits: pumpkin, carrots, apples. Algae and herbs are a source of microelements and antioxidants that normalize digestion. Added vitamins A, D; iron, iodine; probiotic to normalize intestinal microflora, which together makes this food one of the best.

The assortment includes only dry food of the super premium and holistic classes. There is a diet that is 100% meat, but before introducing it into your cat’s daily menu, you should definitely consult a veterinarian. Many diets provide prevention of urolithiasis due to the addition of cranberries.

The best holistic cat foods

The most expensive, but at the same time the highest quality food belongs to the holistic class. They are not allowed to contain cereals, and the amount of meat or fish reaches 80%. By-products and food production waste are not used - only high-quality raw materials. There are hypoallergenic holistic products that do not contain chicken. Many veterinarians believe that only food of this class is as close as possible to the natural nutrition of cats and fully meets their needs for energy and nutrients.

4 ORIJEN (1.8 KG) CAT & KITTEN

One of the best holistic doctors according to veterinarians
Country: Canada
Average price: 1879 rub. for 1.8 kg
Rating (2019): 4.7

Veterinarians consider Orijen one of the best holistic treatments. The composition of the food can be called unique - each component has a special label indicating that it is suitable for human consumption. The diet is as close as possible to the natural diet of the cat. In this particular food, 85% comes from chicken, the remaining 15% is distributed among various healthy additives - vegetables, fruits, herbs. There are no grain crops in the composition.

The assortment is dominated by food made from several components at once. For example, duck, trout, pork and venison. The garnish is fruits and berries. The manufacturer does not produce any specialized food, since all diets are so well balanced that even sterilized cats do not get better from them. The only drawback, according to cat owners, is that switching to this food is difficult. Due to the vague smell and lack of additional flavoring additives, pets are reluctant to eat it at first. Therefore, it is imperative to adhere to a smooth transition.

3 APPLAWS ADULT CAT CHICKEN DRY

Inexpensive VIP-level holistic
Country: UK
Average price: 880 rub. for 2 kg
Rating (2019): 4.7

Inexpensive, but surprisingly high-quality holistic food. Veterinarians speak very highly of him. No grains or gluten are used in any diet. The assortment is very wide - there is canned food, dry food with different tastes. Diets are provided for all age categories.

The composition is optimally balanced, it contains everything that is necessary for a cat’s health - high-quality animal proteins, good carbohydrates, fiber, and various useful additives. A nice feature of dry food is that it can sit in a bowl for a long time without losing its smell or becoming damp. This is convenient if you have to leave your cat alone all day.

2 GRANDORF LAMB WITH RICE KITTEN

Large selection of diets, good range of ingredients
Country: Belgium
Average price: 1,400 rub. for 2 kg
Rating (2019): 4.8

A truly holistic product with 70% animal protein content. It is produced without the use of harmful components - you will not find soy, corn, grains, or artificial additives in the composition. In addition to the Lamb and Rice flavor, there are many other options available. According to experts, special attention should be paid to food for pregnant cats. It has a perfectly balanced composition - the animal is completely satiated, but does not gain excess weight, the intrauterine development of kittens proceeds correctly - they are always born healthy.

In addition to dry food, the manufacturer offers high-quality canned food - in appearance they resemble ordinary stew, but are enriched with additional useful additives. The only option in the range that is not worth taking is a universal diet for kittens and adult animals. The granules in it are very small, so cats simply swallow them. This can lead to dental problems over time.

1 GO! FIT + FREE GRAIN FREE CAT RECIPE (TURKEY, CHICKEN, TROUT, DUCK)

One of the most popular holistic practitioners
Country: Canada
Average price: 3,350 rub. for 7.26 kg
Rating (2019): 4.9

The Canadian brand's food has been at the peak of popularity for quite some time due to its high quality and relatively low cost for the holistic class. The composition of all feeds is balanced, the protein content is high. The line is represented by a wide selection of flavors, there are wet and dry diets. You can choose the best option taking into account the age and physiological characteristics of your pet.

Veterinarians consider food GO! by true holistic practitioners, they are often recommended as the basis of a regular pet menu. But some experts point to a bad trend - recently the quality has been gradually decreasing, and the price is rising. If this continues, I will have to consider holistic products from other brands.

The most popular food among cat owners is dry food. There are many reasons for this, despite the fact that the quality of such nutrition is quite controversial. Which dry cat food is better to choose, what criteria should be based on when choosing food for your pet.

Advantages and disadvantages of dry food

This type of food for pets would not be so popular among the population if it did not have a number of significant advantages. Specialists and experienced consumers include:

• Low cost.
• Good preservation of opened packaging.
• Cleans the animal's teeth from plaque.
• Has many varieties.
• Availability.

For most owners, the main factor when choosing cat food is cost. Not everyone is willing to spend significant sums on cat food.

To ensure a normal diet for an animal, industrial feed is much better than feeding the same food that the owner eats.

Therefore, the dry version becomes an acceptable choice for the cat owner for a complete, balanced diet for the pet.

In addition, the absence of moisture in the pieces of food ensures reliable long-term preservation of the packaging. This type of food can be safely stored for several weeks without loss of nutritional value.. And its solid consistency cleans and sharpens cats’ teeth well. This is not possible with food “from the table”.

The production of food is carried out by various companies that have developed many options for dry diets depending on the components, cat breed, age, and financial capabilities of the owners. This provides a huge amount of choice for consumers. And the opportunity to purchase dry food at any veterinary store or on the Internet makes it the most accessible.

Many people believe that another advantage of dry food is that the animal can be left alone for several days without compromising feeding. This type of food comes in handy in situations where it is not possible to take it with you on a business trip or trip.

Two large bowls with dry food and water will provide the cat with food for several days.

Although veterinarians do not give a clear answer to the question of whether dry food is healthy for cats, the consumer himself has made his choice.

Experts include the following disadvantages of this type of nutrition:

• A large number of chemical additives that are present in the economy class.
• Use of low-quality raw materials in production.
• It is mandatory to have water near the container with food.
• An animal's habituation to dry food is almost like dependence on it.
• Low energy value of such food.

Dry food is the only type in the production of which various types of additives are actively used. These are flavorings, flavor enhancers, preservatives. This food has a bright, rich aroma. For a predatory animal, which is a cat, this aspect is very important. After feeding this diet for a long time, the cat gets so used to it that it is then difficult to switch it to another diet, and introducing new food into the diet is very difficult. It's a kind of addiction (like a drug). In addition, preservatives, which prevent the contents of the package from deteriorating quickly, are harmful to the health of the fluffy.

Dry food itself requires additional moisture. An animal cannot fully digest food without drinking plenty of water.

In addition, to reduce costs, manufacturers often use not meat, but cartilage, tendons, and animal by-products. This also does not have the best effect on digestion. In addition, to satiate a cat, she needs to eat much more dry food than wet or canned food. This is due to the low calorie content of this type of diet.

Classification

Veterinarians have created a classification for this type of food. This allows the consumer to better navigate a wide variety of dry foods. They are divided into feed classes:

• Holistic.
• Super premium.
• Premium
• Economy

When choosing the best dry cat food, you should make a choice in each category separately, since the best economy class option is significantly inferior in quality to the average holistic or super premium class food.

Holistic

This class of dry food can be called elite. Companies that produce animal food use only high-quality products for this class of food. Hence the high cost of this category. Not every cat owner can afford such dry food.

The components do not contain chemical additives that are harmful to the pet. The long-term preservation of such pieces is ensured by the absence of moisture in the food.

The company uses natural meat, fish, and vegetables as raw materials. The components are analyzed for product compatibility with each other and selected to provide maximum benefit to the cat.

The composition of the food and the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in them is ideal for a pet. There is also a gradation based on animal breeds.

Thus, a British cat and a Siamese cat have the opportunity to eat based on their genetic characteristics. This type of food is produced mainly by American and Canadian companies. This is the most expensive type among dry ones.

The top dry food for cats in the holistic class looks like this:

• Akana (Canada).
• Chicken soup (USA).
• Artemis (USA).
• Eagle Pack (USA).
• Felide (USA).
• Gou (Canada).
• Howe (Canada).
• Power of Germany (Germany).
• Innova Evo (USA).
• Orijen (Canada).

All these companies deserve respect as they produce high-quality food. To keep your beloved cat on this type of feeding you need to have a lot of money. But those who can afford it speak positively about it. Cats willingly eat such food. At the same time, the animal is active, the coat is shiny, does not tangle, and digestion works normally.

Superpremium

During production, quite decent quality is maintained, with the selection of optimal components for the animal. Veterinarians speak positively about this diet.

It also does not contain chemical additives that are harmful to cats. The composition includes natural ingredients. The selection of nutrients is well accepted by the pet’s body. This is natural meat from turkey, chicken, and veal. Fish - tuna, sardines, seafood, and the food also includes cereals and vegetables. European and American companies are engaged in the production of such feed. Among the best companies in this class:

• Almo Nature (Italy).
• Test of the wild (USA).
• Nutra Gold (USA).
• First Chase (Canada).
• Pronature Holistic (Canada).
• Bosch Sanabel (Germany).
• Leonardo (Germany).

Companies produce a variety of food options for cats. The owner has the opportunity to vary the taste of dry food. This allows you to make your pet’s diet more varied and complete.

Veterinarians advise feeding your pet such food that the owner does not worry about the pet’s health.

Premium class

These foods occupy an intermediate position between expensive, high-quality and cheap economy food. Among them you can find quite decent samples, but at the same time, you can come across brands of low quality. Some do not use natural meat, but cartilage and tendons.. You can find low-quality cereals, or those that are poorly accepted by the cat’s body. Often the popularity of this type of food is explained by powerful advertising of the product.

When purchasing such food, you should carefully read the information on the packaging. As a rule, such products are produced by the same companies as more expensive varieties. But more can be added to the rating of the listed companies. This will allow the consumer to expand their search and choose dry cat food that is optimally adapted to the specific case.

• Eukanuba (Canada).
• Advance (Spain).
• Bozita (Sweden).
• Nutra Mix (USA).
• Royal Canin (Russia, France, Poland).

No matter how good dry food is, you cannot feed it to a kitten under 8 months of age.

This is explained by the fact that the animal’s body is just developing, and it is difficult for it to accept dry pieces. The baby's digestion is not ready to digest this type of food. When the kitten reaches the age of 8 months, the digestive organs are already fully formed and can cope with dry food without any problems.

Economy class

The most common type among cat owners. The main reason for its popularity is its low cost. In the production of this food class, meat is replaced with “animal ingredients”. This makes such food the cheapest, but by no means the healthiest. Vice versa.

Such cheap food can cause chronic digestive diseases in cats and heart problems.

In order to compensate for the lack of natural meat, chemical components are added to the feed. They enhance the smell and taste of the product. The animal eats such food with pleasure. But there is a serious danger here. The high content of flavoring and aromatic additives makes the animal dependent on this type of nutrition. It is better to feed your cat more expensive natural food. This will keep your pet healthy for a long time. Economy class food has its leaders.

• Gourmet (France).
• Friskes (Russia, France, Hungary).
• Kitiket (Russia, EU, USA).
• Whiskas (Russia, EU, USA).
• Purina Van (Russia, Hungary, France).

These are brands familiar from advertising companies. Despite the fact that these are the cheapest foods, there is a clear favorite among them. This is Gourmet food. Its components make this brand almost the same in quality as more expensive premium category foods.

1. First of all, this is the quality of the product: the balance of the feed (a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, etc.), the quality of the raw materials - as you know, protein differs from protein. These could be horns and hooves, or maybe valuable meat.
2. Next, the breadth of the assortment is taken into account - the availability of dietary, medicinal, breed series of cat food.
3. Of course price matters. Sometimes a product can be really high quality, but the price is prohibitive. To make a balanced decision, we proceed from an understanding of the price for 1 conventional gram of protein in food versus the retail price of the product.
4. Reviews of food from owners and veterinarians can also contribute to the correction factor.

Rating of premium dry cat food

The rating that will be presented includes only the best cat food. “Premium”, “super-premium” class and “holistic” category - separately. Premium cat food in the ratings of veterinarians and breeders looks like this:

#1 Royal Canin

In general, the food can be classified as a “super-premium” class, since the brand has not only breed and age product lines, but also medicinal ones. However, some veterinarians are confused by the fact that in recent years, branded food from a well-known manufacturer has been produced at Russian enterprises, and this raises serious questions about quality. But in the premium class, of course, Royal Canin “drying” takes the first ranking position.

As for the price range, it is not wide, but may be affordable for many buyers:

Royal Canin branded medicated foods are a little more expensive:

Instructions

For adults or? When choosing food, you should focus on the age of the cat. After all, at different ages your pet has different needs for vitamins, minerals and even calories. Manufacturers indicate on the label the age of the animal for which the product is intended. This can be food for adults or elderly (animals over 7-8 years old).

Dry or wet? When choosing dry or wet food, remember that you cannot combine them in the diet of one cat. Everything else is a matter of your and your cat’s preferences and budget, since dry food, whatever one may say, is cheaper than wet food.

What's on the label? And, of course, before purchasing food you should definitely read the label. What should be indicated on it? First of all, meat and its type (for example, chicken). And it is meat, not “meat and offal”. By-products are a useful thing, but who knows what the manufacturer had in mind? What if it’s not the liver, heart and the like, but the tails, hooves and horns of cattle? Next - vegetables and grains. Their optimal content in the feed should be 25-50%. Any food must certainly contain vitamins and minerals, which is also indicated on the label. The list of chemicals includes flavoring additives, dyes, antioxidants, and preservatives. In high-end food there are practically no flavoring additives or dyes, or their percentage is very small. Therefore, expensive food has a reddish natural color and not an excessive aroma of granules, while economical food consists of granules of all colors of the rainbow and even through a sealed plastic bag. It is worth knowing that some antioxidants (E321, E320 and others) can cause cats diseases such as cancer, allergic reactions, organ dysfunction, liver damage. In addition, food often contains ballast substances (a cheap, absolutely unnecessary component that serves solely to fill the volume), natural preservatives, as well as sugar and caramel that are absolutely unnecessary for the animal.

Helpful advice

Of course, only a cat can be the best meowing food expert. When choosing food, focus on your pet’s appetite and condition. Indicators such as the optimal and constant weight of the animal, its excellent physical condition, shiny coat, and not excessive (no more than a quarter of the weight of the food eaten) stool indicate that the food is suitable for the cat.

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Sources:

• Tasty and healthy

If you decide to feed your cat dry food, you should choose it very responsibly. After all, the health and good mood of your pet will depend on the composition and balance of all its components.

Why do you need dry food?

Do you think that only inveterate fiends and lazy people can feed a cat strange crackers? This is not true at all. The fact is that high-quality dry food is completely balanced in its composition and contains all the nutrients, vitamins and microelements your cat needs. You, of course, can feed your pet fresh tenderloin or fresh milk, but most owners are not able to provide a varied and nutritious diet in this way. Food solves this problem quickly and without effort on your part.

An important aspect is that it is easier to add certain medicinal components or substances to dry food. This is especially true when choosing nutritional therapy or selecting a diet for your pet. In addition, feeding your animal dry food is actually more convenient: it lasts longer and does not spoil in a bowl.

Composition of dry cat food

All of the above is relevant for quality food. Unfortunately, not all animal food manufacturers make food that is truly healthy and balanced. To understand how high-quality the food is in front of you, carefully study its label. A good food will definitely contain the following ingredients: meat (meat, not processed animal products), grains and vegetables (no more than 50%), vitamins and minerals (the list should be long). Also pay attention to the fact that the preservatives and antioxidants in the food are natural (for example, vitamins E and C, as well as herbal extracts and oils).

Harmful and unwanted food components

But what should not be in cat food are artificial colors and preservatives. Some manufacturers add sugar to feed to improve palatability and texture. This supplement is not at all beneficial for animals. Sugar causes tooth decay and is also harmful to your cat's digestive system.

You should also be wary if you notice animal components of dubious origin in the food. For example, ground beef skin or turkey meal. Even if the packaging says “offal”, know that this is nothing more than trimmings and waste from meat processing industries. There are often cases when unscrupulous producers make food literally from horns, hooves and feathers. Avoid foods that contain cellulose or nut shells - these ingredients create a feeling of fullness without providing nutrients.

The key to health and vitality is proper nutrition. Of course, you can cook for your pet yourself, but it is unlikely that such food will contain the required amount of vitamins. Improper nutrition of a cat affects the condition of its skin, fur and can lead to some diseases.

Instead of regular homemade food, your cat should be given high-quality food. Just before purchasing such food, you need to carefully study its composition, otherwise the food may be harmful to the cat.

What should be in cat food?

It must contain meat. Since cats are predators, this product is indispensable for them. But you need to take into account that the information on the composition of the feed should not contain the words “meat and offal”. This phrase refers to the contents of waste from cattle carcasses.

The food must contain vitamins and minerals. For the normal condition of the animal's body, vitamins A, D, C, E, K, as well as group B and taurine are necessary. The following minerals are also important for cats: magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron. The packaging should contain a complete list of them.

It is necessary that the feed contains the liver, heart, lungs of chicken or cattle. If the feed includes such products, they should be clearly identified and not simply listed under the general word “by-products”.

Food must be selected taking into account the age of the animal and its breed. Kitten food contains an increased percentage of vitamins and minerals, as the growing body needs it. Persian cats have a different skull structure from other breeds; they produce special food with an easy-to-eat kibble shape.

When purchasing food, it is not recommended to mix several types, especially if the food is from different manufacturers. This can lead to an allergic reaction in the body. The food may contain a small percentage of vegetables and grains (up to 50%, but not more).

Ingredients that should not be in food.

Corn or soy protein (it is used by manufacturers as a meat substitute). Dyes and flavoring additives. Avoid foods with bright colors, as they only indicate dangerous additives. But the brown color is characteristic of natural food.

Fillers. If they are included in the food, then your pet will not be able to get enough of it for a long time, which can lead to rapid eating and subsequently vomiting.

Chemical components. Corn meal, which is not digested in the stomach of animals. Fish and fish meal. Such components are treated with a dangerous preservative.

Sucrose. A high carbohydrate content in the food will cause the animal to have loose stools, and over time can lead to diabetes.

Video on the topic

Neutered cats require special care and special nutrition. This is the only way to preserve both the health and figure of your pet after surgery. What are the characteristics of good food for neutered cats?

Instructions

Immediately after the operation, switch the cat to a lightweight food designed specifically for castrated or overweight animals. Strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations for feed dosage. It is better to feed the animal several times a day in small portions. This is necessary to prevent the cat from gaining excess weight. Three to four months after the operation, your pet’s appetite will normalize, and he will be able to determine how much food he needs.

Choose specialized food for neutered cats marked Light if your cat leads a sedentary lifestyle or has always been prone to obesity. Such products contain less fat and carbohydrates, which helps animals not gain weight.

Carefully study the composition of the food you purchase. It is better to give preference to foods with less carbohydrates and more proteins. Pay attention to the protein content, its share should be at least 30%, and ideally at least 50%.

Consider the content of magnesium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Their share should not exceed 6-7%. Despite the fact that these substances are necessary for the animal’s body, their excess can lead to the formation of struvite stones.

Keep track of how much your pet drinks. Neutered cats need to drink plenty of fluids. If the animal does not consume enough water, switch it to wet food.

Avoid cheap food. Cheap food, in addition to harmful chemical additives, contains a large amount of carbohydrates and proteins of plant origin, which is extremely harmful for neutered cats.

Don’t be afraid to buy food that is not specialized, but is recommended for neutered cats. Some manufacturers offer universal products that are not contraindicated for castrated animals. When purchasing, be sure to read the information on the packaging.