Food for cats and cats: types, manufacturers rating and selection rules

Cat lovers are constantly faced with the question of feeding their pets. Some adhere to natural food, while others are supporters of the diet, which includes only industrial products for animals. In this feed, purchased in stores, have a number of features that should be considered when purchasing a particular composition.

The natural diet of a cat should consist of high-quality products prepared especially for the animal. When cooking, you should consider the age category of the animal, features and health, as well as tastes in food. Making the right diet is often difficult, it takes a lot of time. That is why the owners of the tailed pets are increasingly turning to the shop staff.

The main advantage of industrial feed is their nutritional value and saturation of the body with all useful substances and vitamins. When feeding a cat with balanced products, you should not worry about adding additional minerals and vitamins to its diet. All substances and beneficial elements are already in the feed. Depending on the class and type, products for cats are intended for use by various animals.

There are also products aimed at the treatment of diseases and their prevention. Food with dietary meat (lamb, chicken and turkey) is designed for animals that lead a sedentary lifestyle and are prone to obesity. Products with fiber promotes good metabolism and normalization of the work of various organs.

Of the minuses worth noting the poor quality of the compositions of some manufacturers. In economy class feeds, except for flavor enhancers, additives of artificial origin, flavors and preservatives, nothing else is contained. The use of such products leads to many diseases and disorders in the body systems.

Also when feeding should take into account the state of health of the animal. Dry food almost does not contain moisture. Therefore, for cats suffering from kidney and urinary system, it is worth buying only specialized dry food that has therapeutic and healing properties.

Cat products are divided into the following types:

• dry granules;
• wet type of feed: pate, jelly, canned food.

Dry food prefer the owners of those cats who have no time to bother with feeding their pet. Food is left for the whole day, while you can not be afraid that it will deteriorate. The downside is that Drying contains only about 10% of the liquid. Therefore, during feeding there must be constant access to water. With an insufficient amount of water in the body, the urine of the animal becomes more concentrated, this contributes to the development of various diseases of the urinary system.

Also, do not buy products that contain a high content of vegetable protein. With frequent use of plant-based protein in cats, not only urolithiasis develops, but also immunity weakens. This is due to the fact that vegetable protein is not able to supply the body with essential amino acids. The lack of taurine begins, leading to blindness, atrophy and disorder of the nervous system.

Wet industrial feed Available in soft packs, in small portions. Each serving consists of mouth-watering pieces with sauce. There is also canned food - a universal option for those animals that consume a small amount of water. Canned food can be stored for a long time, provided the packaging is intact.

Such foods resemble cats natural food, as the consistency of the mass is close to the natural, and has a rich taste palette. Such compositions can feed pets who are on a medical diet. The disadvantage is the appearance of a stone on the teeth of the animal. Moreover, the use of such feed disrupts the processes in the formation of jaw muscles, which contributes to the appearance of pain in the gums.

Another type of cat product is raw food. This type of cat food appeared relatively recently, but step by step, gaining supporters around the world. It is called "holistic." The composition of raw food is completely natural, and is close to the natural nutrition of cats in the wild. The composition of the Russian manufacturer contains raw meat, quail egg, vegetables, bran and offal.

Russian company Superpet produces natural, raw food, which already has all the useful macro-and micronutrients, as well as vitamins. But it is important to remember about the absence of vegetable protein in such feeds. Good holistic feeds are produced in Finland, Poland, France and other European countries.

Balanced products for cats are divided not only into species, but also classified into 4 categories:

• economy;
• premium;
• super premium;
• holistic

Products from the economy class have a low price. This is their only advantage. Cheap cost due to the composition of low quality, the presence of flavor enhancers, preservatives and additives. In such feed, there is no natural meat and components of plant origin. Economy class feeds cause disruptions in important processes of the cat's body, cause digestion failures, gastritis, diarrhea, contribute to the development of urolithiasis and other serious diseases.

Premium products are considered to be much better than the previous category, but are not suitable for everyday pet feeding. The composition of such feed includes natural ingredients, but their percentage is very small, and they can not be called useful. In addition, as part of a small percentage of natural meat, it also contains flavor enhancers and preservatives.

The composition of super-premium feed contains high-quality ingredients, nutrients and natural meat. Flavors and preservatives are completely absent. This type of feed has a high price.

Also exist feed professional medical serieswhich is aimed at the treatment of the animal and further prevention. The medicinal series feeds are produced for animals that are most susceptible to various diseases or are being treated by a veterinarian. The use of therapeutic food can be called a prophylactic method of feeding animals that have undergone a specific ailment or are in the postoperative period.

Veterinarian should prescribe medical feed.. Before this, the cat must be examined. Only after passing all the tests and setting the diagnosis is assigned a diet for the animal. The feed line of the animal is to feed for six months. Then a break is taken. However, such a pathology as urolithiasis determines a strict diet and therapy until the end of the animal's life. therefore Any change in nutrition and replacement of food can lead to serious consequences or even death of the cat. All feeding tips and advice are provided. by the attending physician.

To date, the variety of cat medical food is quite large. There are feeds for the removal of wool, sensitive digestion, the maintenance of the normal state of the kidneys and the reproductive system, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Companies also produce products for animals with excess weight. Such feed is produced with a light. Prophylactic products of this line contain the least amount of fat, which helps control the weight of a cat or cat.

Another class of feed includes products of the age category. The age range is also divided into subspecies:

• up to 1 year;
• 1-6 years;
• animals over 7 years old.

Absolutely all companies are engaged in the production of diet for adult cats. Some manufacturers produce a special line for groups of cats by age: +8, +11, +13. The range of such products includes the content of vitamins, various useful substances, for example, glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to maintain the bone and muscular systems. For cats that are fastidious in food, they produce a special food marked vitality. It is also provided for those animals that have reduced energy costs and have a sedentary lifestyle.

One of the categories of classification of feed can be called products that are produced for individual breeds. Feed for breeds of small and medium sizes differ in composition, purpose and properties. Properties of products for a particular breed are completely different. In the manufacture takes into account all the characteristics, characteristics of the breed and susceptibility to various diseases.

The composition of such feeds is designed to prevent the occurrence of ailments, improve metabolism and normalize vital processes in the body of the animal. For large breeds and overweight cats, it is important to have foods that prevent obesity.

Now on the market there are many companies that are engaged in the production of cat food. Below is a list of the most famous manufacturers.

Pro Plan opens the review of TOP-12 popular brands. The premium food category contains beneficial micro and macro elements that make the cat's diet full and rich in nutrients. Balanced products are suitable for different animals. Thus, the company produces wet, dry food, feed for kittens, pregnant cats, adult individuals, as well as a medical, prophylactic series for animals with the presence of any diseases.

Medicated feed should be purchased only after the recommendation of the vet. Products contain 40% protein and 20% fatty acids, which makes the feed quite nutritious and beneficial. Of the minuses worth noting is that the products of the company Pro Plan can be found only in pet stores.

The company from the Czech Republic has been specializing in cat food sales for over 20 years, but it appeared relatively recently on the Russian market. Brit Premium food is usually of high quality. Due to the content of only natural ingredients, proteins, fats, vitamins and various nutrients, the food is easily absorbed by the intestines. In addition, the composition contains useful safe substances that contribute to the normalization of the vital processes of all organs of the animal.

After several days of feeding, all important systems of the body return to normal, the state of wool improves, and digestion is normalized. There are no preservatives, dyes and harmful components. A minor drawback is the presence of some cereals.

The range of the line of the company is represented by a huge variety of products for any animals. Royal Canin produces feed for kittens, healthy, adult cats, sterilized individuals, for pets with sensitive digestion, for the prevention of urolithiasis, for cats and cats in the postoperative period. The composition is rich in fiber, animal and vegetable proteins, grains.

The composition also contains a certain amount of yeast to normalize digestion. A specialized diet for kittens contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals and proteins that are necessary for the proper formation of the bone and muscle systems, heart and other organs of the baby. Minus: it is difficult to choose a suitable diet for a certain individual from a large variety of rulers.

This manufacturer is very popular among cat lovers. High quality products are presented in the form of dry, wet food and canned food. Products are divided into types depending on the type of meat used in the production: chicken, rabbit and beef. These ingredients nourish the cat's body with beneficial substances, minerals and essential carbohydrates.

Hill's line of feeds is available for kittens, age animals, pets with cardiovascular and digestive problems. In addition, this feed can be used for feeding healthy cats. To maintain the health and prevention of various diseases of adult animals, the manufacturer produces a therapeutic line. The disadvantage is the high content of carbohydrates and fats in some types of feed.

Products manufactured in England. The composition has excellent taste properties, contains a moderate ratio of proteins, fatty acids and carbohydrates. In the manufacture of products, real meat, eggs, potatoes are used, valuable valuable elements and vitamins are added to food. It is worth noting the absence of cereals and grains in the composition, which makes this feed a natural product..

The food has hypoallergenic properties and is suitable for any age and breed of animal. Due to the complex of vitamins and nutrients, the cat becomes active and energetic, improves the condition of the teeth and coat, normalizes metabolism, improves digestion.

This feed is produced in France. Before release, products are tested and tested for quality standard. The percentage of protein is 30%, which is the norm. In addition to being part of the protein, in the manufacture of added fish oil, eggs, rice cereal, flaxseed and yucca extract. The last component neutralizes bad breath. The choice of line of food is diverse, and is designed for any animal with its own characteristics of the body and health.

The disadvantage is the salt content in the composition. This leads to a minor pet craving.

The line of the German manufacturer was developed by veterinarians and zoologists. A series of products has about 20 types of feed, taking into account the age of the pet and its state of health. The composition contains herbal extracts, vegetables, fruits, beet flour, pear flour, dried egg, Omega-3, minerals, additional beneficial substances and vitamins. A special product series is represented by feed for pregnant individuals.

Thanks to the use of such products cats and kittens will be supplied with minerals and substances, and the risk of premature animals or the death of offspring are excluded. Disadvantage: The composition contains a small amount of allergenic substances.

This is a company from Canada that produces a line of cat and cat food.Products not only nourishes the body of the animal with nutrients, but also protects against the negative effects on the immune system, supports health and emotional background. Also, the use of food is the prevention of many cat diseases. Feed Now Natural can be safely attributed to the luxury category. The composition contains the optimal amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Additives from chicken and duck meat make food more dietary.

Do not be afraid that frequent feeding will cause obesity. Due to the optimal ratio of useful substances, Now Natural products contribute to the normalization of metabolism, as well as gives the cat vivacity and energy. Additional additives in the form of salmon fish flour make these products hypoallergenic. Of the minuses only the high cost.

This is Italian food. The composition contains a large amount of natural turkey meat. The products of this company is divided into several subspecies. Almo produces dry food, canned food, wet food and goodies. The composition of this feed is completely balanced, which contributes to good digestion, improvement of the reproductive system processes, healthy kidney function.

Products belong to the category of holistic, therefore the cat does not need additional useful vitamins and supplements. But the composition has its drawbacks. Since the feed is produced in Europe, there are some problems in the Russian market with the translation of ingredients in the composition. Everything else, the quality of dry food is inferior to the quality of canned food.

Another Italian manufacturer. The composition contains about 30% duck meat, which is an excellent source of protein. The composition of the feed also contains vitamins, micro and macronutrients, vegetable protein. The source of vegetable protein is the presence of potatoes. The content of fats, natural antioxidants (grapes, turmeric, citrus) and fiber helps to nourish the body with beneficial substances and maintain immunity.

By production use only natural products. There are additives in the feed, but, as manufacturers claim, absolutely natural and beneficial substances. Disadvantage: not always there in pet stores.

This is a company from Canada. This product is made from free-range poultry meat. This type of chicken meat is considered the most valuable and has a high cost. The composition also contains additives from red meat, eggs and fish. Before cooking, used vegetables and fruits are thoroughly tested. The quality of the components contained in the composition can be called ideal.

Products suitable for both kittens and for age individuals. Thanks to a balanced composition, the animal will receive all the nutrients and vitamins necessary to maintain immunity. When feeding with Acana food, you should not think about adding additional vitamins and minerals to the cat's diet.

In the first place TOP-12 of popular feed manufacturers is the Orijen company. This line of feed is quite expensive, but deservedly takes the first place in the list. Products have excellent taste, contains all the necessary nutrients for the immunity of the animal. Produce products in the form of wet food, pellets and canned food.

The composition is dominated by a high content of natural meat (turkey, chicken), additives in the form of liver (chicken and beef), eggs, meat of various types of fish. The feed also contains high quality cereals that contribute to the nutrition of the cat's body with natural carbohydrates. The only disadvantage of this line is the high price.

All feed produced in various packaging. In pet stores you can find packaging weighing from 1 to 10 kg. Package weight is determined by the manufacturer.

All products for cats and cats are divided into categories and classes. Before choosing food for your pet, the owner should carefully examine the composition on the package. If the composition includes such components as bone meal and offal, preservatives and flavors, this feed should not be taken.

Also pay attention to the first ingredient in the composition. As a rule, in the first place is the percentage of those products that prevail in the feed. For example, fish, meat or poultry. The shorter the list on the package, the better. Super premium and holistic products contain only selected meat. This may be beef, rabbit or chicken meat, sea and river fish.

The diet of the cat should not consist of feed from different manufacturers, because cats and cats become choosy with age. In addition, a variety of industrial feed in the diet can disrupt the intestinal microflora, which leads to digestive disorders, gastritis and other diseases.

When choosing food, you must consider the state of the cat. If the animal has a tendency to allergies, it is not necessary to purchase products with grain content, the best solution would be to buy food with legumes. For the prevention of the treatment of digestive disorders, food with the addition of rice will be a good choice.

Such products are low-calorie, contains antioxidants and vitamins. There are dietary feeds that are produced without chicken or rabbit. The substitute comes turkey meat, which is easily digestible dietary product. Such feeding does not overload the body, with this comes the saturation and nutrition of the animal with vitamins and nutrients.

Consider what must be in the composition.

• Fish, meat protein. Protein is an indispensable aid in the healthy functioning of all the organs of a pet. Cat diet with lamb, chicken, rabbit contributes to good growth and strengthen the immune system.
• Taurine ensures the maintenance of a good state of the cardiovascular system and vision. The presence of amino acids in the composition of products improves metabolism.
• Fat necessary for the brain to work, to maintain the healthy energy of the animal, as well as for the visual and auditory systems.
• Vitamins, macro and micronutrients - These are substances that support the cat's body, they strengthen the immune system and remove harmful toxins from the body. With the help of macro-and microelements, vital processes are normalized, and the condition of bones, muscles, and ligaments is improved.

With a high content of carbohydrates in the body develops diabetes, obesity, hormonal disruptions and disturbances in reproductive processes occur. Therefore, the diet of the animal must contain a small amount of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, as well as fiber. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, and cereals. When buying products for your pet you should pay attention to this indicator.

The percentage of cereals and vegetables in the composition is 25-30%. Allowable rate - up to 50%. Also pay special attention to the presence of protein. You should not take food where there is an inscription “animal products” on the label.

Each manufacturer on the packaging of its products says how much food you can give your pet during the day, depending on weight, condition and age. You can not overfeed an animal. Feeding dry food should occur 2-3 times a day. At the same time next to the feed should always be fresh water in the open access.

When choosing a premium or holistic feed, it is not recommended to feed the cat with something else. The diet should be monotonous. You should not worry that the cat will get bored or harm health. On the contrary, in order to avoid various diseases and complications of the digestive tract and kidneys, veterinarians advise to feed animals with only one type of food, and in any case not to introduce into the diet natural food.

Some cat owners prefer to feed their pet with both dry and wet food. Balanced nutrition includes dry food as the main food, and it can be supplemented with wet products. Both species contain nutrients and elements, despite the differences in the pros and cons of such products. Zoologists and veterinarians have different opinions about such feeding.

There is no single answer to the question about a balanced diet. In any case, if the animal suffers from any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, then such a diet can only harm.

The advice and recommendations of veterinarians are based on one thing: cat food should be selected based on the preferences of the animal itself, its health and age.

Today, we know the optimal amount of proteins that a healthy, energetic individual needs. The rate of protein in the feed should be 30-40%. Super premium feeds and holists contain proteins that are necessary for the diet of exceptionally healthy animals with a good metabolism.

Compositions containing a high percentage of proteins are contraindicated in sterilized and castrated individuals, aged animals, cats with diseases of the kidneys, liver and pancreas. For feeding pets suffering from liver and pancreatic diseases, it is necessary to give food that contains no more than 13% fat. This figure of fat should also be present in products for age and sterilized cats.

When choosing cat food should pay attention to the percentage of ash and minerals. Normal indicator of these substances in the composition of the feed - 7%. A percentage above 7 can adversely affect the immune system and the health of the urinary system.

Veterinarians insist that to select quality products, you must carefully examine the composition of the feed. Do not save on the health of the cat. But if there is no financial opportunity to purchase holistic feed, then should pay attention to the category of super premium and premium.

In these categories of feed almost no artificial additives, preservatives and flavors. The only difference may be the presence of a smaller percentage of meat in the composition. But at the same time, the products are a fully balanced diet, containing beneficial substances and vitamins to maintain the health of the animal.

In the next video, see the expertise of 39 dry feeds.