These ingredients can lead to health problems in your cat, so choosing a food that is wholesome and full of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients is critical. Corn, soy, and potatoes contain a high risk of genetic modification, and more than 80% of non-organic corn is genetically modified. Long-term effects of these GM crops have not been studied in humans or animals. Also, sweet potatoes and potato additives have not been tested for their safety, and manufacturers have not shown their safety to date.
Protein
Choosing a high-quality protein is important because your cat’s digestive system is not well-adapted to plant-based proteins. High-quality protein is usually found in meat or organ parts of animals. Look for these in the ingredient list. Don’t forget to compare the quality of the protein. It should be recognizable by your cat. If you cannot identify the source of the protein in a particular food, it is best to steer clear of that food.
Methionine and cystine are two proteins cats require in large amounts during their growing stages. Plant sources of these amino acids do not provide sufficient amounts of these nutrients, which can lead to poor growth and crusting dermatitis. Methionine is required by kittens at a minimum of 19 percent of their diet. The biological value of animal protein is much higher than that of plant proteins, so it is recommended that you feed your cat food that contains at least 19% animal protein.
Some fruits veggies and berries
Although cats enjoy fruits, they need to be moderately consumed. Cats don’t have taste buds, so they don’t enjoy the sweetness that we do. Plus, they don’t need to consume a lot of fruit to get the necessary nutrients, and even a few slices of banana will make a large difference in their daily caloric intake. Nevertheless, fruit is good for cats if you know how to keep them from becoming diabetic or suffering from digestive issues.
Cabbage is an excellent vegetable for cats to eat. It’s high in antioxidants and fiber. However, it should be avoided by cats with kidney issues. Broccoli is an excellent source of calcium and potassium. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cat cells from oxidative stress. However, the high fiber content of broccoli can make it difficult for cats to digest. For this reason, broccoli should be diced into smaller pieces.
Peas and pea fiber.
Cats can benefit from eating more peas and pea fiber in their diet. Although cats are true carnivores, they can digest plant proteins just as well as other animals. Studies suggest that cats can tolerate plant protein more easily than dogs. Using commercially prepared cat food as a source of protein is one way to increase your cat’s intake of plant protein. However, this doesn’t mean that pea fiber is the only option.
While peas and pea fiber can be healthy for your cat, you should only give your cat a limited amount at a time. Peas are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, but you should never substitute a balanced, meat-based diet for them. Peas are not toxic to cats, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your cat’s health.
Non-specific meat and meat by-products
Meat and other animal by-products used in cat food are often not named. These items are a combination of animal matter and leftover processing materials, and can be toxic to a cat. Whole sources of protein, like meat and eggs, are best for your cat. However, meal-like products, such as lard and corn syrup, are a less healthy alternative.
Meat by-products are non-specific meat that has been processed and dehydrated. These products are also commonly known as meat meal. This type of meat is most beneficial for cats with allergies, as they contain more protein than regular meat. Nevertheless, you should always be aware of meat by-products in a cat’s food. These ingredients may be beneficial for your cat, but you should avoid them if you can.
Soy and wheat
The first ingredient in your cat’s food should be an animal source of protein such as chicken, lamb, or turkey. Never include animal by-products or “meat” as a generic term. Soy, on the other hand, is used in some products to add protein to a recipe but is generally lower on the ingredient list. Soy can come in the form of soybean hulls, soy meal, or partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
Despite the controversy over animal by-products, they actually make a lot more sense than grains and potatoes. Compared to meat, by-products are extremely nutritious but vary in quality based on the manufacturer. In general, by-products contribute more to your cat’s diet than the first ingredient. Soy and wheat are both highly controversial and you should look for other sources of protein in your cat’s food.