Cat Feeding 101: Everything You Need to Know

Some cats can be picky eaters, while others can be on the chubby side, but regardless of this, they'll surely let you know how they feel about the food you put into their bowl. 

According to Julie A. Churchill, DVM, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in St. Paul, cats are incredibly opinionated about food and will form a food preference in their first year. That's why she suggests that you should get them used to different types of food when your cat is a kitten. 

Fortunately, local pet stores offer various types of cat food, from semi-dry to dry and down to wet foods. With this plethora of choices, there's no doubt your kitten will get used to having different types of food in their bowl.

If you want to learn more about cat feeding and want to make sure your kittens get enough nutrients it needs to stay healthy, keep reading. This article will serve as your ultimate guide to cat feeding. 

Tip #1: Choose Balanced Food

If there's anything you have to master as a cat parent, you should know how to read cat food labels. With the mountain of choices and ads on the web, choosing the right food can be pretty overwhelming. With that said, it's important to check the ingredients and nutrients included before you buy their food. 

While many are bashing grains and carbohydrates in pet food, it's not entirely bad; in fact, food that's made out of protein and fat alone can be extremely pricey. With that being said, know that carbs are actually a valuable part of your cat's meal as they could hold other dry food together and give you the balance in nutrients your cats will need. 

Of course, you'll want to go to a reputable local pet store so you can source the right cat food and ensure that you're buying brands specialists and fellow cat owners trust. 

Tip #2: Know How Much They Should Eat and How Often

Usually, cats will eat their meals during dawn and dusk, which is normally when they are hunting for prey in the wild. Because of this, it's best to feed them during this time. 

If you're wondering how much your kitten should eat, it will usually depend on their age, size, and how active they are. But typically, an average would be 200 calories a day. Of course, it's best to get their veterinarian's opinion so they can provide you with an accurate measurement of what your cat needs. 

The key here is to find the perfect balance of giving them enough food and ensuring that you don't overfeed them or keep them hungry. If you don't feed them well, it may trigger health issues or could change their behaviors. 

Tip #3: Familiarize Yourself With the Different Cat Food Types

Depending on what your cat may need, different types of cat food are available in the market.

Raw Frozen Food: These are designed to mimic your pet's natural ancestral menu, resulting in higher levels of natural nutrition. 
Dry Food: These types of food are often meat-based and free of corn, wheat, and animal by-product. Of course, it's important to know the dietary restrictions of your cat before introducing this type of food to them.
Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated: The great thing about this type of food is that it has the benefits of a raw diet but the convenience of dry food.
Wet Food: These are foods with extra moisture, making them the perfect topping to dry food for a more balanced diet. 

The Bottom Line: Buy Your Cat Food from a Reputable Local Pet Store

Now that you're aware of some of the most important tips when it comes to cat feeding, it's equally important to ensure you're buying high-quality products from a local pet store. You must get to ask the right questions to the staff so that they can help you choose the best cat food for your feline family member. 

How Can We Help You?

Your parents deserve all the best things in the world—from proper grooming to high-quality food, down to fun toys. That's why it's important that you buy all of these things at your local pet store like Earthwise Pet Fremont. 

We offer specialized services, such as pet grooming and self-wash, and we even have certified pet dieticians and pet nutritionist specialists so you can buy the right pet supplies for your four-legged family member. 

Check out our products and services today!