What is Natural Cat Food

Let’s start with a good working definition of natural cat food. Firstly, it should be minimally processed and free of synthetic chemicals.  Natural cat food should also never have any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. There are different reasons why your cat is likely to benefit by eating food that’s made of what mother nature intended for it. 

Natural cat food is often a great option for cats that have digestive issues and/or food allergies. If your pussycat has started to pack a paunch, natural cat food may be the help it shed excess weight. Many vets find it promotes improved energy levels and can help your cat enjoy a longer, healthier lifespan. 

A growing number of feline parents are pouring freeze-dried cat food into their cats’ bowls. You’ve now heard a lot about it,  but wonder if it’s healthy cat food. Let’s touch on some of the basics. Freeze-dried cat food is never cooked or pasteurized.  Instead it’s frozen, and heat is removed during the freezing process. This removes moisture from the cuts of meat, fish and organs that freeze-dried cat food is typically made of, giving it a higher shelf life compared to conventional cat food. 

Should you switch to freeze-dried cat food?  Let’s touch on some of the reasons why it warrants your consideration. Have a picky eater in the nest? Freeze-dried cat food is known for its superb flavor. It can turn even the fussiest felines into eager eaters. The freezing process also helps preserve high nutrient content. It’s rich in protein, which is great for a growing kitten. If you have a senior cat, freeze-dried cat food can help it retain muscle mass as it ages. 

Your cat may be a sassy Parisian at heart, but it probably doesn’t crave bread. You knew that already, but might question whether or not your cat’s diet should include grains. Would your cat prefer grain-free cat food? Is it healthy cat food?

Low-carb diets have grown in popularity among people over the years. It makes sense to apply this trend to cats as well, right? Well, your cat has similar traits to a tiger-- and tigers don’t eat wheat! Does your kitty really need to go full keto or carnivore? It depends. Let’s look at some of the reasons why grain-free cat food may be ideal for your cat.

Some cats have digestive issues and/or inflammatory conditions that go away after switching to grain-free cat food. Symptoms like fur loss, itchiness and scabs are sometimes caused by food allergies. If your vet suspects grain allergies or has diagnosed your cat with them, adopting grain-free cat food is likely necessary. It’s also possible that your cat will simply prefer the protein-rich nutrients that grain-free cat food is known for. 

What’s the best cat wet cat food? Well, you asked Mr. Fluffers and he told you it wasn’t what you plopped in his bowl.  Cats typically prefer wet food over dry. However, if you have have a picky eater, finding the best wet cat food can be a tall task. Taste is naturally huge, but texture is a big part of the appeal. It may involve a lot of trial and error, so be patient. Your cat will thank you later. 

Finding the best wet cat food often boils down to ingredients. Avoiding artificial flavors, colors and unnecessary fillers is a good place to start. What’s more, your cat requires a protein-rich diet. So, the best wet cat food will include animal proteins like fish, beef, chicken or turkey. You’ll also want to ready the labels closely. Look for a high moisture content-- ideally 75% or higher to help ensure adequate hydration levels. Be sure it has adequate calories, which will vary according to your cat’s size, weight and age.