Cats are carnivores, so all kinds of meat, poultry, and fish are at the top of their list. They thrive on the protein and amino acids found in these foods. In some cases, cats may enjoy eggs, organ meats (like liver), and even some vegetables on occasion. Keep in mind that these particular foods need to be cooked properly and without any seasonings.
Just like humans, the tastes and nutritional needs of a cat change over time. What he craves or needs as a kitten is different from his senior years. Love, Nala makes premium cat food that satisfies them on every level and at every age.
What Do Cats & Kittens Like to Eat?
Cats are natural meat eaters, but that doesn’t mean simply giving them raw meat and nothing else. Protein is their love language, but our pets need a complete, well-balanced diet that includes other nutrients that are found in fish, and vegetables. That can be easily addressed with a premium cat food like Love, Nala.
Cats and milk also seem to go together in their mythology, but in reality, cow’s milk may create digestive upset. They may enjoy a few sips now and then, but provide it in moderation.
What Can Cats Eat?
Many commercial cat foods provide the tastes and nutrition that cats need. Wet food provides hydration and textures close to what they’d eat in the wild, with more benefits than raw food.. Dry food keeps things interesting with a texture that also helps clean teeth. Sadly, many processed pet foods are filled with additives.
Love, Nala offers air-dried cat food that preserves more natural nutrition, with close-to-nature textures they enjoy. We also have grain-free wet cat food that’s packed with the tastes they love. We ensure that all of our food products are free of preservatives and added ingredients.
Should Cats Drink Milk?
After being weaned, cats lose the enzyme that helps them digest milk and generally become lactose intolerant. This tummy troubles like gas and diarrhea. If you want to give them an occasional treat, look for lactose-free cheese or cat milk.
What Foods Do Cats Love to Eat?
As carnivores, cats naturally crave chicken, turkey, beef, and fish. These are their very favorite things to eat. They may also enjoy a little bit of cooked sweet potato, pumpkin, or spinach, on occasion. These foods should be cooked without any butter, oil, or seasonings.
Favorite Protein Sources
Meat-based protein sources like beef, chicken, and turkey are delicious, but also help your cat’s heart and eye health. Fish is another favorite, but it should be fed in moderation. Also, never serve raw fish to your cat.
What if Your Cat Is a Picky Eater?
Cats get bored, or their tastes may change. They may be stressed out, have dental problems, or food allergies that make them reluctant to eat. If it’s persistent, check with your vet. Otherwise, try new flavors and textures to encourage healthy eating.
Figuring Out What Foods Your Cat Loves
Mix it up, rotating between something like a chicken cat food and a beef cat food, and see which your cat prefers. Give them both wet and dry food for texture variety. Introduce a new food slowly by adding a little bit to the current food (such as the wet into dry food).
If your cat’s eating habits are still concerning you, or if they’re losing weight, talk to your vet.
What Should You Feed Your Cat?
A well-balanced canned cat food and a quality dry food will provide your cat with the nutrition and variety they need. Look for their preferred protein sources and formulas with as few added ingredients as possible.
Cats at different stages have different needs. Kittens need more calories than a senior cat. Digestive issues or other sensitivities require foods that address these needs.
Choosing the Right Cat Food
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established nutritional standards for quality pet foods. Look for it on the label. Also, feed your cat both wet and dry food for variety.
Special Diets
Kittens have specific nutritional needs, as does a senior cat. Find foods that cater to those needs (there are plenty out there!).
There are also cat foods made for certain health conditions, including weight management, excess hairballs, sensitive skin, or digestive issues.
Feeding Guide for Cat Owners
Start by consulting your vet. He or she will note any special recommendations based on your cat’s health profile. How much and what to feed will also be affected by the age and activity level. The directions on the food’s packaging should also offer recommended feeding tips.
A premium food like Love, Nala is more nutritionally satisfying than a cheaper cat food. That pays off both in satisfying your cat‘s appetite and helping with better overall health (and fewer vet bills). Always provide fresh water. Of course, everyone needs a little treat now and then, but feed them in moderation.
Talk to Your Vet
Your vet knows your cat inside and out (literally). Let him guide you in the right direction for your cat’s diet.
Consider Biological and Environmental Factors
Is your cat older? Overweight? Indoor or outdoor? Those are a few of the factors that influence how and what you feed him. Your vet can be very helpful in sorting this out.
Check Cat Food Packaging for Details
The label provides important nutritional details as well as suggestions for feeding amounts and frequency. Look for the AAFCO certification; it's designed to ensure certain nutritional standards in pet food.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
A quality cat food, one without unnecessary preservatives or additives, will satisfy your cat’s appetite even with smaller portions. They digest more completely, making Kitty feel satisfied for longer. And that makes it easier to keep him at a healthy weight.
Plus, it better supports your cat’s overall health, which means fewer potential problems down the roProvide Fresh Water
Cats need access to water at all times; change it out twice a day to keep it tasting fresh. Wet food also provides some hydration.
Limit Treats
Opt for protein treats (like freeze-dried chicken bits) in different textures, like crunchy or chewy.
Choose treats with limited ingredients. Factor in the calorie count, and make sure that treats are no more than 10 percent of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Feed for Your Cat's Ideal Body Condition
Portion control is the simplest way to ensure your cat stays in peak shape. You can visually check their weight by looking at their waistline from above. At a healthy weight, there should be a little bit of visible waist behind the ribs.
What Not to Feed Cats
As tempting as it is to offer Kitty “just a little taste,” many human foods can, at best, upset a cat’s digestion and, at worst, seriously harm them. Raw bones from fish or chicken can break and get stuck in their throat. Raw eggs may carry eColi or Salmonella. Garlic and onions can cause anemia, while chocolate causes a poisonous reaction. Grapes and raisins affect their kidneys.
Key Takeaways
It is possible to feed your cat a healthy diet that they’ll actually like. Focus on meat, chicken, turkey, and fish as the main protein sources. Offer them a variety of textures with both wet foods and something like Love, Nala’s turkey dry cat food. Stick to quality brands with as few additives as possible, and practice portion control. Give them fresh water each day, and occasional healthy treats (just because).
Love, Nala has created a line of grain-free and air-dried foods built around a cat's preference for meat, poultry, and fish. We throw in some of the vegetables they love for a balanced diet that supports healthy cats. Our customers love the results they get with our thoughtfully prepared products; we think you will too.
