Last Updated on January 13, 2023 by admin
Cats need a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy and happy, and while cat food is the obvious choice, there are some other options out there for those looking to provide their cats with a little variety. Lean proteins like poached or raw chicken or fish are great for cats. Whole grains like oats, corn, brown rice, and even couscous as long as it consists of a small portion of their overall diet. By providing your cats with a balanced diet of both cat food and some of the above-mentioned foods, you can provide them with a delicious variety that will keep them healthy and happy. If you do decide to take greater control of your cat’s diet it is important to thoroughly research cat nutrition and have a clear understanding of the do’s and dont’s. Also, if you are transitioning from commercial cat food it is important to get regular checkups for your cat to ensure that they are getting the appropriate nutrients until you have absolute confidence.
Fish
Fish is an incredibly nutritious food for cats, and there are many varieties of fish that cats can enjoy. Salmon is a great source of protein and omega–3 fatty acids, and is already found in many commercial cat foods. You can also share other types of fish with your cat, such as tuna, cod, sardines and mackerel in moderation. Be sure to only give your cat boneless and lean fish, as they can be more difficult to digest otherwise.
Salmon
Cats love fish and salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega–3 fatty acids. You can feed your cat cooked salmon or tuna in moderation. You can also try adding canned fish such as salmon, tuna, or sardines to your cat’s diet. However, make sure to rinse and drain the fish thoroughly, and avoid adding too much salt. Fish like tuna and sardines provide more nutritional benefits than white fish like cod. Treats such as canned mackerel, sardines, or anchovies are also a good option for cats.
Whole Grains
Cats can also benefit from whole grains as part of their diet. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Examples of whole grains cats can enjoy include brown rice, oats, barley, millet, and quinoa. Make sure to only give your cat cooked grains if you do choose to feed them from this food group. Also a cat’s diet should be predominantly carnivore so it’s important to limit the proportion of grains in their food.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent source of nutrition for cats. There are a variety of safe vegetables cats can enjoy such as cucumbers, steamed broccoli, carrots, asparagus and lettuce. Not only are these veggies packed with vitamins A and K, folate, and fiber, they also contain a considerable amount of water to help with digestion. Cats can also enjoy other fresh vegetables such as pumpkin or squash and cantaloupe. Be sure to avoid garlic, onion, grapes, lemons, citrus fruits, or anything in the allium family of vegetables since these are toxic to cats.
It’s important to remember that while these foods are safe for cats to eat, it should still only be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Meat
Cats can also enjoy a variety of meats as part of their diet. Meat is rich in animal protein and amino acids and is the main nutrient source for cats. Lean cooked meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, liver and lamb are all ok for your cat to eat in small amounts. You can also give your cat raw meat such as pieces of raw lamb or raw chicken with no preservatives added. Make sure that you take great care when serving meat and to only give small amounts at a time.
It’s important to note that cats should not eat raw meat as it may contain harmful bacteria. However, you can feed your cat fresh cooked meat as part of a balanced diet. Just make sure it is thoroughly cooked before feeding it to your cat.
Kitten Milk Replacer
If you’re raising a kitten, it’s important to make sure their diet is balanced and nutritious. Kitten milk replacer (KMR) is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. It can be used to supplement or replace mother’s milk for kittens up to 12 weeks old. KMR is available in a powder or ready-to-use liquid form and can be found in most pet stores. It’s important to follow the instructions on the package when preparing KMR for your kitten. The formula should also be warmed up prior to feeding as it will better resemble their mother’s milk and make it more appealing for them to drink. Additionally, you can mix KMR with canned kitten food or other wet foods to make it easier for them to consume.
Dairy Products
When it comes to dairy products, cats should avoid them for the most part. Dairy products like cheese are high in fat and salt, and contain milk, which cats are not designed to digest. Kitten milk replacer is an exception to this rule, as it is specially formulated for kittens and can provide them with the necessary nutrients.
That being said, there are some dairy products that can be safe for cats to consume in moderation. Cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt can all be enjoyed by cats in small amounts. Make sure to check the ingredients list for any added sugar or salt, as these can be unhealthy for your cat.
If you do decide to give your cat some of these dairy products as treats, make sure to give them in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet.
Fruits
Fruits can provide cats with plenty of vitamins and fiber, but it’s important to remember that cats can’t taste sweet flavors. If your kitty will eat them, you can offer bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or apples without the skin, seeds, or stem. Cut the fruit into small pieces to make it easier for your cat to digest. Blueberries and strawberries are especially good because they are lower in sugar and high in antioxidants. Apples are also a great source of fiber and vitamin C. Just make sure your kitty isn’t eating the seeds or stems. Treats should be given in moderation, but if you do feed them to your cat, make sure they are healthy treats like freeze-dried fish or meat treats.
Apples
Apples are a great way to supplement your cat’s diet. As long as it’s without the skin, seeds, or stems, cats can safely eat the flesh of an apple. This is great for cats who are trying to lose weight, as apples are low in calories and very high in fiber and vitamin C. Not only that, but apples also contain folate, vitamins A and K, and other essential minerals.
Feline owners should also be aware that other fruits such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, cucumber, watermelon, and cantaloupe can be fed to cats in moderation. However, cats should not be given citrus fruits as some cats might not do well with them.
While these human foods can complement your cat’s diet, they should not replace it. Treats should be given in moderation and kitty should receive a balanced diet of both wet and dry cat food to ensure they get all the essential nutrients they need.
Treats
Treats can be a great way to reward your cat and give them something special. While it’s important to stick with healthy options, there are some human foods that cats can safely enjoy. Bananas should make up to 10% of your kitty’s daily diet and apples are safe if the seeds are removed. You can also try corn, polenta, brown rice, barley, wheat flour, dried chicory root and oatmeal as treats. In addition, lean meats like chicken, beef, turkey, liver and lamb are also ok for cats to eat in small amounts.
It’s important to be cautious when serving any human food to cats as some can be harmful in large amounts. Be sure to carefully prepare any human food before offering it to your cat and never feed them anything with bones or salt. Kitten milk replacer is also a great option for kittens as it provides the necessary nutrients that they need until they are old enough to transition to regular cat food.
Remember that treats should always be given in moderation and should never replace a balanced diet of high-quality cat food. This will ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy for years to come!