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Potential Problems With Your Cat’s Dry Food

July 13, 2011 by
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Cat owners love to feed their cat dry cat food because it is easy to store and cost effective. The problem is that dry cat food that is being fed to your cat could be causing them more harm than good. When compared to moist cat food, the dry variety has numerous characteristics that could be potentially harmful to your beloved feline.

Here’s a look at some of the negatives that can come from feeding your cat too much dry food.

The Wrong Type of Protein

Cats need to have a diet that is high in animal protein. The problem with dry food is that is very high in plant based protein and not high enough in animal protein. This means your cat is not getting the proper nutrition or on the right type of diet for them.

Too Rich in Carbs

Like humans, cats need to worry about how many carbs they are eating. Feed a cat too many carbs and it can lead to heart and weight problems. One of the negatives about dry cat food is that it is mostly composed of carbs, which can lead to potential problems with your cat.

Not Enough Water

Cats need to stay hydrated and although they are often pictured drinking water they really don’t get enough water in their diet. Moist food can help compensate for the water they are not drinking. If you feed your cat mostly dry food it can lead to dehydration.

Dry cat food isn’t all bad for your cat, you just need to balance it out with moist, fresh cat food to ensure your cat is receiving the right amount of water and nutrients to keep it healthy.

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What to do if your Pet Food Is Recalled

May 8, 2011 by
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There are a lot of scares in the world today. A lot of them happen outside the home and seem less concerning than the ones that involve you personally. But when the scare enters your home it becomes personal and much more frightening. Take a pet food recall, for instance; you’ve been feeding your pet a particular brand of food that seems to satisfy their finicky tastes. Suddenly, the news comes to your attention that that brand has issued a recall for some reason.

First, remain calm. If your pet hasn’t been vomiting or showing other indications of an upset stomach, you’re probably in a safe beginning zone. Second, get out to the store immediately and purchase another brand of food. As much as people love their pets, it’s an all too common issue to forget to make necessary changes where animals are concerned. By buying another brand right away, you’ll nip the problem in the bud. Don’t be surprised if class action attorneys in Los Angeles get on the case.

Third, remove the recalled food from the house immediately. It’s best to remove it on the way to the store to buy another brand, so you handle the switch completely. By taking the offending brand out of your home, you’ll avoid the possibility of forgetting that there was a recall. And while you might not forget, remember that others could feed your pet. Sometimes guests will find pet food and feed your apparently hungry pet without your knowledge – and they won’t be aware of the recall!

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Basic Nutritional Needs for a Cat

December 11, 2010 by
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Just as you are the sum of everything that you eat, this is also true for cats and dogs. Cat and dog food products are some of the most important purchases that you will make as a pet owner, aside from basic veterinary care. The proper diet can actually work to eliminate or delay a number of veterinary expenses for medical conditions that can be brought on by poor diet or nutritional deficiencies.

The basic nutritional needs for a cat are not difficult for you to have a grasp on. It is important for you to understand what your cat’s needs are so that you can meet them and raise a healthy, thriving feline companion. Some of the basic nutritional needs for your cat include:

Protein: Your cat needs a protein source such as fish, meat or poultry. So make sure to include it in their diet.

Taurine: This is an essential amino acid that your cat needs in order to be healthy.

Other Vitamins: Your cat will need other minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and enzymes for healthy eyes, skin and coat, liver function and other vital and essential functions.

Water: Water is absolutely essential as part of your cat’s diet, providing your cat with adequate hydration at all times. Your cat should always have access to clean, fresh water.

Cats do not require carbohydrates the way that people do. Carbohydrates can be found in many commercial cat foods, both canned and dry, as they act as a filler. Some examples of cat food fillers include rice, wheat and corn. Other ingredients can be found in the food as well, including flavorings, binders and colorants.

Fresh food is vitally essential, which is why there are preservatives in your cat’s food. Keeping your cat’s food fresh means you will be providing your cat with adequate nutrition all the time.

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