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Hi,
I think one of the most beneficial things you can do for you, and your pets, is to educate yourself when it comes to good pet nutrition. Learn how to read and interpret labels, ingredients, etc. Some vets know about good pet nutrition, but many do not.
A few things to avoid, when reading a pet food label....corn, wheat, soy-these are cheap ingredients used to boost the protein levels in foods,,,when is the last time you saw a cat eating in the corn field? Also, these ingredient are known to cause stress on the kidneys and are hard to digest. The core of an animals immune system is in their digestive system. The prevelance of kidney problems in pets today is outrageous. Cats need meat based proteins. Gluten, by-products,animal digest, BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin (some fishes are preserved with this even though you don't see it on the label). You also want your meat source to be specific, such as chicken meal, lamb meal, chicken, lamb, etc. What you don't want to see is meat or meat meal on a label. You also want to see chicken fat, as opposed to animal fat, on a label.
When you are looking at the better quality foods make sure to look at the feeding requirements. Sometimes the more expensive, better quality food will last you much longer, and end up costing less in the long run, than the less expensive one, as it's not full of fillers and you don't need to feed as much.
When feeding canned food check with the company regarding the type of cans they use. Some cans have been linked to thryroid conditions in cats.
These are just a few things to help you get started. Also, if you have long hair cats you may want to give something to help prevent hairballs.
Good luck.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 2 cats
RIP Bootsie-March ? 1988-April 22, 2007
Last edited by NewfieGrl; 06-03-2007 at 08:18 PM.
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Best Kitten Food?
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