We love our pets, and we want to ensure that they are living the healthiest life possible. This is largely controlled by regulating the diets of our beloved furry feline friends in order to make sure they are getting the proper nutrients and are consuming food that is safe and healthy. A cat’s diet should be determined by several factors, such as ensuring they are eating a balanced food diet for their age as well as making sure their food meets the nutritional needs of a cat’s health.
Oftentimes, this includes the idea that we should be feeding our cats organic food in order to make their diet more natural and safe from harmful ingredients such as pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones. While there are many organic cat foods that are certainly healthier for cats than non-organic foods, it is important to understand what is best for our cat rather than assuming that the organic label automatically enriches our cat’s diet fully.
Firstly, it is important to know that foods labeled 100% organic are required to contain 100% organically-produced ingredients. This does not include the added water, salt, vitamins, and mineral ingredients that cannot be produced organically. Other organic foods which are labeled as “made with organic ingredients” may include between 70-95% organic ingredients but are not wholly organic. When looking to purchase organic cat food, you should immediately look for the USDA organic seal to ensure that it is a certified organic pet food. While cat foods that are proven to be organic definitely have health benefits for cats, it is still important to carefully read the ingredients and make sure that it has the proper nutrients that your cat needs.
When switching your cat’s food, it is essential to check with your veterinarian first. Adjusting a cat into a new food diet should be gradual and slow, introduced in small amounts. Take into consideration your cat’s age and activity factors, as your cat’s nutritional needs will change as they grow and should also be catered to how active their lifestyles are. It is also important to consider any food sensitivities your cat may have. Organic cat foods can certainly offer a more natural and organically-produced meal for your cat, ridding its diet of potentially unnatural substances.
When choosing a cat food, always read the label to make sure it meets standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials to ensure that the food meets at least the minimum nutritional needs your cat. Always consult your veterinarian about what types of food they would recommend for your cat, as determining their diet relies on many different aspects of their lifestyle. By being cognizant of the food you are buying for your cat, you can ensure that your cat lives a healthy life.