How do you know your cat is receiving the nutrition they need? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each alleging that their product is more effective than the others. All About Dogs & Cats in Springfield, MO can help reduce the confusion. We stock a wide array of cat foods and can assist you in choosing the one that is perfect for your precious pet.
Your cat is a hunter, descended from a long line of hunters. Wild felines naturally ate a wide variety of nutritious food, based upon what they could snag. But your domestic cat is dependent on you to feed them. All About Dogs & Cats has all the foods that will keep them happy and healthy.
What Nutrients Does Your Cat Need?
For starters, your cat is a carnivore. They need meat in some form. This can be chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs. They need fats to supply energy and help absorb vitamins like A, D, B1, B2, B3, and B6. Additionally, some cat foods incorporate carbohydrates, which are digestible and provide energy.
Reading a Cat Food Label
Cat food companies are required to put certain information on their labels, such as ingredients in descending order of weight, and guaranteed analysis, which tells you the minimum and maximum amount of nutrients like fats, protein, and fiber.
Understand food descriptions. There's a big difference between "chicken cat food" and "cat food with chicken." Chicken cat food must be 95 percent chicken, while cat food with chicken can have as little as 3 percent. Food described as "chicken dinner" (or chicken formula) can be anywhere between 25 and 95 percent chicken.
Labels contain feeding directions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's recommendations takes priority.
Search for the nutritional adequacy statement, which tells whether the food is meant for an adult cat or a kitten.
Still have questions? Just ask us! All About Dogs & Cats in Springfield, MO has anything you need for your pet. We carry a wide selection of major brands and our educated staff is eager to answer your questions and help you choose the best food for your cat. Stop by our store or call (417) 883-7387 for all your pet's needs.