How do you know your cat is receiving the nutrition they require? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each declaring that their product is more effective than the others. Petsakes Pet Supplies in Des Moines, IA can help reduce the confusion. We stock a wide array of cat foods and can help you in finding the one that is right for your precious pet.
Your cat is a hunter, descended from a long line of hunters. Wild cats naturally ate a wide assortment of nutritious food, based on what they could snag. But your domestic cat is dependent on you to feed them. Petsakes Pet Supplies 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. In addition, some cat foods include 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 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 referred to as "chicken dinner" (or chicken formula) can be anywhere between 25 and 95 percent chicken.
Labels include feeding directions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's advice takes precedence.
Look 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! Petsakes Pet Supplies in Des Moines, IA has everything you need for your pet. We offer 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 (515) 633-9446 for all your pet's needs.