How do you know your cat is getting the nutrition they need? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each declaring that their product is better than the others. Petsakes Pet Supplies in Des Moines, IA can help reduce the confusion. We carry a number 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 selection of nutritious food, based upon what they could capture. But your domestic cat depends 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 to have meat in some form. This may be chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs. They need fats to provide energy and help absorb vitamins like A, D, B1, B2, B3, and B6. In addition, some cat foods consist of carbohydrates, which are digestible and provide energy.
Reading a Cat Food Label
Cat food companies are required to put particular 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 contain feeding instructions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's guidance takes priority.
Search for the nutritional adequacy statement, which reveals whether the food is intended for an adult cat or a kitten.
Still have questions? Just ask us! Petsakes Pet Supplies in Des Moines, IA has anything you need for your pet. We carry a wide variety 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.