It’s a good idea to store dry cat food in an airtight container to help prevent nutrient deterioration and maintain flavor. Storing food for a long period of time decreases the activity and potency of many vitamins and increases the likelihood that fats will become rancid. Owners often buy large amounts of dry food that can sometimes be stored for months, so checking the expiration date before feeding it to your cat is very important. If you do use dry food, it is important to store unused portions in a cool, dry location, and not to use the food after its expiration date. However, dry food may be less palatable to a cat than moist or semi-moist food, and depending on the types and quality of the ingredients, may also be less digestible. The pieces of dry food are often then coated with flavor enhancers, such as animal fat, to make the food more appetizing.ĭry cat food is relatively inexpensive, and since it does not dry out, it offers owners the convenience of “free choice” feeding. Depending on the specific formulation, a mixture of ingredients are combined, extruded, and dried into bite-sized pieces. These products differ in water content, protein level, caloric density, palatability, and digestibility.ĭry food contains between six and 10 percent water. Cats should have access to clean, fresh water at all times.Ĭommercial cat foods are formulated as dry, semimoist, and canned. Supplements can be harmful to your cat, and they should never be given without a veterinarian’s approval. This is particularly true of vitamins and minerals, so the use of supplements is usually not necessary if you are feeding a balanced and complete diet. Cats also require more than a dozen other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.Īlthough your cat needs certain amounts of each specific nutrient to be healthy, more is not always better. Cats evolved as hunters that consume prey that contains high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a minimal amount of carbohydrates, and their diet still requires these general proportions today. Here are some things toĬonsider when selecting an appropriate diet for your cat.Ĭats are obligate carnivores, which means that they rely on nutrients found only in animal products. To live a long, healthy life, your cat needs proper nutrition.
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