Kitten Food or Adult: When Do You Make the Change

You waited until your kitten was at least 12 weeks old before you brought her home. You made sure you had plenty of toys and treats. You never missed a veterinary appointment and you've fed her the proper kitten diet. Now you have to decide: When do you begin switching to adult cat food?

Growing kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats and should only be fed a high quality growth-type diet. You can allow your kitten to eat as much as she wants, because overeating is not a significant concern in kittens, like it is in puppies. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals is not usually recommended as it can cause serious illness. Supplement only on the advice of your veterinarian. 

For most cats, leaving dry food out to nibble on through the day and offering small amounts of canned food twice daily should work. If your kitten does not eat the canned food within 20 minutes, remove it and offer it in the evening as normal. Soon your kitten will catch on and eat when the canned food is offered. Even if your cat does not like canned food, the dry food that is left out is sufficient. 

Once you have chosen a good quality kitten food, continue feeding it until your cat reaches 80 to 90 percent of his anticipated adult weight. For most cats, this occurs around 9 months of age. 

Once your kitten is ready for his new diet, gradually begin changing by feeding 1/4 adult food and 3/4 kitten food for a few days. Then add 1/2 adult food and 1/2 kitten food. After a few more days, feed 3/4 adult food and 1/4 kitten food. Then, you can feed straight adult food.

If you have any concerns about changing your kitten's diet, consult your veterinarian for advice. 

Đọc thêm...

Keeping Your Kitten Well Fed

Kittens bounce off walls and pounce at warp speed on anything that moves. The only time they seem to slow down is when they stop to refuel. Make sure your kitten gets the best food available so that she can stay a bouncing, pouncing joy for years to come. 

Your Kitten's Growth

At birth, your kitten weighs only about 3 ounces and gains about half an ounce every day. By 10 weeks of age, she'll weigh more than 2 pounds, which is a tenfold gain in 10 weeks. Although males and females grow similarly at first, males begin to outweigh females after 10 weeks. Males tend to increase in weight until they are 11 months old. So, with all that growth, nutrition is critical.

Starter Food

Kittens live on mother's milk, which is nutritionally balanced for them, until they are 7 weeks old. But they will try to start eating solid food when they are 3 or 4 weeks old and still have few teeth and tender stomachs. This is a good time to start feeding your kitten soft meat-based canned food.

When Weaning Ends

After a kitten is weaned off her mother's milk, she needs a balanced diet to get all the energy, protein, vitamins and minerals she needs. Some pet foods are designed with the kitten in mind and are more nutrient-dense than "adults only" pet foods. However, a kitten diet or an "all stages of life" food will suffice. Besides the basic nutrients, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, thiamine, essential fatty acids and taurine are especially important. A diet that is missing just one of these elements, such as zinc, can result in poor growth, skin lesions and other deformities. She needs it all and well balanced cat food gives it to her.

It Has to Taste Good

In order to get your kitten to eat her food, you need to make sure she likes it. She goes by aroma, texture and taste. Stick with one food that she seems to like to avoid upsetting her stomach. You can add a complete and balanced dry food to canned food but if the dry food is too tough for her, add warm water and mush it up. 

Your Meat-loving Buddy

If you had any ideas about making your cat a vegetarian, forget it. Cats are true carnivores; they must eat meat to get all of their vitamins. Humans, who are omnivores, are able to obtain some nutrients from plants and turn them into other nutrients that they would normally get from meat. For cats, it's meat or nothing. They either can't get enough of the nutrients they need out of plants, or they can't convert them to what they need. For example, cats cannot convert carotene from plants to vitamin A and therefore must get vitamin A from the meats they eat. 

Beware of "Adults Only"

Another thing to watch for when choosing food for your kitten is food marked "maintenance" or "adults only." This type of food does not contain enough nutrients for young kittens. Food that is specially formulated for kittens is higher in protein and energy density than adult food. For example, dry kitten food contains about 35 percent more protein, is 25 percent higher in calories and has a higher fat content than adult food. However, if the food is labeled "100 percent complete and balanced for all life stages," it's okay to feed it to your kitten. 

Can You Overfeed? 

From a few weeks old up to 3 or 4 months old, it's almost impossible to overfeed a kitten because her growing body is constantly craving nutrients. Later, things start to slow. For example, at 10 weeks of age a kitten needs 250 kilocalories of energy per kilogram of body weight each day. That's equivalent to about 2.5 to 3 ounces of dry food, or 8 to 9 ounces of canned food a day. At 4 to 6 months of age, kittens needs drop to about 100 to 130 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight. Between 8 months to a year of age, most kittens reach adult body size and weight and require the same amount of food as adults, 70 to 80 kilocalories. At this point they need only about 1 ounce of canned food or one-half ounce of dry food per pound of body weight. 

If your kitten starts to turn her nose up at her food, keep an eye on her. It may be nothing to be concerned about, but call your veterinarian anyway. If your cat stops eating for 24 hours, it can lead to serious problems, even death. For kittens, they have even less time so err on the side of safety. 

Đọc thêm...

Homemade Cat Food Recipe for Overweight Cats

We have gotten a lot of emails about what is a good homemade diet to feed overweight cats. 

Before feeding this diet, discuss it with your veterinarian and get their approval to ensure it is right for your cat. 

Source

Pocket Companion to Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition

Editors: Michael S. Hand, DVM, PhD, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Nutrition and Bruce J. Novotny, DVM, Helios Communications, LLC

Copyright 2002 by Mark Morris Institute

For more Information on this book

Mark Morris Institute

P.O. Box 2097

Topeka, Kansas 66601-2097

Phone: 785-286-8101

Fax: 785-286-8173

Balanced low-fat/high-fiber homemade formulas for overweight adult cats:*

Daily food formulation for a 4.5-kg cat (as fed)

Ingredients	Grams
Liver, chicken, coocked	125
Rice, white, cooked	46
Cereal, All Bran	8
Calcium carbonate	1.2
Salt, iodized	0.3
Salt, substitute (KCl)	0.3
Total	180

Nutrient Content (%DMB)*

Dry matter	33.8
Protein	52.7
Fat	11.4
Linoleic acid	1.2
Fiber	5.2
Calcium	0.85
Phosphorus	0.77
Magnesium	0.11
Sodium	0.44
Potassium	0.67
Energy (kcal/100g)	420

*Also feed one one-half tablet to cats to ensure all vitamins and trace minerals are included. Cats should be given one-half to one taurine tablet (500mg/tablet) daily.

May substitute rice baby cereal and flavor either selection with meat broth during cooking.

*Nutrients of concern are italicized.

Directions: Cook the meat component well . Cook the starch component separately. Grind or finely chop meat if necessary. Mix with all other components except the vitamin-mineral supplement. Mix well and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. Feed the vitamin-mineral supplement with the meal; give as a pill or pulverize and thoroughly mix with food before feeding.

Looking for other cat food recipes? Also see cat food recipes for normal healthy cats, cats with kidney disease, and cats with heart disease.

Đọc thêm...

Homemade Treats for the Older Cat

As cats age, their nutritional requirements change. Some cats may become finicky and not eat as well as they should. Here are some recipes to encourage your older feline to enjoy a treat now and then. For more suggestions on caring for your older cat, see As Old As He Feels.

Tigger Treats

2/3 cup cooked fish fillet – boned and chopped

3/4 cup cooked barley

3 teaspoons steamed carrots, chopped

3 teaspoons cooked green beans

2 teaspoon nonfat milk

In a bowl, combine the fish and barley. Stir in the carrots and green beans. Place the dried milk in a small bowl. Stir in a little water and pour over the fish mixture. Refrigerate and serve small amounts as treats.

Lean Turkey Cuisine

1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 teaspoon bell pepper, chopped

2/3 cup extra-lean ground chicken or turkey

1 baby carrot, cooked and mashed

1 teaspoon grated cheese

Heat the oil in a small skillet and sauté the bell pepper until tender. Stir in the ground meat and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the cheese. Place the mixture in a bowl and let cool. Serve warm in small amounts or refrigerate and serve as small portions.

Long Liver Tidbits

1 or 2 whole chicken livers

1 tablespoon seeded tomato, chopped and peeled

2 teaspoons low-fat cottage cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

In a small saucepan, cook the liver in a small amount of water for 2 minutes. Remove the liver and let cool. Stir tomato, cottage cheese and garlic powder together. Chop the liver into bite-sized pieces and stir into the bowl. Refrigerate and serve in small tidbits. 

Đọc thêm...

Homemade Treats for Your Cat

Cat Treats and Cat Treat Recipes

The pet stores are full of cat treats. But did you know that you can make your own healthy kitty treats at home? Here are some recipes to help you find a way to your cat's heart:

Savory Cheese Treats

3/4 cup white flour

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

1/4 cup cornmeal

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and cornmeal. If needed, add a small amount of water to create a nice dough. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

Chick N'Biscuits 

1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup cornmeal

1 tablespoon soft margarine

Preheat the over to 350 F. Combine chicken, broth and margarine and blend well. Add flour and cornmeal. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one-inch sized pieces and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 18 cookies.

Crispy Liver Morsels

1/2 cup cooked chicken livers

1/4 cup water

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup cooked carrot, mashed 

1 tablespoon soft margarine

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Place well-done livers in a blender with 1/4 cup water. In a bowl, combine flour and margarine. Add liver mixture and carrots and knead dough into a ball. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into one-inch sized pieces. Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 F for 10 minutes. Makes 12 cookies.

Tuna Tidbits

6 ounce can of tuna

1/4 cup water drained from tuna

3 T cooked egg white, chopped

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine tuna, egg white and water. Add cornmeal and flour and blend to form a dough. Knead into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into one-inch sized pieces. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Makes 12 cookies.

Đọc thêm...

How to Read Pet Food Labels

By learning how to read a label, you can learn a great deal of information about the food you are feeding your pets. You can even learn how to compare one food to another and choose the one best suited for your cat.

As with human food labels, pet food labels are strictly regulated by the federal government, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture, and must follow stringent guidelines. Pet food labels are typically divided into two separate sections: the principal product display and information about the food.

Principal Display – Product Name

This part of the pet food label contains the brand name of the food as well as the specific food or formula contained in the can. It lists which meat is primarily used in the food and may indicate for which age group the food is intended (growing, maintenance, adult). The product weight, in grams and ounces, is also included. The principal display also includes the type of animal the food is meant for – dogs or cats.

How the product is listed on the label is also strictly regulated. In order to call something "Salmon Cat Food," at least 95 percent of the product must be the named meat, without counting the moisture content. If the moisture content is included, at least 70 percent of the product must be the meat listed. If the name has a combination of meats, such as "Chicken and Salmon," the two products together must be 95 percent of the product with the first ingredient listed more prevalent. 

If the amount of the meat is over 25 percent but less than 95 percent, a qualifier must be added. The word dinner is a commonly added qualifier but platter, entrée, nuggets andformula are also common. Also, just because this product name says "chicken formula" doesn't mean beef or fish are not added. Check the ingredient list to find out which meats are also included.

Another rule regarding product name is the newly approved use of "with." In pet food such as "Cat Food with Chicken," since the word "chicken" follows "with," that food must have at least three percent of the food as chicken. This wording can fool some people. "Tuna Cat Food" is very different than "Cat Food with Tuna." The first has 95 percent tuna. The second only has three percent tuna.

Informational Section

In addition to displaying the product name, brand name, weight and intended species, the pet food label also includes a more complex section. The informational section contains a list of ingredients, the guaranteed analysis, feeding instructions and nutritional adequacy claim. This is the part of the label that is most important when comparing different foods and determining the nutrients in the product.

Ingredient List

The list of ingredients must be in descending order. This means that the most prevalent part of the diet is listed first and then following by each ingredient in order by weight. If your pet needs a diet low in protein, considered getting a food with several carbohydrates listed in the top five ingredients. If your pet needs high protein, get a food with the first two ingredients as meat products.

Guaranteed Analysis

This section of the pet food label lists the amounts of each ingredient contained in the food. Typically, the minimum amount of the ingredients is listed and not always the exact amount. When comparing one product to another, you must take moisture content into account. The ingredients should be compared on a dry matter basis. This means that if 82 percent moisture is present in the food, the remaining items comprise 18 percent of the diet. The minimum values listed for each ingredient (besides water) should be divided by 0.18 in order to get a dry matter amount. Now two products can be compared fairly. For information on minimum nutrient guidelines set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), see Dietary Requirements in Cats.

Feeding Instructions

Each pet food lists how much of the food to feed per day. It is up to you to decide whether to feed as one meal or split into several throughout the day. The feeding instructions should be considered suggestions and not rules. A variety of factors will determine if your specific pet needs more or less of the food. 

Nutritional Adequacy Claim

This section of the information area lists the life stage for which the food is made, such as "for maintenance," "for growth" or "for all life stages." If the pet food follows the guidelines set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the label will include a statement that says the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for a particular life stage. It will also list if the food is meant as a treat or a supplement and should be fed in combination with other foods.

Đọc thêm...

Irradiation of Cat Food: Is it Safe?

Food safety is important to you and your pet. This means handling pet food as you would your own – keeping in mind how easy salmonella can be transmitted from food to the countertop to a host. Salmonella (and E. coli) doesn't care whose host body it invades; both you and your pet can get sick.

Fortunately, a recent ruling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made pet food safer. The FDA approved the use of irradiation for all pet foods.

Irradiation is a process that uses ionizing radiation to kill dangerous bacteria in food and nonfood products. The radiation causes a chemical – not a nuclear – change similar to cooking or preservation methods. The food does not actually "cook," but bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and vibrio die. The process is similar to pasteurization. The food is still fresh, and much safer than before. It also has a longer shelf life.

The FDA approved the use of irradiation for all pet foods in April 2001. Previously, it had been approved for use in feeds for laboratory animals. Irradiation is not new. Human food products – such as potatoes and wheat flour – had been routinely irradiated since the 1960s. As more studies show the benefits of irradiation, that list has been widely expanded.

Irradiated food has been a somewhat controversial topic in the last few years because the process is only recently being used to kill harmful bacteria present in beef and other meats. The common fear is that the process somehow makes the food itself radioactive.

This is a misperception. The food does not undergo any sort of radioactive change. Most of the world's major public and private health institutions endorse the process, including: 

World Health Organization

U.S. Public Health Service

The U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Mayo Clinic

American Medical Association

American Dietetic Association

American Council on Science and Health

There are three types of irradiation. The first is X-ray, which is the most versatile method because it penetrates food more thoroughly. The second type is electron beam irradiation. An electron beam is fired at flat or thin products. The third type is gamma irradiation, which uses isotopes and is designed specifically for food or medical products.

Even though pet food and most human foods are irradiated, you must still practice food safety. The process kills many, but not all, bacteria. Food can also be re-contaminated if not properly stored, or if the food is old. Always wash your hands before and after handling meats, and immediately wipe down counter and utensils after handling raw meat.

Đọc thêm...

Is Crunchy Food Really Better For Your Cat's Teeth?

Does feeding dry food or crunchy food to your cat make a difference in his teeth or prevent dental disease?

When it comes to dental health, should you feed your cat's crunchy kibbles or the meaty moist stuff? It's a question I should get almost every single day...but don't. If my experience is any guide, that's because people assume they know the answer. Unfortunately, it's not always the right one.

When it comes to formulating the ideal diets for cats there are lots of things to consider. What's more, the variables involved in finding the perfect diet for an individual animal are endless. 

But let's focus on one thing: what's the best food for your cat's teeth?

What's the Best Food for Your Cat's Teeth?

It's a great question, because there's no one right answer for every cat.

Conventional wisdom says that crunchy cat food is better for dental health because the chewy friction created by kibbled diets usually means less plaque. For the most part, studies do support the positive effect of chewing hard or crunchy foods on dental health.

But to what extent does the shape, size and texture of the stuff matter when it comes to chewing? And are all crunchy foods created equal?

Actually, some crunchy foods do next to nothing for pet teeth while others have passed rigorous standards and are proven to reduce plaque. This is the measure of any successful dental health product's true power (check out VOHC.org for more comprehensive information on these tests).

Finally, consider this: individual chewing behavior varies from cat to cat. Is every piece of kibble being chewed or are those lumps simply swallowed? Some cats are gulpers; these hungry ones bypass mastication altogether. If your cat is a non-chewer, there's no way that even the most effective tartar-preventing foods will do anything for their teeth.

Not surprisingly, all these dental issues are under serious scrutiny by pet food companies around the world. Plaque reduction potential in particular is being rigorously evaluated and hotly debated by nutrition researchers. This only makes sense; after all, we now know that cat longevity is strongly correlated with oral health, even after correcting for issues such as owner income and willingness to seek veterinary care.

That's why teeth deserve far more attention than most owners realize- and why pet food companies feel an increasingly strong sense of responsibility for ensuring that their formulas optimize cat dental health.

Their heightened interest only stands to reason; it's good business.

To What Extent Is The Average Crunchy Diet Better Than Any Non-Crunchy Diet?

But here's what the cynic in me has to ask: to what extent is the average crunchy diet better than any non-crunchy diet?

Now let's go one further: even if the diet has been scientifically proven to reduce plaque, does that "significant plaque reduction" actually result in clinically relevant improvement in dental health? In other words, we can surmise that reducing plaque is helpful to a pet's overall dental health and wellness, but how helpful is something else entirely. Long-term studies on oral health will have to be undertaken before we'll know.

Does Crunchy or Dry Food Make a Difference in Your Cats Teeth?

The answer to our question is short. No, we don't know whether cats fed a lifetime of crunchy food (including proven plaque-reducers) suffer less periodontal disease than those that eat foods that are not specifically proven to reduce plaque.

You may think all this speculation is irrelevant or trivial but I assure you it's not. For example, many of my patients whose medical conditions require moistened foods (such as overweight cats or cats specific urinary issues) come attached to owners who fear wet foods, citing concern for their cat's dental health.

Plenty of owners are resistant to feeding moist foods (even when their pets really need it!) because they assume their cats' teeth will suffer. Meanwhile, I explain, there's scant evidence to prove their cats are any better off eating crunchy food...and plenty of evidence to suggest that some diseases and specific health concerns require the softer stuff.

Despite my pleas, protestations and explanations, my clients are often quite resistant. They've heard too much about the positive effects of crunchy cat treats to reverse their Madison Avenue-informed thinking. If only I could reverse 50-plus years of pet food marketing I could perhaps make some headway here. Sigh...

I hope this gives you more information about if dry or crunchy food helps your cat's teeth. 

Đọc thêm...

Is Your Cat Too Thin?

The nutritional status is crucial to your cat's health. Ideally, your cat should not be overweight; but he should not be too thin either. If you are concerned that your pet is too thin, here are some ways to determine his body condition.

Body fat. Stand behind your cat and place your thumbs on the spine midway down the back. Fan out your fingers and spread them over the ribs. With your thumbs lightly pressing on the spine and fingers on the ribs, slide your hands gently up and down.

If your cat is normal, you will feel a thin layer of fat, and you will be able to feel the ribs, although you won't be able to see them. If your cat is too thin, you will readily feel the ribs, and you will see them, too. 

Appearance. Normal cats have an hourglass appearance. Thin cats have a very narrowed waist and protruding rib cage. The processes of the spine are evident and the shoulder blades readily apparent.

If you feel that your cat is too thin, contact your veterinarian. Tests may need to be performed to eliminate underlying disease as a cause of the thinness. In addition, your veterinarian can help you improve your cat's body condition and overall health.

Đọc thêm...

Is Your Cat Too Thin?

The nutritional status is crucial to your cat's health. Ideally, your cat should not be overweight; but he should not be too thin either. If you are concerned that your pet is too thin, here are some ways to determine his body condition.

Body fat. Stand behind your cat and place your thumbs on the spine midway down the back. Fan out your fingers and spread them over the ribs. With your thumbs lightly pressing on the spine and fingers on the ribs, slide your hands gently up and down.

If your cat is normal, you will feel a thin layer of fat, and you will be able to feel the ribs, although you won't be able to see them. If your cat is too thin, you will readily feel the ribs, and you will see them, too. 

Appearance. Normal cats have an hourglass appearance. Thin cats have a very narrowed waist and protruding rib cage. The processes of the spine are evident and the shoulder blades readily apparent.

If you feel that your cat is too thin, contact your veterinarian. Tests may need to be performed to eliminate underlying disease as a cause of the thinness. In addition, your veterinarian can help you improve your cat's body condition and overall health.

Đọc thêm...

Is Your Cat Too Fat?

Diet and nutritional status are crucial to your cat's general health. Unfortunately, many pets are overweight – much like their owners. And – like their owners – pets are not as healthy when they are carrying too much weight. Chubby kitties often suffer from arthritis, heart disease and liver problems. If you are concerned that your pet is overweight, here are some ways you can evaluate your pet's body condition.

Body fat. Stand behind your cat and place your thumbs on the spine midway down the back. Fan out your fingers and spread them over the ribs. With your thumbs lightly pressing on the spine and fingers on the ribs, slide your hands gently up and down.

For normal cats, you should feel a thin layer of fat. You should feel the ribs, although you won't readily see them. If your cat is overweight, you will not be able to feel the ribs, and the tissue over the ribs may feel smooth and wavy.

Appearance. Normal cats have an hourglass appearance. Fat cats have an abdomen protruding from the sides and a noticeable paunch. There may be enlarged fatty areas on either side of the tail base and over the hips. There may also be a fatty area on the neck and front of the chest. When obese cats walk, they usually have a classic waddle.

If you feel that your cat is overweight, contact your veterinarian. Tests may need to be performed to eliminate underlying disease as a cause of the obesity. In addition, your veterinarian can help you improve your cat's body condition and overall health.

Đọc thêm...

Dietary Requirements in Cats

Most of us were taught the importance of a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. But when it comes to knowing what nutrients our pets need to grow properly and stay healthy, we often come up short.

Many years ago, little thought or research was put into the manufacture of pet food or the proper way to feed our pets. Eventually, in response to consumer demand that pets be fed a proper diet, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) was formed. Their primary function was to publish feed regulations and ingredient definitions. After much research, committee investigations and feeding trials, nutrient profiles for pets were developed, and guidelines established.

This is still a work in progress. Despite significant advances, the importance and proper levels of some nutrients are still under investigation. The recommendations of AAFCO, for instance, may change when additional information about nutritional health in cats becomes available. For now, the minimum levels of nutrients that should be included in pet foods are listed. In a few cases, excess amounts of certain nutrients can be damaging so maximum levels are also listed in AAFCO guidelines. 

When buying pet food, choose only those products that carry the statement "Formulated to meet the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profile for..." because they follow these guidelines. It is not a requirement to meet AAFCO standards in order to sell pet food, so buyers beware. Check the labels and compare products. 

The nutrient list is divided into two separate profiles. One profile is for growing, pregnant or lactating cats and one is for adult maintenance. The nutrients are listed on a dry matter basis. What this means is that if you are comparing products, the moisture content of the food must be taken into consideration. If the food has 75 percent moisture, then the remaining nutrients make up 25 percent of the food. 

Take each nutrient amount and divide by 0.25 to obtain an accurate dry matter amount to compare to the nutrient guidelines or even to compare one food to another. If the moisture content is 10 percent, then 90 percent make up the rest of the nutrients. Divide each nutrient value by 0.9 in order to get an accurate value. 

Current AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles

For Adult Maintenance

Unless otherwise listed, all values are minimum requirements:

Protein... 26%
Fat ...... 9%
Calcium.... 0.6% 
Phosphorus... 0.5% 
Potassium... 0.6%
Sodium..... 0.2%
Chloride.... 0.3%
Magnesium... 0.04%
Iron... 80 mg/kg 
Copper... 5 mg/kg 
Manganese.... 7.5 mg/kg
Zinc....... 75 mg/kg (maximum 2000 mg/kg)
Iodine..... 0.35 mg/kg
Selenium.... 0.1 mg/kg
Vitamin A... 5000 IU/kg (maximum 750,000 IU/kg)
Vitamin D... 500 IU/kg (maximum 10,000 IU/kg)
Vitamin E... 30 IU/kg
Thiamine... 5 mg/kg
Riboflavin... 4 mg/kg
Pantothenic Acid... 5 mg/kg
Niacin... 60 mg/kg
Pyridoxine... 4 mg/kg
Folic Acid....0.8 mg/kg
Vitamin B12...0.022 mg/kg
Choline..... 2400 mg/kg
Taurine... 0.1%

(For cats diets with over 25 percent of the diet made from fish products, Vitamin K 0.1 percent is necessary)

For Growing Kittens, Pregnant and Lactating Queens

The majority of nutrient minimums are the same except for the items listed. The maximum for those listed does not change.

Protein...30%
Calcium 1%
Phosphorus 0.8%
Magnesium... 0.08%
Copper... 5-15 mg/kg
Vitamin A... 9000 IU/kg
Vitamin D... 750 IU/kg

Đọc thêm...

Heathy Cat Treats

Obesity in cats is a major health concern. Just as with people, obesity can lead to very serious health problems. Diabetes, pancreatitis, arthritis and heart disease are just a few of the problems that can be caused by or worsened if your pet is overweight. While many pets are fortunate to stay naturally slim, there are those who seem to get fat with little effort. 

And then there are those accomplished actors who have refined the business of asking for a morsel to an art form. Here are a few suggestions for offering your pet some healthy alternatives when you want to give them a treat.

If your pet has any type of weight problem (underweight as well as overweight) please check with your veterinarian to rule out possible causes. If your pet has dietary restrictions, discuss giving any new food with your vet.

Vegetables

Anyone who's ever seen a cat eat grass or greens knows there's a vegetarian side to your pet. Before domestication, when cats hunted for their living, they ate the entrails of their prey, which contained a considerable amount of digested vegetable matter. Most animals still want some of this vegetation, but can't digest the tough fibrous components on their own. Try offering your cat some cooked green beans, carrots or peas. Many pets love them, and you can even mix them into their regular diet. Cats love kitty greens, little pots of soft grasses that they can consume straight from the container.

Rice, Popcorn and Pasta

Another favorite for many pets are rice, popcorn and pasta. A bit of a rice cake or some air popped popcorn is a great substitute for a high fat treat. Cooked rice can be added for bulk to a weight control diet. It's a way of giving you pet more food without adding a lot of fat calories. Cooked pasta is also great. Many pets relish a few elbow macaroni or other plain pasta.

Egg Whites, Cottage Cheese and Yogurt

A cooked egg white is a great protein treat, hard boil a few and keep them on hand. (The yolk has all the fat!) A little dab of cottage cheese or plain yogurt substitutes for licking that ice cream bowl!

Prescription Diets

Sometimes treats have to be eliminated if your pet has a health problem that is being controlled by a prescription diet. Ask your veterinarian if a canned formulation of the diet is available. Most companies do make both canned and dried versions. Remove the food from the can in one large piece. Use a cheese slicer or knife to cut 1/4-inch slices and put them on a cookie sheet. Bake them at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they are crispy, like a cracker. This gives your pet a crunchy treat that stays within the diet plan.

Food Sensitivities

Many pets have allergies or food sensitivities. Common culprits are dyes, flavorings, preservatives, carbohydrates and protein sources. If your pet is sensitive to any of these components, look for treats that are hypoallergenic, and have minimal or no dyes or preservatives. There are a number available in your local pet store.

The Last Word

If you can't resist feeding your pet little extras from the table or sharing every meal you have with him, consider carefully what you may be doing. A cat that would normally weigh 10 to 12 pounds can gain a lot weight if given too many treats. A weight gain of 1 pound may not seem like much, but to a small pet that pound can be 10 percent of his body weight. That's like 15 pounds for a person! Use some healthy alternatives to help keep your pet in his best shape.

Đọc thêm...