How to choose the best dry food for your cat?
Nutrition plays a huge role in your cat’s health. By choosing the right food, you help your cat stay as healthy as possible. High-quality cat food not only reduces the risk of illnesses but can even eliminate minor health issues altogether.
Not sure which food is best? Or need personalized advice? We're always here to help with expert guidance tailored to your cat’s needs!
Different types of dry food
There are various types of dry cat food, including crunchy kibble and freeze-dried options. In general, all dry food types are easy to store and serve. Our most important advice when choosing dry food (or any food): no matter which type you choose, the key is the quality of the ingredients and ensuring it meets your cat’s specific needs.
But with so many options, how do you recognize high-quality kibble?
A good kibble contains:
High meat content: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require essential nutrients from animal sources that they can’t obtain from plants. High-quality meat provides premium proteins, taurine, arachidonic acid, and essential vitamins (such as vitamin A) that are crucial for your cat’s health.
Sufficient animal fats: Ideally, dry food should contain 15-20% high-quality animal fats. These fats provide energy, aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and support healthy skin and a shiny coat. The exact percentage may vary based on your cat’s age, activity level, and overall health.
Meat and fat from healthy animals: Look for sources from free-range or organic farming, where animals have space to move and express natural behaviors. These options are preferable to intensive farming.
Natural minerals and vitamins: Instead of synthetic additives, high-quality food derives nutrients naturally. For example: Sodium from sea salt instead of sodium chloride and iodine from kelp instead of potassium iodide
Natural antioxidants: Such as vitamin E (tocopherols), vitamin C, rosemary extract, and selenium, which help preserve freshness and support overall health.
Taurine: If you choose a high-meat-content food, it will likely have sufficient taurine. Tip: Look for at least 1,000 mg taurine per kilogram of food.
Taurine is a crucial amino acid for cats, meaning they cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it through their diet. It plays a vital role in:
✔ Heart health
✔ Good vision
✔ A strong immune system
A taurine deficiency can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, and poor kitten development. Since taurine is only found in animal products, it’s essential that cats eat a meat-rich diet or food specifically enriched with taurine. Make sure your cat’s food meets this requirement to support a long and healthy life.
Feeding Tips:
- Provide 4-6 small meals per day—cats naturally eat smaller portions throughout the day and night.
- Use food within 28 days after opening the bag to maintain freshness and quality.
Discover the different types of food:
Crunchy Cat Kibble
In de categorie krokante kattenbrokken vind je de klassieke geëxtrudeerde brokken terug, maar ook de ovengebakken kattenbrokken.
Extruded Cat Kibble
Geëxtrudeerde brokken worden gemaakt door alle grondstoffen te mengen met wat water tot een soort deeg. Het mengen gebeurt in een extruder, een soort buis die onder druk verwarmd wordt tot maar liefst 140 graden Celsius. De extruder hakt het deeg in hapklare brokjes die vervolgens krokant worden afgebakken. Hierna krijgen ze nog een coating van smaakstoffen en conserveermiddelen en zijn ze klaar om verpakt te worden.
Oven-Baked Cat Kibble
Ovengebakken brokken worden gemaakt door ze zachtjes te bakken op lagere temperaturen in heteluchtovens, waardoor de natuurlijke eigenschappen van de ingrediënten en de voedingswaarden behouden blijven. Hierdoor onstaat er een uniek krokant brokje met een heerlijke smaak, zonder kunstmatige smaakstoffen of conserveringsmiddelen. Ideaal voor katten met allergieën en/of verteringsproblemen.
Freeze-Dried Cat Kibble
Freeze-dried food is made by removing moisture from raw (or gently steamed) meat and other ingredients at very low temperatures. This process preserves all the benefits of raw feeding while offering the convenience of dry food. The meat and proteins retain their natural quality and enzymes, just like raw meat.
It’s the perfect choice for cats who prefer a softer alternative to traditional crunchy kibble. Plus, these kibbles have a long shelf life without preservatives, while maintaining their natural aroma and flavor.
Since freeze-drying is an expensive process, these kibbles tend to be pricier. However, due to the high concentration of essential nutrients, you need to feed less per serving.
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What is premium pet food?
Premium pet food stands out for its high-quality ingredients and carefully balanced composition, contributing to your pet's health and well-being.
Easily compare different types of food
Would you like more information about the food you’re currently giving your pet? Or do you want to compare it with other options? Be sure to visit the Pet Food Expert website.
