The Right Cat Food for Optimal Weight
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The right cat food for cats to maintain an optimal weight takes into consideration their natural makeup as obligate carnivores, or animals that must consume animal flesh to survive. Unlike dogs that can do quite well on a mixed diet, cats must have certain things in their diet to remain healthy. Veterinarians across the world have declared that obesity is one of the most common issues seen in our pets. The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 53% of cats are overweight with 19% being truly obese (Thorndyke). In England, estimates are that at least 50% of all pets are obese (Why diabetes among cats…). These tubby kitties are simply eating too much cat food!
These numbers are astonishing, and most concur that it is too much cat food but it is also too little exercise, just as in people. There is also a lot of thought as to the type of diet these cats eat. Obese cats overeat, but they are also consuming empty calories from bad food sources.
The majority of cats live their lives on a dry commercial kibble. The problem with this is that dry cat food is basically grain cereal for kitties. It has a very high carbohydrate level of around 30% or so; whereas, cats need very little carbohydrates in their diet.
Cats use protein for energy sources, not carbohydrates. What that means is that a cat with access to dry cat food will consume a lot of calories and carbohydrates. These large volumes of carbohydrates quickly turn into sugars and are retained as fat in the body.
Combine this overeating of bad cat food with little to no exercise, and you end up with a tubby kitty that has a lot of potential to develop health issues like diabetes, joint pain, labored breathing, trouble moving, lethargy, hygiene problems, and heart strain to name just a few issues.
Daily exercise is a must for cats, so cat owners should engage their cat in daily play using balls, laser lights, fishing pole toys, and other games. Another excellent method is to install cat climbing poles in the home with a platform somewhere near the top. You can even place your cat’s food in several small piles at the tops of these climbing poles or other locations that encourage him to exercise and hunt them out himself. Or try putting the cat food at the top of the stairs to encourage your cat to exercise.
As for the best cat food to help him maintain an ideal weight, try natural meals high in protein, high in moisture, and low in carbohydrates. One of the easiest ways to feed the best cat food is to create a homemade diet yourself. It is easy to make your own cat food, and best of all, you can control the overall nutrition and quality of the cat food.
Your cat food should be high in protein, primarily meat based, but can also include eggs, cooked lentils, or similar sources. It is important to rotate what you feed your cat so that there is variety, and to make sure it is balanced. The rest of your cat food can be comprised of small amounts of vegetables.
Remember, the best cat food for keeping your cat at a healthy weight is homemade. There are a ton of recipes you can use. For more information on fun and easy recipes visit http://www.catfoodrecipesonline.com
Works Cited:
Thorndyke, Jordan. “Pet obesity a growing problem.” Herald-Sun (Durham, NC) 29 Sept. 2008. General OneFile. Web. 21 Dec. 2009.
“Why diabetes among cats has reached alarming levels.” Europe Intelligence Wire. 2 Oct. 2004. General OneFile. Web. 21 Dec. 2009.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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