How to Choose the Right Cat Food: A Detailed Explanation of Types, Characteristics, and Selection Criteria

Your cat is a precious member of your family. Considering your cat's health and happiness, choosing the right cat food is extremely important.

However, there are so many types of cat food that it can be confusing to know which one to choose... So, in this article, we would like to look at how to choose the right cat food and the criteria for making that choice.

First things first: The basics of cat food

Cat food can be broadly divided into two types: dry food and wet food. Both are meals for cats, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Dry food

Dry food is a crunchy type of cat food made by mixing various ingredients like meat and drying them, which concentrates the nutrition. Because of this, it has the benefit of providing the necessary nutrition even in small amounts.

It is low in moisture and easy to store and manage, but if a cat's water intake is insufficient, it can place a burden on their kidneys and urinary tract. Therefore, it is necessary to always provide fresh water and make adjustments so they can drink frequently.

Wet food

Wet food is cat food that contains a high level of moisture, as it uses raw materials like meat and fish as they are. The benefit is that even cats who do not drink much water can stay hydrated through their meals.

Compared to dry food, it also has a richer aroma and flavor, and is known for being highly palatable. However, wet food is more difficult to store and manage, and must be used up immediately after opening.

Also, if you try to get the necessary nutrition solely from wet food, you would need to feed them many times the amount of dry food.

Mixed feeding is recommended

Whether it is "the cat doesn't eat the dry food well" or "wet food is expensive," each has its pros and cons.

For this reason, we recommend "mixed feeding." Mixing wet food into dry food or topping it with a paste-like treat can improve palatability while also providing hydration.

In fact, while the moisture content of dry food is around 10%, wet food's moisture content is around 75%. This is especially recommended for cats that do not drink much water.

Types and characteristics of cat food

While there are dry and wet types of cat food, they can be further categorized into four types based on their purpose.

• Complete Nutritional Food
• Therapeutic Diet
• Snacks (Treats)
• General Food / Complementary Food

Choosing the wrong type of cat food can lead to obesity or illness. To ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life, understand the role of each type of cat food.

Complete Nutritional Food

This is cat food intended as a main meal, containing a balanced mix of nutrients required by cats.

As a general rule, choose main meals for your cat that are labeled as "Complete Nutritional Food" on the package. Because it contains all the nutrients necessary for a cat, you can support their health with just the required daily amount and fresh water.

Complete nutritional food comes in dry and wet types. There are also semi-moist types, so you can choose based on your cat's preferences, life stage, and your own lifestyle.

Therapeutic Diet

A therapeutic diet is cat food prescribed for cats that require treatment for an illness or nutritional support. These include diets designed for kidney or urinary tract issues, as well as those for allergies or obesity.

Do not provide these based on your own judgment; you must always follow a veterinarian's instructions.

Snacks (Treats)

This is cat food given to cats as a treat. Many cats love treats, but giving too much can disrupt their nutritional balance or cause obesity. It is necessary to stick to the daily recommended amount.

General Food / Complementary Food

Cat food other than complete nutritional food, therapeutic diets, or snacks is called "general food." Packages may be labeled as "complementary food," "nutritional supplement food," or "side dish type," and these are intended to be used in conjunction with complete nutritional food as a main meal.

Because their purpose is to supplement nutrition and calories or to improve palatability, relying only on general food can lead to nutritional imbalances. It is important to check the usage and appropriate amount carefully.

The correct way to choose cat food

The basic rule is to choose a dry-type "Complete Nutritional Food" for your cat's meals, and add wet food, general food, or treats as needed.

Even among complete nutritional foods, there are various types and brands. Here are some points to check when choosing cat food.

Choose food according to the cat's age

The necessary nutrients and calories differ depending on the cat's age and health condition. Therefore, it is important to look carefully at the package and choose food suitable for your cat's age.

For example, kittens need food that contains a balanced amount of protein, calcium, and phosphorus necessary for growth.

Adult cats require less energy than kittens, so preventing obesity becomes important. High-protein, low-calorie cat food is recommended, especially after spaying or neutering, as they become more prone to weight gain.

Also, older cats are well-suited for low-calorie, easily digestible food. Consider semi-moist or wet types of complete nutritional food as well.

Check ingredients and nutritional components

Pay attention to the raw ingredients and nutritional components of the cat food.

Although often written in small print on the packaging, the key is to choose products where the ingredient names are as specific as possible. For example, products that specify "chicken" or "meat (chicken, turkey)" are more reassuring than those simply labeled "meat."

Choose products with fewer synthetic additives

In Japan, the "Pet Food Safety Act" sets strict rules for ingredient labeling, manufacturing methods, and additive levels, and the manufacture, sale, and import of cat food that does not comply with these rules are prohibited.

Therefore, it is unlikely that any cat food containing additives harmful to your cat's health is being sold. Since additives play a role in maintaining the quality of cat food, "additive-free" does not necessarily mean it is better.

However, some additives like synthetic antioxidants (e.g., BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin) and synthetic food dyes (e.g., Red No. 102, Yellow No. 5) are a concern due to their potential carcinogenicity. If you are unsure which to choose, opt for cat food with fewer synthetic additives.

Choose based on your cat's preferences and ease of eating

Individual differences in a cat's food preferences are very large. Also, the shape and size of food that is easy for them to eat varies, so we recommend trying different brands and types while watching your cat's reactions.

Changing food abruptly can put a strain on the digestive system or lead to a refusal to eat. When switching to a new cat food, it is important to mix in a little at a time to get them accustomed to it.

Check storage methods and expiration dates

Follow the storage instructions on the package. Generally, it is recommended to put the food in an airtight container after opening and keep it away from high temperatures and humidity.

Also, once the expiration date has passed, the quality may deteriorate, or mold and pests may develop. To prevent health problems such as food poisoning or allergies, be sure to choose an amount of cat food you can use up within the expiration date. Individual portion packs are also recommended.

Summary

The basic main meal for your cat is "Complete Nutritional Food." Since choosing cat food is directly linked to your cat's health, make sure to follow the points below:

• Choose food according to the cat's age
• Check ingredients and nutritional components
• Choose products with fewer synthetic additives
• Choose based on your cat's preferences and ease of eating
• Check storage methods and expiration dates

According to a survey by Poponeko, the brand most commonly chosen by owners was "Royal Canin." Also, many owners place a high priority on whether the food is "highly safe or appears to be highly safe," a result that clearly shows the care owners take regarding their cat's meals.

For your precious cat's sake, it is important to remember how to choose the right cat food.

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