Currently, more and more cat owners prefer grain-free feeds. In their composition and the number of useful elements, they are close to the diet that the animal receives while living in the wild. In addition, the proportion of meat products in this feed is significantly higher than in normal, which, undoubtedly, better affects the health of cats.
What are the main features of grain-free feed?
Many have heard more than once that mainly grain-free cat food consists of meat components. They account for about 80% of the total composition, and in ordinary feed their maximum content is 60%. For cats, proteins of animal origin are extremely important, as they are best absorbed by their body, unlike carbohydrates.
Cats are far from herbivores, so they replenish energy reserves mainly due to protein. Also, this element favorably affects the work of your pet's kidneys. Due to the fact that cereal-free cat food does not contain cereals, it has the optimal ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, which helps to build muscle, not fat.
Not all cats are recommended to use this type of feed. If your animal is very active or lives in a country house, then grain-free cat food is what you need. If the pet leads a sedentary lifestyle, then regular consumption of such food can contribute to obesity.
Which brand of feed do you prefer?
The first place in popularity is occupied by cat food Grainless Natural Balance. It does not contain cereals, and they can feed animals of various ages. Interestingly, behind the discreet packaging lies a very high-quality content.
In second place is the Wellness Core brand feed. It consists of high quality ingredients and also contains a large amount of nutrients for your pet. In addition to meat, this food includes tomatoes, cranberries, potatoes. Due to this, the necessary antioxidants and phytonutrients enter the body of the pet.
In third place, consumers put Spot's Stew. The owners trust this brand very much, leaving very positive reviews about it. In addition to the meat component, very useful vegetables and amino acids are introduced into the composition.
Felidae brand feeds are in fourth place. However, not all of their products are grain-free, so it is very important to pay close attention to the label. The products of this manufacturer are supplied to Russia and are available in retail.
Dry grainless feed
Grain-free dry cat food has the same features as regular. However, it must be borne in mind that when using it, the pet should be provided with an adequate amount of drink. This type of food will be a real salvation in the event that your pet is allergic to the components contained in the grain product.
Dry grainless cat food is very pleasing. They are recommended to be used taking into account the size, age, as well as a certain level of activity of the animal. If the pet leads a sedentary lifestyle, is small in size or already old, then it is better to refuse this type of food altogether, or alternate its use.
Pros and cons of grain-free feed
Many pet owners have repeatedly asked themselves the question: what kind of food to stop at all, which one to prefer? Here the choice needs to be made purely individually.
Cereal-free cat food is undoubtedly much better absorbed, but when it is used, the animal must have very good activity and energy consumption. Some of the ingredients contained in these feeds can also affect the color change of the coat. For example, some cats begin to darken prematurely due to the use of brown rice, liver, algae, etc.
Some brands of grain-free cat food may contain fish. It does not affect the occurrence of urolithiasis, but it can cause an allergy. There is nothing surprising in this, since by no means all cats are lovers and eaters of fish, some may actually have an allergic reaction to it.
Side effects of switching to grain-free feed
After you decide to change your pet's food, even if it is of the same type, but of different brands, you should watch for some time its behavior, significant changes. If there are any negative reactions, it is better to immediately abandon the use of the selected product and consult a veterinarian.
If you notice your pet’s first signs of obesity, you should temporarily stop consuming grain-free food, and after normalizing it, alternate it with regular food. Do not neglect this, because over time this factor can adversely affect the health of the animal.
Currently, more and more cat owners prefer grain-free feeds. In their composition and the number of useful elements, they are close to the diet that the animal receives while living in the wild. In addition, the proportion of meat products in this feed is significantly higher than in normal, which, undoubtedly, better affects the health of cats.