What kind of diet does your cat need?

To understand the right diet for cats, we first need to know their natural needs. Cats are carnivores. More precisely: they are obligate carnivores .

This means they need animal protein to stay healthy. Their bodies cannot function properly without these nutrients.

A cat's ideal diet should be as close as possible to its natural diet. In nature, cats primarily eat small prey such as mice.

These animals consist mostly of meat. They also contain some fat, hardly any carbohydrates, and a lot of water.

This shows that cats need a diet with plenty of animal protein, a moderate amount of fat, few carbohydrates and sufficient fluids.

• High protein content : The main ingredient in cat food should be high-quality animal protein, such as from chicken, duck, fish, or beef. These ingredients provide cats with essential amino acids , support their metabolism, and maintain healthy muscles.

• Moderate fat content : Fat plays an important role in a cat's sense of taste. A moderate amount of animal fat provides cats with energy and aids digestion. It is an important food source for cats. However, a high fat content can also pose a health risk to cats.

• Low carbohydrate content : The natural diet of wild cats contains almost no carbohydrates. Because feline physiology cannot efficiently break down too much sugar , you should choose cat food that contains as few carbohydrates as possible.

The right amount of fiber helps cats get rid of fat in their blood vessels . A deficiency can lead to problems like constipation. Water is very important for cats. Make sure there is always plenty of clean water available.

What cat treats are available?

The following describes some of the most popular cat treats on the market and explains the characteristics of the different treats:

Dried cat treats

Dried cat treats are produced using hot air drying – a process very common in pet food production. In this process, the food is heated and dried with hot air, causing the water it contains to evaporate.

Removing the water makes the product more durable. This makes it easier to store and transport. Compared to freeze-drying, this process is more cost-effective and technically less complex.

Most dried cat treats consist of animal ingredients such as chicken or fish. These provide plenty of protein and are well-suited to the natural needs of cats, which by nature require a meat-based diet.

High-quality products generally contain no artificial additives such as colorings or preservatives. Their firm consistency offers a further advantage: chewing mechanically cleans the teeth and strengthens the chewing muscles.

These snacks combine enjoyment with dental care – a sensible combination for a daily reward.

Tips:

1. Some products contain a large number of artificial additives, and excessive consumption can harm the health of cats.

2. Some inferior products may be mixed with a lot of plant protein, which does not meet the nutritional needs of cats.

3. Studies have shown that traditional methods such as air drying at high temperatures can lead to the loss of certain nutrients (e.g., vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids). Freeze-drying technology, on the other hand, can better preserve the nutrients in food.

Freeze-dried cat treats

Freeze-dried cat snacks are produced using a special process called freeze-drying. Fresh ingredients are deep-frozen at very low temperatures and then gently dried in a vacuum.

This method removes water from food without significantly altering its nutrients or natural flavor. Compared to other processing methods, considerably more vitamins and delicate nutrients are retained.

Another advantage: Freeze-drying reduces the risk of pathogens that can be present in raw meat. This makes the snacks hygienically safe and, at the same time, very natural.

Freeze-dried products typically contain a very high protein content – ​​usually between 30% and 90%. This makes them particularly suitable for cats, as they require a protein-rich diet. Good products also contain almost no carbohydrates. Some even contain none at all.

This corresponds exactly to the natural needs of cats, which, as pure carnivores, can hardly utilize plant-based ingredients.

Tips:

1. Some brands of freeze-dried food are not made from fresh ingredients or are made from waste products and have relatively low nutritional value. Pay attention to the meat content in the ingredient list.

2. Freeze-drying is a relatively expensive production process, which leads to a relatively high market price.

3. Freeze-dried cat treats can be eaten directly by cats and can also provide additional moisture through rehydration.

Creamy Snacks

Creamy snacks are soft treats that are easy to lick and digest. Their creamy texture makes them easy for cats to pick up and swallow. This makes them a particularly suitable choice for cats of all ages – from curious kittens to older cats with sensitive teeth.

A major advantage of these snacks is their high water content. Many cats don't drink enough, especially if they primarily eat dry food. Creamy snacks can help increase fluid intake and thus support the urinary tract. Therefore, they are ideal as a supplement to daily feeding.

Creamy snacks also make great rewards or food toppings. They can be used strategically during training, and many cats eat their usual food better when you add something creamy on top.

The fat content in these snacks usually comes from high-quality sources such as chicken fat or fish oil. These fats provide essential energy and also enhance the taste, increasing acceptance among picky cats.

In addition, essential amino acids, such as taurine, lysine, and arginine, are often added during production. These substances are indispensable for cats. Taurine supports heart function and vision, while lysine and arginine boost the immune system and metabolism.

Tips:

Some creamy snacks have a low protein content and contain added sugar to enhance their palatability. It's advisable to check the ingredient list before purchasing.

1. Some creamy snacks contain additives such as flavor enhancers and humectants. However, too many chemical additives can be harmful to a cat's health.

2. Creamy snacks with a high fat content can lead to weight gain.

Treats made from dairy products

Lactose is removed from dairy cat treats because most adult cats cannot digest it. This can lead to digestive problems. Studies show that cats prefer foods with a high fat content and intense flavors . Fats enhance the taste of dairy products, making them particularly appealing to cats.

Tips:

1. If your cat likes dairy products, it's best to choose low-lactose or lactose-free products that have been specially developed for cats.

2. Goat's milk has a lower lactose content and the fat particles are smaller, making it easier for cats to consume.

3. Fermented dairy products like yogurt can improve digestion in cats. This is due to the probiotics they contain.

How do you choose cat treats?

Good cat treats should meet two conditions: they should be healthy and your cat should like them . Looking at the ingredient list, the most important criteria are clear: they must have a high meat content and be free of additives . As for the snack's palatability, there's room for trial and error. You can start by observing your cat's eating habits and finding out their favorite flavor.

Understand the types of cat treats

There are two main types of cat treats:

• Supplementary feed : suitable as a reward or for use in combination with the main feed.

• Single-ingredient feeds : These products contain only one ingredient, such as pure chicken, beef, or fish. They are generally made with natural ingredients without additives or preservatives.

Meat! Meat! Meat!

Cats need a lot of meat to maintain their energy levels because they cannot produce amino acids themselves, and a deficiency of these amino acids is fatal for cats. It can lead to heart problems, vision issues, and poisoning.

Make sure that meat, such as chicken, beef, or fish, is listed first in the ingredient list. Don't be fooled by grains in cat treats – cats need high-quality animal protein!

Transparent ingredients

cat treats with Artificial preservatives or too many additives can irritate your cat's digestive system. Try to choose cat treats that are free of sugar , grains, adhesives, colorings, gluten, attractants, or preservatives.