Ingredients are an essential aspect of cat treats and snacks. Unless your cat is on a specific diet, it must get all the required nutrients. Optimum nutrition will help keep your cat healthy and active. It is also important to feed the cat according to their body weight to avoid obesity and other related health conditions. Here are some healthy ingredients you should look for while feeding treats to your cats.
Named protein source
Cats are carnivores by nature. Hence, this makes protein an important ingredient to look for in cat treats. Read the label of the cat snacks and treats you are looking to buy. The protein source should be specific and shouldn’t simply be named “meat.” This is because not all proteins are beneficial for your cat. Look for specific proteins such as chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb, etc. While you do this, make sure to consult a vet to discuss if a specific animal protein is beneficial for your cat.
Named fat source
Fat sources are other important sources of energy for your feline friend. Fats, together with protein, help in maintaining ideal body weight in cats. The nutrient should be in sufficient amounts in both cat food and treats. Look for a named fat source instead of just “fats” written on the label. Named fat sources such as chicken fat, sunflower oil, or fish fats are usually listed on premium cat treats.
Specific carbohydrates
Cats being obligate carnivores should not be fed carbohydrates in their daily diet. This is because their digestive system does not have an enzyme that can process carbohydrates. Feeding carbohydrates can trigger allergies in cats. So make sure to avoid cat treats and other foods made of grains such as corn and wheat. However, some brands make cat treats made out of specific carbohydrates called fillers. These fillers are used to hold the other ingredients together in cat treats and other foods, and can also be easily processed by a cat’s digestive system. Look for fillers made from green peas, sweet potatoes, and potato starch.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals act as the building blocks of your cat’s immune system and aid in their proper growth. Look for vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) that are usually added as preservatives in cat treats. Steer clear from synthetic preservatives as they can result in health complications in the long run.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the human body. However, cats are not able to produce this amino acid. The deficiency of taurine in cats can result in retinal degeneration and other heart diseases. Hence, look for treats that contain taurine. The amino acid can be sourced from animal meats such as turkey, chicken liver, beef liver and heart, and lamb.
