Top 5 Myths About Cat Diet

Due to a lack of exposure and understanding of the subject, there are many preconceived misconceptions about feline nutrition regimens. Pet parents are sometimes so preoccupied with creating the ideal food for their cats that they overlook the advice of veterinary professionals when it is most required.

Following general notions and making assumptions will only endanger the cats’ health, and may even result in their fatal health condition or even death (sometimes). Over time, it has resulted in the emergence and propagation of various myths concerning cat food.

Here are five of the most prevalent myths about cat nutrition:

1. Dry Foods Are Enough.

Commercial dry foods, as the name implies, are extremely dry due to the lack of water content. A diet consisting solely of dry foods may deprive the cats of the necessary hydration, resulting in serious consequences such as urinary tract infections and other health problems.

Commercial wet foods, on the other hand, include at least 60% to 80% water. As a result, dry foods for pets are never sufficient; cats must be fed an equal amount of wet food or substantial amounts of water to avoid significant health problems.

2. Cats on raw-food diets are in better health.

Raw food, unfortunately, can be dangerous to both pets and their owners. In a 2002 study of dogs fed a raw chicken meal, it was discovered that 80 percent of the diet samples tested positive for Salmonella, and 30 percent of the dogs tested positive for Salmonella in their stool.

While this study was conducted on dogs rather than cats, it does underline the risks that a raw-food diet poses to both pets and their humans. Not only might your pet contract a food-borne sickness, but he or she could also pass it on to you through their feces.

3. Cats Benefit from a Vegetarian Diet.

To put it simply, cats are obligate carnivores who rely only on animal meat for proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Greens and vegan food can’t meet their requirements because cats’ bodies aren’t equipped to thoroughly digest veggies. As a result, cats do not require vegetables to maintain a healthy lifestyle, as the protein-rich meat will suffice.

4. All-natural or organic diets are preferable to conventional diets.

While the word “organic” has some value on food labels, “natural” food may not be exactly what you think it is. Synthetic pesticides, chemicals, and hormones are prohibited in organic food. The term “natural,” on the other hand, simply means that the food’s constituents were derived from a plant, animal, or mined source. The meal can still be branded “natural” regardless of how these ingredients are treated.

Even if the meal does fulfil your expectations for organic or natural, these criteria don’t tell you anything about the product’s quality. Organic or natural food may or may not contain all of the vitamins and minerals required for your cat’s growth, or it may be lacking in some elements. There’s no way to know without investigating more.

5. Vitamins are required by cats to enhance their diet.

Your cat will get all of the vitamins and minerals it needs from a high-quality commercial diet if you feed it one. Extra vitamins or minerals aren’t required. In fact, supplementing a balanced diet with vitamins or minerals may cause your cat to consume too much of these nutrients.

The consequences of a nutrient overload can be just as serious as those of a nutrient deficiency. As a result, feeding high-quality cat food and avoiding dietary supplements is the best option.

Bottom Line:

The only way to tell the difference between facts and misconceptions about pet food is to do your study. When doing so, though, be sure to assess your sources thoroughly. Instead of blindly following the recommendations of a pet food marketer, consult your veterinarian, who has received training in veterinary nutrition. Instead of just looking at glossy marketing materials, look for pet food companies that employ veterinarian nutritionists and other scientific specialists.

You’ll be able to tell which pet food companies are offering science-based suggestions, and you’ll be able to pick the best food for your cat.