What to Look for in a Cat Food

I have done more research on healthy cat food and which ingredients to look for and avoid.  I am printing this info here just to share what I have learned.

• Look for more meat in the list of ingredients and less grain and vegetable products. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their digestive system is designed to primarily accommodate meats and other proteins. Therefore, the primary ingredients in cat food should be chicken, turkey or fish instead of grains (such as corn, wheat or soy).

• Choose foods without dyes or artificial preservatives. There's no proof that dyes or preservatives are unhealthy for cats, but little has been done to research the effects of these ingredients building up in cats' systems over time. The preservatives may be hard on your cat's internal organs. Dyes can stain carpets and upholstery. Premium foods seldom contain dyes and artificial preservatives, but many supermarket brands do.

• Balance canned food and dry food. Canned cat food has an advantage in that it contains a high percentage of water -- which reviewers say matches the water content wild cats would get from a carnivorous diet. Wet food ensures better hydration, because cats won't need to drink as much water throughout the day. Dry food is easier on owners and their wallets, but many experts urge moderation in their use -- and some say that the worst canned food is still better than the best dry food. If using a dry food, look for one that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and make sure your cat has plenty of water.

• Read the label. Given the absence of rigorous comparison testing, the food's ingredient list and nutritional data is the best guide to quality. The best products avoid the use of grains like corn, wheat or soy and don't include animal by-products. If cost, availability or your cat's preferences are an issue, try to stick with a food that minimizes such ingredients and lists them further down the ingredient list.

• Reevaluate food labels periodically. Even once you've found a brand or two that you like, consider reevaluating the label every few months. That's because formulas can change, and pet food manufacturers aren't required to change the name of the product or otherwise declare that the formula has been altered.