What kind of food should I feed my senior cat

What Should I Feed My Senior Cat

[ad_1]As our feline friends age, their dietary needs change. Its important to provide senior cats with the proper nutrition to help them maintain their health and vitality. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know what to feed your senior cat. In this article, we will explore what you should feed your senior cat, as well as discuss some interesting trends in senior cat nutrition.

1. Increased Protein Intake: Senior cats may benefit from a diet higher in protein to help maintain muscle mass and support their overall health. Look for cat foods specifically formulated for senior cats that contain high-quality protein sources like chicken or fish.

2. Lower Fat Content: Senior cats are often less active than their younger counterparts, so its important to feed them a diet with a lower fat content to prevent weight gain. Opt for cat foods labeled as light or low-fat to help keep your senior cat at a healthy weight.

3. Joint Health Supplements: As cats age, they may develop arthritis or other joint issues. Look for cat foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health and mobility in senior cats.

4. Increased Fiber: Senior cats may experience digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea. Feeding them a diet higher in fiber can help regulate their digestive system and prevent these issues. Look for cat foods with added fiber, such as pumpkin or cellulose.

5. Dental Health: Dental problems are common in senior cats, so its important to feed them a diet that promotes good oral health. Look for cat foods with a crunchy texture that can help remove plaque and tartar from your cats teeth.

6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for senior cats skin and coat health, as well as their overall wellbeing. Look for cat foods that contain fish oil or flaxseed, which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Limited Ingredients: Some senior cats may develop food sensitivities or allergies as they age. Feeding them a diet with limited ingredients can help reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Look for cat foods with a short list of ingredients that are easy for your cat to digest.

Now, lets hear from some professionals in the field of feline nutrition on what they recommend feeding senior cats:

Senior cats have unique nutritional needs that should be addressed with a diet specifically formulated for their age and health concerns. Look for cat foods that are high in protein, low in fat, and contain joint health supplements to support your senior cats overall wellbeing. Feline Nutritionist

Dental health is often overlooked when it comes to feeding senior cats, but its crucial for their overall health. Choose cat foods with a crunchy texture to help keep your senior cats teeth clean and prevent dental issues. Veterinary Nutritionist

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for senior cats skin and coat health, as well as their joint health. Look for cat foods that contain fish oil or flaxseed to ensure your senior cat is getting the proper nutrients to support their wellbeing. Animal Nutrition Researcher

Feeding your senior cat a diet with limited ingredients can help reduce the risk of food sensitivities and allergies. Look for cat foods with a short list of ingredients that are easy for your cat to digest to support their digestive health. Holistic Veterinarian

Now, lets address some common concerns related to feeding senior cats:

1. How much should I feed my senior cat?

Its important to follow the feeding guidelines on the cat food packaging and adjust the portion size based on your cats activity level and weight.

2. Should I feed my senior cat wet or dry food?

Both wet and dry cat food can be suitable for senior cats, but wet food is often preferred for its higher moisture content, which can help prevent dehydration.

3. Can I feed my senior cat homemade food?

Homemade cat food can be a good option for senior cats, but its important to consult with a veterinarian or feline nutritionist to ensure your cat is getting all the necessary nutrients.

4. How often should I feed my senior cat?

Most senior cats do well with two meals a day, but you can adjust the feeding schedule based on your cats preferences and needs.

5. Should I give my senior cat treats?

Treats can be a fun way to bond with your senior cat, but its important to limit them to prevent weight gain. Look for treats specifically formulated for senior cats.

6. What should I do if my senior cat is a picky eater?

If your senior cat is a picky eater, try offering a variety of cat foods to see what they prefer. You can also try mixing in some wet food or adding a food topper to entice them to eat.

7. Can I give my senior cat supplements?

Supplements can be beneficial for senior cats, but its important to consult with a veterinarian before giving your cat any additional vitamins or minerals to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your cats health.

8. What should I do if my senior cat has food allergies?

If your senior cat has food allergies, its important to switch to a cat food with limited ingredients and consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cats specific needs.

9. How can I help my senior cat maintain a healthy weight?

To help your senior cat maintain a healthy weight, feed them a diet with a lower fat content and monitor their portion sizes to prevent overeating.

10. Should I switch my senior cat to a senior cat food?

Senior cat foods are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older cats, so its a good idea to switch your senior cat to a senior cat food to support their overall health and wellbeing.

11. Can I feed my senior cat the same food as my other cats?

While senior cats can eat the same food as other adult cats, its a good idea to choose a cat food specifically formulated for senior cats to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients for their age and health concerns.

12. How can I tell if my senior cat is getting enough nutrients?

Monitor your senior cats weight, energy levels, and overall health to determine if they are getting enough nutrients from their diet. If you have concerns, consult with a veterinarian for guidance.

13. Should I consult with a veterinarian before changing my senior cats diet?

Its always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to your senior cats diet to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients and support for their age and health concerns.

14. What should I do if my senior cat is losing weight?

If your senior cat is losing weight, its important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and adjust their diet or treatment plan accordingly.

15. How can I ensure my senior cat stays hydrated?

Senior cats may be prone to dehydration, so its important to provide them with fresh water at all times and consider feeding them wet cat food to help increase their moisture intake.

In conclusion, feeding your senior cat a diet tailored to their age and health concerns is essential for maintaining their health and vitality as they age. By following the advice of professionals in the field of feline nutrition and addressing common concerns related to feeding senior cats, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a happy and healthy life in their golden years.[ad_2]

Can Cats Eat Baby Food? Best Baby Food for Cats

Last Updated on July 25, 2019

Simple meat-based baby food is an appetizing and easy-to-eat food for sick or elderly cats. In this article, well talk about how baby food can be a great dietary supplement for some cats, which baby foods are best, and which types of baby food are never safe for your cat.

Again, its important to remember that just because meat-based baby food is safe for cats, it doesnt mean that its a nutritionally complete meal for them. You should only give your cat baby food as a treat or supplement.

Heres why baby food is a good choice for some cats.

Simple meat-based baby food with no seasonings, onion, or garlic is safe for cats and can be used as a temporary meal replacement. Simple cooked, pureed meat is easy for your cats body to digest, easy for their mouths to handle, and is typically quite palatable. This makes it an ideal choice for cats who are feeling sickly or having a hard time eating.

Baby food can be a good supplemental food choice for:

• Cats with a reduced appetite due to disease, including CKD, cancer, liver disease, and other problems
• Cats with periodontal disease and a painful mouth
• Cats who have had their teeth extracted and can no longer handle firm foods
• Cats with temporary stomach sensitivities and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea
• Ferals who need to be enticed into a trap or to come closer to people

If you recently had a baby, chances are youre overwhelmed and sometimes forgetful, so its possible that youll forget to stock up on cat food. In this case, baby food might just be what you have around. Dont feel like a bad cat guardian if you have to feed your cat baby food in a pinch!

Provided that you give your cat a meat-based recipe without any dangerous seasonings or additives, itll be a delicious and healthy treat.

Best Baby Food for CatsOur Suggestions

While baby food is sometimes recommended for cats who need easy-to-eat nourishment, not all baby foods are equal. Just like adult food, some of it is safe for cats and some isnt. Youve got green bean baby food, pumpkin baby food, carrot baby food, chicken baby food, beef stroganoff baby food. And just as is the case with people food that isnt pureed, not all of these varieties are appealing or nutritious for your cat.

The following types of baby food are safe for cats and can be a wholesome addition to the feline diet.

Beech-Nut Classics Stage 1 Meats include chicken in broth, turkey in broth, and beef in broth . These recipes contain just meat and broth, so theyre entirely safe for your cat to consume. We like that theyre free from starch and therefore closer to your cats natural carnivorous needs. One reviewer said the following about Beech-Nut Chicken & Broth:

My senior cat had a period where he threw up all the time. We started giving him baby food and kitten milk to ease his upset stomach. The baby food is quite light and mild. Not stinky. Slightly oily, but not too bad! My cat really enjoyed the baby food. There are no unnecessary ingredients, just chicken and water!

This product lineup includes ham, turkey, chicken, and beef recipes. Theyre all made without any garlic, onions, or other seasonings. The simple recipes include just meat, water, and cornstarch.

While cornstarch isnt ideal for cats, it can be an acceptable inclusion in their diet if the cat is sick orotherwise in desperate need of nourishment. Even the first review on the Amazon listing for Gerbers ham and gravy cat food says:

All I can really say about this is my 35 pound, orange tabby kitty cat absolutely loves Gerber Baby Food Ham! I bought it for him for a treat once and he learned to audibly say the word HAM with that first meal. Im a vegetarian and I dont have children but I have a orange kitty that will tell you this is the best stuff hes every eaten!

Baby Food You SHOULD NOT Feed Your Cat

Before you feed your cat baby food, read the ingredient list. Dont give your kitty any food containing the following ingredients:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Added sugars or sweeteners
• Canola oil or other vegetable oils
• Salt
• Fruits of any type (except for the occasional pumpkin for gut motility)
• Vegetables of any type
• Dairy

This rules out simple fruity or veggie products like prune baby food, sweet potato baby food, and carrot baby food. It also means that you shouldnt give your cat meal-style foods for older babies with flavors like beef stroganoff and chicken stew.

How long can you feed your cat baby food?

Your cat can eat baby food alone for about 2-3 days before youll need to start transitioning them back to a nutritionally complete and balanced raw, homemade, gently cooked, or canned diet.

Baby food is designed to nourish infant humansomnivorous creatures who, unlike cats, can live without fresh raw meat, organs, and bones. Cats, however, require raw meat or a facsimile thereof.

Its crucial to remember that baby food lacks taurine, an amino acid that cats can only get from supplements or raw meat.

As obligate carnivores, cats require certain vitamins and amino acids found only in fresh meat. One of these is taurine, which supports ocular health along with numerous other bodily functions. Cats who are deprived of taurine for any extended period of time will go blind and experience diminished digestion, heart function, and reproductive abilities.

Alternatives to Baby Food for Cats

If your cat is struggling to eat due to dental issues or needs an extra calorie boost, baby food isnt your only option. Here are a few other types of foods that can help to keep your cat strong.

Kitten food is about twice as calorie-dense as a standard adult cat food. Its usually extremely palatable and easy to eat, toowhich helps your cat to get in all those beneficial calories. The kitten food weve found works best is Fancy Feast canned kitten food, but youll find many other formulas from a variety of companies. Just remember to look for canned or wet food. Hydration is always crucial, and a dry food wont deliver the water your cat needs.

Nutri-Cal is a high-calorie gel for cats who need a concentrated source of energy. Its highly-palatable to encourage cats to eat it, though some may need to squirt it onto the felines gums or paw. Its also a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

Egg Yolks

Your cat may or may not be willing to eat egg yolks on their own, but if youre able to get that tongue lapping, the addition of raw egg yolks to their bowl will add a lot of nutrition in a small package.

Boiled or Raw Chicken

Youve probably heard the standard recommendation of boiled chicken and rice for cats with diarrhea and other digestive issues. Because cats are obligate carnivores with no physiological requirement for plants, we disagree with the inclusion of rice in this bland diet.

Boiled boneless chicken, however, does provide a gentle, palatable source of the nutrition your cat needs with few of the inflammatory ingredients that can make them feel worse. If youre willing to try out raw food for your cat, you may also consider feeding them raw chicken, with or without the bones intact. This is a nutrient-dense and extremely tasty form of species-appropriate nutrition. As explained in incredible detail on Raw Feeding for IBD Cats, raw food, as the ancestral feline diet, is potentially the only route for an IBD turnaround.