How do you know your cat is getting the nutrition they need? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each stating that their product is more effective than the others. Paw Print Pantry in Niantic, CT can help reduce the confusion. We stock a wide variety of cat foods and can help you in finding the one that is perfect for your precious pet.
Your cat is a hunter, descended from a long line of hunters. Wild cats naturally ate a wide selection of nutritious food, based upon what they could catch. But your domestic cat depends on you to feed them. Paw Print Pantry has all the foods that will keep them happy and healthy.
What Nutrients Does Your Cat Need?
For starters, your cat is a carnivore. They need to have meat in some form. This can be chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs. They need fats to supply energy and help absorb vitamins like A, D, B1, B2, B3, and B6. In addition, some cat foods include carbohydrates, which are digestible and offer energy.
Reading a Cat Food Label
Cat food companies are required to put certain information on their labels, such as ingredients in descending order of weight, and guaranteed analysis, which tells you the minimum and maximum amount of nutrients like fats, protein, and fiber.
Understand food descriptions. There's a big difference between "chicken cat food" and "cat food with chicken." Chicken cat food must be 95 percent chicken, while cat food with chicken can have as little as 3 percent. Food described as "chicken dinner" (or chicken formula) can be anywhere between 25 and 95 percent chicken.
Labels include feeding instructions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's guidance takes priority.
Try to find the nutritional adequacy statement, which explains whether the food is intended for an adult cat or a kitten.
Still have questions? Just ask us! Paw Print Pantry in Niantic, CT has anything you need for your pet. We carry a wide selection of major brands and our well-informed staff is eager to answer your questions and help you choose the best food for your cat. Stop by our store or call (860) 739-7297 for all your pet's needs.