When it comes to buying food for our beloved cats, we want to ensure that we provide them with the best possible diet.
It means that sometimes we need to purchase premium brands of cat food. But is this worth it? Or can we save money by going with a generic brand?
These questions might come into your mind while spending a lot on cat food.
When it comes to cat food, you get what you pay for! Means quality is directly related to the price; the price foods contain quality protein source and usually has no fillers.
There’s a lot of debate around whether or not it’s worth paying more for premium cat food brands versus buying the generic versions. Instead of falling into it, you need to search for food that can give your cat balanced nutrition, not only protein or fillers.
Many people assume that the more expensive, premium brands must be better for their cats. But is this the case? Let’s find out:
Also, read about the best hypoallergenic cat food with taurine, these foods are capable enough to deal with allergies without getting into veterinarian’s hands.
Premium pet foods – are they worth the premium price?
The price of cat food is usually determined by the quality and quantity of ingredients used. You have to feed less expensive brands because they have more plant material and filler ingredients.
Premium brands use better protein sources, so your cats will eat less to get their daily needed calories. This makes a difference, especially if you have a fussy feline.
If your cat is shedding lots of hair, not looking her best, or just seeming hungry, then it’s likely she needs more protein in her diet. Foods for cats that are higher in animal-based proteins usually have fewer carbs, fillers, and plant material.
Premium brands can be better because their source of protein is from a higher-quality ingredient, such as a chicken meal. However, this step-up makes premium cat food less likely to have high plant-based proteins, increasing your cat’s need for carbs and decreasing the quality of diet.
Even if you’re feeding a premium brand that contains corn or wheat, it will be less beneficial to your cat’s health than food containing animal proteins from the best sources.
Cheap foods give your cat more energy and keep them fuller for a more extended period.
So if your feline is shedding lots of hair, not looking her best, or just seeming hungry, then it’s likely your cat needs more protein in her diet. Foods for cats that are higher in animal-based proteins usually have fewer carbs and fillers, and they’re much better to provide balanced nutrition.
Nowadays, many manufacturers sell different types of food to match every budget and need. However, when it comes to grain-free wet foods, you want to look for one that does not use plant-based proteins, which can increase your cat’s need for carbs and decrease the quality of her diet.
If you’re feeding a premium brand that contains corn or wheat, it will be less beneficial to your cat’s health than food containing animal proteins from the best sources.
Meeting the Cat Nutritional Requirements!
How to read the cat food label? The first three ingredients listed should be meat-based proteins, NOT grain or plant-based. There are roughly 250 calories per cup of dry food and about 120 calories in 1/2 a can of wet food for an average 10lb cat.
You can also try to feed your cat a homemade diet. Your cat will love the quality ingredients you make for them, and it’s also far more cost-effective. Please consult with your veterinary nutritionist or your vet first if you decide to do this.
Avoid Cheap Foods Which Contains
- By-products
- Protein from corn (cornmeal, corn gluten meal)
- Protein from Soy (soybean meal, soy flour, soy meal)
- Wheat and White Rice
- Rye – harsh to digest ingredient
- When main ingredients are grains
- Potatoes (High glycemic)
- Tapioca (High glycemic)
- Menadione
- SAPP
- Artificial preservatives and colorants
Read about the ways to figure out who steals cat food, these are effective ways to find the culprit.
Should you Spend More on Posh brands?
If your cat is young, healthy, and has no sensitivities or allergies, it’s probably not worth paying for pricier brands.
Why? Because you’re more likely to see the benefits of premium diets if your cat has some medical condition that requires a special diet or food allergy.
While it’s true that cats can’t tell us how they feel, a cat with a medical condition is more likely to have a better quality of life if its food contains higher-quality ingredients.
In addition, most cats would agree that premium foods are tastier and smell better than the regular brands found at your local stores!
Premium foods typically use better protein sources, so your cats will eat less to get their daily needed calories. It makes a difference, especially if you have a fussy feline.
If you can afford to buy premium cat food for your fur kids, you must go for it.