What is a complete diet? The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) set out recommended guidelines for pet food to ensure a balanced diet. A ‘complete diet’ can only be classed as a complete diet if it meets the requirements for vitamins, minerals and nutrients within it’s food. Have a check of your cat’s wet… Read more »
What is a complete diet?
The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) set out recommended guidelines for pet food to ensure a balanced diet. A ‘complete diet’ can only be classed as a complete diet if it meets the requirements for vitamins, minerals and nutrients within it’s food.
Have a check of your cat’s wet food packing – does it say a complementary diet? If it does, by feeding this food alone your cat will be lacking in ingredients to keep them happy and healthy for longer. Many dry foods are ‘complete’ but the majority of wet foods aren’t which is why it’s so important to take advice from a qualified professional.
As we know, cats are complex animals so it’s no surprise their dietary needs are complex too:
- Vitamin A is necessary but at very precise limits. Liver is very rich in vitamin A, but too much can actually be harmful
- If the balance of essential fatty acids is wrong, it will take the shine out of your cat’s coat
- Cats are not able to produce taurine (an amino acid) so it’s essential it is in their food as a lack of taurine can lead to health problems such as blindness and heart conditions
- Gelling agents that bind water can lead to kidney problems as cats are not correctly hydrated
Often people choose to feed their cat’s cooked chicken breast or steamed fish. This is great as a treat, but as it doesn’t have the ingredients above, it isn’t a sustainable diet for your cat.
At Cat’s Whiskers, our feline only trained staff are on hand to advise you on the best diet for your cat; from the best product, and how we can save you money.
