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Grain-free cat food

Grain-free Cat Food

Manufacturers started incorporating grains into pet food when consumers began desiring the convenience of purchasing pet food in a supermarket and when the manufacturers discovered that they could bring down the cost of their process by using grains.



Grains such as wheat and rice are sources of inexpensive calories, but due to the high carbohydrate content in them, they contribute to complications such as kidney stones, obesity, diabetes, allergies, skin and coat problems and behavior problems. Dogs and cats are not naturally meant to consume grains and their digestive systems are not properly equipped to process and digest them. Grain free cat food that is carbohydrate-reduced and based on meat, fruit and vegetables of human-grade quality is more suited for cats.





Most veterinarians will state that grains and carbohydrate-rich pet foods are the main causes of health complications in cats. In spite of this fundamental drawback of most commercial pet foods, the practice still continues because of the cheaper cost and easy availability it involves. Grains also have a longer shelf life and therefore this becomes one more reason why pet owners opt for this route, even in light of the health problems they pose.



Corn is also popular filler in cat food. It is very cheap and hence used commonly in many types of commercial cat food. However, it is also a primary cause of allergies in cats and hence many pet owners are switching to corn free cat food.

Pet owners today are increasingly opting for healthier natural alternatives to cat food. The nutrition of the cat influences the animal’s overall health, energy level and sate of being. Natural cat food aims at providing the cat with foods that it would normally eat in its natural environment. Such food includes raw fish, chicken, turkey and rabbit. The vitamin intake of the cat can be improved through supplements. This can be discussed with a veterinarian. When preparing raw meals for the cat, ensure that you leave some of the skin on the meat and grind the bones finely before serving. The skin will supply the cat with good fatty tissue, while the bone will add calcium. A good way to make sure that your pet is receiving only healthy cat food is to select the highest quality ingredients. Going organic is also beneficial as it will ensure that none of the food the cat is eating has any trace of chemical fertilizer or pesticides.

 
  Submitted on May 10, 2010