14 Feb Is My Cat Getting the Nutrients It Needs?

One of the most important ways to keep your cat healthy is through their diet. Eating balanced, nutrient-dense food along with fresh, clean water is vital for your cat’s overall health and longevity of life. But what exactly qualifies as “nutrient-dense” food? And which nutrients does your cat need?

With so many options out there for cat food, vitamins, supplements, and more, it can be hard to know what is best for your kitten. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of cat nutrition and give you the tools you need to provide your cat with a healthy diet. 

What Nutrients Do Cats Need?

Nutrients refer to parts of a diet that are essential for energy, nourishment, and growth. In cats, there are six main categories of nutrients:

• Water
• Proteins
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Vitamins
• Minerals

Each of these nutrients plays a different role in your cat’s overall health. For example, cats get most of their energy from the proteins and fats that they eat, whereas vitamins help boost a cat’s metabolism and growth.

What is the Most Important Nutrient for Cats?

Just like humans, water is the most important nutrient for cats. Cats need access to water at all times to prevent serious illness or death. It is crucial for cat owners to clean and refill your cat’s water bowl throughout each day. There are also benefits of buying a water fountain for your cat to help further encourage hydration.

The other five categories of nutrients are still essential for your cat’s diet and should be found in the food your cat eats on a daily basis. Feeding your cat nutritious food can greatly support their immune system and prevent viral cat illnesses in the future.

Click here to learn more about immune support for your cats!

What is the Best Cat Food?

In order to maintain your cat’s optimal health, the food your cat eats should be filled with nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. There are many different options for cat food at pet and grocery stores, so it can be difficult to know what the best cat food is.

Talking to your veterinarian at PetWellClinic is a great place to start when choosing nutrient-dense food for your cat. Your vet knows exactly what your cat individually needs in their diet based on their age and any underlying health issues. Knowing that your cat’s food is vet-recommended or vet-approved can help give you the peace of mind you deserve.

One trick for choosing the best cat food is to look for the phrase “complete and balanced” in the nutritional adequacy statement on the label. According to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), cat food that is listed as “complete and balanced” must meet certain criteria established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), including the recommended levels of nutrients for cats.

Cat food can also come in the form of wet food or dry food, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both. Wet food is a great option for cats that may need additional water in their diet, whereas dry cat food is typically less expensive and lasts longer after opening.

Wondering what food is right for your cat? Click here to learn how to choose the best food for your pet!

Cat Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements can be a great way to add extra nutrition into your cat’s diet, but they are not always necessary. Your PetWellClinic veterinarian may recommend that your cat take a certain vitamin or supplement due to a medical condition, to fix a vitamin deficiency, or to supplement a home-cooked diet.

The main vitamins that your cat needs as a part of their diet, as noted by AAFCO, include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Pyridoxine
• Niacin
• Pantothenic Acid
• Folic Acid
• Biotin
• Vitamin B12
• Choline

Typically, healthy cats that eat a balanced, nutritional diet do not need extra vitamins or supplements. The food they eat is likely already filled with the sufficient nutrients that help your cat live a long, happy, and healthy life.

To learn more about pet vitamins and supplements, click here!

Cat Health at PetWellClinic

Maintaining a healthy diet is a huge part of your cat’s overall health, and PetWellClinic is here to help you get started. If you’re unsure about whether your cat is getting the nutrients it needs, ask your veterinarian! Your PetWellClinic vet can offer personalized advice about your cat’s food, vitamins, or supplements to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

PetWellClinic also offers convenient Cat Wellness Packages and Kitten Packages that bundle vaccines, lab tests, and other preventative care necessities for your feline friend. Visiting PetWellClinic each year for a physical exam is key for making sure that your cat is the epitome of health and nutrition.

How often should you take your cat to the vet? Find out here.

PetWellClinic provides high-quality walk-in veterinary care for pet owners across the U.S. Both cat and dog owners can benefit from PetWellClinic’s preventative care options and veterinary expertise. Walk in today to provide your cat with the healthy diet they deserve!

PetWellClinic has locations and services built with convenience in mind. Stop by with your pet anytime! No appointment necessary.