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How to Choose the Right Cat Food

Posted by

PAWDELI

21/07/2025

On 17/06/2025

Choosing the right cat food not only helps them grow healthy and strong but also prevents many dangerous illnesses. If you’re a beginner, it’s even more important to understand how to select the right food for your furry friend.

At PAWDELI, we believe that after reading this article, you’ll become a cat nutrition expert! Let’s dive in together!

Why Is It Important to Know How to Choose Cat Food?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet must contain high levels of animal-based protein and specific nutrients. An imbalanced diet can lead to several diseases such as obesity, kidney failure, heart conditions, or even blindness.

That’s why choosing your cat’s food should be just like choosing your own—not just to feel full, but to stay properly nourished.

Also read: Không nên cho mèo ăn gì? 10 loại thực phẩm cần tránh

The cat is talking about wanting to eat something delicious

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cat Food

Buying food for your “majestic ruler” isn’t just about what’s affordable. Each cat has its own age, preferences, and dietary needs. To ensure your cat eats well, stays healthy, and doesn’t suffer from digestive issues or appetite loss, you should consider the following key factors:

1. Nutritional Needs by Life Stage

Newborn Kittens (up to 1 month old): Must be fed solely with mother’s milk. From 4–5 weeks, you can start introducing small meals (5–6 times a day). Their diet should be high in energy and protein: 30–40% protein, 15–20% fat.
Kittens (under 1 year): Should eat 4–5 small meals/day, reduced to 3–4 meals/day between 3–6 months, and 2–3 meals/day from 6–12 months.
Adult Cats (1–7 years): Require around 250 calories/day to maintain health. Feed twice a day and avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain.
Senior Cats (over 7 years): Choose soft, easy-to-digest food. Cut food into smaller pieces if needed.

Below is a Recommended feeding schedule according to cat’s age (save it for easier tracking!)

2. Preferences and Eating Habits

Every cat has unique tastes—some prefer wet food, others only like dry food. Try out different types to see which your cat likes best. Regardless of preference, always combine both wet and dry food to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

If your cat prefers dry food, make sure to provide plenty of clean water. Since cats don’t feel thirsty often, help them stay hydrated by placing ceramic or glass water bowls in different corners of your home (away from the litter box) and refresh the water frequently.

If possible, consider getting an water fountain for cat.

3. Essential Nutrients

Protein: Most important, provides energy and supports muscle, immunity, and organs. (Recommended: 30–40% protein for dry food, 8–12% for wet food.)
Taurine: A must-have. A taurine deficiency can lead to blindness or heart failure. Always check the label for taurine content.
Fats: Especially omega-3 and omega-6 for healthy coat and energy. (20–24% fat is ideal.)
Carbohydrates: Needed in glucose form for physiological functions. (About 10% of the diet.)
Vitamins & Minerals: Includes vitamins A, B, D, E, K, plus minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc for bone growth, metabolism, and immunity.

And don’t forget to always keep your cat hydrated!

Popular Types of Cat Food

Now that you understand your cat’s needs, it’s time to choose their favorite food. Let’s go shopping!

1. Dry Food (Kibble)

Pros: Convenient, cost-effective, can be left out all day without spoiling. Long shelf life (1.5–3 years if stored properly).

Cons: Very dry, make sure your cat drinks enough water.

Tip: Choose food with high animal protein and low carbs.

2. Wet Food

Pros: High moisture, palatable, similar to a natural feline diet.

Cons: Spoils quickly (3–5 days unopened in the fridge). More expensive than dry food.

Tip: Only contains 8–12% protein due to 70–80% water content.

3. Homemade Food

You can also cook for your cat! It’s safe and personalized, but requires solid nutrition knowledge and good cooking skills.

Always ensure meals are nutritionally balanced.

Also read: Cách làm Pate cho Mèo vừa nhanh, vừa đơn giản tại nhà.

4. Therapeutic Diets

Specially formulated foods to support specific health conditions, such as:

Food allergies: Uses hydrolyzed or limited-protein ingredients to minimize reactions.
Obesity: Low-calorie, high-fiber to keep cats full and nourished.
Digestive disorders: Includes prebiotics and enzymes for gut health.
Urinary/Kidney issues: Balanced minerals and hydration support.
Post-illness recovery: Soft, high-energy, and digestible food.

Important: Always consult a veterinarian before using therapeutic diets.

Therapeutic Food for Cats with Health Issues

Like humans, cats can suffer from a variety of health conditions. Proper nutrition can help manage and speed up recovery.

Here are some common and obvious cases:

1. Cats with Kidney Disease

A common issue in senior cats, damaged kidneys can’t process protein and toxins well.

Diet Tips:

Moderate protein, but high quality (e.g., lean chicken, salmon).
Low phosphorus to reduce kidney strain.
More omega-3 to reduce inflammation.
Wet food is ideal for hydration and kidney support.

IRIS recommends food with <0.5% phosphorus for cats with kidney disease.

2. Overweight or Obese Cats

Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and fatty liver.

Diet Tips:

High protein, low carb to maintain muscle during weight loss.
Include L-carnitine to support fat burning.
Low calorie but satisfying.
Look for “weight control,” “weight loss,” or “light” labels certified by AAFCO.

Recommended brands: Royal Canin Satiety, Hill’s Metabolic, ANF Weight Management

3. Cats with Urinary Stones or Bladder Inflammation

If your cat has trouble urinating or has blood in their urine, pay close attention.

Diet Tips:

pH-adjusted food (6.2–6.4) to prevent crystal formation.
Low in magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Ensure proper hydration, wet food or mixing broth with kibble.
Don’t self-prescribe therapeutic diets without a vet’s advice.

Suggested options: Hill’s Prescription c/d Multicare, Royal Canin Urinary S/O

4. Cats with Food Allergies

Common symptoms: scratching, hair loss, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Diet Tips:

Single-source protein and carbs.
Use hydrolyzed or novel proteins (duck, venison, whitefish).
Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and additives.

You can try: Ziwi Peak, Natural Balance LID, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic

5. Cats Recovering from Surgery or Illness

High-quality food is crucial to help cats regain energy, boost immunity, and heal.

Diet Tips:

Rich in animal protein and healthy fats (omega-3, omega-6).
High-calorie in small portions to avoid bloating.
Easy to digest and flavorful to stimulate appetite.

You can try: Royal Canin Recovery, Hill’s a/d, or homemade chicken/salmon soup with pumpkin.

How to Read Cat Food Labels

1. Check the First 3 Ingredients

Ingredients are listed by quantity, from most to least. Look at the first 3 items to assess protein content.

2. Key Ingredients to Look For

High-quality cat food lists specific animal proteins (e.g., chicken, turkey, salmon). Good products also specify fat sources (e.g., chicken fat).

Top 10 Cat Food Brands in US (2025)

Feeling overwhelmed by choices? Don’t worry, PAWDELI has researched and compiled the Top 10 Best Dry Cat Food Brands in US to help you decide easily!

Also read: Review các hãng Thức ăn hạt cho mèo tốt nhất năm 2025.

Where to Buy Cat Food?

Pet care has become more accessible than ever. You can easily purchase cat food from pet stores, websites, or trusted e-commerce platforms.

Or, visit PAWDELI’s official store at https://pawdeli.com/shop.