"THE BIOLOGICALLY APPROPRIATE CONCEPT IS SIMPLE: MIRROR THE BALANCE AND VARIETY OF FOODS THAT DOGS AND CATS WOULD NATURALLY FIND HUNTING IN THE WILD AND FOR WHICH THEY ARE EVOLVED TO EAT"
Have you ever heard of premium cat food? If you recently adopted a kitten like I did, then most likely you're not yet familiar with this breakthrough. I first read about premium cat food in a forum of pet owners. They provided positive feedbacks about the product and began promoting it to those who want to go natural.
I have a 6 month old kitten, luna, and I've dedicated myself since day one to provide her with only the healthiest food in the market. But much to my surprise, I learned that grocery cat foods do not meet the nutritional value Luna needed. I was suddenly alarmed with this information and so I began doing a search of my own. What exactly is a premium cat food? and How is it different from those of grocery-brands?
I googled for some basic info of premium cat food and came across with an article in pdf format by PETCO (http://www.petco.com/caresheets/cat/Cat_PremiumFood.pdf). I think their presentation is simple and concise for owners to have a clear understanding of what separates a premium cat food from those we commonly see in the market.
Cats are naturally born carnivores. Hence, they thrive in meat which is rich in proteins. Feline creatures need this amino acid immensely in their diet. But with Grocery-brand cat foods, a lot of fillers such as corn, wheat, and rice are added in the formulation. These things contain a high amount of carbohydrates and although essential, cats need little amount of it.
Moreover, because these fillers contain less nutritional value, our cats tend to eat much more than they would if given higher quality foods. This may lead to obesity if left unattended. But more importantly, continuous feeding of low quality foods over a period of years could lead to aggravating conditions that may need extensive veterinary care.
Other reasons I googled why pet owners feed their cats with premium brand foods:
I have a 6 month old kitten, luna, and I've dedicated myself since day one to provide her with only the healthiest food in the market. But much to my surprise, I learned that grocery cat foods do not meet the nutritional value Luna needed. I was suddenly alarmed with this information and so I began doing a search of my own. What exactly is a premium cat food? and How is it different from those of grocery-brands?
I googled for some basic info of premium cat food and came across with an article in pdf format by PETCO (http://www.petco.com/caresheets/cat/Cat_PremiumFood.pdf). I think their presentation is simple and concise for owners to have a clear understanding of what separates a premium cat food from those we commonly see in the market.
What is Premium?
Premium cat food is generally more densely packed with nutrients and calories than economy brands. Better ingredients means better digestibility and contributes more to the health of your cat. Your cat will eat as much or as little as he/she needs to get sufficient nutrients. Smaller servings will be easier to digest and they will less likely put on extra weight.
Premium brands are also more consistent between bags.Your cat’s nutritional needs are based on age, activity level, temperament, environment and physical makeup. Premium cat foods typically have higher quality protein sources, no artificial dyes, and added antioxidants and vitamins.
Cats are naturally born carnivores. Hence, they thrive in meat which is rich in proteins. Feline creatures need this amino acid immensely in their diet. But with Grocery-brand cat foods, a lot of fillers such as corn, wheat, and rice are added in the formulation. These things contain a high amount of carbohydrates and although essential, cats need little amount of it.
Moreover, because these fillers contain less nutritional value, our cats tend to eat much more than they would if given higher quality foods. This may lead to obesity if left unattended. But more importantly, continuous feeding of low quality foods over a period of years could lead to aggravating conditions that may need extensive veterinary care.
Other reasons I googled why pet owners feed their cats with premium brand foods:
- Premium brands have a lot more nutrients that a cat needs.
- The nutrients found in premium brand foods helps a cat's coat, teeth and health.
- Not as many servings are needed with premium brand cat foods.
- Many different premium brand cat foods are out there to make sure a cat eats just the right food.
- The first and main ingredient is meat based with premium brand cat foods.
- Even though the cost is more, a cat owner might spend less money a month because a cat will not eat as much because it will get full and satisfied.
- Packaging is basic but ensures freshness with premium brand cat
I recently just switched Luna to Orijen (premium cat food). Orijen won pet food of the year for 2009-2010, and was hailed Canada's award winning pet food maker. Due to its unavailability in grocery stores, however, I had to get it in a shop located in Cartimar which sells dog and cat foods imported from international countries.
There's a lot of negative feedback about premium cat foods being more pricey compared to friskies and Whiskas - popular cat food among people. But in my opinion, if you would look closely on the ingredients and nutritional section of Orijen, you'll see that it's densely pack with nutrients and vitamins and contains no grains or fillers at all. In addition, the carbohydrate content was reduced to the lowest level possible.
For a more detailed information of Orijen: cat and kitten and its kibble formulation, visit their website: http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/products/catkitten.aspx
From my own experience, after I switched Luna to this product, I saw improvements on her health just after a week. She used to have indigestion issues with friskies dry and wet food, and so I had to shift her to another brand -Whiskas - hoping that it would correct her symptoms. For a few days she was able to eat normally. But one night, she just vomited all of her stomach contents ( you would curse the smell of an undigested food) and lost her appetite next day after.
I'm just so grateful that Luna loves water bcoz that kept her from being dehydrated after her worst throw up. I gradually introduced Orijen kibbles to her. At first, she was reluctant to eat anything and insisted on drinking water. But Orijen just gives off an enticing smell that Luna eventually started nibbling it. I supplemented her diet with LC-vitamin 1 ml per day and after a day or two, she's eating enthusiastically again.
She gained weight after 2 weeks and her coat became undeniably smoother. Shortly, I noticed that I'm feeding her less often than before. But I guess the highlight for me with this product is the apparent improvement on her activity level and the difference it made on her stool and urine. Her poop became more solid and less foul in odor, and she also started drinking more water. She urinates several times a day which I believe is really good in preventing urinary tract infections in cats. Btw, I bought it for 690 pesos and I'm just completely satisfied with the improvements I'm seeing. Every peso I spent was so worth it.
Presently, Orijen and other premium cat foods out there are not widely known to the awareness of the public here in our country. Only through forums of websites dedicated for animals health and well-being can you read about these things. Hence, I committed myself to start advocating premium cat foods to those who are considering of adding a feline companion to their family. Our cats deserve to live a long life as much as we are. Lets make their lives as healthy and worthwhile.
Please do not settle for less just to save your wallet a few bucks. Adding a cat to your family is indeed a great responsibility. But once you get the hang of it, the rewards will exceed your earthly expectations. The fulfillment and love we gain as pet owners can never be replaced by any kind of monetary compensation. So spread the word and be informed. xoxo
There's a lot of negative feedback about premium cat foods being more pricey compared to friskies and Whiskas - popular cat food among people. But in my opinion, if you would look closely on the ingredients and nutritional section of Orijen, you'll see that it's densely pack with nutrients and vitamins and contains no grains or fillers at all. In addition, the carbohydrate content was reduced to the lowest level possible.
For a more detailed information of Orijen: cat and kitten and its kibble formulation, visit their website: http://www.orijen.ca/orijen/products/catkitten.aspx
From my own experience, after I switched Luna to this product, I saw improvements on her health just after a week. She used to have indigestion issues with friskies dry and wet food, and so I had to shift her to another brand -Whiskas - hoping that it would correct her symptoms. For a few days she was able to eat normally. But one night, she just vomited all of her stomach contents ( you would curse the smell of an undigested food) and lost her appetite next day after.
I'm just so grateful that Luna loves water bcoz that kept her from being dehydrated after her worst throw up. I gradually introduced Orijen kibbles to her. At first, she was reluctant to eat anything and insisted on drinking water. But Orijen just gives off an enticing smell that Luna eventually started nibbling it. I supplemented her diet with LC-vitamin 1 ml per day and after a day or two, she's eating enthusiastically again.
She gained weight after 2 weeks and her coat became undeniably smoother. Shortly, I noticed that I'm feeding her less often than before. But I guess the highlight for me with this product is the apparent improvement on her activity level and the difference it made on her stool and urine. Her poop became more solid and less foul in odor, and she also started drinking more water. She urinates several times a day which I believe is really good in preventing urinary tract infections in cats. Btw, I bought it for 690 pesos and I'm just completely satisfied with the improvements I'm seeing. Every peso I spent was so worth it.
Presently, Orijen and other premium cat foods out there are not widely known to the awareness of the public here in our country. Only through forums of websites dedicated for animals health and well-being can you read about these things. Hence, I committed myself to start advocating premium cat foods to those who are considering of adding a feline companion to their family. Our cats deserve to live a long life as much as we are. Lets make their lives as healthy and worthwhile.
Please do not settle for less just to save your wallet a few bucks. Adding a cat to your family is indeed a great responsibility. But once you get the hang of it, the rewards will exceed your earthly expectations. The fulfillment and love we gain as pet owners can never be replaced by any kind of monetary compensation. So spread the word and be informed. xoxo
