Types of Cat Food You Need to Know, Don't Choose the Wrong Cat Food!

Seeing the behavior of cats who are like kings at home, it is not surprising that this creature is still in the same 'family' as the king of the jungle, aka the lion. His name is a king, the 'master''s appetite at home is also often picky.

For pawrents , choosing the right type of cat food can involve a selection and elimination process as rigorous as Indonesian Idol . But don't worry, the following explanation of cat food types can provide guidance for overwhelmed pawrents !

What types of cat food are available?

Unlike tigers in the Sumatran jungle, domestic cats are no longer separated from the routines of modern life. Thanks to thousands of years of domestication, their well-being now depends heavily on their cat parents .

This means cat parents are also fully responsible for ensuring their pets' nutritional needs are met through a proper diet. This can be quite a burden, given the overwhelming variety of cat food options available on the market .

So, these hundreds of cat food options can be divided into four main categories. From commercially available dry food or kibble to raw food that requires special preparation, cat parents should read the explanations of these four types of cat food below!

Dry food : cheap and low maintenance type of cat food

Often called kibble , dry food is the most popular type of cat food due to its affordability and convenient storage . Shaped like cereal, dry cat food can last for months at room temperature without spoiling.

As a result, this type of cat food is suitable for busy owners who need to leave their pets alone at home. For example, you can use the automatic cat feeder from BIOTA Smart Home, which is compatible with dry food .

Simply schedule daily meal times and portions through the app, and pawrents can focus on work without worrying about their pets at home. At the designated time, the Smart Pet Feeder will automatically serve food without requiring pawrent intervention .

However, the convenience of this type of food is offset by the low water content of dry food, which is less than 10%. This means cat parents must diligently ensure their pets consume enough water daily to prevent dehydration.

Wet food : rich in protein and water for a balanced diet

As the name suggests, wet food is a type of wet cat food with a water content of over 70% . In terms of formulation, texture, and aroma, wet food more closely resembles a cat's natural diet than dry food , and can actually increase the cat's appetite.

Wet food also generally has a higher ratio of animal protein to carbohydrates than dry food, consistent with a cat's natural diet. Consequently, this type of cat food can be more expensive than dry food .

Another drawback of wet food is that cat parents have to work hard to maintain its freshness. Most wet food only lasts a few hours after opening , and the rest must be cleaned quickly or put straight into the refrigerator.

If you make a mistake, wet cat food can actually harbor bacteria, requiring owners to actively care for their cat while it's feeding. Unlike dry food, which is "ready-made," wet food requires more hands-on care .

Raw food : a 'natural' diet with a high risk of contamination

If wet food isn't 'natural' enough, there's also the increasingly popular raw food diet option. As the name suggests, raw food is a type of raw cat food that hasn't undergone any processing.

Raw food can be similar to wet food and sold frozen, or it can be freeze -dried to have a texture similar to dry food . This second type of raw food can last for several weeks, depending on the product.

While there's a perception that raw food is more nutritious for cats, high-quality wet food is just as nutritious. The problem is, raw cat food carries a higher risk of bacterial contamination .

The risks aren't limited to pets; pawrents can also be affected when cleaning up infected feces. Furthermore, the utensils used when serving food are all potential sources of disease.

Treats and toppers : snacks and supplements for a complete diet

Just like I always stock up on granola bars , cats also need occasional treats . But since they're treats, pawrents must be vigilant and ensure the treats have the appropriate nutritional content.

Fortunately, many treat options are available in the form of wet food, such as jam, or freeze -dried raw food . Often, both can also serve as toppers , or complements to a cat's main meal .

For example, if your pet's current diet consists of dry food , cat parents can add wet food toppers for a more balanced diet. Not only do they provide optimal nutrition and water content, but they can also make your cat's mealtimes more delicious.

Tips for choosing the right type of cat food

Have you read the explanations above about various types of cat food and are still overwhelmed? That's understandable, as being a cat parent is no small responsibility, requiring extensive information on how to properly care for your pet.

From budget , current living situation, to the condition and appetite of the cat, here are the factors that must be taken into account in choosing the type of cat food that is good for the 'master' at home .

Consider your budget when choosing the type of cat food

Don't be like my friend, whose lifestyle and income are so lopsided. Before checking out , calculate how much cat food you'll need each month to avoid regrets at the end of the month.

If your budget isn't enough for wet food , there's no need to be sad. Many pawrents also use a combination of wet food and dry food for the anabul's diet , so that the anabul still gets balanced nutrition without having to run to the anabul.

For example, for lunch, you can schedule the Smart Pet Feeder via the BIOTA Smart Home app to serve a serving of dry food . Then, in the evening, after your pet gets home from work, they can get the royal treatment with a serving of wet food .

Tailor your diet to your cat's unique needs.

Many types of cat food are formulated for cats with special needs, such as those for specific allergies or pregnant cats . For kittens or senior cats, owners should also choose a food appropriate for their age.

However, cat parents should always consult a veterinarian before addressing any medical issues. For milder conditions, such as cats frequently refusing to drink and being prone to dehydration, there are several solutions worth trying.

Pets can gradually switch to wet food , or try the Smart Pet Water Fountain from BIOTA. The pump on this automatic cat waterer creates a flowing water effect that can increase your pet's appetite.

Always check food composition and nutritional content

Just as I always check the nutritional label before buying any snack, your cat's owner needs the same treatment. No matter how pretty the packaging , if there's any indication of chemical preservatives in your cat food, skip it immediately .

In general, look for cat food that clearly lists the ingredients and their sources. Many cat foods are ambiguous about the meat they contain, and ambiguous phrases like " meat by-products " can be a sign of ingredients of questionable quality.

Protein is certainly paramount , but also ensure the food contains animal protein that's easy for your pet to digest. Pets should also avoid overindulging in wheat, as carbohydrate-rich ingredients are less relevant to a cat's diet.

Submit to the employer's taste

Even if you've formulated a diet with the most luxurious cat food, if your pet still refuses to eat, what can cat parents do? Cats are often unpredictable creatures, and their appetites are often unpredictable .

I've mentioned before that determining the most appropriate type of cat food involves a lot of trial and error . So, cat parents need to be patient, because ultimately, the final decision rests with their pet.

Explanation of types of cat food and tips for choosing it

It's not just graceful cats like Angoras that are picky eaters; many domestic cats also have their own unique tastes. Parents always want the best for their pets, so be patient when choosing cat food.

As with choosing skincare , don't be too tempted by claims, packaging , and marketing gimmicks . Always pay attention to nutritional information labels and ingredient lists, as there's a lot of hidden information that could be a trap later on!