The best Dubai pet foods have superb quality and all the nutrients required to keep your cat as healthy as possible for as long as possible. From the nutrients they need to the importance of water and the benefits of cat food toppers, read on for the four essential things you need to know about your cat’s nutrition.

1. Only feed them high-quality pet food.

Your cat needs nutrients in order to maintain their energy levels and to ensure that their metabolic machinery (which is required for maintenance and growth) is working properly. Your cat needs protein for growth, maintenance, reproduction and repair, as well as fats for energy and protection for internal organs. They also need to consume carbohydrates as they provide energy for their body’s tissues and critical organs and vitamins for normal metabolic functioning.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that your cat is consuming the necessary nutrition is to feed them high-quality pet food. Because the food is formulated to the highest standard, by providing them with high-quality pet food, your cat will be able to get all the necessary nutrients.

All cats, regardless of age, need to be eating high-quality, nutritious food in order to maintain their health. The amount you need to feed an adult cat is going to depend on their size and activity levels, as this plays a large role in determining their caloric intake. At this age, it is generally suggested that you feed your cat twice a day and implement portion control.

If your cat is overweight, you will need to reduce their caloric intake and increase their activity levels. Remember that (just like humans), cats should consume treats in moderation and should instead be mostly eating a nutritionally rich diet of regular meals.

2. Encourage your cat to drink more water.

Cats are notorious for not consuming enough water on their own accord. If they don’t drink enough water and become dehydrated, they can develop bladder and kidney issues, which can often be painful and potentially fatal. Therefore, you must encourage them to stay hydrated so that they can remain happy and healthy.

In order to get your cat to drink more, you want to make sure you are providing them with fresh water every single day. Keep in mind that cats love running water, so opting for a water fountain can make a significant difference.

If you choose to go with a water bowl, make sure you use a shallow one as this will help to prevent “whisker stress.” This occurs when a cat has to eat or drink from a deep bowl which then brushes against their whiskers, putting pressure on them and leading to severe sensitivity or pain. Additionally, it would be best if you cleaned the water bowl regularly and kept several water containers around the house in different places.

Furthermore, you should add a small amount of water to your cat’s wet food to help them drink more water.

3. You may need to offer them cat food toppers.

In some instances, even the most delicious dry food can be a hard sell for your kitty. Many owners find it challenging to encourage their cat to eat dry food. After all, cats are stubborn and often a lot fussier when it comes to kibble than wet food. However, it is still vital for your cat to eat the dry food as it is key to good nutrition, and it also plays a significant role in keeping their teeth healthy.

Therefore, if you are looking for ways to get your cat to eat dry food, you may want to experiment with cat food toppers. You can pour products such as Applaws Cat Soups or Kit Cat cans over the kibble to encourage your fur baby to eat their dry food.

Additionally, cat food toppers provide your cat with more moisture, something their diet is usually lacking. As mentioned earlier, cats do not typically consume enough water on their own, so you want to provide them with more moisture whenever possible. Therefore, supplementing their diet with cat food toppers is a great strategy.

4. Pay attention to your cat’s specific needs.

At the end of the day, every cat is different, which is why it is so essential that you pay attention to your cat’s specific needs. To get the balance right and aid your furry friend in leading a long and healthy life, you need to really know your cat.

In addition to ensuring that they are consuming the right amounts of the five major nutrient groups (protein, fats and oils, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates), you also want to make sure you are feeding them the right amount. To ascertain how much they should be eating, you need to take into account their breed, activity and lifestyle.

Start by following the feeding guidelines listed on the cat food packaging and then from there, you can slightly increase or decrease depending on your cat’s size and activity level. Therefore, it is essential to remember that the amounts listed on the cat food are only guidelines and the actual amount your cat needs may be different. You can monitor your cat’s weight and use it as a basis to adjust the amount of food you are feeding them.

What do you think are the most critical aspects of managing your cat’s nutrition? Do you have any additional tips or relevant insights to add to this list? Alternatively, are you experiencing any challenges when it comes to your pet’s diet? Let us know your thoughts and ask your questions in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.