Cat Food 101

Being a stellar pet parent means choosing the right food for your furry friend. Here's how.

Your cat is the best sidekick they can be, so you want to be the best cat parent that you can be. This means knowing what cat food to feed them to help keep your fantastic feline healthy — after all, we are what we eat. With these simple cat feeding tips, you can be a super-parent to your furry friend.

How to Read the Ingredient Label

There are so many ingredients listed on your cat's food that it can be hard to tell what it's actually made of. Fortunately, the ingredients are listed by weight, so whatever is listed first is what the food is mainly comprised of. Also, ensure the label says the food is "complete and balanced" because this means that it will meet all of your furry bestie's nutritional needs as determined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

What Ingredients to Look For

Good cat parents look for high-quality ingredients in their best friend's food. Choose foods that list meat, poultry or fish meals among their primary ingredients, along with healthy veggies like peas or carrots.

How Much Food to Feed

Check the label of your furball’s food, which should list how much to feed your feline companion based on their weight. This amount will provide them with the optimum amount of calories for their size and average activity level. But you can always consult with your vet on the appropriate portion size for your best friend if they’re super active or a real couch potato.

Different Formulas

Feeding your furry friend wet or dry food is up to you and your veterinarian, but a good idea is to feed them a little of each — so they get the best of both worlds. They can munch on the dry food when you aren't around and indulge in the moist, meaty wet food when dinnertime rolls around. Just be mindful that both foods are complete and balanced, and that they don’t over-consume calories.

When to Feed

Cats love to eat first thing in the morning and around your dinnertime, so it's best to split your furry one's daily portion into two. But don't forget to account for any additional snacks in their total daily calories, and reduce portions of food accordingly.