5 Of The Best Natural Cat Foods To Feed Into Your Pets Wild Side

Benefits of Switching to Natural Cat Food

Feeding your cat natural cat food comes with a variety of benefits that can lead to a healthier and happier feline friend:

For starters, it typically contains high-quality ingredients that are closer to your cat’s natural diet (as in, when they used to fend for themselves!), which means they’ll be getting the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

One of the main advantages of natural cat food is that it’s usually free of artificial additives such as colors, flavors, and preservatives. This can be particularly beneficial for cats with allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients like grains.

Another great aspect of this type of food is that it usually has a higher meat content. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet rich in animal protein to maintain their overall health. A higher meat content can help support their muscle development, immune system, and energy levels.

Lastly, natural cat food can contribute to a healthier coat and skin. The high-quality (and often organic) ingredients and essential fatty acids found in natural cat food help nourish your cat’s skin and promote a shiny, healthy coat.

So if you take just one thing from this, know that natural cat food provides your furry friend with a diet that is closer to their natural needs, potentially leading to better health and well-being.

Ingredients to Look For:

Named Protein Sources: Look for specific protein sources other than “meat,” such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or salmon. These sources may also be followed by named organs like chicken liver or chicken heart, which are rich in taurine.

Fats and Oils: Fats are essential for cats as they provide more than twice the energy per gram compared to proteins or carbohydrates.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids play crucial roles in overall health, including skin and coat health, brain function, vision, and anti-inflammatory processes.

Vegetables and Grains: Cat food ingredients should include vegetables and grains for vitamins and minerals.

Amino Acids: Eggs are an excellent source of amino acids, which are essential for your cat’s health. Look for organic dried egg on the ingredients list of your chosen food.

How to Get a Cat to Try New Cat Food

Introducing a new cat food to your cat admittedly requires patience and, ideally, a gradual transition:

The best way to get your cat to chow down on their new food is to mix the old and new: start small, by mixing a small amount of your new formula with their old cat food. Then, gradually increase the proportion of the new food over a period of 7-10 days.

This will help your cat get used to the taste and texture of the new food while minimizing digestive upset. By the time their bowl is 100% new food, they’ll have become accustomed to the new tastes and texture.

Vitamins and Minerals: What You Need to Know

Cats require a range of essential vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. They need fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as water-soluble vitamins from the B family, especially Vitamin B12. Essential minerals for cats include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc[^2^].

But don’t let this overwhelm you: most commercial cat foods are formulated to provide these necessary nutrients, however some cats may require additional supplementation due to dietary deficiencies or health issues. You know our mantra: always consult your veterinarian before trying out a new diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is organic cat food more expensive?

Since organic cat foods use higher-quality ingredients, which are typically more sustainable and offer much more traceability, it does tend to be more expensive. However, if you look at the bigger picture, giving your cat an overall healthier diet can lead to fewer veterinarian bills in future, which could save money in the long run.

What kind of cat can eat a natural diet?

A natural diet is good for any cat, and they don’t have to have food sensitivities to switch to a natural food.

Natural options include many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that all cats need to maintain a healthy body. That said, not all cats will respond to a new food in the same way, so you may need to try a few options before you get it right.

As ever, we always recommend consulting your vet before making big changes to your cat’s routine, especially if any problems start to occur.

What if my cat won’t eat the new food?

Some cats have issues when switching foods. They love routine and can be hesitant around new foods, even if you’ve picked up the best organic cat food. If you’re set on switching your cat to a natural diet there are ways to make the change easier:

One way you can make this less stressful for your cat is to introduce the food with their old food slowly. Simply add small amounts of the new food to their cat bowl, increasing the ratio slowly until they are happy with the natural food alone.

How do I pick between wet and dry food?

Both wet and dry cat foods have benefits, and we suggest having a line of both that your cat loves. Many cats struggle to drink enough water, so hydrating their dry food or serving wet food is crucial to maintain their health.

As we always say, it’s best to consult with a vet and study your cat’s preferences to know how much wet or dry food they should have in their routine.

What’s the difference between natural and ordinary kitty food?

In simple terms, natural food often emphasizes the use of whole, named protein sources, such as organic chicken or salmon, and includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains for essential vitamins and minerals. In contrast, ordinary food may use generic protein sources, like “meat” or “poultry,” and may not prioritize the inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.

It’s super important to note that the term “natural” is not strictly regulated in the pet food industry, so it’s crucial to carefully read the ingredient list and be sure to do your research when choosing a new cat food for your feline.

Is natural or organic cat foods better?

Determining whether natural or organic cat foods are better depends on your priorities and your cat’s specific needs:

Organic food, be it for cats or humans, adheres to strict guidelines set by the USDA for organic human food manufacturers, which include the use of organically grown crops and feed for animals raised for meat, milk, or eggs. In fact, obtaining official organic status takes a lot of time and work, so the term isn’t allowed to be thrown around lightly.

Natural cat food, on the other hand, focuses on using high-quality ingredients free from artificial additives, preservatives, and by-products. As we said before, the term “natural” isn’t regulated, so it’s important to read the small print if you go for a pet food with this label.

What should healthy cat food contain?

When you’re in the market for a healthy pet food, it’s essential to look for high-quality ingredients, such as real meat or fish, as the primary protein source, and avoid by-products, cheap fillers, and artificial additives. Plus, the food should contain a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to support your cat’s overall health and wellbeing.

Remember, while we can give you a ballpark, always make sure to consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations tailored to your cat’s age, breed, and stomach sensitivities.

What does natural cat food mean?

Basically, the term “natural cat food” refers to products made from ingredients derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources, without being subjected to chemically synthetic processes.

This means it should have overall better ingredients, with higher-quality animal protein sources coming from real meat or fish, rather than cost-effective “fillers” to bulk it out. It can also mean a higher price tag, but we’d say our cat’s health is 100% worth it.

How important is quality cat food?

Choosing the best quality feline food can make or break your kitty’s health and wellbeing. Good options, like natural or organic pet food, typically contain far higher-quality ingredients, like real poultry and meat, plus vegetables, grains, and added vitamins and minerals. Of course, this depends on which brand you choose. Our guide is jam-packed with great options to help you shop, so scroll on up to check it out now.

What is the most unhealthy food for cats?

Lots of people know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but what kinds of foods should cats avoid? Onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol, grapes, and raisins are toxic to cats and should be kept well away from any curious kitties. We also recommend not giving your cat table scraps (no matter how much they beg) as your leftovers may contain ingredients that’ll cause your feline harm. And of course, we don’t want that.

What are the four types of cat food?

There are four main types of cat food to keep your feline friend happy and healthy. First, we have dry food or kibble, which is convenient, easy to store, and great for dental health.

Next up is wet food or canned food, offering high moisture content and delicious flavors that cats adore. This is often the easiest to find and most cost-effective option since canned foods tend to have a longer shelf life.

Then, we have semi-moist food, a tasty middle ground between dry and wet, with a chewy texture cats find irresistible.

Lastly, raw or freeze-dried food provides a more natural diet since it comes packed with uncooked nutrients that some cat owners swear by. That said, not all cats respond well to a raw diet, so proceed with caution and introduce the new food naturally.

Each type has its benefits, so you can experiment to find the purr-fect match for your feline residents.

What’s the best protein type for cats?

Cats thrive on high-quality protein sources like real meat and fish. For example, chicken, turkey, and rabbit are excellent options, as they’re easily digestible and provide essential amino acids. Fish, such as salmon and tuna, offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat. Our tip: always choose cat food with a named protein source to ensure your feline friend gets the best nourishment.