10 Cat-Friendly Foods That Are Healthy For You Too
What does your cat eat? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably cat food. And it turns out, and you’re probably right!
While most pet food manufacturers do an excellent job of making sure their products are nutritious and easy to digest, there are many foods out there that are healthy not only for your cat but also for you!
This list of 10 cat-friendly foods that are healthy for you too should help both the carnivore and the veggie lovers in your life enjoy their meals.
What do healthy foods mean?
- There’s no official definition of healthy food, but there are some things to look for when deciding whether food is healthy.
- An excellent place to start is by looking at what should be kept out of your cat’s diet; most veterinarians recommend you keep any table scraps, chocolate, or fatty treats out of your bowl.
- And avoid adding supplements like vitamins and minerals without first consulting with your vet; too much of certain nutrients can be dangerous for your cat’s health.
- Also, it’s best to avoid human foods that aren’t specifically designed for cats; many people give them milk even though cats are lactose intolerant.
How to feed your cat the perfect diet
Healthy foods for cats are high in fiber and protein, moderate in fat, and low in salt, calories, and sugar. The best diet for your cat is a well-balanced one.
This means providing plenty of food from each of these categories: animal sources (such as turkey or chicken), grains (such as rice or pasta), fruits and vegetables (which add needed vitamins), dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) and water.
Cat owners should choose healthy treats like fishy treats but avoid human junk food that may be bad for your cat’s health, such as potato chips, doughnuts, ice cream, candy bars, cookies, etc. It’s also important to limit how much human food your cat eats.
Which Cat Food Is Healthiest?
- The first step in providing your cat with a healthy diet is choosing quality food. Look for foods appropriate for your cat’s age, weight, and activity level.
- Be sure to read labels and avoid foods high in fat, sodium, and protein. Since cats don’t need carbohydrates or grains in their diets, it’s best to look for meat-based products like canned or freeze-dried raw diets (some contain probiotics).
- These are higher in nutritional value than commercial dry kibble formulas. It’s also a good idea to look for antioxidant ingredients like fruits and vegetables that can help boost your cat’s immune system.
Top 10 foods to feed your cat
1) Salmon
We all know how healthy salmon is for humans, but it’s also excellent for cats.
Salmon contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help protect against heart disease, aid in brain development, and boost coat health.
This fish is also high in protein and low in calories, so your cat will burn more energy by digesting it than they consume!
2) Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great way to get more calcium into your diet, loaded with protein and low in fat. If you haven’t ever tried it before, be prepared for its unique texture; it may take some getting used to.
3) Apples
These are nutritious and taste great, making them a healthy snack for both you and your cat. Apples contain fiber that aids digestion, but they also have pectin, which may be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
They’re also high in vitamins C and A, potassium, and antioxidants that help maintain healthy skin and cardiovascular systems.
4) Turkey
Turkey is a lean, low-calorie source of protein that’s also a good source of niacin (vitamin B3) and selenium. Also, look for skinless, white breast meat as dark meat contains more calories and saturated fat.
5) Peas
Besides providing protein, cats love these healthy foods because they’re an excellent source of Vitamin C and calcium.
If you or your cat are allergic to seafood, peas are a good alternative for Omega 3s. Sprinkle them over the kitty’s food for extra flavor!
6) Sweet Potatoes
This orange, starchy vegetable is packed with beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body. A single sweet potato provides you with a whopping 700 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in potassium, B vitamins, and fiber. Feeding your cat sweet potatoes not only provides her with nutritional value but makes for an exciting treat as well.
7) Broccoli
Broccoli may not seem like a go-to healthy food for cats, but it is. This green vegetable contains a little more protein than your average salad ingredient and Vitamin C, which helps with felines’ vision and heart health.
When serving up some broccoli to your feline friends, make sure you remove any tough stalks and place them on their backs, as they are easier to digest that way.
8) Pumpkin Seeds
Full of healthy fats, pumpkin seeds are a terrific source of vitamin E, making them an ideal snack for all cats. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc and magnesium, two essential minerals for your cat’s health and development.
Just be sure to remove any strings or shells from the seeds before feeding them to your cat. (Interested in other healthy foods for cats? See our list of cat-friendly foods here.)
9) Oatmeal
Oatmeal is healthy food for cats as it contains soluble fiber that’s great for keeping their digestive tract running smoothly.
It’s also packed with calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy bones and joints in older cats. Oatmeal may even keep your cat’s coat shiny and soft!
10) Salmon Eggs
Salmon eggs are an excellent treat for your cat. The hard-boiled eggs can be used as an ingredient in homemade cat treats or crumbled and given to your feline friend as a snack.
Plus, they’re tasty, so you might even want to try some yourself! Salmon eggs contain omega-3 fatty acids and taurine, essential for heart health in cats.
Conclusion
Cats are delicate creatures that require careful, nutrient-rich diets. Like most animals, they get all of their vitamins and minerals from what they eat; in cats’ case, it is essential to feed them nutritionally balanced and appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level.
If you do so, you’ll be ensuring your cat stays healthy and happy while simultaneously ensuring yourself a lifetime of cuddles with your beloved feline companion.