What is a healthy diet for cats?

A cat’s diet is just as important as ours.

Even more so. Whereas we can choose what, where and when we eat, our cats don’t have the same luxury.

Instead their mealtimes are at the mercy of us and what we think is best for them. 

For a feline to live the happiest, healthiest life possible, they need to be fed a complete and well-balanced diet packed full of high-quality proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

And, of course, we shouldn’t forget about the taste either.

You won’t feed your cat the same diet all their life. As they grow and evolve, so do their nutritional requirements.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with changing up a cat’s diet.

Introducing new foods can see them enjoying a blend of different nutrients, while simultaneously  making mealtimes more exciting.

We do need to be careful when altering up their diets though. 

While we can go from burger to burrito in a matter of hours, it’s not quite the same for felines.

When changing a cat diet, emphasis of course should be on the ingredients – natural and high-quality – but we need to make sure the transition is gradual, even if we are introducing them to food that’s healthier. 

Suddenly serving up your feline a brand new recipe has the potential to cause quite serious digestive upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. They may even develop an aversion to the food moving forward. 

It can take up to a couple of weeks for a feline to adjust to a change in diet, even longer if they have a sensitive stomach.

Try mixing in the new food over the course of a week, slowly upping the amount each day. 

Stay patient, and watch for how they respond to each meal.

Chicken. Cats thrive on high-protein diets and you won’t find many better sources than chicken. A lean meat packed with nutrients, chicken will help maintain body weight and build muscle, and is also linked to healthy bones and teeth. Our Chicken Breast With Duck In Broth Pot is created using real protein, so it’s tasty and easy to digest.

Natural cat food. At Reveal, we believe felines are happiest and healthiest when they’re eating recipes made with 100% natural ingredients; no artificial additives, preservatives or colors. Nutritious and delicious, your cats will know the difference straightaway.

Fish. Another excellent source of protein, fish is a firm feline favorite. Easily digestible, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids; healthy fats that possess anti-inflammatory benefits, and can help give your cat a shinier coat. Try our Sardine With Mackerel In Broth Pot or the Tuna with Shrimp in Broth Pot if you’re looking to incorporate a little more fish into your feline’s diet.

Fiber-rich food sources. Pumpkins, carrots, apples; natural fiber-rich foods are real pet pick-me-ups that can alleviate both constipation and diarrhea, while boosting the immune system. You can find them in certain cat food recipes like Reveal’s Chicken With Pumpkin In Broth Can. Alternatively, you may want to serve them up as healthy, natural treats. In the case of apples, remove the seeds and cores, and cut them into bite-sized slices before offering them to your cat.

Vitamins and minerals. These essential nutrients are vital in helping your cat’s body perform a number of vital functions. They will boost their immune system, promote growth and development, and increase bone strength. A large portion of vitamins and minerals will be found in any whole meat and vegetable recipes you serve your pet. These are some of the more important ones you should be looking out for – Vitamins A, B, C, D and E, along with magnesium, zinc, potassium and calcium

Healthy treats. Treats are a fantastic way of showing our cats just how much we love them, but we can’t let them ruin a complete and well-balanced diet. Reveal’s Whole Tuna Loin treat is 100% tuna, 100% natural, 100% tasty;  the perfect reward for a well-behaved feline.

No grains. It’s well documented that grains can trigger intolerances in some cats. This can manifest itself in gut health discomfort and irritating skin conditions. Reveal wants only the best for your feline, which is why we offer grain-free recipes for those cats who struggle with sensitivities and allergies.

Limited ingredient cat food. Recipes made with a restricted number of ingredients, usually a single protein and single carbohydrate source, can help prevent food intolerances and improve gut health. Our Tuna with Seaweed in Broth Can contains truly limited ingredients, but is still packed full of flavor and nutrients.

Raw diet. Raw meat, like protein-rich chicken, can make up part of a well-balanced cat diet. You do need to beware of bacteria, and the risk of cross-contamination. Nutritional imbalance is also a serious concern, which is why we always recommend feeding them a complete diet comprising high-quality dry and wet food.

Water. No cat diet is complete without water. Always make sure they have easy access to a clean, fresh bowl. The extra moisture in wet food can also boost hydration levels. 

Spending time researching your cat’s nutritional needs is always time well spent. All cats are different so there’s never going to be a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to diet. One characteristic a lot of cats do share is the fact they are creatures of habit, so try your best to stick to a feeding schedule that suits them and you. And remember to take things slow if you are changing up recipes.