Cat Nutrition: Ensuring A Balanced Diet For Your Cat

When it comes to cat nutrition, do you know what makes a balanced diet?  Petmd.com has provided a “New Bowl” feature that spells out the nutritional needs for cats.  Here are the essentials and how they contribute to good cat nutrition:

• Protein-provide the building blocks to keep muscles healthy.  They’re also important for energy, growth and maintenance.  Good protein sources for cats include eggs, chicken and fish.  Beware of excess protein, however, if your cat is prone to kidney problems, as this can make kidney problems worse.
• Fats and Oils. These help keep your cats coat healthy and shiny, help support the immune system, and help maintain optimal brain and eye functions.  Good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 include flaxseed and fish oil.  Cats don’t manufacture the required fatty acids like dogs do, so it’s important that these fatty acids be provided in their food.
• Carbohydrates.  Carbs give cats energy to play and pounce.  Fiber, which is considered a form of carbohydrate, keep digestion working well.  Whole grains are a good source of carbs and help keep cat’s blood sugar at a healthy level.  Grains and potatoes are good sources of carbs and fiber.