Cat Food Nutrition

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world and is a go-to meal choice for humans. As you prepare to dig into your dinner and notice your feline friend sniffing the irresistible medley of aromas, you may wonder, 'Can cats eat pizza, too?’ Unfortunately, it's probably best to keep your slice to yourself. Pizza can be made with problematic ingredients that can be harmful and even toxic to cats.

Most cats hate the smell of citrus and are unlikely to nibble on your orange. However, as a pet parent, it’s still important to understand whether this fruit is safe for your kitty. After all, you never know when orange might be an ingredient in a food item or when a curious cat might decide to take a taste.

The health benefits of blueberries are abundant. Blueberries contains vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and other compounds that help boost health in many ways, from supporting urinary-tract function to fighting cancer. People and dogs enjoy blueberries, but what about cats? Can cats eat blueberries safely, and if so, how many blueberries can a cat eat?

You wander back into the kitchen after a family board game session and notice a few small, bite marks on the holiday ham. The likely culprit? Your beloved cat, who probably hopped up onto the counter and helped herself to a nibble while no one was looking. But can cats eat ham? And, perhaps more importantly, is ham a safe and healthy food for felines?

Even though cats are carnivores, they find a lot of different foods enticing and may try to snack on things you wouldn't normally feed them, including bread. But can cats eat bread? Knowing what might happen if your cat eats bread will put your mind at ease as a pet owner.

Sweet potatoes are a popular staple veggie in many households, especially during the fall, thanks to their nutritional benefits and delicious, sweet flavor. And if you own a cat, it's only natural to wonder “Can cats eat sweet potatoes?” The short answer is yes: cats can enjoy an occasional nibble of a sweet potato. However, like other cat-friendly human foods, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Pet parents looking to give their cats the occasional veggie treat may wonder if cats can eat carrots. While carrots are a safe option for your feline family member, you’ll want to know the potential risks and benefits before giving this vegetable to your cat.

Whether it’s spooky season, Thanksgiving, or just another day at home, you might be tempted to give your cat a little bit of pumpkin. But can cats eat pumpkin? In most cases, the answer is “yes!”

Basil is one of the more commonly used and grown herbs in American homes. It’s used not just in a variety of dishes but also has a history of use in traditional Eastern medicinal practices. It also is relatively easy to grow, either in an outdoor garden or inside a home in a pot or container. If you do choose to grow basil indoors, or even outside, you may wonder if your cat can eat basil. Is it healthy for them? Is it even safe?

Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is a common herb in the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint, deadnettle, or sage family. Many of these plants, including rosemary, are aromatic herbs widely used in cooking. Other members include basil, catnip, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, and thyme. Rosemary is popular in home herb gardens, but is it safe for your cat?

Cats are natural hunters who, when left to their own devices, would choose meat as their primary food source. But if you're reading this, you may be wondering—cat cats eat corn? While the simple answer is “yes”, there are some things you'll want to know first.

Your cat will display habitual behavior around mealtime when it is hungry, and many cats can be quite demanding when they want to be served. But cats aren't as motivated by food as dogs, so acting hungry all the time, begging, or whining for food between feedings may point to a medical issue.

Homemade kitten milk replacer, or formula, is essential for kittens that won�t nurse or when a lactating mother cat is unavailable. Kitten supplement formula�also called “kitty glop” by breeders or “cat milk substitute”�is commonly used to feed orphaned kittens and newborn kittens.

It's natural to want to care for stray cats that hang around your home. It may be easy to simply put an extra can of cat food outside for a cat that shows up at your back door. What should you feed a stray cat that you’re caring for? How can you ensure the food doesn’t spoil and how can you care for strays without creating tension with your neighbors?

Is your cat not eating? When a cat suddenly stops eating, it could indicate a serious health issue. While cats are known for being picky eaters, consistently refusing food is not normal. If your cat has skipped several meals or hasn't eaten for a day or two, it's important to address the issue promptly.

The amount of wet food you should feed your cat depends on several factors, including the cat's age, size, and lifestyle. In general, a 5-pound cat with a lean body type needs about 170 calories per day, and a 10-pound cat with a lean body type needs about 280 calories per day. The feeding guidelines on the product packaging can give you a good idea of where to start.

Cheese is a staple food item in most homes. In fact, it’s so commonplace, some pet owners may use it to hide pet medications in. Can cats eats cheese, though?

Apples are one of the most popular fruits and you can find them almost anywhere. Coming in countless varieties, there’s an apple for every palate. But are apples as nutritious for cats as they are for people? What should you be aware of before offering your cat apples?

Wondering if kitty can have a bite of the fruit you're eating? Maybe. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should primarily consist of meat, but there are a few fruits that they can eat in moderation.If you're considering offering some fruit as a treat to your cat, there are a few things to keep in mind.

If you and your cat share a bit of a sweet tooth, you may be wondering—can cats eat strawberries? Yes, cats can safely eat strawberries, but that doesn’t mean they should get free access to a bowl of the fruit. Here are all the risks and potential benefits of strawberries for cats and how to safely share this fruit with your cat.

Is it safe for cats to eat dog food? In short, no. While small amounts of dog food will usually not harm a cat, long-term feeding of dog food to cats can cause complications. Cats may eat a dog's food for a variety of reasons, including hunger, trying to establish dominance, or being enticed by the smell. Although cat food and dog food seem similar, there are some important differences. Learn about the differences between cat and dog food and how to prevent your cat from taking a bite from your dog's plate.

Buying food and water bowls for your cat involves more than just choosing the cutest pattern or right size. Here are important factors to consider before making a decision.

Most cat experts recommend premium brands of cat food that avoid ingredients such as meat byproducts and chicken meal. However, feral cats consume a whole rodent or bird, often leaving only parts like feathers or the head. Thus, it seems cheaper brands that avoid excessive carbohydrate fillers might be closer to a natural diet than premium brands. Why isn't this the case?

Cats often do not eat a full serving of their canned cat food at one sitting. Sometimes there either isn't enough time or owners forget to pick up the uneaten portion. How long can you safely leave canned cat food out?

Online videos often feature individuals stealthily placing a cucumber behind an unsuspecting cat, causing alarm. Then, when the cat turns around to see the cucumber, they are startled and jump back, much to the delight of the person filming. The first time you see a video of a cat being scared by a cucumber you may think that it's just a fluke. After watching multiple videos, though, you may start to wonder, why are cats scared of cucumbers? You may even wonder if your own cat will be scared of a cucumber placed behind them.

Cats need fresh drinking water every day for optimum health. Water is essential for helping the kidneys flush out toxins from the blood. Whether from illness or lack of fluids, dehydration in cats is dangerous, and if not treated, can lead to death.1

Cats are known to have many keen senses. They have acute hearing, eyesight that is wired for motion and darkness, and a highly sensitive sense of smell. Cats' sense of taste, however, is much less intricate than that of humans, dogs, and some other animals.

As a general rule, the order of ingredients is just as important as the kind of ingredients. Unless a cat is on a special diet for a medical reason, the protein source will always be listed first, followed by other ingredients listed in the order of their percentage of total weight.1 Following are some quick guidelines (after the protein source, the order may vary from product to product).

Cats who are a healthy weight are happier, more agile, and tend to live longer. Obesity, which is generally viewed as 20 percent or more above normal weight, is the most frequently observed nutritional disorder in domestic cats and, in many cases, this is preventable!

Diabetes is a common disease in cats that can lead to many other health problems. Fortunately, there are ways to treat diabetes in cats. An important part of this treatment includes feeding a proper diet. Diabetic cat food is typically low in carbohydrates and high in protein to help control blood sugar levels. Choosing the right type of food can make a significant difference in managing your cat’s condition and preventing complications.

Who doesn’t love a heaping bowl of spaghetti? Quite possibly one of the most popular starchy comfort foods, pasta is a weekly staple for most families. But can your feline also indulge in some penne or linguine with you every now and then?

Essential oils, aromatherapy, and potpourri in your home may be pleasant for you, but natural compounds in these fragrances can be dangerous for your cat. Take precautions when using these products so your cat does not have a toxic reaction. If your cat has any liver impairment, it may be best to eliminate these products from your cat's environment.

Cat owners know that the primary staple in their pet's diet should be meat, as they don’t derive nutrition from fruits or vegetables the way humans (or even dogs) can. And while chicken, beef, and fish are all fine options, is salami also on the list of cat-friendly meats?

Vomiting is a general symptom linked to various health issues. If your cat vomits undigested food, it could be due to minor problems like eating too quickly or serious issues like intestinal blockages or pancreatitis. It's crucial to understand why your cat is vomiting and how to address it before consulting a vet. Here are some potential reasons for your cat's vomiting and solutions you can try.

A popular tropical summer staple, coconuts can be found in everything from pies to fruity warm-weather cocktails. Coconuts are a versatile food, classified botanically as a fruit, nut, and seed. Once harvested from trees, coconuts can be processed into various products, including meat, milk, and oil.

Coconut oil has been used in cooking for decades but within the past several years its popularity as a holistic remedy has skyrocketed. Supporters rave about the numerous health benefits of coconut oil for humans. In fact, it has become so popular that some people are starting to give it to their cats for the same benefits they are seeing in themselves.

If you make it a habit to read the ingredient label before purchasing cat food, there are things to look for and things to avoid. To help point the way to the healthier types of quality cat food, experts and advocates say there are three things to avoid. These are chemical preservatives, meat byproducts, and carbohydrate fillers.

Can cats have milk? Although many people believe that milk is good for cats, the reality is that it's a myth. Unfortunately, milk is not the healthiest beverage for felines. In fact, it can cause a series of ailments, including an upset stomach, cramps, gas, and severe diarrhea. A large majority of cats are lactose intolerant and/or become dehydrated when they are fed cow's milk.

It’s no secret that cats love fish—the fishier, the better. Tuna is a quintessential cat treat, and before the days of commercial cat food, many people used to feed their cats canned tuna.

Amino acids are the individual compounds that make up all the proteins in both plants and animals. Taurine is one of these amino acids. Most mammals are able to synthesize taurine within their body from other amino acids, but cats cannot synthesize it in adequate enough concentrations, making it an essential amino acid for them. That is, cats need to obtain taurine from their diet.1

Sweet and refreshing, cantaloupe is a favorite summer fruit for a reason. Much like watermelon, the low-calorie fruit has a high water and fiber content and is full of nutrients.1 But can your cat reap some of the refreshment and good-for-you vitamins and minerals found in cantaloupe?

Some cats will beg and plead for human food, especially when they see you eating. But, can cats eat human food? Giving your cat any table scraps or tidbits of human food is a dangerous practice that should not be encouraged for multiple reasons. First, cats need the nutrients that are specifically provided for them in good, premium cat foods, and any "extras" that they consume will take away their appetites for their regular meals. A sliver of turkey or chicken from your dinner plate certainly won't kill a cat, but you're helping it develop bad habits.

When companies are issuing recalls on cat and dog food, pet owners are rightly concerned about the safety and quality of what they serve to their four-footed family members. Whether serving pet food past the labeled expiration date is harmful or not has become a topic of discussion.

The American Egg Board1 has never let us forget that eggs are a staple, especially in breakfast food. Plus, they can be prepared a myriad of ways. Does this apply to your cat, though? Can you feed your cat raw eggs, or should you cook them first?

Are raw food diets good for cats? A raw diet requires uncooked animal products instead of regular dry or canned food. Choosing cat food can be overwhelming, especially when we have to worry about commercial pet food recalls.

Many pet stores stock raw or dehydrated treats for dogs, including chicken feet. Some companies tout the health benefits of chicken feet, including dental and joint health benefits. But can dogs eat chicken feet safely? What should you know before giving your dog one to munch on?

Pet parents may consider home cooking for their pets for many different reasons. This may include concerns related to pet food recalls, health conditions such as food allergies, or a desire to provide the best quality foods for their fur babies. The internet is full of recipes and suggestions for the best ways to cook for your cat, so you may be surprised to learn that vets and veterinary nutritionists generally don't recommend this practice.

Many people enjoy the relaxing aroma of dried eucalyptus and may have heard about the potential health benefits of eucalyptus essential oils. While it may be safe for us, eucalyptus is more complicated for our curious cats. Products safe for humans can pose risks to cats, so we must reconsider using these products to ensure their safety.