Recommended Diet Types
When feeding cats with natural, additive-free ingredients, consider these diet types: raw food (biologically appropriate raw food, BARF), homemade cooked food, high-quality canned wet food, and air-dried or freeze-dried raw food. Dry kibble is less ideal due to processing and potential additives, but low-carb, grain-free options can be used in moderation. Natural diets avoid artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and fillers.
Raw Food (BARF)
A balanced raw diet includes muscle meat, organ meat (liver, kidney), raw meaty bones, and small amounts of vegetables. It mimics a cat's natural prey. Ensure proper handling to avoid bacterial contamination.
Homemade Cooked Food
Cooked diets require careful supplementation to meet feline nutritional requirements. Use lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef), organs, and add taurine, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Avoid seasoning.
Wet Canned Food
Choose cans with single protein sources, no grains, and minimal ingredients. Look for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement.
Portion Sizes and Daily Caloric Needs by Age, Size, and Activity
| Cat Type | Weight (kg) | Daily Calories (kcal) | Food Amount (g, wet food) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitten (2-6 months) | 0.5-2 | 200-300 | 150-250 |
| Adult (inactive) | 4-5 | 200-250 | 200-300 |
| Adult (active) | 4-5 | 250-300 | 250-350 |
| Senior (7+) | 4-5 | 180-220 | 180-260 |
| Large breed | 6-8 | 300-400 | 300-450 |
Adjust based on body condition. Use a calorie calculator for precise needs.
Feeding Frequency and Schedule
Cats thrive on routine. Kittens (under 6 months): 3-4 meals daily. Adults: 2-3 meals per day. Seniors: small, frequent meals if appetite declines. Free-feeding dry food is not recommended for natural diets as it may lead to obesity. Use timed feeding with portion control.
Essential Nutrients: Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals
Protein: High-quality animal protein (30-45% DM for adults, 40-50% for kittens). Sources: chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs. Fat: Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 (15-20% DM). Animal fats, fish oil. Carbohydrates: Minimal (under 10% DM). Cats have no dietary need for carbs; avoid grains and starches. Vitamins: Vitamin A (preformed from liver), B complex, D, E. Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus (ratio 1.2:1), taurine (essential, 0.1% DM), magnesium, potassium.
Toxic or Harmful Foods and Ingredients
Avoid: onions, garlic, chives, leeks (cause hemolytic anemia), grapes and raisins (kidney failure), chocolate, caffeine, theobromine (cardiac toxicity), alcohol, raw dough, xylitol (hypoglycemia, liver damage), macadamia nuts, bones (cooked), fat trimmings, raw fish (thiaminase), foods high in salt or sugar. Also, avoid artificial additives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin.
Water Intake Recommendations
Cats on dry food need more water. With natural wet or raw diets, water content is higher (70-80%). Ensure fresh, clean water always available. Add water to food if cat is prone to dehydration. Encourage drinking via fountains. Aim for 50-70 ml per kg of body weight per day.
Hydration Tips
- Offer multiple water bowls in different locations.
- Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls.
- Add broth (no onion/garlic) to food.
Beneficial Supplements
For natural diets, supplements may be needed to ensure balance: Taurine (essential, 250 mg for adult cat daily), Fish Oil (for omega-3, 200-300 mg EPA/DHA), Probiotics (gut health), Digestive Enzymes (especially for raw diets), Calcium (if not enough bone), Vitamin E (antioxidant), Brewer's Yeast (B vitamins). Consult a vet before adding.
Feeding Differences: Kittens, Adults, Seniors
Kittens (0-12 months)
Higher protein (40-50% DM), calcium, and phosphorus for growth. Need more frequent meals and taurine. Avoid large pieces of bone. Use kitten-specific formulas.
Adults (1-7 years)
Maintenance diet with balanced nutrients. Adjust calories to prevent obesity. Provide variety to avoid food sensitivities.
Seniors (7+ years)
Lower calories to maintain ideal weight, more easily digestible proteins, fiber for hairballs, and joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin). Monitor kidney function; reduce phosphorus if needed.
Signs of Healthy vs. Poor Diet
Healthy Diet Indicators
- Shiny, soft coat with minimal shedding.
- Bright eyes, clean ears, and healthy gums.
- Ideal body condition (visible waist, ribs felt easily).
- Regular, firm stool (dark brown, not too dry or runny).
- Good energy and alertness.
Poor Diet Indicators
- Dull, dry coat, dandruff, excessive shedding.
- Weight loss or gain, potbelly.
- Diarrhea, constipation, foul-smelling stool.
- Lethargy, vomiting, increased thirst/urination.
- Dental problems, bad breath.
If you notice signs of poor diet, gradually transition to natural additive-free foods and consult a veterinarian for a tailored plan.