If your cat is experiencing abdominal pain, you should consider switching to a natural food diet. It should be low in carbohydrates and high in meat-based protein. Avoid foods with artificial flavors and colors. It should also be free from artificial preservatives.
Natural ingredients
Cats with gastro intestinal problems may benefit from a diet rich in natural ingredients. These foods often contain extra carbohydrates and other additives to promote intestinal health. Some also contain increased amounts of omega 3 fatty acids and soluble fiber. They also may be free of lactose and other common allergens. You can find these ingredients at a health food store or online.
Some companies use only natural ingredients in their cat food. Halo, for example, contains fish oil from sustainably-sourced fish that isn’t processed in factory farms. This food has received rave reviews and has low levels of contaminants. Another option is bone meal powder, which can be ground up and blended into a fine powder for use in cat food. Most cats eat four to six ounces of bone meal each day. This diet will contain more fat than protein, so be aware of how much you’re giving your cat.
Another option for sensitive stomachs is grain-free cat food. Although grain-free is a preferred option for cats with sensitive stomachs, not all grain-free formulas are able to be digested easily. Some brands of grain-free dry food will also contain oatmeal, which is non-irritating to cats. Other grain-free cat foods may contain prebiotics and probiotics, which work together to restore the healthy microbiome in the digestive tract. Additionally, certain cat foods may contain additional nutrients for overall health and wellbeing, including omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Many cats are sensitive to various foods, and if they don’t digest food properly, this can lead to a variety of symptoms, including vomiting and coughing up hairballs. These symptoms are indicative of other underlying health problems, and should be investigated by a veterinarian.
Meat-based protein
If you’re trying to feed your cat a more balanced diet, you may consider a food with meat-based protein as the first ingredient. Make sure the meat or poultry used is safe for human consumption, and ideally, organic. It should also be grain-free and not contain any by-products, fillers, or soy.
Meat-based protein is the best source of animal nutrition for cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies can’t process plant-based proteins properly. In fact, the digestive enzyme that cats need for proper digestion doesn’t exist in plants. Consequently, they need very few carbohydrates in their diets. If they eat a high-carb diet, it can lead to degenerative conditions. Dry food is also a major contributor to obesity and urinary tract problems in cats.
While meat is the best source of protein for a cat diet, it doesn’t mean that meat is the only source of food. Cats need other nutrients as well to remain healthy and strong. A grain-free, meat-based diet can also be a good choice if your cat is suffering from digestive problems.
Besides meat-based protein, cat food should also contain non-grain carbohydrates. These include sweet potatoes, tapioca, and lentils. While these foods may seem like a good choice for a picky eater, you should always consult a veterinarian before switching cat foods. A vet nutritionist can assess the nutritional value of a new food to ensure that your pet is getting the right nutrients.
A good food with meat-based protein should help to prevent your cat from developing food allergies. Food allergies affect ten percent of cats, and they typically manifest in a cat’s head and neck. However, they can also result in gastrointestinal upset, when the immune system tries to fight off a foreign substance.
Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Foods containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservative are known to cause gastrointerstineal problems. They are also highly toxic for cats and dogs. The FDA regulates the list of ingredients in pet food, and allows the use of food coloring as long as it is not harmful to animals. Many brands, including 9 Lives, Friskies, and Iams, use artificial coloring. However, they have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and organ damage. Another synthetic preservative found in pet food is BPA, an endocrine disruptor.
Herbs used as preservatives in pet food are harmful to cats, particularly rosemary extract. It has been known to cause seizures in cats and small dogs. It has also been shown to impair the digestion of protein in cat food. In addition, it can cause canned foods to stick to your cat’s teeth. Other preservatives used in cat food include ethoxyquin, a pesticide. BHA and BHT are cheap chemical additives, and almost all canned cat foods contain these additives.
Cats can develop food sensitivity at any age, and many types of pet food contain artificial colors, preservatives, and emulsifiers. These additives can lead to various problems, including hyperactivity, organ damage, and cancer. To avoid these problems, make sure that the food you feed your cat is high in meat and contains no grains in its first few ingredients. Ensure that it doesn’t contain grains that are moldy, as these can be carcinogenic.
Avoid table scraps
You’ve probably heard the advice to never feed your cat table scraps. But this advice is based on pet food industry marketing, not scientific evidence. Some cats tolerate table scraps just fine and may even enjoy them in moderation. However, you should know that some table scraps are bad for your cat, and the best way to avoid them is to feed them species-appropriate foods.
In addition to table scraps, it’s also important to avoid giving your cat dairy or high-fat food. Many of these foods contain ingredients that are toxic to cats, and can cause digestive problems. Especially bad for your cat’s digestive system are foods high in fat or spice. And if you have a cat that’s lactose intolerant, avoid feeding them dairy products.