What to look for in wet cat food
When shopping for the best wet cat food for your kitten, adult, or senior cat, you’ll want to consider the following criteria:
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: Cat food with the AAFCO statement on the label is nutritionally complete for a cat’s life stage. AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that defines standard nutritional requirements for pet food and animal feed. Food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for kittens. Food with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages is guaranteed to be complete and balanced for adult cats.
Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: Guaranteed analysis consists of percentages of protein, fat, and other essential nutrients. For kittens, a minimum of 9% fat and 30% protein is recommended, while adult cats should have a minimum of 9% fat and 26% protein. Cat foods should also contain other important nutrients, including amino acids such as taurine, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
To compare the nutrients in wet food to those in dry food, convert the percentage of fat, protein, and fiber in the wet food to a “dry matter basis.” To find the source of the dry matter, you can use these directions from Tufts University Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
Main ingredients: Ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Animal protein is important for cats to maintain normal body function because it contains essential amino acids. As a result, cats are obligate carnivores. Therefore, animal-based protein should be the first ingredient in a cat’s diet.
specialist formulations: Look for brands with dedicated nutrition experts on staff, in line with World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines and guidance from our experts. Even better are brands that are active in small animal nutrition research or those that work with universities and colleges.
Working standards: When choosing a brand of cat food, it is important to consider the quality control measures and facilities used. Brands that own their manufacturing plants have more control over the ingredients in their recipes and, therefore, the food your cat eats. It is also important that a brand is transparent about how they implement quality control measures. Simply saying that they perform quality control may not be enough. Pet food companies should make this information available on their website or be willing to provide it upon request.
Calorie content: Cat food lists calorie content in kilocalories (kcal). The number of calories a cat needs varies based on age and activity level.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens should be fed plenty of food every day and allowed to eat as much as they want because they need more energy to support their rapid growth. As your kitten approaches 9 to 12 months of age, consult with your veterinarian to determine their ideal body condition, weight, and caloric requirements.
WSAVA offers a reference chart to estimate the number of calories an adult cat should eat based on their weight, but these are just general guidelines. The appropriate amount of food for your cat depends on their weight, energy level, breed, and general health. Talk to your veterinarian to determine how many calories your cat should eat each day.
