Cat Food Insights

All of us pet parents want the best for our purring friends, but with all the different brands, diets, and ingredients it can be hard to trust they are eating what's best for them. Choosing high quality cat food is a great way to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

Dr. Katy J. Nelson, Chewy’s resident veterinarian, says it is essential for any cat food to meet the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Foods that meet their guidelines will have their nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging.

High quality foods should also have high quality ingredients. These include proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These are essential for energy, growth and support of tissues; immune system; skin and coat; joints, and for carrying nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.

Keep these in mind when searching for a new food

How active is your cat? Are they indoors only or outside too? How much time and planning are you willing to invest? Do they have any food sensitivities or intolerances? How old are they? How much do they weigh? Have they been spayed or neutered? Do they have preferences for food forms or tastes? What does their veterinarian say?