Our cat food products contain animal-based proteins that provide all the essential amino acid requirements for cats. In addition, special refining and quality assurance tests ensure that we only use high-quality, highly digestible protein sources for increased digestibility.
Cats, best fed as true carnivores, require essential nutrients that aren't found in plant proteins such as soybean meal. For example, cats require taurine, which can only be found in animal-based proteins.
There are two important types of fatty acids for cats, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids, found in chicken fat and corn, are essential for maintenance of skin and coat and proper membrane structure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in ingredients such as canola, fish meal or fish oil, and flax. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important in blood clotting and in managing inflammation, among other things. All of our products contain sources of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
IAMS™ research has shown that including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio between 5:1 to 10:1 provides for optimal skin and coat condition in dogs. All of our products contain an adjusted omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio between 5:1 to 10:1.
IAMS research has shown that moderately fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, enhances intestinal health. The fermentable part of the fiber is broken down by intestinal bacteria to provide short-chain fatty acids, an energy source for intestinal cells. The non-fermentable component provides bulk for normal feces.
Using only highly fermentable fibers can cause problems, such as excess gas, while using only non-fermentable fibers, such as peanut hulls, promotes excess stool volume, because they are of no nutritional value.
All of our products, including IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, contain a patented fiber system of moderately fermentable fiber to help keep dogs’ and cats’ digestive systems healthy.
Cats are known for their graceful demeanor and independent attitude. Their average lifespan is approximately 12 to 18 years. Cats over 3 years of age are deemed adults, and from the age of 11 years, they become senior cats.
Like most animals, cats’ eating habits also change with age – kittens often need more food as they require more energy, and adult cats require a moderate amount of food to have sufficient energy. Senior cats often have a smaller appetite compared to their younger counterparts. Therefore, pet parents should keep track of their cat’s changing food requirements. Read the following if you too have queries related to feeding cats or how to feed older cats.
Your senior cat’s health and well-being are directly linked to their eating habits. Cat caregivers need to be more vigilant while feeding senior cats to ensure that their feline friend is provided with the right amount of nutrition and nourishment.
As a pet parent, you need to be mindful when feeding your cat. It has different nutritional requirements at various stages of its life. Kittens need to be fed with uttermost care to ensure appropriate growth and development, adult cats need well-monitored feeding portions to avoid overeating, and senior cats need a regularised diet to maintain their health. Hence, senior cat food contains high-quality protein and added vitamin E for more bone and joint strength.
As cats grow older, their sense of taste and smell begin to fade. Senior cats also experience deteriorating teeth which affect their ability to chew. Hence, older cats’ caregivers need to take the following measures while feeding them:
Include softer food so that it is easier for your senior cats to properly chew the food
Add food with higher meat content to enhance the food’s smell and flavor
An old kitty or senior cat may need a small quantity of food with higher nutrients. Cat feeding tips help pet parents to provide the right nutrition and nourishment to their senior kitty. Here are a few essential tips that caregivers should consider when feeding their senior cats:
Even though the food requirements of cats depend on the kitty’s age, you should also take their health condition, weight, appetite, and lifestyle into consideration. Pet parents are also recommended to consult a veterinary doctor to understand their kitty’s health requirements, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying diseases before selecting a diet plan or senior cat food brand.