Buy Food Toppers for Cats in Hardy

How do you know your cat is receiving the nutrition they need? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each alleging that their product is better than the others. Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA can help reduce the confusion. We stock a wide array of cat foods and can assist you in finding the one that is just right for your precious pet.

Your cat is a hunter, descended from a long line of hunters. Wild cats naturally ate a wide selection of nutritious food, based upon what they could capture. But your domestic cat depends on you to feed them. Barkley's Pet Market has all the foods that will keep them happy and healthy.

What Nutrients Does Your Cat Need?

For starters, your cat is a carnivore. They need meat in some form. This may be chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or eggs. They need fats to provide energy and help absorb vitamins like A, D, B1, B2, B3, and B6. Also, some cat foods incorporate carbohydrates, which are digestible and offer energy.

Reading a Cat Food Label

Cat food companies are required to put certain information on their labels, such as ingredients in descending order of weight, and guaranteed analysis, which tells you the minimum and maximum amount of nutrients like fats, protein, and fiber.

Understand food descriptions. There's a distinction between "chicken cat food" and "cat food with chicken." Chicken cat food must be 95 percent chicken, while cat food with chicken can have as little as 3 percent. Food referred to as "chicken dinner" (or chicken formula) can be anywhere between 25 and 95 percent chicken.

Labels include feeding directions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's advice takes precedence.

Try to find the nutritional adequacy statement, which tells whether the food is intended for an adult cat or a kitten.

Still have questions? Just ask us! Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA has everything you need for your pet. We carry a wide variety of major brands and our educated staff is eager to answer your questions and help you choose the best food for your cat. Stop by our store or call (540) 346-2277 for all your pet's needs.