How do you know your cat is receiving the nutrition they require? You're bombarded with cat food commercials, each stating that their product is more effective than the others. Barkley's Pet Market in Hardy, VA can help reduce the confusion. We carry a variety of cat foods and can help you in choosing 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 assortment of nutritious food, based upon what they could snag. But your domestic cat relies 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 can 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. Additionally, some cat foods incorporate carbohydrates, which are digestible and offer energy.
Reading a Cat Food Label
Cat food companies are required to put particular 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.
Learn about 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 described as "chicken dinner" (or chicken formula) can be anywhere between 25 and 95 percent chicken.
Labels have feeding instructions, but they're a guideline and not a "one size fits all." Your vet's advice takes priority.
Try to find the nutritional adequacy statement, which explains whether the food is meant 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 assortment of major brands and our qualified 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.