Content
- What should a neutered cat eat?
- Feed for neutered cats: composition and brands
- Wet feed for neutered cats: composition and brands
- Best wet food for neutered cats
- Homemade food for neutered cats
- What is the best diet for neutered cats?
Today, fortunately, it is common for caregivers to neuter cats. The idea that sterilization causes obesity always revolves around this intervention. And the truth is that there are changes in the metabolic level that favor overweight if the cat eats too much or doesn't exercise.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we analyze what is the best feed for neutered cats, whether we opt for animal feed or if we opt for moist or homemade food.
What should a neutered cat eat?
Does can you give regular feed to neutered cats? Yes! Be aware that neutered cats can eat as much as any other domestic feline. In other words, a quality diet, balanced between the intake of protein and fat, as well as fiber and low carbohydrate content.
Neutered cats, after the operation, experience hormonal changes that lead to a increased appetite. Also, their basal metabolism decreases and they generally exercise less. Allowing the cat to eat as much as he wants and spend the day resting are factors that, if maintained over time, will result in overweight and obesity.
Another fact to take into account is the age at which the operation is performed. It usually occurs before a year, when the cat is still feeding like a kitten, although it is no longer in the rapid growth phase. Following this feed represents a risk of overweight.
Due to all these circumstances, it is common for caregivers to ask themselves what is the best food for a neutered cat. Likewise, when finding dry food and wet food in the market and still have the option of making a homemade diet, it is also common to wonder what to give a neutered cat among all these options. We will explain below.
Feed for neutered cats: composition and brands
In this section, we have basically two options when choosing which is the best food for sterilized cats. On the one hand, there are rations with a lot of fiber, considered for a diet. Their problem is their low palatability, they are less palatable to cats, who therefore may reject them.
It is also common to cause increased stool volume. Another option is the rations with a high amount of protein and low carbohydrates or, directly, without cereal, which maintain a great flavor, being very attractive to the cat. Calorie intake is reduced in this type of feed for neutered cats. Some also include among the ingredients the L-carnitine, which helps to mobilize fat and provides a feeling of satiety.
We highlight this type of feed for its composition and the quality of the meat it contains, without resorting to by-products. It can be dehydrated or fresh, and in some brands it is even suitable for human consumption. Also, these calls natural rations do not contain artificial additives.
After reviewing the previous data that help us to intuit what are the best rations for neutered cats, we recommend the natural rations because they are the most compatible with the nutritional needs of cats.
Best rations for neutered cats
Some of the best natural cat food includes products specifically for neutered cats. It is the case of the following ones, which, in addition, we classify as the best feed brands for neutered cats:
- Golden dog food for neutered cats (PremieR Pet)
- Balance Ration
- Matisse Castrated Cats
- Guabi Natural Cato Castrated
- Neutered Cats Natural Formula
Wet feed for neutered cats: composition and brands
If you choose wet food, to determine which is the best food for sterilized cats, we have to follow the same criteria as indicated in the corresponding food section. Furthermore, in their favor, it should be taken into account that moist foods have fewer calories than dry, as they are composed of approximately 80% water. Therefore, they may be a better option if your cat is already a few extra pounds.
Cat cans have the added benefit of providing a good amount of liquid, which pet food does not. If your cat drinks little or suffers from kidney or urinary problems, wet food is indicated. Even if he eats kibble, offering canned food daily is beneficial, always subtracting it from the total amount of kibble. Another advantage is that the cans offer different textures like Mousse, pieces of food, pate, etc., which adapt to the preferences of each cat. It is important to ensure that it is specified on the can that it is a complete food and not complementary.
Best wet food for neutered cats
Some natural pet food brands also offer a wet version of their products. We highlight PremieR Gourmet, made of chicken breast and brown rice, as one of the best for its composition, the use of natural ingredients and the results it presents in felines with these characteristics.
Homemade food for neutered cats
With homemade food comes the controversy, because if we think about what is the best food for neutered cats according to our human parameters, we will undoubtedly opt for homemade food, made daily at home, with quality ingredients, chosen and without any type of additive.
The problem with this food is that there is still the belief that it is synonymous with giving the cat leftovers of human food, but with that we would only have an unbalanced and even dangerous diet, as our way of cooking and even some ingredients can be harmful to the cats. For this reason, choosing natural homemade food requires rigorous training on the nutritional needs of cats and the consequent devising an acceptable menu and that it does not incur shortages. It is not easy and, if you want to give this diet to your neutered cat, it is necessary to seek follow-up from a veterinarian specializing in feline nutrition.
We must keep in mind that following a correct homemade diet implies time for the acquisition of food, its preparation and its planning. Nowadays, the so-called BARF diet, based on raw foods and including bones, vegetables, vegetables, organic meats, fruits and other ingredients such as yogurt, seaweed or fish oil.
It is not without risks such as those associated with raw meat, nutritional imbalances, contagion of diseases, problems derived from bone consumption or even hyperthyroidism. Therefore, it is advisable to offer this type of food lightly cooked.
In the following video, we show some recipes for cats and dogs that can serve as inspiration:
What is the best diet for neutered cats?
In short, these are the main points for choosing the best food for a neutered cat:
- Whichever option you choose, quality comes first.
- Pay attention to the balance between proteins, fats, fiber and carbohydrates.
- Among the rations, the so-called natural ones are made with a composition more suited to the nutritional characteristics of cats.
- Contrary to popular belief, wet food has fewer calories than dry food because it contains a large amount of water. It is a good option to consider for cats that are obese or less likely to drink water.
- Home cooking always requires the help of a professional, and it is recommended to offer lightly cooked food.
For all that, there is no single ration for neutered cats or ideal type of food that we can classify as the best; all can be, as long as they are adapted to your feline's needs and as long as you choose a quality product.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is the best food for neutered cats?, we recommend that you enter our Balanced Diets section.