Keys To Indoor Cat Nutrition
Indoor cats are particularly skilled at letting us know which foods they want. They come running when we open a tray of cat food or pour more kibble into the bowl, and they can hear the sound of the treat bag opening from halfway around the world. But cats are less gifted at telling us about the nutrition they need. So let’s break down which ingredients are beneficial for an indoor cat’s diet. Ready to get started?
An Ingredient-based Guide To Indoor Cat Nutrition
Just like their humans, every cat is different. Their preferences and lifestyle will play a huge role in which diet is most beneficial for them. While you’re looking for the ingredients that will benefit your cat, don’t be afraid to consult your cat’s veterinarian before making changes to what your little guy eats.
Without further ado, let’s look at the ingredients that can impact your cat’s overall health.
Lean Proteins
Protein is a vital part of any diet. It will give your cat the nutrients they need to grow and repair their bones, muscles and more. If your cat lives exclusively indoors, you may also want to watch their calorie intake, as indoor cats tend to be less active. NUTRO™ pet food can help with our indoor cat recipe that’s designed with lean protein to help support healthy weight.
Natural Oils
Evolutionarily speaking, cats’ bodies haven’t had much time to adapt to living in homes with HVAC systems. To help them deal with the dry, irritated skin that central air conditioner systems can cause, indoor cats need a diet that contains natural oils. These can be found in ingredients like soybean oil, flaxseed and fish, which contain omega fatty acids.
Fiber
Fiber is derived from plant-based sources, such as oats or beet pulp, and is an essential nutrient for all cats — especially those living indoors. Natural fiber blends can help promote intestinal health and digestion, while minimizing hairball formation. NUTRO™ Indoor Cat Food contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, which provides fuel for healthy bacteria in your cat’s intestines and helps move material through the gut.
Moisture
Cats are often at risk of dehydration, which can cause them to develop urinary tract issues. Since your indoor cat relies almost entirely on you to leave fresh water out for them (or accidentally leave the toilet seat up — whoops) it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough water.
One of the easiest ways to add a little moisture to their diet is to give them wet food, like NUTRO™ PERFECT PORTIONS trays. Your cat will love these delicious, self-contained meals, and you’ll feel good about helping them stay hydrated.
Variety
Keeping your indoor cat’s diet interesting isn’t exactly a nutritional must, but cats are naturally inclined to enjoy a wide range of flavors and textures. Occasionally offering them a different flavor of their favorite food can make their day. You can also consider mixing wet food into their dry kibble, or vice-versa, depending on their usual diet.
