Price is the only objective
Buy a bag of the cheapest ones Cat food Off-the-shelf pet foods are not a good plan in the long run as they can lead to unforeseen consequences such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies and unhealthy weight gain (for adult cats). These health effects alone can lead to clinical health issues that require medical care, making now a good time to risk your pet’s health. Before deciding on the most financially viable food brand, do your research to ensure you’re choosing the best formulation at the best price.
Find the best price before you buy
Discount stores are a great place to start your comparison shopping, but before you decide on a brand or store, make note of the prices being offered at major discount stores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers and warehouse stores. Often the price will be comparable, or one option may be more convenient in terms of travel or location.
When searching for the best food at the best prices, you should also consider the web. Some web-based companies offer things like loyalty discounts, discounts or free shipping, and even coupons for free samples of products. It’s worth taking the time to shop around for the best deals.
Saving money doesn’t just mean finding the cheapest price. Simply switching from wet food to dry food can save you a lot of money, as wet food can be quite expensive depending on the type of packaging, and some cats just don’t mind eating it. Soft cat foodOthers may need to be weaned patiently from wet to dry food, while others may need to be fed a mix of wet and dry food.
Read the label
The ingredients listed on the label can vary greatly from brand to brand. Generally, pets need food that contains high levels of protein and fat. The first ingredient listed on the bag should be an animal protein source such as chicken, beef, lamb or fish. Fat sources include oil, tallow and lard. It is important to remember that cats are strictly carnivores and do not require carbohydrates or grains to stay healthy. While dogs can not only survive but thrive on a food with a high percentage of carbohydrates and grains, cats will suffer severely and may even die if fed the same formula.
However, many cat food manufacturers add carbohydrate sources such as cornmeal, sorghum, barley, rice, and berries. Experts agree that cats do not need these ingredients, but they disagree on whether they are a problem. If the carbohydrate content is higher than the protein content, your cat will be hungrier as they will need to eat more to get the animal protein content they need. Naturally, this will lead to increased carbohydrate intake and, as a result, excess weight gain. Ultimately, a low-cost, carbohydrate-rich cat food is not an economical choice at all. The best thing to do is do your research, know how to read labels, and make an informed decision.
Ideally, you should feed your cat a food that is certified “complete and balanced” by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which means that the food has been tested by a veterinary association and proven to be nutritionally complete for cats.
Consult a doctor
Changing diets isn’t for everyone and may not be the best solution for your family’s needs. If your cat is on a prescription diet or is being treated for a long-term illness, talk to your vet about whether you can substitute a different brand to reduce costs for your household. It’s possible that there are no other foods you can feed your cat due to an underlying condition, but in most cases, you can find a way to feed your cat the foods they need while still keeping them with your family.
Finally, while table scraps and leftover family meals are a good treat for your cat, they are no substitute for a formulated veterinary food with added minerals and fats your pet needs. Cats especially need taurine, arginine, niacin, preformed vitamin A, and certain types of essential fatty acids. A cat that is deficient in any of these dietary components can suffer from serious health problems.
Don’t be afraid to ask your vet what you can do to make the situation easier. You’re not alone; vets encourage families to stay together even during difficult times. Your vet may know who to contact for cat food assistance, if needed. Again, research is key. Make a call and see if there are any pet charities or shelters that are holding pet food fundraisers or food collections to help families in need.
Image credit: Irrational Cat /Flickr
