Making cat food at home is a good idea. However, it is not always possible to try out homemade recipes. So, a practical solution is to feed both market sold foods and homemade versions in an appropriate ratio. You can seek advice from a qualified veterinarian regarding the ingredients that are healthy for your pet. Also, it is imperative to feed food with a low-ash content, containing correct amounts of magnesium and other trace minerals for minimizing the risk of urinary tract problems in your pet.
Benefits
First, let’s try to know ‘what is ash’ and ‘why it is incorporated in commercial cat foods’. Ash is the inorganic remains collected after incinerating organic materials. It contains trace minerals that make up complete nutrition for the cat’s health. Nevertheless, excess amount of this inorganic material causes abnormal fluctuations in the pH range of urine. And the ultimate result is problem of the urinary system, especially amongst male felines.
Precisely speaking, the risk factors of urinary tract blockages and disorders are increased with consumption of high amounts of ash. This is the main reason why, it is recommended to feed less ash and more proteins. Also, do not neglect high magnesium content, as it is one of the leading factors for causing uremic disorders. In general, it is of utmost importance to check the label of commercial products. That way, you can ensure that you are providing adequate nutrients required by your pet.
Brands Available
With the raising concerns of feline urinary tract disorders (FLUTD), most pet owners are opting for low magnesium and low ash content in the food. No doubt, you can find a plethora of types and brands in the pet stores. How can you determine the best brand for your pet? Indeed, selecting a healthy product is quite a challenging task. Some brands are Sensible Choice Chicken Meal & Rice Adult Cat Food (5.5 percent ash), Purina Cat Chow Special Care Formula (6.2 percent ash), and Nutrience Kitten Food (6.3 percent ash).
As you now know the importance of maintaining a low ash content in the diet, make a point to go through the nutritional label of the products and reviews before purchasing. Products having an ash content of about 5.5 – 6.5 percent are claimed to be healthy. It is understandable that even the best dry cat food contains a higher amount of ash than wet ones. So, in order to have optimal urine pH range, you should feed dry, moist, and wet foods in adequate proportions. Also, provide lots of water and go for regular veterinarian checkups.
Besides offering low ash cat food, there are certain aspects that should be taken into consideration while taking care of your pet’s health. Keep a keen eye over your cat’s behavior and changes in health conditions (if any). By doing so, you can identify weakness, fatigue, and disease conditions in the early stages and get them addressed by a veterinarian at the earliest possible date.
