Food for Thought

People love to pamper their pets, lavishing them with treats and affection. Cat treats can be used to reinforce positive behavior, as well as an inexpensive way to show your cat you love them. With such a wide variety of treats, choosing the right one is key. Cats are particular, so knowing your cat’s preference is important but there will be some trial and error with finding the perfect supplement for your pet. 

The first important factor in choosing a pet treat is to pay attention to any relevant medical conditions your pet may have. Food is medicine and some foods can have adverse effects on your pet’s health if used improperly. Cats are susceptible to food allergies and can have regular digestive issues. To help combat this, some pet food brands have a hydrolyzed protein: a broken down protein to its basic component, which eases their digestion. The main novel protein, such as chicken or soy, is more calorie dense and can help decrease immune reaction, or food allergies. Other additives that can be beneficial to your cat’s well-being are antioxidants, omega 3 and fatty acids. These help to support a healthy coat and help with dry skin. 

The very popular and preventive treat that can help keep your cat’s mouth clean and healthy are dental oral treats. Treats for your pet’s dental health are uniquely designed with specific shape and texture to help clean built up tartar. The treats use the cat’s natural chewing action to get into those hard to reach places. The popularity comes from the convenience of daily oral health, without the battle of daily brushing. Its important to note that while dental home care is extremely important it cannot take the place of an anesthetized dental cleaning. Cats also have the tendency to get hair balls from their daily grooming; it is especially predominant in long hair cat breeds and in compulsive groomers. When the hair doesn’t pass regularly though the digestive tract, it starts to build up, causing your pet discomfort. Certain treats are dual textured and have plant based fiber blends to promote the healthy digestion of the hair.

We’re all busy and sometimes there doesn’t seem to be time to give your cat the treats they need regularly. Cat dispensing toys help motivate your cat and gives them physical exercise. In door cats are much safer than their outdoor counterparts but can become sedentary when not influenced to be active. The dispensing toys are designed to make them play, hunt, and promotes intellectual stimulation; this way your pet gets a yummy reward from using its natural instincts and gets its daily exercise! 

No matter what treats you choose to feed your beloved pet, keep in mind your cat’s daily calorie intake. Treats should only constitute no more than 5% of your cat’s diet.