Make sure the statement fits your cat’s stage of life. If you have a kitten (under the age of one) or a senior cat (over the age of 12), make sure the statement includes “kittens” or “senior cats. ” Apply the same rules for pregnant and nursing cats. These stages have different nutritional requirements than adult cats who are not pregnant or nursing. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

For example, if you read “Crude Protein (Min. ) 10. 0%,” this means that crude protein is at least 10 percent of the net weight. It could contain more. An analysis of “Crude Fiber (Max) 1. 5%” means that crude fiber is no more than 1. 5 percent of the net weight, although it could contain less. Some brands might include ash (the final product after food has been completely incinerated). This is a voluntary move on the part of the manufacturer. U. S. law does not require its inclusion in the analysis. Look for this information on the back of the package. It usually appears above the ingredient list. [3] X Research source

For example, the instructions might read, “Feed an average size adult cat 1 can per 2. 5 pounds of body weight daily. Feed up to twice this amount for kittens. ” If your adult cat weighs 10 pounds, the manufacturer recommends feeding them four cans per day. For a three-pound kitten, the guideline would be about two cans per day.

For example, a 6-oz. can of “Tuna Cat Food” can’t contain more than 1. 5 oz. of water. Its tuna content must come to at least 4. 5 oz. [7] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source

For example, a 6-oz. can of “Tuna Dinner for Cats” shouldn’t contain more than 0. 9 oz. of water. Its tuna content must weigh between 1. 28 oz and 5. 1 oz. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source

For example, a 6-oz. can of “Tuna, Chicken, and Shrimp Dinner for Cats” must include at least 0. 18 oz each of tuna, chicken, and shrimp. The three ingredients must total at least 1. 5 oz. Tuna must be the most common ingredient, followed by chicken and shrimp. [9] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source

Meat is animal flesh, muscle, esophagi, hearts, and lungs. Meal is finely ground dehydrated tissue. Meat weighs more because of its water and fat contents. However, meat meal is higher in minerals and protein. [14] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source Meat and meat meal are especially crucial for diabetic cats. If you buy food containing gravy or any grains, they should appear toward the end of the ingredient list. No more than 10 percent of your cat’s calories should come from carbohydrates. [15] X Research source

The amino acid taurine is one of the most essential nutrients for cats’ vision and heart health. They literally need it to stay alive. While taurine doesn’t have to be among the first three ingredients, the farther up in the list of ingredients it appears, the better. [16] X Research source

An example of this information might look like this: “Calorie Content (Calculated) 853 kcal/kg 73 kcal/can. ” The calorie content of the food must be balanced with its nutrient content. However, manufacturers in the U. S. are not required to list a breakdown of percentages of each nutrient per calorie. If you can’t find an itemized list, contact the manufacturer for more information. [18] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source

Even if the ingredient your cat is allergic to is not on the label, this doesn’t guarantee the diet was produced in an allergen-free facility or processed on the same equipment. If your cat has a food allergy, consider a diet specifically formulated for cats with allergies. These diets are specially processed to break down proteins in the food so that they’re too small to cause an allergic reaction. Talk to your veterinarian for a prescription.