If you are on the lookout for a British Shorthair Cat or already have one, then you might have had many questions regarding its diet in the past. Given the vast variety of brands and false advertising going around, it is highly imperative for a pet parent to choose the right food for their feline friend. We have prepared a comprehensive guide to walk you through the buying process and to help you recognise the best products out there. Let’s get going!
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Top products
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine
This dry food based with 1:3 moisture ratio is suitable for cats of all ages. Although priced a bit higher than other foods, this food will give the ideal nourishment to your British Shorthair that it needs. Conveniently packed and rich in moisture, Nom Nom chicken chunks can be easily digested. Your cat will finish it in no time even if it has been quite picky in the past.
The brand has formulated this blend by adding ingredients like chicken thigh, liver, breast, a ton of other micronutrients and minerals. It also contains a few greens like spinach, cantaloupe and asparagus. Their customer support is also great and they also have a monthly subscription so that you don’t have to worry about ordering again and again.
Fancy feast classic chicken canned food
Boosted with the goodness of protein and animal ingredients, Fancy feast has presented its offering at a relatively affordable price unlike other brands in the segment. Low in carbs and excellent in taste, this is the food to go for it you aren’t looking to burn a hole in your pocket.
On the downside, some users reported that the quality of ingredients used was not upto the mark. They also add artificial preservatives and colors in their produce. Make sure that your cat is not allergic to any meat byproducts ( pork or beef primarily) before buying this food.
Smalls Freeze Dried Raw Turkey
Some users complained about the fact that they can’t order without having a subscription. The absence of measured servings also puts you in a pickle if managing weight is your goal. This dry cat food comes with turkey as its main ingredient along with bone and organ meats. Premium quality materials also increase shelf life which coupled with their easy delivery scheduling system, makes this one of the best food services in the market.
The feeding process is also simple, simply serve this food in their bowl with some pet food during the early phases of transition. Later on, this can be fed without any sides.
Hound & Gatos Wet Cat Food
This USA-manufactured canned cat food has loads of protein in every bite. When a cat reaches maturity( age 10 or later) their protein requirements also increase. Thus to address that, Hound
& Gatos offers this deliciously prepared meal to curb overheating and keep their coats shiny. The brand has also added omega-3 acids in this food, allowing your kitten to have some relief if it is suffering from diseases like arthritis.
This food is also free from grains, vegetables, and potatoes making it highly likable. Vitamins, amino acids, and minerals fortified with salmon oil make this food an excellent choice if you are looking to improve your cat’s bone density.
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Kitten Food
This food is specifically formulated for kittens and their random cravings throughout the day. An amalgamation of chicken liver, turkey, chicken meal and chicken is what helps this food deliver amazing taste.
Needless to say, it is rich in protein and low on carbs. Animal source meats are present in abundance along with added benefits of omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil.
Some users complained that their cats did not like this food due to its plant content. But if you want to catalyze your kitty’s rapid growth and development, then this is the food to go for.
Tiki Cat Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain Free Canned Cat Food
This cat food comes with an expensive price tag and is one of the most effective foods out there if you are looking to get your cat in a lean shape. Owing to their wobbly and round body, British Shorthairs often become oberwei. This food gives them a fuller feeling while also allowing their metabolism to improve and aiding in easy absorption.
The amount of calories per serving is also less along with the presence of ingredients like broth and low-fat chicken.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Indoor Care Salmon & Rice Cat Food
This food has 40% protein which is extracted from real salmon. It helps with weight management and gives your cat a guilt-free gut. Hair all buildup is also prevented due to its prebiotic and omega acid content. It can be fed to any indoor cat and is ideal for cats who have a sedentary lifestyle.
Iams ProActive Health Healthy Adult Chicken Cat Food
As the name suggests, this food is the perfect choice for inactive and lazy cats. This food can help your cat maintain its energy levels throughout the day. Iams ProActive comes with a highly digestible formula which also encourages muscle growth and helps keep your cat’s coat shiny.
Purina Fancy Feast Poultry & Beef
This food comes in 3 oz. cans and can easily provide an all-rounded well-balanced diet to your cat. Its thick and creamy texture loaded with vitamins is sure to be loved by your cat.
The main ingredients include meat broth, fish, chicken, natural flavors, soy, beef, and liver. It consists of small-sized bites which makes it easily ingestible for your cat.
Research Criteria
These are some parameters that we took into account while shortlisting the best products for you:
Brand value
Trustworthy brands have evidence to back up their product formula and have experience with different food products and the capital to improve them. Thus, make sure that your food is from a reputed brand.
Check the labels
Many companies also advertise various false claims on their packaging, only to get you to buy their product. Such fake food products should never be fed to your pets and can be highly hazardous in the long term.
Proteins
You should get a food that has at least 20% of protein concentration. For this, you should avoid buying products that are made of meat derivatives. Some rich sources of protein in cat’s food are lamb, salmon, tuna, chicken liver( also a great source of taurine), and heart.
Carbohydrates
Most companies add carbohydrates to hold the food together and also use them as fillers. However, the majority of cat breeds face troubles with disgusting carbs and are often allergic to grainy foods. Hence, ensuring a minimum concentration of carbohydrates is crucial.
Quality
Cat food is only as good as the quality of ingredients used in it. Small scale companies often get their ingredients transported from another country while large scale manufacturers go for the better option, authentic regional suppliers.
Food items to avoid
- Never feed dog food to your cat. Even though some cats may like it, dog food doesn’t look after their dietary needs as their body metabolisms are different. It’s grain rich texture ends up causing many allergies as well.
- Kittens shouldn’t be given dairy products once they have been weaned by their mother during the early stages of life. After weaning, cats become lactose intolerant and can no longer digest it effectively.
- People-food such as cheese, yogurt, vegetables, bread and caffeine should also be avoided at all costs.
FAQs
Are British Shorthairs lazy?
They have a placid temper and are very laid back. Shorthairs are known for their lazy lifestyle.
How much do they cost ?
This highly intelligent cat breed comes in two variants- shorthair and longhair. On average, a British Shorthair will cost you anywhere between 700-1300$.
Do British Shorthairs like being picked up?
Contrary to common notions, shorthairs get uncomfortable if someone tries to pick them up. Their way of showing affection is slightly different from other breeds.
What are some common health problems that British Shorthairs face?
Some common issues found in this breed are, kidney diseases, liver malfunctioning, hypothyroidism etcetera. To shelter your cat from these, ensure routine checkups, proper grooming, and care.
Do British Shorthairs like vegetables ?
British shorthairs, much like any other cat breed, are not fond of veggies. They mainly prefer wet food for their diet and like it as close to their natural prey. You must ensure that their diet centers around animal protein.
Conclusion
British shorthair cats grow sedentary as they age. Their round and large physique require them to have ample exercise. And to build up for the energy lost, they require quality food.
Their inactive lifestyle also causes great concern in their owners in regards to obesity. Here’s how you can check your cat’s correct weight. Always consult your vet if you have trouble monitoring your cat’s weight. Happy petting!
