Tainted Cat Food? Not If You Make it Yourself

Recent concerns over tainted wheat gluten have left many cat owners worrying about the safety of the cat foods they have been purchasing. At present, dozens of pouched and canned foods have been recalled, and the list is growing with the recall of some dry foods as well. Major pet food companies including Hills Science Diet, Nutro, and Iams are now listed as being recalled. For the safety of your pet, you may seriously want to consider making your own cat food and treats.

When looking at the nutritional needs of any cat, protein and water will be at the top of the list. The protein must be from another animal, fish, beef, poultry, etc. Too many vegetarians feel their pets can safely follow a vegetarian diet and the truth is that the protein in vegetables is hard for a feline's digestive system. Feeding cats a meat-free diet is detrimental to their health.

Take a look at the dietary needs of a cat:

Calcium-Found in dairy products and sardines.

Choline-Found in eggs, milk, and wheat germ.

Copper-Found in organ meats, meat, seafood, and wheat bran.

Essential Fatty Acids-Found in seafood.

Folic Acid-Found in wheat germ, liver, and peas.

Iodine-Found in saltwater fish and shellfish.

Iron-Found in leafy green vegetables and beef.

Magnesium-Found in nuts, peas, and grains.

Manganese-Found in grains.

Niacin-Found in fish, poultry, pork, and liver.

Pantothenic Acid-Found in eggs, fish, poultry, and organ meats.

Phosphorus-Found in eggs, meat, and dairy products

Potassium-Found in milk, yogurt, and peas.

Protein-Only from an animal source

Riboflavin-Found in eggs, milk products, and organ meats.

Selenium-Found in seafood, eggs, and poultry.

Sodium-Found in saltwater seafood.

Vitamins A (Found in eggs and milk), B Complex (Found in grains, seafood, and yeast), D (Found in milk products), E (Found in eggs and sardines), K (Found in liver and pork)

Zinc-Found in meats, fish, and dairy products.