You’re standing in front of the pet food aisle, or browsing through pages of cat food online, and the same claims keep appearing: natural, grain free, high-quality protein, complete wellbeing. It all sounds good. But what does it really mean? How can you know how to choose the right food for your cat without falling for empty promises?
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their bodies need to obtain certain essential nutrients from their diet that are only found in ingredients of animal origin (such as taurine, vitamin A, vitamin D3 and arachidonic acid). Understanding what is inside the bag — and what should be inside — is the first step towards making the right choice.
Here are the real keys to helping you decide.
First things first: look at the protein source
The first ingredient listed on a cat food label is the most abundant one. If that ingredient is meat or fish, and especially if it is fresh or dehydrated, you’re on the right track.
Beyond the source itself, quantity also matters. A good cat food should contain at least 25% protein. The higher the quality and digestibility of the protein, the easier it is for your cat’s body to make use of it — always within a balanced limit.
What role do cereals play in cat food?
Cereals are a common ingredient in cat food, and many people wonder whether they are harmful. The main nutrient cereals provide is carbohydrates. Although cats cannot digest raw carbohydrates, they can use them as an energy source when they are properly cooked.
Grain free foods can be a good option, especially if your cat has digestive sensitivities or reacts poorly to grains. However, they are not essential for every cat. What really matters is not whether the food contains cereals, but whether animal-based ingredients are the foundation of the recipe.
How can you tell if the composition is truly high quality?
There are several clues that help you better understand a label:
Ingredients are listed by weight. Ingredients appear from highest to lowest inclusion in the recipe. If meat or fish comes first, that’s a good sign. And if it’s fresh, even better.
No artificial preservatives or colourings. A well-formulated food does not need them. Natural preservatives are enough.
Recognisable ingredients. Carrot, pumpkin, apple, blueberries… Natural vegetables add real value rather than acting as fillers.
High biological value. Protein quality is not just about quantity, but also digestibility. High-quality protein, such as fresh meat or fish, is better utilised with smaller amounts.
Life stage changes everything
Feeding a two-month-old kitten is not the same as feeding a five-year-old adult cat or a twelve-year-old senior cat. Nutritional needs change over time, and the food should adapt accordingly.
A kitten up to twelve months old needs more energy, protein for growth, and fatty acids such as DHA for brain and visual development.
An adult cat between one and twelve years old needs a balance of protein, energy and fibre to maintain a healthy weight. If neutered, their metabolism changes and they are more likely to gain weight, so it is advisable to choose a formula specifically designed for that stage.
From the age of twelve onwards, kidney and digestive health require extra care. A senior cat food should be more digestible, with controlled mineral content and high-quality protein that does not put unnecessary strain on the kidneys.
Signs that the food suits your cat
You do not always need to analyse ingredients to know whether a food is working. Your cat will also tell you — in its own way.
Palatability is also an important indicator: if your cat enjoys eating the food, maintains a shiny and soft coat, digests it well, keeps a healthy weight, has good energy levels, and produces firm stools without excessive odour, then the food is likely suiting them well.
On the other hand, if vomiting, soft stools, itching or hair loss appear, something in the composition may not be right for your cat.
Paying attention to these signs is just as useful as reading the label itself.
A range designed for every cat and every stage
At Ownat, we have spent years working with one clear idea: a cat’s diet should respect its natural needs. That is why our Ownat Ultra Cat range is formulated with 30% fresh meat or fish, natural ingredients such as cereals, tubers, carrot, pumpkin or blueberries, and gently steam-cooked to better preserve nutrients. From kitten to ageing formulas, each recipe is tailored to the specific needs of every life stage.
And for cats with more sensitive digestion or those that prefer a grain free recipe, we also offer specific options within our range.
If you would like to explore the available options according to your cat’s age and profile, you can discover the full cat food range at ownat.com. No unnecessary complications — just food formulated with what really matters.
Practical tips for making the right decision
Always read the ingredient list, not just the claims on the packaging.
Check that animal protein is the first ingredient.
Choose a food adapted to your cat’s age, especially if they are over seven years old.
Observe how your cat responds: coat condition, digestion and energy levels are the best indicators.
Always change food gradually, mixing the new food with the previous one for at least 6 days.
Consult your veterinarian if you have doubts about the most suitable nutritional profile for your cat.
Choosing the right food for your cat is not about price or marketing. It is about understanding what their body needs and paying attention to how they respond. With clear information and no unnecessary gimmicks, making that decision is easier than it seems.
In the end, a well-fed cat shows it: in its coat, its digestion, the way it plays, and the way it looks at you. And more than any label, that is the best sign that you are doing it right.
