Best Cat Food For American Shorthairs
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If you have several cats in the neighborhood, chances are that one of them is an American Shorthair.
It is sometimes hard to differentiate them because of their close resemblance to any other cat breed.
Its fur pattern sets it apart from the rest and gives them a distinct appearance.
A Bit About The American Shorthair
In general, American Shorthairs weigh about twelve pounds. They have moderate grooming needs because they shed their short fur moderately.
These cats grow thicker fur during winter. That’s in order to protect themselves from the cold.
When it comes to personality, American Shorthairs are independent cats that enjoy attention every now and then.
They have no trouble being left alone as they are capable of playing all by themselves.
However, they must be given due attention when they demand it. Also, they are social cats that are amicable with other pets.
Giving them some playtime is sufficient in order to get them to stay fit and healthy, as they are not like other cats who prefer frequent walks.
Compare Best Cat Food For American Shorthairs
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Premium Choice
3. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Most Popular
4. BFF OMG Rainbow Road Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best For Kittens
5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
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Protein
8% Min |
Protein
2.3% Min |
Protein
42% Min |
Protein
8% Min |
Protein
11% Min |
|
Fat
5.5% Min |
Fat
0.1% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
2.5% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
|
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
3% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
|
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
97% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
86.5% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
|
Caloric Content
185 kcal/170g can |
Caloric Content
160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp |
Caloric Content
390 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
639 kcal/kg |
Caloric Content
122 kcal/3 oz can |
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Food Type
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Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
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Food Type
|
Food Type
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Special Dietary Requirements Of American Shorthairs
All cats have the same basic nutritional requirements, but American Shorthairs have some special considerations.
Here are some things to look for in a good cat food:
- Quality Protein. As a carnivore, your kitten has high needs for protein and it is best when it comes from animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish.
- Healthy Fats. Fat provides your kitten with energy to fuel its growth and development as well as omega fatty acids for brain development and healthy skin and coat.
- Beneficial Supplements. Vitamin, probiotics and mineral supplements ensure that your kitten gets the right blend of nutrients for healthy growth and development.
- Digestibility. In addition to making sure that your cats’s food is full of nutritious ingredients, you need to ensure that it is digestible, so its body can absorb all of those nutrients.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best kitten food. Here’s what you need to know:
How To Choose The Best Cat Food?
Your cat needs a diet rich in animal-based proteins and fats to fuel its growth and development.
Most of its nutrition should come from animal sources because your kitten is an obligate carnivore – this means that its body is designed to derive nutrition most efficiently from animal rather than plant sources.
Protein is the most important nutrient, essential for building strong muscles, and your cat’s needs a around of 30% protein in its diet.
After protein, fat is the next most important nutrient for cats and should make up at least 9% of its diet.
Fat provides a concentrated source of energy in the form of calories to fuel your cat’s growth.
Like protein, fat should come primarily from animal sources like chicken fat and salmon oil.
In addition to energy, fat provides omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat – it also provides fats like DHA which are essential for brain development.
Look for a recipe with chelated minerals because these have been bound to protein molecules which makes them easier for your kitten’s body to digest and absorb.
Other beneficial supplements include prebiotic fibers, probiotics, and calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones.
Keep reading to see our top 5 recommendations for the best cat food for American Shorthairs.
Our Top 5 Recommended Cat Food American Shorthairs
To maintain a long and happy life and to prevent your cat from diseases, it is best for you to look at the various options available in the stores to supplement your cat’s needs.
American Shorthairs do not have any special needs as they are not a picky breed.
However, it is best to look at the options shown below since this breed is known to have some genetically predisposed illnesses.
To help with this daunting process of choosing the right product, we have provided a list of products that are ideal for your American Shorthair cat.
Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 5.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 185 kcal/170g can
- Contains omega-6 fatty acids
- Contains 93% meat, organs, and New Zealand mussels
- Has real lamb as the first ingredient
- Not cheap
It is also rich in essential fatty acids for healthy skin and it contains a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk for food allergies. Overall it’s a great option for top of the line wet cat food.
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth
Product Info
- Protein: 2.3% Min
- Fat: 0.1% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 97% Max
- Caloric Content: 160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp
- Food Type: Fresh
- According to Open Farm, this food is made from responsibly-humanely raised chicken
- Animal protein sources are the food’s primary ingredients
- Free of potentially-harmful artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Cats tend to love the taste of this food
- Can be very expensive to maintain as a staple diet
Open Farm is a fresh food delivery service that offers customized meals catered to your cat’s unique nutritional needs and made with the freshest ingredients available.
Your cat’s food will be prepared and delivered fresh on a monthly basis, sent in perfectly portioned packages that you can refrigerate or freeze.
Simply fill out your pet’s profile online to get started and choose from their recipe collection.
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 42% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
- No added grain, corn, wheat or fillers
- Has added probiotics and superfoods for antioxidants
- Highly digestible
- Can be fed to kittens as well as adults
- A bit Expensive
You may also choose a 5 pound pack or a 15 pound pack. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Natural Dry Cat Food is made in the USA to ensure that it is of the highest quality possible.
This brand is also well-known amongst pet owners which makes it reliable for any new cat owner. They can be assured of good quality and great taste for their cats.
BFF OMG Rainbow Road Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 2.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 86.5% Max
- Caloric Content: 639 kcal/kg
- Contains 0.05 percent taurine content
- Has 83 percent moisture content
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals for overall well-being
- Contains ash
Wellness Complete Health Kitten Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 11% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 122 kcal/3 oz can
- Has real chicken as first ingredient
- Contains taurine
- Contains vitamins and minerals to promote healthy digestion
- Contains meat by-products
- Added color and artificial flavors
The smooth pâté contains real Chicken, Chicken Liver and Chicken Broth that is a sure classic to add to your cat’s feast.
Tailored for kittens, it is sure to supplement your cat’s needs as it contains a completely balanced nutrition.
It contains different vitamins and minerals that ordinary homemade meals may not provide your cat with.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to American Shorthairs, keeping your cat healthy and happy is the least of your problems.
The only thing you need to think about most of the time is their food. Some of the selections, as shown above, are sure to appeal to your cat once you serve them with these.
That depends on its tastes and health disposition. Do seek the advice of your veterinarian in order to know which one is the best for your cat.
That’s because before trying anything new, it is always better to get an expert’s advice.
*This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your veterinarian can provide personalized suggestions relevant to your Bengal cat’s unique situation.
