Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Main Street Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic

4100 Kirkpatrick Lane

Flower Mound, TX 75028 US

(972) 355-0008

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Community Involvement
    • What Our Clients Say
  • Services
    • Diagnostic Services
    • Surgery
    • Dentistry
      • Dental Care Letter to Pet Owners
      • Dental Talk
    • Senior Pet Care
    • Boarding and Grooming
    • Emergency Care and Referrals
  • Our Staff
    • Veterinarians
    • Hospital Staff
  • Online Forms
    • New Client Information Sheet
    • Boarding - Information Sheet
    • Boarding - Each Visit
    • Application for Employment Page 1
    • Application for Employment Page 2
    • Application for Employment Page 3
    • Application for Employment Page 4
  • Home Delivery
  • Your Pet's Info
  • Picture Gallery
  • New Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • Referring Veterinarians
  • Contact Us
  • Client Survey
  • Announcements
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Exotics
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fun with Pets
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Cats >
  • 6 Rules to Improve Your Cat's Diet

6 Rules to Improve Your Cat's Diet

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Cats
image of a cat in a shopping bag.

Do Not Overfeed

"Obesity is the most common nutritional disease seen in cats," says Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD at the University of Tennessee's College of Veterinary Medicine. It is a common bad habit for cat owners to feed their cats too much. Cats only need 24 to 35 calories per pound of body weight each day. This guideline is a general measure and will vary depending on your cat's activity levels, health considerations and overall nutritional needs. Smart owners will have a heart-to-heart talk with their veterinarian about Fluffy's dietary needs and work together to provide the best food choices possible.

Necessary Amino Acids

If you're a cat owner embarking on your own vegetarian health regime and you want to include your furry friend, think again. Cats require some amino acids that are found only in meat. Depriving your domesticated cat of meat and meat products can minimize good health and create conditions or concerns with lifelong consequences. Even dog food does not contain all the amino acids that cats need. Long term feeding of dog food to cats can even cause blindness.

Homemade Food

As an alternative to commercial cat food, a homemade diet can be prepared for your cat when you're in the kitchen. Be aware that it will be necessary to talk with your veterinarian in advance for nutritional recommendations and supplements. It is important to feed a diet that is nutritionally balanced and this requires using a recipe developed by a veterinary nutritionist. Do not add supplements not included in the recipe. The internet is a source of good recipes at www.balanceit.com or www.petdiets.com. For a nominal fee a veterinary nutritionist will give you a recipe using the meat and carbohydrate of your choice. Your cat will need to maintain recommended nutritional standards for optimal health. Any discussion about your cat's diet should also address your cat's age, health considerations, activity levels and past food choices.

A Well-Rounded Diet

"The biggest mistake people make is feeding cats dry food," says Lisa A. Pierson, DVM. Manufacturers have to include a lot of unnecessary carbohydrates in order to make a cat food dry, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Cats need a diet that is lower in carbohydrate and higher in protein, which can be achieved by feeding your cat canned food. If you choose to feed your cat dry food, add wet food as well.

Senior Cats

Review the foods you are feeding your cat during every visit with your veterinarian. As your beloved pet ages and becomes more or less active, his or her nutritional needs can change. In order to maintain total health and wellness, your cat may need changes in their diet such as providing more or less calories each day or switching which foods are being provided. Cats may also need more or less of specific nutrients. For instance, kidney disease is common in cats, and a diet low in phosphorus and protein has been shown in studies to lengthen the time before the symptoms of renal disease worsen. In some instances, your veterinarian may suggest supplements to the foods you currently provide. Working together with your veterinarian for your pet's long term health and wellness is critical.

Always remember to talk with your veterinarian about your pet's activity levels, health considerations and nutritional needs during your regular office visits. If you have any questions about your cat's diet or well-being, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians, please don't hesitate call us today!

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Exotics
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fun with Pets
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline
Mention that you found us from a Google Ad and your pet's First Wellness Exam is Free!

Featured Links

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

  • "I like the fact that the staff at Main Street Veterinary Hospital is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I would recommend them to my friends and family."
    Kathy Lemoine - Flower Mound, TX
  • "I appreciate the convenience and quality care offered at Main Street Veterinary Hospital. They are very thorough and they are always able to work us in any day. Our dog seem comfortable here. I would recommend them."
    Rauny Ruiz - Flower Mound, TX
  • "I have never been to a vet that was so caring ; the entire staff was amazing. I felt like they treated my dog Rascal like he was one of their own and answered all my questions in great detail. I felt blessed to have been referred here."
    Alexis C. - Flower Mound, TX
  • "Joshua came for shots and a heart worm test, which ended up positive. I am thankful for Dr. Pierson and the vet tech that helped Joshua and I to understand his diagnosis."
    Heather Markanovic - Flower Mound, TX
  • "Polly enjoys her weekly visits for her bath! Everyone seems to like Polly and spoils here rotten! I love it! You all are the BEST! Keep up the GREAT work!"
    Martha Balderston - Flower Mound, TX

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Parrots

    If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet. While parrots are highly intelligent and fun pets, there are a few aspects that make them more difficult to care for than a cat or dog. Here’s what you need to know ...

    Read More
  • Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs and How to Relieve Them

    Do you know which digestive issues are most common in dogs? ...

    Read More
  • Glaucoma in Cats

    Do you know the signs of glaucoma in cats? ...

    Read More
  • Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items

    Do you know which household items can sicken your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More
  • Bringing a New Pet in the Home in the New Year

    Are you planning on adding a pet to your family this year? These tips will help you prepare for the arrival of your furry, feathered, or finned friend. ...

    Read More
  • Cold Symptoms in Dogs

    Could your sneezing, sniffling dog have a cold? ...

    Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Sing up to receive additional articles!

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map