Food for Cats & Kittens

FAQs About Cat & Kitten Food

What makes a cat and kitten food great? If you’re a pet owner that’s trying to find the best food for your cat and/or kitten, it’s important to read these frequently asked questions about ingredients, diet requirements, and what is guaranteed on your pet food label. In order to choose the best food for your cats, you have to know what factors go into cat and kitten health and how to compare different products on the market.

• How do I know if my cat is getting the right nutrients?

  A well-balanced diet should support your cat’s energy levels, coat condition, digestion, and overall health. Look for signs like a shiny coat, healthy weight, regular bowel movements, and playful behavior. If you’re unsure, check the food label for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement, which ensures the food meets nutritional standards. All Nutrena Loyall Life Cat & Kitten foods meet these nutritional standards. Your veterinarian can also help assess your cat’s diet and recommend adjustments if you have specific concerns.

• Should I leave food out for my cat all day?

  This depends on your cat’s eating habits and the type of food. Free-feeding (leaving dry food out) can work for cats who self-regulate, but it may lead to overeating and weight gain in others. Scheduled feeding times help monitor intake and support a healthy weight, especially for indoor cats.

• How do I transition my cat to a new food?

  Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your cat’s current food. Gradually increase the new food over 7–10 days while decreasing the old food. This slow transition helps prevent digestive issues and gives your cat time to adjust to the new taste and texture.

  

• What’s the best way to store cat food to keep it fresh?

  Regardless of the best by date, once a bag of dry food is open it will begin to degrade. The bag should be stored in a cool, dry place at less than 100°F to decrease damage to vitamins and oxidation of fats. Dry food should always be stored in the original bag. These bags are specially designed to protect the contents. The bag can then either be stored by neatly folding the top of the bag and clipping it closed and keeping it somewhere your cat cannot get to it, or it can be stored in another container. If you are going to store dry food in a container, the food should still be kept in the original bag. This will serve as added freshness protection, plus you will always have the best by date available in the event you should need to refer to it.  Food should always be stored up off the floor to help protect it from insect contamination and small critters.

• Is grain-free food better for my cat?

  Not necessarily. Grain-free diets are popular, but grains like rice and barley can be part of a balanced feline diet. What matters most is the overall nutritional profile. Cats are obligate carnivores, so high-quality animal protein should be the main ingredient. All Nutrena Loyall Life Cat & Kitten recipes feature real meat as the #1 ingredient.