What to pay attention to when feeding your cat in winter
With the arrival of winter, cats' food needs change.. The cold season requires more energy from the body to stay warm and active.. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider your pet’s diet., to ensure health, comfort and well-being. Let's consider, what to pay attention to when feeding an animal in winter.
Increasing calorie intake
During the cold season, cats need more energy, to maintain a comfortable body temperature. The body spends additional resources on heating, Therefore, it is recommended to select a high-calorie diet.
Give preference to a balanced diet. It contains vitamins and minerals, а также «» обогащен белками и жирами. They are considered the main sources of energy. Protein helps:
- maintain muscle mass;
- restore the body.
Fats provide a quick boost of energy, improving the condition of the coat. When choosing ready-made food, pay attention to those, that are marked as “winter” or “for active animals”. They contain more nutrients.
If you feed your cat natural food, increase the proportion of meat, poultry or fish in the diet. Adding turkey or chicken will help avoid excess weight gain. Mackerel or salmon provide the animal with beneficial Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They reduce inflammation, improve the condition of the skin and coat, and also restore the body after illnesses. You can also add butter or fish oil to your diet., however, this must be done after consultation with a veterinarian.
Maintaining immunity
Winter period is a test of strength for the cats’ immune system. To prevent your pet from getting sick, the diet must be supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Retinol improves skin and coat condition, calciferol helps absorb calcium, and ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system. It is also recommended to add foods to the diet, rich in zinc and selenium. Trace elements help the body fight infections. If you feed your cat a ready-made diet, choose premium products, because they are balanced and contain essential microelements.
The importance of water in winter
During the cold season, cats may drink less water.. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that, to prevent your pet from becoming dehydrated, since heating appliances can dry out the air.
Make sure, that the cat has access to clean and fresh water. If you notice, that your pet drinks less than usual, offer him warm liquid or add it to his food. This is especially true for those, who gives cats dry food.
Winter requires attention not only to clothing and heating, but also to pet nutrition. Choosing the right diet for MAUDAU will help support your cat’s immunity. Take care of your animal's health, so that he gives you many happy and joyful moments.