Dogs that have been spayed or neutered have a strong tendency to gain weight easilyEspecially the latter, since, having had their reproductive glands removed, they tend to become more sedentary and their metabolism changes. That's why many pet food brands have long focused on making sterilized cat food with specific formulas for this stage.
However, one might wonder to what extent that food is actually appropriate for these animals. To find out, there's nothing like... Read the ingredients label carefully and understand what each component means. Let's see then. What is the composition of this type of feed?What should a neutered cat eat and how to choose the best option for your feline companion.
What should cats eat?
First of all, let's start with the basics: What do cats really eat? Cats, being good felines, they eat meatTheir bodies are designed for hunting: they have claws, sharp fangs, and highly developed night vision that allows them to locate small prey. Their digestive system is short and adapted to process animal proteins and fatsnot large amounts of carbohydrates.
A goat, for example, being a herbivore, has a jaw designed for chewing grass, a very long digestive system, and is adapted to fermenting plant fibers. A cat, on the other hand, does not possess these adaptations: it needs essential amino acids such as taurine y specific fatty acids such as arachidonic acid which it only obtains in adequate quantities from animal tissues.
But when you read the ingredients of some pet foods, you might be shocked, especially if they are of low quality, as they include cereals in large quantities (corn, wheat, etc.), animal by-products (beaks, legs, feathers, in short, parts that nobody would eat) and artificial colors or flavorings to make the product more attractive. All of this may reduce costs, but it does not respect the natural nutritional needs of the cat.
In the specific case of neutered cats, in addition to this carnivorous base, it is important that the diet helps to weight control, keep a good muscle mass and protect the urinary healthbecause after surgery there is a slightly higher risk of problems in the lower urinary tract.
How is the composition of the feed for sterilized animals?
The ingredients are listed in descending order of percentage.And of course, each brand of cat food may include different ingredients. A good food for neutered cats should combine several factors: high percentage of high-quality protein, moderate fat content, controlled amount of calories or with a balanced mineral profile to take care of the urinary tract.
In addition, many specific formulas add Dietary fiber To increase satiety, substances such as L-carnitine to help mobilize fats and prebiotics that promote a healthy gut flora. It is also common to find joint supplements (chondroitin and glucosamine) and antioxidants (vitamins such as E or certain plant extracts) to support the overall health of the sterilized cat in the long term.
So let's look at an example of food that I wouldn't recommend giving to any cat and another that I would, analyzing how they fit with these specific needs.
I think not recommended
Corn, poultry meal (min. 32% chicken), corn gluten, animal fats, fish oil, protein hydrolyzate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate.
If we look closely, the first ingredient is the corn And it doesn't even indicate the percentage. This already gives us a clear clue: the product is based on a grain, not a meat source. Then we have poultry flourThat is, it doesn't even contain clearly identified fresh meat; and the third ingredient is, again, a cereal (corn gluten) whose main purpose is increase the supply of cheap plant-based proteins.
In this type of feed, although the label shows a relatively high percentage of protein, a good part of it comes from unsuitable plant sources for a strict carnivore. Furthermore, being corn-based, it tends to increase the caloric density without providing the same satiety as a good animal protein, which in a neutered cat further favors overweight.
I'm almost certain that if we gave this food to a herbivore, it wouldn't hesitate to eat it, but for a neutered cat that needs weight control, strong muscle y urinary health It is not a suitable option.
I think recommended
Meat (min. 12% extrusion before fresh chicken), peas, poultry fat, tapioca, hydrolyzed salmon, potato, hydrolyzed chicken liver, brewer's yeast, egg powder, fish oil, beet pulp, flaxseed , apple, citrus, sodium chloride, fructo-oligosaccharides and mannan-oligosaccharides (FOS and MOS), chondroitin and glucosamine, lecithins, citrus and vegetable extracts of rosemary plants (fennel, thyme and chamomile flowers) Yucca schidigera .
This one, on the other hand, is already telling you that the The first ingredient is meatand it doesn't contain any grains. The presence of fresh chicken Hydrolyzed animal proteins improve digestibility and provide essential amino acids such as taurine. Peas and tapioca are used as sources of carbohydrates and moderate fiber, not as the base of the feed.
It also includes fish oil and flaxseed, which provide omega 3 fatty acids beneficial for skin, coat and joint health; beet pulp and fruits that provide fermentable fiber and natural antioxidants; and FOS and MOSwhich are prebiotics to care for the intestinal flora. chondroitin and glucosamine They support the joints, which is interesting for neutered cats who tend to move less.
This type of formula is much better suited to the needs of a neutered cat: high proportion of animal protein, absence of cereals, easier-to-control energy content and an extra of functional ingredients that help maintain weight and overall health.
Changes after sterilization: weight, appetite, and urinary health
After sterilization, cats tend to gain weight more easilyTheir metabolism slows down somewhat, their Appetite usually increases And at the same time, many become calmer, reducing their activity level. If you add all these factors together, the possibility of gain weight She is tall, and that goes against her overall health.
In addition, neutered cats may exhibit a decreased insulin sensitivity or with a increased risk of developing urinary problemssuch as feline lower urinary tract disease or the formation of crystals and stones. The right food can help maintain a Optimal urinary pH and a balance of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) that reduces the likelihood of kidney stones.
A good food specifically formulated for neutered cats should be lower calories than a standard one, but still provide all essential nutrientsQuality protein, just the right amount of fat, controlled carbohydrates, and a full complement of vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of L-carnitine In some formulas it helps to mobilize fats and generate a certain feeling of satiety, while fiber helps the cat feel full with less food.
Another important aspect is the control of hair balls and intestinal transit. Cats groom themselves frequently, swallow hair, and if they don't properly eliminate these hairballs, vomiting or digestive discomfort may occur. Some recipes for neutered cats include specific fibers and components that help to better expel ingested hair.
What should a neutered cat eat on a daily basis?
Essentially, the diet of neutered cats is similar to that of any cat, but adapted to their needs. new metabolic rhythmThe most recommended thing is a diet balanced and rich in animal proteina moderate fat intake y limited carbohydratesMeat and fish provide taurine, arachidonic acid and other essential nutrients for the feline body.
Feeds with some cereal content can provide fiber It's convenient for them to feel full with less food, but too much makes the feed less palatable and even more difficult for some cats to digest. That's why it's preferable for the fiber to come from sources like peas, beet pulp, fruits, or specific vegetables.
The relationship between proteins and fats It must be very high, that is, the percentage of protein must be significantly higher than that of fat, so as to favor the nutrient supply in the face of excess calories. In addition, the food should be satiating although it contains fewer calories than other feeds, which is achieved through the addition of well-chosen dietary fibers.
Finally, it is very interesting to offer a combination of Dry food specifically formulated for sterilized animals and some quality wet foodWet food increases water intake, promotes urinary health, and is usually very palatable, while dry food allows for better portion control and provides a crunchy texture that many cats enjoy.
Do not be fooled by the price or the advertising
There are several brands that invest heavily in advertising, but then don't make an effort to actually deliver. high-quality meals even though they sell them at almost exorbitant prices. There are other brands, however, that do respect the cat's digestive tract, its status as a strict carnivore and the special needs after sterilization.
A good food formulated for sterilized cats, regardless of the brand, should meet some basic requirements: to be very tasty so that the cat accepts it without problems, have a high protein/fat ratio, contain fibers that provide satiety, contribute all the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals and, in addition to nourishing, to protect long-term health through functional ingredients.
If you have any questions, you can consult your trusted veterinarian to adjust your cat's diet according to their life stage, activity level, and current weight. You can also ask us anytime you need to. Choosing a food with Good composition And adapting it to neutered cats is one of the decisions that most influences whether your feline stays healthy. at their ideal weight, with good urinary health and enough energy to keep playing for many years.