Just 8-10 years ago, cat food labeled holistic was not only difficult to get, but rather, it was of interest exclusively to professional breeders and, very rarely, to ordinary owners. Simply put, there was no particular demand for holistic practitioners. Today, premium holistic cat food is the mainstream that many people adhere to. The number of brands, compositions, and price ranges are impressive, and often it can be quite difficult for a cat owner to get out of such a variety with a full understanding of what is best to buy. In this article we will try to honestly and clearly analyze the features of holistic food and answer the main question - does your pet need it?
What is holistic cat food?
Holistic is a whole philosophy, but when applied to pet foods, the term refers to foods that are formulated for pets to meet their needs if they were living in a natural wild environment. In other words, all the ingredients for such nutrition are not a derivative of chemical laboratories, but exclusively gifts of nature.
Premium holistic cat food is a balanced formula, safe ingredients, a set of valuable and beneficial vitamins and minerals. Holistic means “whole” and from this position responsible manufacturers create lines of pet food.
Carnilove
Complete grain-free food Carnilove is produced by the Czech company Vafo Ptaha, which is known for Brit and Brit Care food. Food for kittens belongs to the holistic class, and is prepared using modern technologies to preserve all the beneficial properties of the product. Half of the food composition is animal protein - salmon meal and turkey meal. Game is supplemented with plants, herbs and berries such as rosemary, chicory root, thyme, seaweed, raspberries, blueberries, etc. High quality fat sources include chicken fat, fish oil and olive oil. The product contains 18% yellow peas, which is a good source of fiber, vegetable protein and a lot of vitamins and nutrients. In addition, flaxseeds in the composition improve hair and skin, and beet pulp promotes normal digestion.
Variety of assortment : A special food, CarniLove into the wild, with salmon and turkey flavors, has been released for kittens.
Pros:
-The basis of the feed is animal protein
-There are no grains in the composition that could cause allergies in a kitten
-Lots of herbal ingredients, as well as vitamins and minerals
-Uses natural preservatives and antioxidants
Minuses:
-High price
-Difficult to find in pet stores, better to order online
-It’s not entirely clear what animal parts flour is made from
Feed specifics
The cat family is an obligate carnivore; in the wild, the diet of this species is based on animal meat. Holistic cat food contains a large amount of animal proteins, which the domestic cat’s body can easily digest, in contrast to carbohydrates, which are high in mass-market foods. However, some nutritionists emphasize that you shouldn’t give up carbohydrates completely - it’s more advisable to reduce their amount to a maximum of 10% of the entire diet. This proportion ensures proper and high-quality digestion and sufficient absorption of micro and macroelements. As carbohydrates for a domestic cat, it is better to choose foods such as:
- oats;
- sweet potato;
- brown rice;
- tapioca;
- vegetables;
- fruits.
In general, carbohydrates are not physiological for cats, so good premium holistic cat food is grain-free.
It is worth noting that many people consider this type of food to be expensive, but this is not entirely true, because due to better digestibility, the animal eats less food than usual.
Advantages and disadvantages
To decide whether it is worth purchasing holistic-grade cat food for your pet, and which one, you need to weigh its advantages and disadvantages and look at reviews from veterinarians.
First, about the pros:
- High content of natural meat. Manufacturers promise up to 70% meat ingredients in the best holistic foods.
- The presence of berries (blueberries, cranberries), fruits (apples), vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, tomatoes) and herbs (rosemary, parsley).
- The food does not contain by-products or soy.
- All properties of the food are preserved due to rosemary extract, without the addition of artificial preservatives.
- Content of vitamin and mineral complexes.
The disadvantages include:
- Relatively high cost. This is partly compensated by the fact that the recommended daily dose is less than that of premium foods.
- The manufacturer does not have a line of medicinal feeds. At the same time, consuming such a balanced composition will be a good prevention of the development of diseases.
Compound
To appreciate the advantages and benefits of holistic food, it is important to break down its basic composition.
The basis of the diet, as mentioned above, should be meat. Suitable protein sources for domestic cats include:
- fresh and dehydrated meat (chicken, chicken, turkey, lamb, beef);
- fish fillet.
The meat and fish content of the best holistic cat foods can exceed 70%, and the amount of healthy protein often approaches 30%.
Important: with this volume, even with minimal food consumption, the pet will receive the required amount of easily digestible protein, and this in turn will minimize digestive problems. In addition, protein is a key component of animal muscles.
Therefore, when consuming high-quality animal protein as part of holistic food, the animal is always in a cheerful mood, the pet is active, energetic and properly developed.
The second largest component of this class of feed is natural fruits, vegetables, and berries. This is the main source of vitamins for a cat. The best holistic cat foods may contain ingredients such as carrots and dried apples. Animals need vitamins in the same way as humans. Thanks to natural additives, the animal’s coat improves, the pet has strong healthy teeth, sharp eyesight, and strong bones. With a diet rich in vitamins, the animal’s immunity is strengthened.
A distinctive feature of holistic food is also the absence of all kinds of “improvers” that are easy to find in economy-class bags. There are no artificial additives or enhancers that improve the taste, color or aroma of the finished food. As veterinary practice shows, if an animal has been consuming flavor enhancers in its diet for some time, then in order to completely switch to a higher quality diet, the cat will need time to get rid of the formed habit.
Naturally, holistic practitioners also need substances that will help maintain the freshness of food while it sits on the store shelf. But premium brands use safe ingredients for their products, again of natural origin. For example, a mixture of tocopherols, rosemary oil, vitamin C supplements and more.
Note: The best holistic cat foods will not contain synthetic ingredients, even if they are included in the list of safe additives.
The absence of preservatives in the composition is the key to good digestibility of the food, which leads to healthy digestion and the absence of allergies. The latter has been the scourge of many pets in recent years. Allergy sufferers are especially recommended to switch to holistic food.
What holistic food should not contain:
- corn gluten;
- wheat gluten.
The naturalness of the composition is also reflected in the shelf life. Economy class food is edible for one and a half to two years or more, while holistic food, as a rule, has a maximum shelf life of one to one and a half years.
An indisputable advantage of such food is the absence of contraindications to its use.
The difference between Holistic and other foods
The following components are used to make holistic products:
- boneless meat, fresh or dehydrated by extrusion;
- fish fillet;
- sources of carbohydrates and fiber are rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables;
- Yeast mannanoligosaccharides, inulin, fructooligosaccharides of medicinal plants support the population of beneficial microflora of the large intestine:
- organic acids of fruits prevent the crystallization of uric acid salts, prevent the development of urolithiasis;
- vegetable oils and animal fats enrich the feed mixture with essential omega 3 fatty acids; 6;
- medicinal plants normalize the functioning of internal organs, provide visual acuity, strengthen the immune system;
- chondroprotectors from arthropod shells are involved in the formation of bones, ligaments, tendons, and prevent joint diseases.
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Nutrients from holistic foods are digested better than components from other foods. Food consumption and fecal output are reduced, and the unpleasant odor of excrement is reduced.
Types of holistic feeds
The main recommendation of veterinarians when choosing a diet for a cat is to take into account their natural needs, as well as individual characteristics - age, weight, health, presence of chronic diseases, etc. In stores you can find dry and wet holistic food for neutered cats, food for older pets, etc.
For example, holistic nutrition for kittens helps to increase the physical activity of small pets. Since kittens grow quickly, they need the most nutritious and safe formulations. For adult pets, you can choose balanced food with a small allowable amount of carbohydrates. And for mature and older individuals, holistic manufacturers produce food to maintain normal physical activity, healthy bones, teeth, and internal organs.
The best holistic foods for sterilized cats take into account the animal's changing needs and minimize the risk of hormonal imbalance. For obese pets there is also a line of holistic foods that help normalize weight.
Feed overview
All dry and wet cat food can be divided into several classes: economy (like Purina One ), premium and super-premium.
In the super-premium class, the holistic line stands out, for example, Grandorf food , which has the highest meat content and occupies the best places in the ranking.
Here is a list of brands:
- Acana;
- Orijen;
- Pronature Holistic;
- Innova Evo;
- Holistic Blend;
- GO!;
- Almo Nature Holistic.
Holistic foods differ from cheaper foods in their high content of healthy proteins.
In economy class diets, these substances are replaced by offal and grain fillers.
Although the animal eats from them, such dry and wet food does not provide the nutrients necessary for the body.
Holistic foods are rich in healthy proteins
Holistic-grade cat food provides your pet with protein even in small quantities.
They are necessary for the development of healthy muscles and are well absorbed by the body.
Therefore, when consuming such a mixture, the cat should not have digestive problems.
Important! You should switch to a new food gradually, gradually increasing its share in the usual diet.
Rating of quality feeds
Below we present to your attention a rating of dry and wet holistic cat food for 2022.
Grandorf
This brand offers dry and wet food in the holistic class. The diet is hypoallergenic and contains probiotics for normal digestion of the animal. Suitable for pets with food intolerances and allergic animals. The line includes several flavors (lamb, rabbit, 4 types of meat, etc.). Whole brown rice is used as a source of protein. Vitamin supplements: B vitamins, carrots, Omega 3 and 6, citrus fruits, turmeric. Some foods contain cranberries. This berry is a powerful natural antiseptic, helps gently cleanse the liver and kidneys, and improves the functioning of the urinary system. The products have convenient packaging. In terms of price, the holistic cat food of the Grandorf brand belongs to the middle segment among its analogues.
Also, the advantages of most of the brand’s lines include:
- nice smell;
- helps remove hairballs;
- prevents the appearance of urinary stones;
- cares for the cat's oral cavity.
GO!
This brand is also not accidental in the list of holistic cat food. The manufacturer offers high-quality balanced nutrition for different age groups - for kittens, adults and elderly individuals. The food contains no GMOs, hormones or artificial colors, which corresponds to the holistic philosophy and is confirmed by the results of testing at the state level in the country of production (Canada). The food contains meat and fish, flaxseed, pre- and probiotics. Some products contain sodium chloride, a safe ingredient that maintains acid-base balance and regulates water metabolism in your pet's body.
Wellness CORE
This brand of food is produced in the USA, France, and Thailand. The brand occupies one of the highest places in the list of quality holistic cat food. Contains protein (meat and fish, average content of 40-50%), natural preservatives, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins A, E, Omega-3, calcium, phosphorus, taurine, Omega-6. The manufacturer offers food for kittens and adult cats.
Savarra
The British company does not use plant proteins or gluten. The volume of meat ingredients often exceeds 70% (fresh and dehydrated meat is used). The list of ingredients also includes flax seeds, turkey fat, brown rice, taurine, apples, tomatoes, algae, cranberries, blueberries, and salmon oil. The composition is hypoallergenic, rich in vitamins and minerals. According to some owners, the food has smaller granules compared to other popular brands, making them easier for pets to chew on.
Farmina N&D
The rating of holistic dry cat food is continued by the Farmina N&D brand. The food is produced at factories in Italy, Brazil, and Serbia. Natural fresh meat, as well as dehydrated meat, is used as protein sources. Often in the list of ingredients you can find eggs and fresh/dehydrated herring. The rating of the best foods also includes grain-free holistic cat food from this brand. The food is easy to buy, it is quite common, and belongs to the above-average price segment. Owners note an improvement in the condition of the coat and the level of energy of their pets after switching to this food.
NOW FRESH
The rating of grain-free holistic cat food also includes Now Fresh brand products. The balanced composition is suitable for pets with sensitive digestion. Legumes and their derivatives are used here as vegetable protein. There are no dyes in the composition. Suitable for daily feeding.
Characteristics of holistic class feeds
Holistic nutrition can be recognized by the Holistic label on the packaging. It was first used by the American company Innova. There is no clear definition of this type of food; there are also no GOSTs or legally declared quality standards. The main differences between holistic products are high quality and a completely natural, balanced composition that is beneficial for cats.
True holistic foods are made from such healthy ingredients that, according to manufacturers, even humans can eat them. However, in any case, cats will like this food more.
In appearance, holistic food differs little from ordinary food - the main difference is in its ingredients
Signs of holistic nutrition
Currently, holistic products are usually identified as a separate type, included in the super-premium group: they can be called a new generation of this type of food. But not all super premium foods are holistic.
Do not forget also that food may be labeled Holistic, but not be so - this remains at the discretion of the manufacturer. It's best to be vigilant and remember some signs of quality. Moreover, there may not be special markings on the packaging of holistic medicine - first of all, you need to focus on the composition of the product and other signs:
- on feed from American or Canadian manufacturers there must be a mention of AAFCO (American Association of Governmental Food Control) - this regulatory body monitors how well the product meets the nutritional needs of the animal;
- always look at the composition of the food, it should not include cheap ingredients that are useless for your pet (see table below);
- in the first place in the composition there should be protein, and with a specific indication of the type of meat, ideally it contains at least two types of protein;
- the food must have composition analysis data showing the values of four nutrients - crude protein, fat, fiber and moisture: the minimum value of protein in dry food for healthy cats is 30%, fat - 8%, fiber should contain no more than 10%;
- for wet food - protein at least 8%, fat at least 4%, fiber - 3% or less.
FAQ
Before switching their pet to a new food, every owner asks a number of questions. We will give answers to the most popular ones.
The very first question is: is it worth switching your pet to a new food?
The final decision, of course, must be made by the owner. But veterinarians’ recommendations often sound like this: it’s definitely worth it. Even a small portion a day of proper, balanced and natural food will be more beneficial in effect than a full-fledged semi-synthetic meal. Holistic food has a positive effect on the animal’s digestive tract, coat, muscles and bones, motor activity and mood.
The second most popular question is how to properly switch a pet to a new diet?
The most obvious and understandable solution is to do it gradually. Select food with the help of a veterinarian or look at the rating of holistic food for cats, and begin gradual complementary feeding, reducing the usual food and increasing the new food. Within one to two weeks, it is quite possible to painlessly transfer your pet to holistic care. This time is enough for the transfer process to take place without stress for the animal.
Specialized feed
In addition to everyday nutrition for adult cats, manufacturers produce holistic foods for the following groups of animals:
- Kittens up to one year old.
- Cats 7+ (senior).
- Castratov.
For kittens
Holistic for kittens
The developers claim that the recipe for dry food mixtures for pregnant, lactating cats and cubs should be the same. After gestation is established, the pet is transferred to dry food for kittens.
The food is balanced in nutrients, so the cat does not gain excess weight. High protein concentration (44%) limits overeating. Therefore, clothed and lactating animals are fed ad libitum.
After weaning, the cat is transferred to a feed mixture for adult animals. Kittens observe their mother's behavior, consume the same granules as she does, and easily switch from liquid milk to solid food.
Teenagers are given ready-made kitten food for up to 12 months, then transferred to holistic food for adults.
Manufacturers of kitten food used the following ingredients:
During the manufacturing process of feed, fresh and dehydrated (dehydrated) components are used. These are high-quality products, the pre-processing of which did not lead to protein denaturation.
Animal protein hydrolyzate is a set of easily digestible amino acids and at the same time a natural flavoring additive. Pea fiber is a source of long fiber, which stimulates peristaltic contractions of the intestines.
Carrots, apples, alfalfa, dried fruits and medicinal plants have the following beneficial effects:
- strengthen the immune system;
- cleanse the intestinal walls of toxins;
- acidify food, prevent the formation of urinary stones;
- increase visual acuity;
- saturate the diet with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals;
- have an anti-inflammatory effect;
- contain prebiotics - substrates for the reproduction of lactic acid flora of the intestine.
Plant components are rich in potassium. To normalize the operation of the osmotic pump, sodium chloride is added to the diet.
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Holistics do not contain taste enhancers, so in the first days pets may be reluctant to eat new food and even diarrhea. Adaptation takes 2-3 days.
For older people
If cats have consumed holistic supplements throughout their lives, they do not develop senile changes. They continue to use holistic products for animals from 1 to 6 years. The set of components is the same as in food for kittens, but the protein level is reduced to 36%.
If the cat does get sick, the veterinarian finds out the cause of the illness and prescribes super-premium class therapeutic food.
For castrated and sterilized animals
Cats whose gonads have been removed lose their motivation to exercise. The set of components is the same as in the kitten food mixture, but their ratio changes. Therefore, sources of dietary fiber are included in the feed mixture and the amount of fat is reduced.
The product contains 46; eleven; 5.5% protein, fat and fiber. The food for castrates contains 2 palatability limiters. Fiber irritates the intestinal walls. Signals go to the satiety center, and the brain commands to stop eating food.
Protein metabolic waste products are nitrogenous wastes that are toxic in high concentrations. They suppress appetite. Therefore, in holistic medicine for castrates, 2 strategies for limiting feed consumption are implemented.
Farmina N&D
Farmina N&D food for cats and kittens is produced in Italy and Serbia, and is presented in two categories: grain-free and low-grain. A grain-free diet is suitable for kittens who have sensitive digestion and may develop allergies. It is low glycemic, so your kitten will not gain weight or develop diabetes. If we talk about the exact composition, then most of it contains animal protein (about 70%), and the rest - fruits, vegetables, B vitamins, vitamins E, A, D3, as well as iron, copper and zinc. In addition, grain-free food for kittens contains extracts of aloe vera, rosemary and green tea, they act as antioxidants, have a beneficial effect on the kitten’s digestion and improve its quality of life. The source of fiber is dried apples, pea fiber and dried carrots, and the source of fat is chicken and fish oils.
Variety of assortment: Farmina N&D offers dry grain-free food for kittens, pregnant and lactating cats with chicken and pomegranate flavors.
Pros:
-High percentage of animal protein -Lots of vitamins and minerals -Grain-free food -Available in many pet stores
Minuses:
High price
Class Features
Holistic class feeds occupy a leading position on the market, since their composition is as close as possible to the nutrition of animals in natural conditions. Only meat and fish are used to make them. It also contains high-quality by-products. Cereals are not used here. With their help, some manufacturers of lower-quality products achieve cheaper prices.
Whatever manufacturer of holistic products is included in the rating, its products must include:
- dehydrated and fresh meat, as well as fish fillets. These are excellent sources of protein;
- no vegetable proteins are used: potato protein, corn gluten, pea protein, etc.;
- The composition contains peas, potatoes, rice and lentils as sources of carbohydrates. Wheat and flour made from it, as well as corn are not included;
- preservatives – natural substances tocopherols. No synthetic substances are used;
- Fruits, vegetables and berries (for example, dried carrots, apples, etc.) serve as a source of fiber.
This food also contains high-quality and healthy vitamin and mineral supplements.
