Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat. There are, however, many natural foods that you can add to your cat’s meat serving that may help protect against a variety of diseases and conditions and boost your cat’s overall health.
With Holistic Pet Day coming up on August 30th, maybe you’re looking for a few ways to keep your cat healthy without worrying too much about side effects. These supplements and additions might help.
Before you incorporate these healthy additions into your cat’s food, you must consult your veterinarian for proper dosage, and you should always discuss changes in diet with your vet, too.
Here are ten things you can add to your cat’s food for great health benefits.
Again, you must consult your vet before adding any of these things to your cat’s diet. Your vet can let you know how much to give your individual cat and provide you with guidance and advice.
What do you add to your cat’s food for health benefits? Are you trying any new foods or supplements for Holistic Pet Day? Let us know in the comments below!
Things You Can Add To Your Cat's Food For A Health Boost
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Fish Oil
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Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids and helps with a variety of conditions. It can reduce joint inflammation and pain, which is especially helpful for cats with arthritis.
As an anti-inflammatory, it can also slow the growth of tumors and protect against cancer. For cats with allergies, fish oil boosts skin immunity, clears hot spots, and reduces itching.
Not to mention, it helps improve the health and shine of your cat's coat.
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Turmeric
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Turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain and alleviate stiffness. It has valuable antioxidants that slow free radical activity in the body, cutting the risk of cancer.
The antioxidant properties protect against cell damage, and turmeric also possesses antibacterial and antiseptic qualities.
It's great for cats with arthritis, as well as a long list of other medical conditions.
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Coconut Oil
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Coconut oil contains lauric acid that fights the production of yeast, which can cause inflammation. The oil has antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage and help repair itchy or dry skin.
Coconut oil may increase immunity and prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Its antioxidant properties fight cell damage from free radical activity, which can cause cancer.
It can also help with a variety of secondary symptoms of cancer, improving nutrient absorption and settling gastrointestinal issues.
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Green Lipped Mussel Extract (GLME)
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GLME contains glucosamine sulphate, which is often combined with chondroitin in the treatment of arthritis. These supplements promote the growth of new cartilage and repairing damage in joints.
GLME also contains minerals, amino acids including omega-3 and omega-6, and antioxidants, which can help repair and prevent cell damage.
It promotes skin health, bone and teeth health, and circulatory system health in addition to treating many medical conditions.
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Blueberries
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Blueberries are low in fat and calories, but high in fiber, which makes them a healthy treat. They contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as iron, potassium, and manganese.
They're also a great source of antioxidants that help ward off conditions like cancer and promote bone and joint health.
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Pumpkin
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Pureed pumpkin is a great source of fiber that aids in digestive health, and it's often used to treat upset stomach or gastrointestinal issues.
The seeds are also beneficial, as they're a good source of fatty acids and antioxidants, which support healthy skin and fur.
Pumpkin flesh and seeds contain oil that helps with urinary tract infections, as well as vitamins and minerals that reduce the risk of cancer.
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Krill Oil
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Krill doesn't accumulate heavy metals, which may alleviate fears in some cat parents that fish may contain too many dangerous metals.
It has a higher absorption rate, meaning you'll only need about a fifth as much krill oil as you would fish oil.
Krill oil is full of omega-3 and antioxidants, and it can help with liver and brain function. It can even support brain development, including learning, memory, and cognitive function.
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Eggs
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Eggs are a great source of protein and they're easy on the digestive system.
They should always be cooked before being fed to cats, as egg whites that aren't cooked contain avidin, which interferes with the absorption of the vitamin B biotin.
Cooked eggs are full of amino acids that keep your cat lean. Eggs help build muscle, strengthen hair, and repair tissue.
You can also boil and grind the egg shells into a powder that can be added to food for a calcium boost that strengthens bones and teeth.
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Seaweed
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Seaweed can help settle an upset stomach, treat some allergies, and prevent cancer. It balances your cat’s body pH, keeps blood glucose low, and prevents cancer cells from multiplying.
Seaweed stimulates the immune system and prevents the production of blood vessels in tumors.
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin C boosts the immune system and promotes the production of collagen, which is a connective tissue that is an important part of cartilage.
Vitamin C also prevents unnecessary clotting, bruising, and scar formation in addition to healing wounds. Rheumatoid arthritis in cats is linked to a deficiency in vitamin C.
Vitamin C is also use to treat allergies and epilepsy, prevent cancer, and support the immune system.
