How to choose dry food for a cat

The most useful thing on a bag of dry food is the ingredient list on the back. Ingredients are listed from most to least, so look at the first three: the first should be a named meat source — "chicken", "turkey", "salmon". Wording like "meat meal" or simply "animal derivatives" means the source is not specified.

The age group is the second criterion. Kitten food is higher in calories and calcium; senior food limits phosphorus to reduce the load on the kidneys. An adult cat on kitten food gains weight, and a kitten on adult food falls behind in development.

The daily amount is given in a weight table on the pack — treat it as a starting point, not an exact figure. Neutered cats need roughly 20–30% less energy, so the portion should come down accordingly. Keep fresh water available at all times: a cat on dry food that drinks too little is at higher risk of urinary problems.

Never switch food abruptly. Transition over 7 days: 25% new food for the first two days, 50% for the next two, then 75%, then the full switch. This simple rule prevents digestive upsets.