There are a variety of nutrient-rich superfoods available that you can feed to your cat to help improve their diet and replenish their bodies with much-needed vitamins and minerals. Most of these superfoods are easy to access and can be found at most grocery or health stores.
Cats will benefit greatly from having these nutrient-rich foods included as supplements alongside their daily diet. Some of these superfoods are also good at working as a natural medicine for your cat, by having certain benefits that can strengthen their immune system or help their bodies fight certain ailments.
Let’s look at six superfoods to give your feline.
The 6 Types of Superfoods for Cats
1. Blueberries
Image Credit: Free-Photos, Pixabay
Preparation:
Can be fed raw
Nutritional content:
High in vitamins
Blueberries (and many other berries) are at the top of the superfood list because they are packed with vital antioxidants. Blueberries are sweet and most cats will enjoy the taste and texture. This berry is rich in a variety of different vitamins and minerals and is a great source of fiber for cats which helps to support your cat’s gut bacteria and promotes good digestion. Alternatively, you can feed strawberries or raspberries, but blueberries seem to have the most benefits of all the berries you can feed to your cat.
Pros
Rich in antioxidants
Helps support your cat’s immune system
Supports healthy gut bacteria
Cons
Can be a choking hazard
2. Flaxseed
Image Credit: alexdante, Pixabay
Preparation:
Ground
Nutritional content:
Rich in minerals and oils
Flaxseed has a variety of different benefits for your cat’s health. Flaxseeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and are a great source of dietary fiber. Flaxseeds contain omega oils that are good for your cat’s skin, coat, joints, and brain health. Flaxseed can also help boost your cat’s immune system and keep their digestive tract healthy and working properly. This can be a great superfood to add to your cat’s diet if you want to improve their coat health.
Pros
Boosts immunity
Aids in digestive health
Keeps coat healthy and shiny
Cons
Must be ground to a powder and added to your cat’s food
3. Cranberries
Image Credit: Alexey_Hulsov, Pixabay
Preparation:
Can be fed raw
Nutritional content:
Antioxidants and antibacterial properties
Cranberries are rich in antibacterial properties and antioxidants that help support your cat’s urinary tract health. These berries contain proanthocyanins which help with the prevention of certain bacterial growth in your cat’s urinary tract. Cranberries should not be fed to treat a urinary infection in your cat, though, but instead fed as a supplement to help improve your cat’s urinary tract function if they are prone to infections. Cranberries can be mixed into your cat’s food or mushed together and fed alone.
Peas are a grain-free superfood that can easily be prepared and added to your cat’s diet. Peas are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, which can help give your cat sustained energy. Peas contain a variety of different amino acids that are beneficial to cats. You can add cooked or steamed peas to your cat’s main diet—most cats will not willingly eat peas on their own as they do not enjoy the taste.
Pros
Source of fiber
High in protein
Contains essential amino acids
Cons
Most cats do not enjoy the taste
5. Pumpkin
Image Credit: Free-Photos, Pixabay
Preparation:
Cooked
Nutritional content:
Rich in fiber
Pumpkin is a great superfood for cats with sensitive stomachs, particularly if they are suffering from constipation or diarrhea. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene and prebiotic fiber which helps support healthy digestion in cats. Unflavored and cooked pumpkin is the most beneficial for your cat, so avoid purchasing canned pumpkin that may contain sugar or other additives that are not beneficial to your cat’s health. Pumpkin can be added in small amounts to your cat’s main diet a few times a week as it is rich in beneficial components that can be fed frequently to your cat.
Pros
High in fiber
Supports healthy digestion
Rich in prebiotics
Cons
Should be unflavored and cooked, not canned
6. Pomegranate
Image Credit: Pixabay
Preparation:
Can be fed raw
Nutritional content:
Source of vitamins and fiber
This bitter yet sweet fruit is full of nutrients and rich in antioxidants. It’s a great source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate. Pomegranates can be added to your cat’s main food in moderation, as feeding these small pieces of fruit alone can be a choking hazard. Pomegranates are great at reducing inflammation and helping to support a healthy digestive system. The high amounts of Vitamin C and K can also help to improve their immunity.
Pros
Source of dietary fiber
Improves immune function
Anti-inflammatory benefits
Cons
Can be fed only in moderation
Conclusion
Superfoods can greatly improve your cat’s quality of life, especially if they are fed often alongside a balanced diet. Most superfoods have specific qualities that may appeal to your cat’s health. Cats who are suffering from UTIs will enjoy the benefits of cranberries due to their antibacterial properties that can help with the prevention of urinary tract infections, while cats who have low immune systems may benefit from fruits such as blueberries and pomegranate due to their high levels of Vitamin C and K.
Another benefit of superfoods is that you do not have to stick to feeding only one type to your cat, and you can instead mix them to ensure your cat is reaping the benefits of each food.
Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
