Even though there are many companies out there that claim to care about the well-being of your cat, they simply do not and they prove that by not having their main ingredient an animal protein. Many companies will use "filler" ingredients as the main ingredient in the cat food that they manufacturer. If you are unsure as to which ingredient is used to make up the most of the cat food, all you have to do is look for the first ingredient listed. The first one listed is the one that makes up the majority of the food.

Whether you are looking at cat food or cat treats, you must make sure that protein is listed first. If the wrong ingredients are the main ones then your cat may suffer. Many conditions such as eye, skin, coat, and joint problems have been known to come from a poor diet. Even though the pet owner thought they were giving good cat food they were not because of the actual ingredients that makes up the food. You have to look past the advertisements and the flashy work the graphic designer did for the bag or box and pay attention only to the ingredient list.

If the first ingredient that is listed is wheat or corn or anything other than animal protein then re-consider if that is the healthiest choice for your feline. Such cat foods are not good for your pet and can lead to health issues in the long run. Just like humans, you are what you eat. Felines need a balanced diet to keep their immune system healthy and strong.

If you wouldn't eat fillers, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and artificial ingredients everyday then neither should your cat. The only benefit that these ingredients give is certainly not for your cat but a way to save money on the manufacturing.

Surprisingly, even veterinarians or "veterinarian formulated" cat foods are not healthy either. Many contain wheat and or corn gluten and this are known allergens for cats. Many people may think that a premium cat food cost much more money, however many times a better grade food means you will feed less so it actually can cost about the same or less. A healthier feline can mean fewer trips to the vet.

Here are some ingredients to avoid:

Ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT ? Artificial preservatives that are very unhealthy.

By-products ? These are parts of an animal that humans wouldn't eat. They include feet, necks etc.

Wheat, Corn, Corn Gluten, Soy ? Can be used as protein sources which are inferior. They can cause allergies because they are not digested well.

Pay attention to the first five on the label as this will give you an idea if you should seven keep looking at it. Proper fiber and pro-biotics are essential for healthy digestion. The more that is digested the more nutrients are absorbed. Some companies do not include these in their formula.

This is your pet and often regarded as part of the family. Feel free to call the pet food manufacturer and ask where the food is made; how it is made and where do the ingredients come from. Also ask the company if they have ever been part of any pet food recall.

It may take a learning curve to get familiar with the ingredients when researching a cat food as well as the company that makes it. In the long run however, it could prove to be very beneficial to your feline as well as your trips to the vet.