Cats kittens

The first industrialized foods in Brazil, in the 1970s, were for combat. Although they have been around for a long time, they still have the same features: minimum nutritional levels, low cost and low quality ingredients, variable formulation (which means that when one ingredient is missing, or if it is more expensive than usual, the producers just substitute it for another one with similar quality, what can lead to diarrhea and bad digestion) and vegetables as protein and fat sources. They are commercialized mainly through non-specialized markets (like supermarkets, for instance), at extremely accessible prices. But they are low-density nutritional foods that make the animal ingest a large quantity to feel satisfied and this way they get only the necessary nutrients through the product, thing that makes the value for money relation disadvantageous.

In the 1980s, the first more elaborate products came up, called Premium-type foods, with superior nutritional levels than those for combat, a better taste too, and they had slightly more rigorous quality control and raw materials. But they followed the same nutritional philosophy of variable formulation and usage of ingredients of vegetable origin for the most part. And besides that, they added differentials like artificial “culinary” colorants and fragrances, and formats that pleased dogs and cats owners, but without adding any nutritional value to the food.

The Super Premium foods come from the 1990s, and PremieR pet was pioneer in launching this line in Brazil. It has the latest nutritional advancements and the latest production technology, bringing high quality ingredients and nutritional supplements that at long range offer greater life quality to the animal and so, greater longevity. They are basically sold through specialized markets (veterinary clinics, pet shops and ration stores), present a higher nutritional value and focus on ingredient quality and animal performance through each life stage. The Super Premium foods have a better value for money ratio, for they provide high digestibility and energy density, allowing for high quality and nutrition, demanding that a lesser amount is ingested. And besides that, they reduce the risk of nutritional diseases during cats and dogs lives.

Did you know?

Super Premium foods present higher nutritional levels, attending not only the minimum nutritional needs established by the Conselho de Nutrição Animal (Animal Nutrition Council) of the NRC (National Research Council) and AAFCO, but also physiologic states more demanding, like reproduction, training and cats and dogs pathologic states. The optimal nutritional levels must be balanced with the minimum and maximum levels given by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials); these levels are determined by “in vivo” researches, which aim at optimal fur conditions, muscular development and, mainly, at the optimization of reproduction performance and of the immune system.

The kitten may start receiving solid food at three or four weeks old. This food initially needs to be moisturized with warm water. Then the amount of liquid will be gradually reduced, so as to offer dry food at around 8 weeks of age.

Kittens under 12 months old should be fed with food specific for kittens. From 12 months old on, food should be exchanged for adult food. Pregnant and breastfeeding females should be fed kitten food.

Avoid a sudden change on your cat’s habitual food, because this may cause gastrointestinal alterations in your cat. When you decide to change, do it gradually.

The total daily amount of food to be offered an adult cat should be fractioned in at least 2 meals. As for a kitten, it is advisable to fraction food in 3 or 4 meals. For both kittens and adults, as an option, you can adopt feeding by choice, which means you leave the recommended amount of food at the cat’s disposal, for him to eat when he’s hungry.

For pregnant or breastfeeding females, food should be available, so that she eats as often as she wants.

The amount of food to be given your cat varies with weight, age, physical activity level and amount of energy available in the specific food. On the back of the package you will find the daily suggestion of consumption. Another way to obtain this information more precisely is through Pet Phone: 0800 55 66 66.

Most cats digest lactose (milk sugar) poorly, which may cause soft feces or even diarrhea. It is ideal not to offer the cat milk after weaning.