Organic Cat Food.

Growing concern about the role nutrition plays in maintaining good cat health has led to an increase in sales of natural products and a demand for pet food made from natural ingredients.

In the past 1 5 years there has been a dramatic change in the way cats are fed. Owners were once restricted to a limited range of foods, which meant that many cats ate the same diet throughout their lives, with no consideration of their health, age or lifestyle. However, major advances have now been made in feline nutrition as pet food manufacturers recognize the importance of pets as members of the family and the concern owners have for their pet's health. In fact, one in seven of the nation's cat owners feed their cats an organic diet, according to a recent survey.

Kevin Gould, a food futurologist, says: "Many cat owners see their pets as a member of the family - like a child even - so it makes sense that a group has emerged wishing to feed their cat a wholesome diet. The introduction of organic cat food opens up a whole new area for organic food."
Here are some of the major manufacturers and brands of organic foods.

Hagen:
Nutrience Super Premium cat foods from Hagen contain herbal mixes to promote general health at every stage of a cat's life. They are preserved using Vitamin C and E, and herbs are added to each formula to help with certain conditions - ginger, for example as it has been proven to help nausea and vomiting.
All formulas contain minerals, especially magnesium, to help prevent urinary crystals forming and urinary acidifers are added to promote a slightly acidic pH (6.3-6.4) of the urine, making it even more difficult for crystals to form. Nutrience is available from pet stores.

Hill's:
The Hill's Science Plan Nature's Best range is made from natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients and ensures your pet receives all the benefits of superior nutrition. The kibbles are uniquely shaped and naturally preserved with rosemary and vitamin E for freshness and taste.The range offers Kitten with chicken and Adult with chicken or Adult with tuna. They are available from most pet shops and vet clinics.

Burns:
Burns' Real Food for Cats is a complete food with no added wheat, soya, GM ingredients or artificial antioxidants, preserved with vitamin E and rosemary oil and with added natural fish oils. It is suitable for all cats and has been developed to avoid excessive nutrients, which can lead to conditions such as persistent hair loss, itchy ears and bad breath. It comes in brown rice and chicken or ocean fish flavours. Several Burns products are dietetic, meaning they can be used for the nutritional management of certain diet-related health problems. In such cases, advice should be obtained from Burns Pet Nutrition or a vet before use.

Red Mills:
Red Mills Cat contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. It is hypo-allergenic and excludes any ingredient known to contribute to allergies. The range includes kitten and adult food, and is being extended to include a Lite, Senior and Sensible product (for extra fussy cats) as well as several natural and innovative nutrients for cats. The foods are available from pet shops.

_{source Your Cat Mag.}