Welcome to Better Bowls by Mind My Cat! 🐾
At Mind My Cat, we focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our beloved pets. We believe a longer, happier life for your best furry friend starts right at the bottom of their bowl. Quality nutrition is the ultimate preventative medicine—boosting immunity, supporting vital organs, and adding years of vitality.
🍱 The Feeding Debate
Choosing what to feed is the first step in “Excellence in Every Pawstep.”
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | Affordable; shelf-stable; helps reduce tartar. | Low moisture; often higher in fillers. | Busy owners & dental care. |
| Wet Can | High hydration (~76%); highly palatable. | More expensive; unfinished can needs refrigeration. | Picky eaters & hydration. |
| Fresh (Home-Cooked) | Total ingredient control & nutrient retention. | High risk of nutrient imbalance. | Pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs. |
Core Nutrition
Every meal relies on these core components:
- Quality Lean Protein: For energy, muscles and immune. Source of amino acids like Arginine for detox and Taurine.
- Balanced Fats: Energy-dense fuel and source of Omega-3 & 6 for skin, coat and cognitive function.
- Vitamins & Minerals: From Vitamin A for vision to Zinc for skin.
- Moisture: Hydration is very important, just as for us hoomen! Make sure they have 5-60ml per kg of body weight each day.
- The Carbohydrate Question: Is it required? Strictly speaking, no. But fiber (like pumpkin) is great for the gut!
The Critical Essentials
- Taurine: Vital for cat heart and eye health.
- Omega-6:3 Ratio: Ideal ratio is 5:1 to 10:1 for managing inflammation.
- Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio: Ideal ratio for skeletal & kidney health is 1.2:1 to 1.5:1.
- Vitamin A: Cats must have preformed Vitamin A (from liver/fish oil); they can’t get it from carrots like dogs can!
To see if your current wet or dry food meets the AAFCO profiles and where to find the cheapest stock, scan the label here.
Want to make sure your hearty homemade fresh food has good nutritional balance for your beloved pet? Learn more and compile your recipes here.
Take the guesswork out of feeding. Ensure your pet’s meals meet their Daily Energy Requirement (DER) for optimal health and wellbeing.
🐕 One Size Doesn’t Fit All🐈
Your pet’s nutritional needs are a moving target. We tailor intakes based on their unique profile:
- Life Stage: Puppies/kittens need “growth” fuel (DHA for brains), while seniors need high-quality protein and joint support like Glucosamine.
- Size & Breed: Large breeds need a strict Calcium to Phosphorus ratio (1.1:1 to 1.4:1) to prevent skeletal deformities.
- Health Status: Conditions change everything. For example, pets with Kidney Disease (CKD) must avoid high phosphorus and sodium.
To find out how many Calories your pet needs per day ⚖️:
DER = RER x Life Factor
- DER (Daily Energy Requirement): Calories your pet needs to live their best, healthy life
- RER (Resting Energy Requirement): Bare minimum your pet needs to stay alive
- Life Factor: Determined by its age, activities and health status
ⓘ
Life Factor examples :
For cats:
| Kitten (2-4mo, not neutered) | 2.5 |
| Prime to Mature (2-6yo, neutered, overweight) | 1.0 |
| Prime to Mature (2-6yo, Pragnant – late stage > 3wks) | 2.0 |
| Senior (8yo+, neutered, needs dieting) | 0.8 |
For dogs:
| Small Dog (<10kg, neutered, v active) | 2.0 |
| Mid/Large-sized Dog (10-44kg, 1.5-7yo, non-neutered, overweight) | 1.3 |
| V Large Dog (>44kg, 7yo+, need dieting) | 1.0 |
Prefer to prepare fresh meals?
🥗 Want To Prepare Fresh Gourmet Meals For Your Pet?
Check your recipes or design a well-balanced diet for your pet here:
Prefer to buy from shop?
🔍Reading the Package Label
The package back label of the kibbles or wet cans you ordered tell the real story. Your pet needs good nutrition and water intake to maintain long term health.
Firstly, what is Dry Matter (DM) and why it matters: It is the nutrient content after removing all moisture, we use DM to accurately compare nutrients across different food types.
⚖️ To Calculate: Nutrient % ÷ (1 – Moisture %) = DM %
Important information to look for on pet food labels:
- AAFCO Statement (US) or FEDIAF Compliant (EU): Proves it is “complete and balanced”
- Guaranteed Analysis Essentials: Shows min/max level of core nutrients (e.g. high ash may signal low-quality bone meal, high fiber often indicates “fillers” or weight control formulas). Must convert to Dry Matter Basis to properly compare
- Life Stage: Matches your pet (puppy, adult, senior)
- Named Protein: Look for “Chicken”, not “Meat Meal”
- Weight Order: First 3 ingredients matter most
- Calorie Count: Listed as kcal/kg or kcal/cup
- Feeding Guide: Prevents overfeeding and obesity
- Expiry Date: Ensures vitamins are still active
- Contact Info: Essential for reporting quality issues
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian before changing a pet’s diet. If poisoning is suspected, contact an emergency veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Double-check all physical labels for accurate dosing and nutritional values.
