Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, their bodies are entirely designed to derive energy from animal proteins — and only from them. Yet, the majority of kibble sold in supermarkets contains alarming proportions of cereals, animal by-products, and artificial flavors. The result? Overweight, tired cats with chronic urinary or digestive problems.
Good news: it's possible to feed your cat in a natural, healthy way that meets their real needs — even in Switzerland, and without breaking the bank. Here's everything you need to know.
Why your cat's diet deserves your full attention
Domestic cats are direct descendants of the African wildcat, a solitary hunter that fed on small rodents and birds. This millennia-long evolution has shaped a very specific digestive system:
- High need for animal proteins: cats cannot synthesize certain essential amino acids (like taurine) except through meat.
- Low carbohydrate tolerance: their pancreas produces little amylase, the enzyme that digests sugars and starch.
- Hydration needs via food: in the wild, cats hydrate primarily by eating their prey.
- Sensitivity to artificial flavors: a cat that eats heavily flavored kibble gradually becomes unable to appreciate a natural diet.
Kibble, wet food, or raw food: what to choose?
Premium kibble
If you choose kibble, select brands with at least 70% identified animal protein as the first ingredient. Grain-free kibble is generally better tolerated by sensitive cats.
Quality wet food
Wet food has a major advantage: it contains between 70 and 80% moisture, which contributes to your cat's daily hydration. Combined with premium kibble, it provides a balanced and appreciated diet.
Raw food (BARF)
BARF involves feeding your cat raw meat, offal, and meaty bones. This is the diet closest to what a wild cat eats. However, it requires a good understanding of nutritional balance to avoid deficiencies.
Ingredients to absolutely avoid
- Unidentified animal by-products: feathers, hooves, cartilage — no real nutritional value.
- Corn, wheat, soy at the top of the list: useless or even harmful for cats.
- Added sugars: promote obesity and diabetes.
- Artificial colorings (E102, E110, E124...): useless and potentially irritating.
- BHA / BHT: controversial chemical preservatives.
- Artificial flavors: mask poor composition and create taste dependency.
How many times a day should you feed your cat?
- Free feeding (premium kibble only): suitable for cats that self-regulate well.
- 2 to 3 meals a day: ideal for greedy or overweight cats.
- Mix kibble + wet food: excellent combination for hydration + satiety.
Hydration: the weak point of our domestic cats
A cat fed exclusively dry kibble is in chronic water deficit, which promotes kidney and urinary problems.
- Offer a water fountain: cats prefer moving water. Our article on animal hydration and water fountains explains why it's an essential investment.
- Place water bowls away from the food bowl
- Incorporate wet food or moist foods into the daily ration.
- Change the water at least once a day
Choosing quality food in Switzerland: what Mon Animal Gourmet offers
At Mon Animal Gourmet, we have selected brands that share our high standards: transparent compositions, identified animal proteins, and formulas adapted to your feline's real needs.
- ✔ Animal proteins as the first ingredient
- ✔ No artificial colors or preservatives
- ✔ Formulas adapted to each life stage (kitten, adult, senior, spayed/neutered)
- ✔ Discreet and careful delivery in French-speaking Switzerland
Because your cat deserves better than a bowl full of grains and flavors. They deserve Gourmet. Natural. Swiss. food.