Cat food - The best nutrition for your cat at iPet.ch

Discover healthy cat food for your pet at iPet.ch

Your cat is a beloved family member, and their well-being is close to your heart. One of the most important pillars for a long, healthy, and happy cat life is nutrition. However, the cat food market is huge: From cat treats to special dietary feeds, from wet cat food to dry cat food – the choice can be overwhelming. As your Swiss partner for pet health, we at iPet.ch understand this challenge. We want to support you in finding the best food for the individual needs of your indoor tiger. Whether you have an agile outdoor cat or a cozy indoor cat, whether kitten or senior – with us, you will find sound advice and a carefully selected range of healthy cat food. Discover high-quality brands and find the perfect meal for your darling.

High-quality cat food – How do I recognize good cat food?

A shiny coat, clear eyes, and a lively nature are often clear signs of good nutrition. But what really makes high-quality cat food? As carnivores (meat-eaters), cats have specific nutritional requirements that differ greatly from those of humans or dogs. The decisive factor is the composition and the quality of the raw materials. Looking at the label is essential. A transparent and understandable declaration of ingredients creates trust and is the first sign of quality.

Checklist for healthy cat food – What food properties should you look out for?

Pay attention to the declaration when purchasing (the list of ingredients is listed in our online shop for every food in the «Composition» section and the analytical constituents under «Ingredients»). The following simple points will help you find your way when searching for the best cat food for your pet:

• High meat content: The main components should be muscle meat and high-quality offal (such as heart and liver). Look for cat food where meat is at the top of the list of ingredients and which has a high protein content.
• Clear declaration: Avoid vague terms like "animal by-products" without exact specification. High-quality manufacturers state exactly which parts of the animal were used.
• Grain-free & Sugar-free: As carnivores, cats require almost no carbohydrates. A high grain content (such as wheat or corn) can promote intolerances. Look specifically for food without grain if you have sensitive animals. Sugar has no place in cat food and often serves only as a flavor enhancer.
• Taurine: This amino acid is vital for cats (especially for heart function and eyesight) and must be sufficiently contained in the food, as the cat's body cannot produce it itself.
• Without artificial additives: Unnecessary attractants, artificial colors, or preservatives should be avoided.

Further information for a better understanding of the declarations on cat food can be found in our guide article «Understanding the information on dog and cat food».

Wet cat food, dry food or mixed feeding?

Wet cat food has the great advantage that it comes closest to the cat's natural prey in terms of moisture (approx. 70-80%). Cats are naturally "poor drinkers"; wet food therefore helps excellently to cover the daily fluid requirements and can thus support kidney function and the urinary tract (a common problem area in cats).

Dry cat food (kibble) is practical to handle, has a long shelf life, and can support tooth cleaning in certain varieties through mechanical abrasion. However, it is often more energy-dense. Especially with pure indoor cats in Switzerland, which tend to move less than outdoor cats, the amount of food must be closely controlled to avoid overweight.

Many experts and veterinarians recommend mixed feeding: it combines the benefits of both worlds – the important hydration through wet food and the practical, tooth-supporting effect of dry food. Further info can also be found in our guide post on this topic.

From kitten to senior: the right food for every stage of life

The nutritional needs of a cat change drastically over the course of its life.

• Kittens (baby cats): They require very high-energy food with a high proportion of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth of bones, muscles, and organs. Look for special kitten food in our shop.
• Adult (Adult cats): Here, the focus is on maintaining vitality and a healthy body weight. The amount of food depends heavily on activity (outdoor cat vs. indoor cat) and whether the cat is neutered. Special cat food for sterilized cats helps to cover the adjusted energy requirements and prevent overweight.
• Senior (Older cats): From about 7 to 10 years, the metabolism often slows down. Senior food is usually calorie-reduced to avoid overweight and often contains adjusted phosphorus values to protect the kidneys (cat food for cats with renal problems) or special additives to support the joints.

For sensitive cats prone to allergies or intolerances, there is also hypoallergenic cat food. This food (often declared as "Sensitive" or "Monoprotein") avoids common allergy triggers and relies on only one selected meat source.

Special food, BARF and supplements

Some owners rely on BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) for their cats. Diese Fütterungsmethode mit Rohfleisch kommt der natürlichen Ernährung sehr nahe, erfordert jedoch fundiertes Wissen über den genauen Nährstoffbedarf und die korrekte Supplementierung, um Mangelerscheinungen zu vermeiden.

For specific health needs or support during illness, brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s oder Purina ProPlan also offer scientifically developed diet lines of their cat food.

When are food supplements for cats useful?

A high-quality complete food usually covers all nutrients. However, there are situations in which food supplements for cats are valuable. In the case of food supplements for old cats, these can be joint protection substances (such as green-lipped mussel). During coat change, salmon oil (rich in Omega-3) can ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat. Specific supplements for cats can also support recovery under stress or after illness.

Cat treats are perfect for bonding, training, or as a reward in between. However, use them sparingly, pay attention to quality here too (e.g., freeze-dried meat without sugar), and deduct the calories from the main food ration.

Order cat food conveniently online at ipet.ch

The health of your cat begins in the food bowl. At ipet.ch, you will find a large selection ranging from cheap cat food to veterinary medical specialties. Whether you are looking for cheap cat food in bulk packs to build up a stock, or need special food supplements for your cat – when you order cat food from us, we deliver quickly and reliably directly to your home throughout Switzerland. Browse our range of wet food, dry food, treats and supplements and find the perfect, healthy meal for your four-legged darling.