Complete cat food contains all the essential nutrients a cat needs in the correct proportions when fed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is designed to provide a cat’s daily nutritional requirements without needing additional food to make the diet nutritionally balanced. Complete food is available in wet and dry varieties and for different life stages, including kittens, adult cats and senior cats.
Complementary cat food does not provide all the nutrients a cat needs for a balanced daily diet. It is intended to be fed alongside complete cat food or as an occasional treat, depending on the product’s instructions. Examples can include certain tins or pouches of fish, meat pieces in broth, and cat treats.
It is important not to assume that every tin, pouch or packet of cat food is a complete meal. Check the packaging for the words “complete pet food” or “complementary pet food”. If the label says complementary, it should not normally be used as the cat’s sole source of nutrition.
Feeding complementary food alone over an extended period could lead to nutritional deficiencies, even if the cat appears to be eating well. Cats require specific nutrients, including taurine, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, in appropriate amounts.
The key message for cat owners is simple: choose a complete food suitable for your cat’s life stage as the foundation of its diet, and use complementary foods only as directed. If you are unsure whether a product provides complete nutrition, ask your vet for advice.
