The main way to show care and love for a cat is to provide it with a balanced diet. Not all cat owners know that food from the owner's table is not the best choice for their pet. A cat of any breed, age and weight category should receive the necessary vitamins and minerals in a balanced dosage.
Domestic representatives of the cat family live in an apartment where greenhouse conditions have been created for them. As a rule, they move little and sleep a lot. All this can lead to premature aging, weakening of the body, the development of diseases of the digestive system and obesity.
Switching your domestic cat to specialized food is the right choice for the health of your pet, your free time and saving your budget.
Types of feed
Most veterinarians and professional breeders agree that a cat's diet should be balanced. It is acceptable to feed your pet both dry food and canned food. It is important that all types of food that the cat eats are of the same brand, selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal’s body (an aged cat, sterilized, prone to allergies, etc.). The stomach of cats is sensitive to the composition of food (meat, fish, additives that are used in them), therefore, when simultaneously feeding food from different manufacturers, the risks of allergies and digestive disorders increase.
Cat owners can buy premium cat food in 3 different forms:
- Canned food in jars. Ideal for capricious pets and cats that drink little liquid. Due to the high level of humidity, this food satisfies most of this need. Closed jars are stored for quite a long time, but after opening they should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than two to three days.
- Wet in the pouch. Pouch is the name of the packaging of a bag of food. This is an intermediate option between canned and dry options. It has a lower moisture content than canned food. Convenient packaging: a sachet is enough for one meal. If your pet does not eat the entire portion, it is better to throw away the leftovers.
- Dry. It won't dry out in the bowl during the day. Solid food keeps your cat's teeth healthy: chewing the kibble removes plaque from them. If your pet eats dry food, always place a bowl of clean water nearby. It is important to close the packaging tightly so that the croquettes do not dry out and lose their nutritional and taste properties.
Features of the composition
The product is made from high quality imported components. Its composition is as follows:
- The main ingredient of the product is dehydrated chicken, turkey and salmon.
- Additionally, it contains rice and barley. These foods are quickly and easily absorbed by the cat's digestive system, providing a long-lasting feeling of satiety.
- Chicken fat and sunflower oil provide pets with healthy and beautiful coat. In addition, the oil contains beneficial fatty acids.
- Beetroot extract is an excellent remedy that helps improve intestinal microflora and improve protective properties.
- Taurine. Cats cannot synthesize this substance on their own. It helps process fats and prevents the development of ophthalmic diseases. In addition, taurine normalizes the functioning of the heart and central nervous system.
- Yeast. They contain large amounts of vitamin B12. This ingredient improves the functioning and condition of the entire body.
- L-carnitine. This amino acid regulates metabolic processes in the body. It also increases appetite and stimulates the regeneration of tissue structures.
- Egg powder. This component contains a large amount of vitamins, proteins and minerals.
This food contains medicinal herbs, thanks to which it has a pleasant smell and additional beneficial properties.
Economy class
The main task of economy class food is to feed your pet without extra costs. If we compare inexpensive food with human food, they are similar to budget semi-finished products, sausages, sausages and fast food.
Foods of this class contain animal fats and proteins, which are important for pets, but in smaller quantities than more expensive ones. Economy class dry or wet food can be seen in any supermarket in the pet products department. They are often called commercial grade, that is, a product that is widely advertised. Even if you've never had a cat before, you'll probably immediately remember a couple of these names.
Advantages and disadvantages
When reviewing any food, you need to consider its advantages and disadvantages. Surely, you will be interested to know the advantages:
- only meat is used, not offal;
- the composition contains good vitamin and mineral components;
- the proteins in the feed are of animal origin;
- in addition to dry food, there is also wet food (pouches, canned food);
- presence of “Miko carba” in the diet;
- relatively low cost.
To be fair, it is necessary to point out the disadvantages:
- the food contains antioxidants of artificial origin (E321 and E320), which negatively affect health;
- can only be purchased in specialized stores; such food is not sold in a regular supermarket.
Important! Many of these advantages apply to other premium foods. However, combined with the unique features of Probalance food, they make it the most profitable purchase.
Premium class
Premium dry cat food is quite affordable, but at the same time it contains the required amount of meat (up to 30%), cereals and vegetables, which are important for digestion. It is considered balanced: it saturates the body and at the same time supplies the necessary substances and a vitamin-mineral complex. Only flavoring and aromatic additives of natural origin are used, which does not harm the pet’s well-being.
High-quality food will help you avoid regular visits to the veterinarian and expensive treatment. The raw materials for production are natural ingredients without the use of dyes or GMOs. This class is characterized by a high percentage of animal protein. To satiate a cat, a smaller portion is enough compared to cheap food.
Assortment and features of feed
All Probalance cat food can be divided into 2 groups - for adult cats and kittens. Food for the smallest is limited to one line of complete food (crickets and canned food), while food for adult cats includes several lines of dry and wet food.
Probalance food for adult cats
All wet food of this brand for adult cats are available in the form of pouches and canned food. Each series of food is available in several flavors (salmon, chicken, veal and rabbit). Current assortment:
- “Sensitive” (for cats with capricious digestion);
- “Active” (for energetic cats);
- “Sterilized” (for sterilized and neutered cats);
- "Immuno Protection" (to maintain immunity).
Dry food is represented by the following products:
- "Immuno Protection";
- "Sterilized";
- "Sensitive";
- “Hair and Beauty” (to maintain the beauty of the coat and healthy skin of cats).
These products can be combined with each other, but it is not recommended to confuse this food with a product from another manufacturer. For example, I buy Sterilized dry food for my older cat, and Active canned food for my younger cat (she is more active and spends more energy). But if I run out of crickets for a sterilized cat, I can safely give her wet food, since they are not mutually exclusive.
Photo gallery: Probalance food for adult cats
Probalance Active food is available only in the form of pouches and canned food.
415 g cans are equipped with a convenient lid with a ring opener
Large bags of Probalance feed have a convenient cut line
Hair&Beauty food is produced only in the form of crickets
Wet food "Probalance" is also complete (no additional feeding is required)
Composition of “adult” food
The content of food components may vary depending on the type and line of food. Ingredients listed:
- raw protein (including raw meat);
- crude fat, fiber and ash;
- vitamins A, D, E, group B, H, taurine;
- minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium;
- flaxseed is a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids;
- lysine (responsible for the animal’s immunity);
- L-carnitine (for weight control);
- prebiotics;
- phytocomplex Fitocare for cats;
- Yucca Schidigera extract (reduces fecal odor).
Fitocare is a special complex of herbal components that helps strengthen the immune system. In addition, plant fibers have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. The complex includes cranberry, calendula, horsetail, Icelandic moss and chamomile. The rarest of these is Icelandic moss. It was first used by medieval Icelanders as an anti-inflammatory agent. It contains rare enzymes and lichen acids that have an antibacterial effect.
Fitocare for cats is a patented set of medicinal herbs that has a general strengthening and tonic effect
Table: characteristics of food for adult cats
| Type of feed | Name | Packaging | The presence of protein in the composition | Energy value | Price |
| Crickets | "Sensitive" | 85 g bags (25 pieces), 415 g cans | 9% | 84 kcal | From 70 rubles per can of 415 g |
| "Active" | |||||
| "Sterilized" | 6% | 75 kcal | |||
| "Immuno Protection" | 8% | 84 kcal | |||
| Canned food | 400 g bags, 1.8 kg and 10 kg bags | 30% | 375 kcal | From 93 rubles for 400 g | |
| "Sterilized" | 32% | 363 kcal | |||
| "Sensitive" | 375 kcal | ||||
| "Hair and Beauty" |
Food "Probalance" for kittens
Baby food of this brand is represented by only 1 line - Kitten 1`st diet. It can be fed to kittens of any breed. There are dry and wet complete food Kitten 1`st diet.
Baby food "Probalance" is available in only 3 packaging options - 85 g pouches, as well as 400 g and 10 kg bags of dry food
Table: characteristics of dry and wet food for kittens
| Type of food Kitten 1`st diet | Packaging | Compound | Age | Energy value (per 100 g) | Price |
| Wet | Pouches 85 g (25 pieces) | Components:
| From 2 months | At least 84 kcal | From 25 rubles per pouch |
| Dry | 400 g bags, 10 kg bags | 385 kcal | From 95 rubles |
Probalance for kittens contains the same components as the product for adult cats, only in a different percentage. Some baby owners are afraid to accustom their pet to ready-made food since childhood, so the Kitten 1`st diet packaging contains special instructions, including a table for calculating the daily diet.
When I introduced my kitten to store-bought food, I first went to the vet. He calculated the approximate amount of calories required for the normal development and growth of a kitten, and compiled an approximate feeding schedule for several months. I hung these recommendations on the refrigerator, so all feedings took place “on the clock.”
On the bags and 400 g bags there is a table of the daily diet and recommendations for feeding adult cats and kittens
How to choose the right premium cat food
The food is selected depending on the animal’s age, physiological characteristics, and how active its life is. You can buy Probalance food specially formulated for sterilized animals, pregnant animals, pets with sensitive stomachs, kittens or older pets. Each type not only provides the body with nutrients, but also solves problems associated with its characteristics: strengthens the immune system, stimulates digestion, and reduces the risk of developing diseases of the genitourinary system.
General characteristics and manufacturer
Probalance dry food, both for cats and dogs, is a product of Russian origin, although the manufacturers do not deny their connection with the Danish concern Aller Petfood A/S, which operates in accordance with European standards.
The food is classified as a premium class, but this does not mean that we are talking about the highest quality nutrition; rather, it can be called quite mediocre, but not bad.
Feeds such as Proplan, Royal Canin, and Hills are characterized by similar quality.
It must be said that if in Russia Probalance products are more in demand, in Ukraine cat owners give preference to other manufacturing companies.
Did you know? Cats sleep 2/3 of the total daily time, which means that, let’s say, in nine years of its life, the animal was active for only three years.
How to understand that food is not suitable
In rare cases, food may not be suitable for your pet. If, after switching to a new diet, your pet has symptoms: loose stools, vomiting, skin rash or increased hair loss, then the food needs to be replaced with something else.
Regardless of the quality and price of premium dry cat food, it may contain components to which your pet has an individual intolerance. Try changing the type, or, as a last resort, the brand.
With the right diet, the cat is active to the best of its breed, does not experience problems with stool and willingly eats the food offered. It is impossible to accurately guess which food your pet will like. If finances allow, choose from quality types.
Once you have chosen the right one for your pet, you should not alternate it with other products or mix several different brands together. Feed is a finished product that already has everything you need and does not need improvement. If you want to pamper your pet or make its menu more varied, alternate between dry, wet and canned food of the same brand.
Mr. Cat recommends: cost and replacement food
The price of Probalance food may vary slightly and is on average:
- pouches - 18-19 rubles per pack;
- dry food: packaging of 400 grams costs 75 rubles, 1800 grams costs 450, and 10 kg costs 1800.
At the moment, Probalance food has not yet received sufficient distribution and it is easiest to purchase it in online stores.
The table below shows some common brands of feed that can be used as Probalance substitutes.
| The class to which the food belongs | Name | Price, rub) |
| Premium | Royal Canin, Proplan, Hills, Eukanuba, Brit, etc. | From 200 for 400 gr. |
| Super premium | Bosch, Gina, Pronature, Leonardo | From 700 per 1000 g. |
| Holistic | Go Natural, Innova, Almo Natural and others. | From 350 for 300 gr. |
Each owner decides for himself which food to choose for his pet. If in doubt, you should consult your veterinarian. He will help you choose the best option based on the individual characteristics of the cat and the financial capabilities of its owner.
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Review of Probalance diet for cats
You can buy Probalance premium dry cat food in our online store.
For healthy adults, the Probalance “Adult Immuno Protection” series is suitable. They contain natural antioxidants and lysine to boost immunity. Prebiotics restore and maintain intestinal microflora, chondrotin and glucosamine strengthen joints.
- For pets with sensitive stomachs, the Probalance “Sensitive” containing rice. It is suitable for daily consumption, and rice has a beneficial effect on the intestinal mucosa. The presence of dietary fiber provides stimulation of intestinal motility. With Probalance “Sensitive” the cat will not have problems digesting food.
- The “Hair & Beauty” series is intended for animals with long hair and pets preparing for exhibitions. They contain vitamins and natural ingredients that improve the quality of wool and skin, giving the coat shine and silkiness.
- A special series for the smallest pets “1'st Diet Kitten” is suitable for kittens over 2 months old, as well as pregnant or lactating cats. This series is rich in nutrients. In addition to a full complex of minerals and vitamins, it has a high protein content, which is needed by a growing kitten and nursing cat.
- Probalance “Sterilized” is designed for animals that have been sterilized or have weight problems. The components stimulate the animal to drink more liquid. Due to this, the amount of urine increases and the risk of stone formation in the urinary tract decreases. Also contains L-carnitine. It helps to launch fat-burning processes in the body, the pet’s weight stabilizes, and its health improves.
For restricted feeding
Reviews from veterinarians about Probalance cat food are mostly positive. But experts warn that such products are intended solely to eliminate the feeling of hunger in a pet. Despite the fact that the manufacturer produces a line of medicinal foods, they are designed more for prevention rather than treatment of diseases.
There are 2 types of food in this line:
- Hair and Beauty. Such food will be indispensable for pets with long and thick hair. Due to the presence of flaxseed, Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated acids, as well as many vitamins and micronutrients, this food makes the animal’s coat thick, shiny and soft. It is recommended to give this food during preparation for competitions and exhibitions, as it will help maintain a beautiful appearance.
- Sterilized. Designed for castrated and sterilized pets. Such surgical operations negatively affect the health of cats and increase the likelihood of stone formation in the organs of the urinary system. By consuming this food, the animal begins to drink more water, which helps eliminate salt crystals. The product also contains an increased amount of L-carnitine, which accelerates the process of burning fat deposits that are formed due to a sedentary lifestyle.
For sterilized cats
What is the difference between a spayed or neutered cat and animals that have not had the appropriate surgery? In addition to the obvious differences in the form of a lack of desire to procreate, there are three more important points that affect the health of the pet.
- In the absence of sexual desire, the pet's attention often shifts to a passion for food. And this leads to the appearance of extra pounds.
- A sterilized animal's hormonal levels change dramatically, which also leads to problems with excess weight.
- After surgery, the animal becomes much less active. And this also does not bode well in terms of the risk of obesity.
Buying food for sterilized cats is a solution to the problem of excess weight for a pet that has undergone such a serious procedure. A special formula allows you to compensate for the lack of vitamins in the animal’s body, as well as gradually reduce the amount of fat consumed.
Feeding recommendations
How much food you should give your pet per day is described in detail in the instructions on the package. The daily dosage of the product is selected taking into account the general health and weight of the animal.
For kittens
- if the cat’s weight is 2-2.5 kg, it can be given a maximum of 60 g of food per day, dividing the amount by 2 times;
- It is recommended to give pets weighing from 3 to 5 kg 70-75 g of food;
- if the cat's weight is more than 6 kg, the daily dosage increases to 100 g.
Advantages and disadvantages
Probalance has many more advantages than disadvantages. Previously, many people found fault with the company due to the presence of unsafe ingredients in its products. Now this drawback has been completely eliminated, so these feeds are practically the best in the premium segment. It is worth considering that due to the change in composition, the price of the product increased by 20%.
Advantages
The main advantages of Probalance products:
- affordable price;
- a wide range of;
- excellent composition (without harmful components and by-products).
The company is developing, improving production technologies and, in general, trying in every possible way to please the consumer. The price-quality ratio of the product is really good, especially when compared with other premium food products.
Flaws
- The only drawback is inaccessibility. Probalance products are not available in all pet stores. The easiest way to order it is online.
- The lowest prices can be found on the distributor's website. But here it is worth considering that the minimum order amount from this online store is 1,700 rubles. Therefore, it will not be possible to buy one small package of 400 grams; you will have to immediately buy at least 10 kilos of food.
