You are an American Shorthair owner or you’ve been thinking of getting one? If you have wondered what is the best cat food for American Shorthairs, how to feed it, and what is needed to provide it with everything it needs, we leave you food reviews.
As a veterinarian and cat owner, I have encountered questions from owners about the best food for their American Shorthair cat.
American Shorthairs are medium-sized cats that like to spend their time playing. Considering their needs, it is important to provide them with proteins and fats and to take into account the intake of carbohydrates and grains to prevent excess weight, because this breed is prone to gaining weight, which can lead to the development of some other diseases related to excess weight.
Therefore, I need to know what is best for my patients as well as their owners by testing products that can be found on the market.
I found American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food and Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays to be the best for your American Shorthair. Both diets are well balanced with high-quality ingredients from proteins, fats, fibers, vitamins, minerals to amino acids.
American Journey, Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a well-balanced diet made from boneless turkey meat with a high percentage of protein, fat, and fiber as well as added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat’s immunity. Its composition doesn’t consist of grains and it’s suitable for cats of any age.
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays is a product formulated in perfect portions suitable for cats of any age. It’s a well-balanced diet composed of proteins, fats, and fibers. They have added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support the immune system.
In the continuation of this article, you will find detailed reviews with instructions on how to feed your cat and what is best for its health.
Continue reading to give your kitty the best for her health and ensure her a quality life.
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
How It Is Prepared
American Journey, Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a product made of real deboned turkey meat as the first ingredient with added antioxidants, taurine, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals derived from vegetables such as carrots and pumpkins to maintain healthy immune system, support bones, and joints and to provide a soft and shiny coat.
This product does not contain wheat, corn, or soy to prevent excessive intake of carbohydrates that leads to excessive body weight.
These qualities make it the best food choice for American Shorthairs.
Guaranteed Analysis
The largest percentage of content is a crude protein (deboned turkey meat) 40.0% and crude fat 15.0%. Moisture and crude fiber are also included to support hydration and easy digestion.
The composition of American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is made of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help to support your cat’s health.
Guaranteed Analysis[1]
| Crude Protein | 40.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Calcium | 1.2% min |
| Phosphorus | 1.0% min |
| Zinc | 120 mg/kg min |
| Vitamin E | 75 IU/kg min |
| Taurine | 0.15% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
Ingredient Analysis
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a well-balanced diet intended for adult, pregnant, and nursing cats as well as kittens.
The product in its composition contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids such as
- Inulin
- Taurine
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
Inulin[2]
Inulin is a dietary product that originates from vegetables and is called a probiotic.
Its main role is to stimulate the growth of good bacteria found in the intestinal tract as well as to eliminate accumulated gases.
Other benefits of inulin:
- Helps with constipation
- It strengthens and protects the intestinal microflora
- Eliminates toxins from the intestines
- It helps in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in the blood
- Helps with intestinal inflammation
- It helps in the recovery of the gastrointestinal tract, which was caused by poor nutrition, antibiotics, and other treatments
Taurine
Taurine is an essential amino acid. Due to the cat’s inability to synthesize it, it should be provided to it.
It can be used as a supplement or can be found in cat food.
Some of the taurine benefits:
- Helps in fetal development
- It’s good for the immune system
- Good for maintaining vision
- Helps to form bile sile which is important for digestion
- Helps in the healthy functioning of the heart muscle
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for cats. It can be found in food or can be used as a supplement.
It is suitable for healthy functioning of the immune system, cells, and wound healing, thyroid gland functioning.
Other zinc benefits:
- Important enzyme for smell and taste
- Maintains DNA synthesis
- Blood clotting
- It prevents muscular degeneration
- Helps cell development and division
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that helps the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and maintains healthy skin and coat.
Vitamin A is important to pregnant cats and kittens for their growth and neurological and muscle development.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant important in protecting the liver and in maintaining vital processes due to cellular communication.
Other benefits of vitamin E:
- Supports the immune system
- Helps with skin wounds to heal
- Participates in the formation of new tissue
- Maintains blood vessels and eye health
- Helps in the metabolism of fatty and amino acids, and sugar
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Grain-free
- Easy to store
- Manufactured in the USA
- Suitable for all cats of any age
American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Cons
- Easily brittle
Feeding Guideline[1]
According to age, weight, and health status, there are feeding instructions you can find in the table below. Be sure to always provide fresh water to your kitty.
| Weight | Daily Feeding | Calories |
| 3 Ibs | ⅓ cup | 132 calories |
| 5 Ibs | ½ cup | 198 calories |
| 10 Ibs | ⅔ cup | 264 calories |
| 15 Ibs | 1 cup | 395 calories |
- Use a standard 8-oz measuring cup.
- Kittens may require 2-3 times the adult feeding amounts.
- For pregnant or nursing cats, we recommend free-choice feeding.
What do customers say about American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food?[1]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Clean Ingredients Great Food
Tori loves this food! By far it’s one of her favorites. She couldn’t wait for me to open the bag- I’ve had to hide it on her so she doesn’t make a hole haha. This food has very clean ingredients and is calorie friendly!! I’m so happy to see and share with clients about this brand being a complete diet for cats. It has taurine in it since it’s grain-free, but also fruits and vegetables. Thank you chewy for making this brand! And I appreciate the varied sizes of this food brand as well. Thank you!”
Customer 2
“Quality Cat Food
My now 18-year-old girl LOVES this food and I have kept her on it for several years without issues. I started using it when I found it to be better than several other grain-free varieties and it has continued to be the best fit for her.”
Customer 3
“I can feel the difference
My cat’s fur is noticeably softer since switching brands. She hasn’t vomited in almost two months since we made the change. I don’t think she “loves” this kibble per se, but it seems to be good for her and she’s happy, even if she’s not overly excited.”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Not crazy about this one
The ingredients are comparable to Health Extensions but the kibble is tiny and they ate around it. Our feral kitty will be eating premium food until we run out.”
Customer 2
“Finicky cat
I’m sure this is a good product but my cat won’t eat it. Will donate to the local shelter.”
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays
This is one of the best cat foods for American Shorthairs.
How It Is Prepared
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays is a product fully balanced in proteins, fats, and fibers as essential ingredients to meet the needs of your cat.
There are added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support the health of your adult, pregnant, and nursing cats as well as kittens.
The diet is grain-free with no wheat, corn, or soy.
This fully balanced diet is the best choice for the American Shorthair cat.
Guaranteed Analyses
The main ingredient is a crude protein (salmon) 7.0% and crude fat 2.5%. In the composition as the main ingredients are crude fiber and moisture to support easy digestion and hydration.
Guaranteed Analyses[3]
| Crude Protein | 7.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 2.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 84.0% max |
| Ash | 3.0% max |
| Taurine | 0.06% min |
Ingredient Analyses
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays is the diet suitable for adult cats and kittens to meet their needs and support their health with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids such as
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Folic Acid
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin playing an important role in bone health. It supports the immune system. Another role is to control the amount of calcium in bones, intestines, and the one excreted by kidneys and to help the pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid gland to function properly.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral included in the composition of bones and teeth. It helps the non-formation of blood clots, nerve impulse transmission, and muscular contractions
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral playing an important role in maintaining bones, muscles, and joint health.
Other magnesium benefits are:
- Maintains heart muscle strength
- Blood sugar regulation
- Helping reverse urinary disorders and constipation
- Preventing muscular seizures
- Helping in the functioning of the brain and nerves
- Plays a role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a water-soluble synthetic foliate known as vitamin B9 which has an impact on normal metabolic functions.
Folic acid benefits:
- Plays a role in cellular division
- Helps neural development
- Helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters
- Plays an important role in recovering from thromboembolism
- It regulates red blood cell production and DNA synthesis
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays Pros
- Well-balanced diet
- Grain-free
- Manufactured in the USA
- Suitable for cats of any age
- Perfect-sized portions
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays Cons
- Short-life shelf after opening
- Big cuts for some cats
Feeding Guideline[3]
According to age, weight, and health status, there are feeding instructions so you can provide the best for your kitty.
Always provide fresh water for your cat.
- Adult cats 4 – 5 servings per 5 lbs of body weight daily.
- Pregnant and nursing cats 2 – 3 times their normal amount.
- Kittens up to 5 – 9 servings daily.
What do customers say about Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays?[3]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Sheba cat food
My animals love this brand. I have bought several other brands and have to stay with Sheba. They like shrimp and tuna. It has to be in gravy.”
Customer 2
“Easy, convenient
Our cat loves his Sheba! The servings are perfectly portioned; there’s of gravy to help him get his daily liquid intake.”
Customer 3
“Good Food, Good Portion Size
My cat loves Sheba these days. I like the half portions as it keeps his food fresh. If he seems hungrier I give him two servings but normally just one. His Vet suggested grain-free food for him and this is a good option.”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Good Gravy!
My kittens love gravy in all of the Sheba cuts, but only eat about 1/3 – 1/2 of the meat.”
Customer 2
“Pros and cons
I bought this because of the customer rating. The cats love it! But here’s the thing, the packets are hard to open and it gets all over your hands. If you have a really hungry cat The perfect portion is not enough.”
American Shorthair cat food Buying Guide
What are the American Shorthair cat’s characteristics?
American Shorthair is a medium-sized cat that is very affectionate and friendly to people. They have a stable character, they are calm, patient, and tolerant which makes them the perfect breed for families with children.
The American Shorthair cat is recognized by The American Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Fanciers and is in eighth place when it comes to the most popular breed in the world.
The lifespan of the American Shorthair is 15-20 years, which can be contributed to by a good quality of life.
The height of an adult cat ranges from 8-10 inches (20-25 cm), and its weight range is from 10-15 pounds (~4.5-6.5 kg).
More physical features:
- Round face
- Full cheeks
- Rounded and shiny eyes
- Short nose
- Short and muscular legs
- Straight back
American Shorthair can be found in 6 coat patterns:
- Solid Color
- Bicolor
- Tricolor/Calico
- Shaded
- Smoke
- Tabby
All of these coat patterns can have 11 variety colors.
What type of food must American Shorthair cats have?
To ensure the best for the American Shorthair, a well-balanced diet with a combination of dry and wet food is the best.
This type of diet will ensure your cat good physical health, healthy skin, and a shiny coat.
This breed is prone to gaining weight so there is a need for a balanced diet.
American Shorthair diet should be rich in
- Proteins
- Fat
- Fibers
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Proteins will ensure energy for the cat, supports the cat’s immune and nervous system, and ensure hair growth.
Fat is a source of energy that helps the transmission of signals along the nerves and to transport nutrients through cells.
Fibers maintain easy digestion of food.
Vitamins (all sorts of them) play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. They also provide normal neuromuscular function, synthesis of carbohydrates, normal function of organs, and more.
Minerals are required for structured metabolism, the immune system, teeth, bones, etc.
Depending on the weight of the cat, its age, and activity level the diet is different.
What type of food American Shorthair cats must avoid?
American Shorthair is just like other cats and is sensitive to some of the ingredients.
Here is the list of the ingredients cat must avoid:
- An unlimited percentage of grains, corn, wheat, and soy can contribute to obesity.
- Chocolate, caffeine, and mushrooms are toxic for cats.
- Milk and dairy products because almost every cat including American Shorthair is lactose intolerant.
- Raw meat and eggs due to the risk of getting bacteria such as Salmonella, and Escherichia Coli.
- Bones can cause intestinal perforations, block the entire digestive tract, or damage the oral cavity.
How much food can American Shorthair cats have?
The amount of food you will feed your cat depends on its weight, age, activity, and health status. To avoid overeating and obesity, which can cause certain diseases, you should follow the advice on the amount of feeding that can be found on the back of the food package as well as consult with your veterinarian.
What are the common health issues American Shorthair cats face?
American Shorthairs are considered a relatively healthy breed with no recorded genetic diseases, but regardless, certain diseases can occur that the owner should be aware of.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Is a condition in which the walls of the heart thicken. It occurs more often in older cats, but sometimes also in younger cats.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease, or it can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland. It doesn’t need to be lethal if it’s diagnosed on time via an echocardiogram.
It can be treated with medications. It’s important to do health check-ups at your vet.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs due to the reduced production of insulin or the absent response of cells to insulin.
It most often occurs in older cats, due to obesity, less active cats, or long-term use of steroid medications. It leads to loss of body weight and muscle mass.
The treatment process includes mandatory reduction of body weight and maintenance of blood sugar with medication prescribed by a vet.
- Polycystic kidney disease
Is a hereditary disease that can lead to kidney failure due to cysts forming.
Besides potential symptoms, vet health check-ups are important.
The condition can be treated with proper diet and medications if you visit the vet on time.
- Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease of adult cats as a result of which there is an excessive secretion of thyroid hormone. In almost 90 percent of cases, this disease is caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland.
Given that thyroid hormones are responsible for the functioning of other organ systems, problems with the circulatory system are possible.
As for treatment, it is possible to maintain hormones with medications or by removing the part of the gland that is affected by the tumor.
FAQ
What’s the best product and why?
There are 2 best diets for American Shorthair cats and they are American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food and Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays.
Both diets are rich in protein with added vitamins, and minerals to meet the needs and support your cat’s health.
How much do the products cost?
On the links below you can find the prices for the products.
- American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays
Where to buy these products?
These products you can buy on Chewy.com.
Wet food or dry food best for American Shorthair cats?
To provide a good diet for American Shorthair cats dry and wet food is recommended.
Both are rich in proteins, fat, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Dry food is good for oral hygiene due to chewing and a wet diet is good to moisturize the animal and ease digestion.
Breed-specific diet needed?
American Shorthairs’ needs are proteins, fats, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Grains and high amounts of calories should be avoided or limited.
Which product is good for American Shorthair kittens?
There are two products intended for kittens. It’s Kitten Chow Nurture Muscle & Brain Development Dry Cat Food and Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food. Both products are balanced in protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet the needs of developing kittens.
Conclusion
As a veterinarian and cat owner, I would recommend American Journey Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food and Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Gourmet Salmon Cuts in Gravy Entree Cat Food Trays to the American Shorthair owners.
Both diets meet the need of American Shorthair cats. Made of high-quality ingredients with added vitamins and minerals is perfect to meet the needs of your kitty.
Both diets are intended for adult, pregnant, and nursing cats and kittens.
Do regular check-ups with your veterinarian to provide your kitty with the best possible conditions from health to nutrition.
