What’s the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Cat Food?

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Indoor Cats Burn Fewer Calories

Indoor cats spend most of their time lounging, playing, and napping in cozy comfort. Because they’re less active, they need fewer calories than their outdoor counterparts, which is why indoor cat food is usually a little leaner. Did you know, however, that’s not the only difference? 

Typical features of indoor cat food:

• Lower fat and calorie content to prevent weight gain.
• Extra fiber to manage hairballs and digestion.
• Added nutrients to support skin and coat health, help manage hairballs, and protect the skin against dry indoor air.

Outdoor Cats Need More Energy

Most outdoor cats lead active, adventurous lives, spending their days climbing, hunting, and exploring. This lifestyle means they need more calories and protein to fuel their muscles and maintain their energy levels. Even less active outdoor cats burn more energy than the average indoor cat. After all, they have to stay warm, alert, and ready to react to potential predators and other dangers.

Typical features of outdoor cat food:

• Higher protein and fat content for energy and endurance.
• Extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system.
• More omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for joint health and a healthy coat.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat

Which food is best for your cat mainly depends on their lifestyle. If your cat spends most of their time indoors, choose indoor cat food to support a healthy weight and digestion.
If your cat roams outdoors or has high activity levels, outdoor cat food may come in handy. However, simply feeding your cat a little more of a high-quality, complete, and balanced food than you would an indoor cat may be enough. If you’re unsure which food is right for your cat, you can always consult your vet.