Arguments for Homemade Food I Know What I'm Putting in the Bowl Many pet owners believe that homemade food is safer because they know what their pets are eating. However, this is a misconception: it is impossible to know exactly what has been added to the food, and it is difficult to provide a balanced diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals at home. Cats Have Always Eaten Regular Food Although wild ancestors of cats did not eat commercial food, their diet was also not ideal. Stray cats often get sick and have short lifespans. In contrast, domestic pets can live up to 15-20 years with proper care. I Am Willing to Spend Time on My Pet Many believe that preparing food for a pet is an expression of love and care. However, it is important to remember that the time spent on preparation does not always guarantee the pet's health. Arguments for Commercial Food Balanced Composition Commercial foods provide pets with the necessary vitamins and minerals. For example, adult cats require a specific amount of vitamins, and a deficiency or excess can lead to health issues. A pet needs a certain amount of vitamins and minerals daily. For example, for adult cats, this is 200–500 IU of vitamin A, 13–50 IU of vitamin D3, etc. A deficiency can cause various diseases, such as rickets in kittens or skin problems in adult cats. Ensuring strict dosages at home is difficult, whereas in commercial production, this is done with consideration for the needs of different age groups of animals. The components of the food undergo strict quality control. Weight Control By following feeding norms, a pet will not gain excess weight, which is especially important for sterilized animals that are prone to obesity. Time Savings Commercial foods save time and money. It is enough to buy a few kilograms of food to feed a pet for a month, freeing up time for other activities. Do Not Mix Foods It is not advisable to combine commercial foods with homemade treats, as this can lead to an imbalance in the pet's diet. It is better to use special treats for cats.