Cats the domesticated descendants of the wild cats of Africa and Europe are fundamentally carnivorous in nature. They require enough supplement of protein, fat and special ingredients like Taurine a form of folic acid. Obviously other pet foods are not being recommended for the feline pets.
These animals are susceptible to many a common ailment like diabetic, constipation and renal failure etc. most of which can either be controlled or even avoided by proper and healthy food suggested for these animals. Large quantities of Carbohydrates and fat content dry food make the mammal vulnerable to fatal health disorders like diabetics. It is in this context one need to be aware about the best food that is suitable for these pigmies of the cat family.
Contrary to the popular concept fresh meat is not the best food for the cat though its ancestors were surviving entirely on animal tissues. The reason is that the wild cats were eating all the part of the prey, rich in a variety of nutrients unlike the fresh meat which is only protein rich and lacks many vital nutrients like calcium and vitamins. The modern day commercial cat food contains more or better balanced diet for the cat.
Though cats may survive on a complete vegetarian food the feline cannot produce the required nutrients from such a diet unlike the human beings. Many common ailments that these animals are prone to can be associated with their food. Common skin ailments in the cats are as a result of scarce supply of fatty acids found in animal flesh alone. The most vital nutrient that a cat requires is Taurine the amino acid the deficiency of which may lead to blindness and heart failure in these poor pets.
Though dry food is recommended for healthy tooth in cats dry food alone may not be sufficient for these carnivorous mammals. In the absence of Taurine and other vital supplements cats may be prone to diabetes and that can be filled only by canned food. Further canned food that compensates required quantity of water for cats helps to avoid the urinary track infection.

As cats require high protein content food it would be ideal to go for a meat content food and not meat by products or chicken meal .Though limited quantity of brown rice and wheat may not be harmful but may not be preferable if those are the first listed or the major content. A high carbohydrate rich food may make the feline diabetic prone. A balanced cat food should also contain DL methionine, and Magnesium in sufficient quantities.
If one follows these basic principles there is little chance of your pet getting vulnerable to any of the food borne fatal diseases.