Understanding your cat's dietary needs is crucial for their long-term health, well-being and happiness. Cats, known for their mysterious and independent nature, possess distinct nutritional needs that require focus and care. Let's delve into the fundamentals of a nutritious cat diet and how you can make knowledgeable decisions to ensure your feline companions flourish.
Obligate Carnivores: Meat is a Must
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to derive essential nutrients from animal-based proteins, not plants. Unlike omnivores, cats struggle to process and store carbohydrates effectively. A high carbohydrate diet causes higher blood glucose levels compared to low carbohydrate diets due to a cat's inability to convert excess glucose to glycogen - the stored form of energy - and may even increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut. An ideal diet for a cat would be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This would support a cat's natural metabolic processes and help manage their blood glucose levels which can help in preventing diabetes mellitus.
Nutrient Balance: Protein is King
When selecting food for your cat, it’s crucial to not only to check how much protein a food offers, but also the source of that protein. Cats require specific amino acids—taurine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine—which are best found in animal proteins, not plant proteins. Because they have a relatively short gastrointestinal tract, cats have a reduced ability to extract nutrients from plant material. Animal proteins, like fish or chicken, are nearly twice as bioavailable to cats as plant proteins like grain, peas and lentils. Therefore, choosing a diet rich in meat-based proteins rather than grain-based ones ensures your cat receives the nutrients they need to thrive.
The Raw Diet Debate: A Contentious Topic
Raw diets are a widely debated and discussed subject among pet owners. Some argue that raw meat mirrors what cats eat in the wild. However, the reality is that wild cats consume fresh prey immediately after the kill while commercial raw meat undergoes various handling and storage processes that can increase contamination risks. If you decide to feed raw, ensure you are aware of the risks and signs of potential issues.
Hydration and Health: Should You Feed Canned Food?
Having evolved in desert environments, cats have a naturally low thirst drive. Consequently, cats fed only dry food ingest 50% less water than those fed canned food. Canned foods contain around 75% water, compared to dry foods at about 10%. Keeping cats hydrated reduces the risk of urinary issues, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, constipation, and obesity. For cats prone to forming crystals in their urine, the higher water content of canned diets is particularly beneficial.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
Dry recipes offer great convenience and are packed with nutrients, however combining dry and canned food ensures a balanced nutrient intake and promotes overall health by ensuring your cat gets more water through its diet. Serving a mix of canned and dry food can also prevent dietary monotony and make mealtime more enjoyable for cats. Adding variety is especially beneficial for picky eaters or cats that might become bored with their meals. Consider providing at least one meal of canned food daily and letting your cat graze the dry food bowl at their convenience to help keep your pet happy, healthy, and hydrated.