Nutrition for cats

Have you ever wondered what the best nutritional diet you could give your cat? Today we will enlighten you about some important facts about the eating habits and the important parts of a healthy diet for cats.

Did you know that cats are strict meat-eaters, also known as carnivores? They require relatively higher amounts of dietary protein and fat than omnivores such as dogs and humans do. However, carnivores animals still have complex nutritional needs, and cats must be fed a diet specifically formulated and balanced to meet those needs.

Proteins

Unlike dogs, which convert primarily carbohydrates and fat for energy, cats meet most of their energy needs through protein. Cats therefore require significantly more protein in their diets than dogs. Kittens in turn, require even more protein than adult cats.

These building blocks of proteins are called amino acids, about twenty of which are required by all animals. Although some can be produced by the body, as long as there is adequate dietary nitrogen, others - the essential amino acids - cannot be produced, and therefore, must be in the diet.

Fats

Fats are an important component of a cat's diet. In addition to being a source of energy, it provides the essential fatty acids and acts as a carrier of the fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K.

Fat also improves the taste of food. Without an adequate intake of dietary fat, cats may develop flaky skin and a greasy coat. In severe cases, fatty acid deficiency may lead to problems such as slow growth and weight loss, impaired wound healing and increased vulnerability to infection.

Vitamins and minerals

Diets formulated to be complete and balanced for cats will contain adequate amounts of fat and water-soluble vitamins.

Vitamins such as A, E and the B-complex are added to food because they are not otherwise produced by the bodies of cats. Because petroleum-containing or mineral oil hairball remedies (means of counteracting )interfere with the intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, it is important to avoid excess administration of such remedies.

Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium and chloride are as important as other dietary components (parts of a larger whole). One important point to remember is that, although cats are carnivorous, they can develop calcium deficiency if fed an all-meat diet without some bone materials or supplemented minerals.

Water

Water is possibly the most essential dietary need for cats and other living things. Regardless of whether they are fed primarily canned or dry food, cats require clean, fresh water at all times. Even a few days without water can lead to severe physiological stress and even death. So, always keep an eye on what your cat eats. Give your little pet a healthy diet.