A high protein cat food can be a dangerous choice for your feline companion. The higher the protein content, the higher the risk for your pet’s kidneys. This is especially true for older cats. If your cat is prone to kidney problems, higher protein cat food may worsen the condition. But, there are ways to keep your feline companion healthy by avoiding high protein cat foods.
Avoid high-protein cat food
There are dozens of brands and blends of cat food on the market, which can make choosing the right one challenging. But with an understanding of how a cat’s diet works, you can select the right food for your feline friend. Cats are obligate carnivores. In contrast, humans and dogs are omnivores. In fact, cats should get at least 30 percent of their daily diet from protein.
As strict carnivores, cats need protein from organs and meat. Their nutritional requirements are entirely different from those of dogs, which get most of their protein from plant sources. This is because cats are not equipped with specific metabolic pathways that are used by dogs. This means that they cannot efficiently use plant proteins.
The quality of protein is an important factor. Only animal proteins are complete amino acids, which are necessary to build healthy cells. Unlike plant-based proteins, animal-sourced protein has a higher biological value. Meat contains more taurine, which is one of the most important nutrients in cats. Lack of taurine can result in heart problems and blindness.
A cat that consumes less than 0.68 grams of protein per pound of body weight could enter a nitrogen-deficient state. Symptoms of this disorder vary according to the amino acid profile of the food, but can be life-threatening. Cats suffering from protein malnutrition may also develop fatty liver disease, which can be fatal.
Avoid high-protein cat food ingredients
High-protein cat foods contain animal proteins as their first ingredient. They may also contain meat meal and meat by-products. Usually, they’re more abundant in wet food, but a cat needs at least 30-40 percent protein in its diet. However, they can also get protein from non-animal sources, such as corn gluten meal or soybean meal.
The composition of the food is just as important as the amount of meat. A cat can process fats and carbohydrates more efficiently than carbohydrates, so a cat food should have no more than 10% carbohydrate. However, cat food labels rarely state the percentage of carbohydrates or fats in their products.
High-protein cat food contains amino acids, which are needed by the body for vital functions. These nutrients aid in the growth, development, and maintenance of muscles, fur, and claws. They also help regulate hormones and support the immune system. However, if the amount of protein in the food is too high, your cat may have health problems. You should consult a veterinarian before making any major changes in your cat’s diet.
Another ingredient to avoid is carrageenan. The ingredient has been linked to cancer in humans and experimental animals. Additionally, it can reduce the digestibility of proteins in a cat’s diet. It can also be sticky and can cause dental problems in cats.
Avoid high-protein cat food flavors
When choosing a cat food, make sure it has the right amount of protein for the size of the cat. Adult cats can survive on around 26% protein, but lactating queens and kittens require about 30% protein. For comparison, mice are about 55% protein. A higher protein content will ensure the health of your cat. However, not all high-protein cat food products are created equally. Be sure to read the ingredients label for a complete list of ingredients.
Many high-protein brands of cat food have been proven to contain low-quality meat ingredients and chemical preservatives. Read labels carefully and don’t fall for clever marketing. Some brands you should avoid are General Mills, Hill’s, and Nestle Purina. Some of these products contain plant-based proteins.
High-protein cat food is considered high-protein if it contains at least 30% protein. There are different levels of protein for different cats, so it is important to look for a high-protein food with natural meat as the first ingredient. It’s also important to check the label for the amino acids used.
You can also look for brands that have fewer ingredients. High-protein cat food can cause your cat to vomit. Some brands may also be deficient in nutrients. It’s important to read the nutrition label and make sure the food comes with a guarantee.
