Nutritionally speaking, proper cat nutrition is essential for your pet’s wellbeing and can even aid in managing certain medical issues.
Protein is one of the essential nutrients cats require. It provides them with essential amino acids for healthy development and growth. Protein also plays a significant role in providing energy throughout the day.
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Protein
Protein is an integral part of proper cat nutrition. This amino acid-rich nutrient provides your cat’s body with building blocks to repair tissues and organs as well as regulate metabolism.
Protein is essential for your cat’s wellbeing as it provides essential amino acids to create and maintain healthy skin, hair, blood and muscle tissue. Not only that, but protein also provides energy for other bodily processes as well as helping to suppress your cat’s appetite so they don’t overindulge.
In addition to dietary protein, cats must get an adequate supply of dispensable amino acids (taurine, arginine and methionine) from various nutrient sources in order to stay healthy. While animal proteins are the preferred source for providing these amino acids, they can be obtained in other ways too.
Commercial pet foods typically rely on plant-based sources of protein to make up a substantial portion of their total protein intake. Unfortunately, the biological value of this type of protein is much lower than that found in meat-based sources, so it’s essential to read the label on your pet food can or bag to guarantee it contains high quality animal-based proteins.
Fat
Fat is an energy-rich source, necessary for transporting nutrients across cell membranes. It also supplies essential fatty acids, facilitates vitamin absorption, and supports skin and coat health.
Cats are obligate carnivores and must rely solely on animal protein for nutrition. Unfortunately, since they lack the enzyme capacity to digest carbohydrates like many other mammals do, cats must eat only meat-based meals.
Cats require a variety of minerals for optimal health. A balanced cat food will supply them with calcium, phosphorus and other essential elements.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients in your pet’s diet. They provide energy and can be found in various ingredients like fiber, starches or essential nutrients like vitamins.
However, an excessive consumption of carbohydrates can lead to obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues and more. Cats are not naturally carbohydrate eaters; instead they get their energy from protein sources.
It is recommended for cats to consume a diet with less than 10% carbohydrates. You can do this by feeding your cat a lower-carbohydrate canned food or choosing a dry food with only 10% carbs.
Cats in the wild typically prey on small vertebrate prey with low carbohydrates content, spreading their daily food intake and macronutrients out over 12-20 small meals.
Water
Water is one of the most essential nutrients for your cat’s wellbeing, as it aids in transporting and processing all other nutrients in its diet. Not only that, but water also helps maintain an ideal internal temperature by flushing out toxins and other substances which could otherwise wreak havoc on their health.
It is essential to remember your cat’s hydration status throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to many issues such as lethargy, poor appetite, dry mucous membranes and eyes that appear sunken into their sockets.
A healthy cat’s daily water intake should be around 4 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight. If you think your feline friend isn’t drinking enough, try switching up their drinking method by providing them with a new water bowl or installing an indoor fountain in your home.
