A Focus On Feline Nutrition
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - TECHNICAL POSITION PAPER
A Focus On Feline Nutrition - White Paper
Leah Lambrakis & Jarrod Kersey, Department of Technical Services
Unique and Distinctive
Cats and dogs are both classified within the order Carnivora, however through evolutionary history cats have adapted as strict carnivores and dogs as omnivores. In fact, cats are obligate carnivores which means they are built to thrive on a diet that is solely based on animal-based sources such as muscle and organ meat for their total nutrition and cannot obtain all necessary nutrients from plants(1).
Many refer to cats as finicky creatures, which may very well be the case but we like to call them nutritionally unique. There are obvious differences in the behavior and physiology between cats and dogs, but the unique differences surrounding their digestion and metabolism of nutrients opens up a whole new set of opportunities in meeting their nutrient requirements.
In this edition of The Dish, we will explore the unique dietary needs of the cat and key considerations when it comes to feeding our feline companions. Understanding the nutritional requirements of cats and providing them with appropriate foods is essential for their long-term health.
Nutritional Considerations for Optimal Health
Often referred to as nutritional idiosyncrasies, cats have higher requirements for many nutrients such as protein, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins which distinguish them from other animals(2). An essential nutrient is one that cannot be synthesized (created) by the body in adequate amounts and therefore must be provided by the diet.
Carbohydrate & Glucose Metabolism
Dietary carbohydrates are important as a source of glucose for energy. Cats have a limited ability to digest large amounts of carbohydrates, however they do have the ability to maintain normal and healthy blood glucose levels when fed a carbohydrate free diet(3). This is because they are in a constant state of gluconeogenesis, meaning they continuously generate energy from other non-carbohydrate nutrients such as amino acids. Cats do this very efficiently; further supporting their classification as strict carnivores, particularly that their digestive system is designed to best process proteins and fats.
Protein
Growing kittens and adult cats have a higher protein requirement than dogs and most other mammals. This is because as obligate carnivores, the cat’s metabolism not only has adapted to utilize protein as an energy source, they also have an increased need for protein for the maintenance of body tissues compared to other mammals(2). The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommend foods for kittens and adult cats contain at least 30% and 26% dry matter protein, respectively, and foods for puppies and adult dogs contain at least 22% and 18% dry matter protein(4). Further, cats have higher requirements for amino acids from dietary protein compared to dogs.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are involved in many important roles in the body, as discussed in The Dish technical white paper Nutrient Spotlight - Understanding Protein. There are two amino acids that are of special consideration for cats - Arginine and Taurine, which are predominately found in animal tissues.
Arginine is an essential amino acid for both cats and dogs, however cats possess low levels of the enzymes required as part of the pathway to create an adequate amount of arginine on their own(2). This amino acid is so essential in a cat’s diet, that signs of deficiency can be acutely observed within a short time after consuming an arginine-free diet. Luckily, arginine is found in abundance in meat, poultry and fish.
Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, and conditionally essential in dogs. This amino acid is actually classified as a beta-sulfonic acid and is found exclusively in animal-based proteins. Taurine plays important role in vision, heart function, digestion and reproduction(3). Cats are unable to synthesize taurine and thereby need to consume adequate amounts from their diet, otherwise clinical disease results if insufficient amounts are present(3). Further, the cat’s metabolic and digestive processes utilize taurine differently than other animals, resulting in natural digestive losses making taurine especially essential.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for maintaining healthy vision, reproduction, growth, and immunity(3). The cat has a very specific dietary requirement for preformed or active Vitamin A (retinol) which is found in animal tissues and liver. This is because unlike dogs, cats cannot convert plant-based carotenoids (such as those that are found in carrots and green leafy vegetables) to the active form of Vitamin A to meet their nutritional needs.
Niacin
Cats not only have a higher requirement of several B vitamins; they also are not able to synthesize vitamin B3 (known as niacin) as an end product of the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan(2). Fortunately, animal tissues contain an abundance of both tryptophan and niacin, making the cat’s carnivorous diet ideal.
Arachidonic Acid
Fat is a key nutrient that provides the greatest amount of energy to the body, but is also critical in transporting fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids. Cats have a special requirement for the essential omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid which is found in animal fats. Unlike dogs and other animals, cats are unable to synthesize adequate amounts of arachidonic acid during all stages of life, even when its precursor, an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid, is present in the diet.
Water
Cats are not instinctively driven to seek water sources outside of food, likely because they are naturally adapted to obtain most of their water needs from their prey. For this reason, it is often recommended to offer wet foods as part of a cat’s dietary program. The risk of low water consumption is that cats are easily prone to kidney and urinary tract conditions.
Making Informed Choices
Pet parents are often curious or possibly concerned if their cat has consumed their dog’s food or vice versa. There is no immediate danger to either species’ well-being if a few bites are swiftly stolen here and there, but prolonged feeding could result in deficiencies or excesses that can potentially compromise their health. For this reason, feeding a combination of foods that is species-appropriate is always recommended.
While the ingredients and guaranteed analyses of cat and dog foods may appear similar on pet food labels, the nutritional design is approached quite differently. As pet food scientists, we also consider piece size, mouth feel, texture, and taste preferences when we formulate foods for the pets we love.
The published nutrient guidelines in the 2023 AAFCO official publication declare 44 minimum nutrient levels and nutrient ratios, in addition to 5 maximum nutrient levels(4). These nutrients are top of mind when we formulate cat foods. We consider the nutritional profile of each combination of ingredients to create complete and balanced foods that are not only nutritious but are also highly digestible and provide feeding enjoyment.
Every animal is unique, and their dietary needs may vary depending on age, life stage, activity level, sex, breed, and environment. We recommend choosing a high-quality food that is specifically formulated for their life-stage and encourage that portion control is managed for optimal weight. Just like us, cats may also have specific dietary requirements for various health conditions that must be considered. As always, seeking guidance from your animal health and nutrition expert will help you make informed choices for your pet.
Our Commitment – Leading with Technical Expertise – Leah and Jarrod are here to provide guidance and insights – do not hesitate to connect with us at Simmons Pet Food, pfcomments@simfoods.com. We would love to hear from you and be part of your pet’s nutrition solution!
Literature Referenced
Case LP, Helms K (Illustrator), MacAllister M (Illustrator). (2003). The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition and Health. Wiley-Blackwell.
Case LP, Daristotle L, Hayek MG, Raasch MF. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. 3rd Edition. Mosby Elsevier.
Hand M. S. & Lewis L. D. (2010). Small animal clinical nutrition (5th ed.). Mark Morris Institute.
AAFCO, The Association of American Feed Control Officials. (2023). Official Publication. Champaign, IL.