As reviewed in the last newsletter, the new “Grain Free” craze for both dog and cat foods has very little merit. Most pet food companies say that the reason their products are “Grain Free” is to prevent food allergies. As discussed last month, both dogs AND cats are usually allergic to the protein in the pet food they are consuming. Grains contain very little protein (corn is only 8% protein and 80% starch, and rice has less than 10 % protein). So, claiming that grain free pet food leads to fewer food allergies cannot be substantiated. Grains are VERY low on the lists of things that dogs and cats can become allergic to.
True or False – Cats are true carnivores
This is true. Protein metabolism of cats is unique. Kittens require 50% more protein than puppies to support growth. The relative maintenance requirement for protein in the adult cat is even higher: adult cats need about 200% more protein than adult dogs
True or False – Cats have amino acids that are essential to their health and MUST be in their cat food
This is true as well. Cat food must have arginine, taurine and methionine to be nutritionally complete for cats. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT that cats and kittens be fed products designed for them, and NOT dog food.
True or False – Cats should not eat carbohydrates because they are carnivores.
False: Although it is true that cats are carnivores and have a high dietary protein requirement, cats can use carbohydrates efficiently for energy. The starch levels found in commercial cat foods (up to 35% of the food’s dry matter) are well tolerated.
True or False - Cats should not eat carbohydrates because of the risk for diabetes
False: Currently available evidence does not support a direct cause and effect relationship between increased carbohydrate intake and diabetes in cats. Doctors at Care Animal Hospital do recommend a canned food diet plan (which usually does mean less carbohydrates) for diabetic cats because ONCE DIAGNOSED with diabetes, it has been proven that most diabetic cats require less insulin and do better overall when fed canned food.
Suggestions in feeding cats: The doctors at Care Animal Hospital recommend feeding a high quality dry as well as canned cat or kitten product to support growth. As mentioned before, Purina’s Pro Plan and ONE, Hills Science Diet foods, Iams, and Royal Canin products are ones that are well studied and have been formulated to meet the needs of the age group they are intended for (cats or kittens). These companies have veterinary nutritionists on staff formulating their foods.
Next month – what do the terms Organic, Natural and Holistic REALLY MEAN?
