Cats require 41 essential nutrients compared to 37 for dogs.
A cat is an obligate carnivore which means that it must consume animal protein in order to thrive.
Obligate carnivores may eat other foods but they must eat meat as the main source of their nutrients.
In fact, cats require 41 essential nutrients (compared to 37 for dogs).
Cats have a short digestive system and process food in 12 to 24 hours compared to 30 hours to 5 days in humans!
A cats body is designed for hunting on the move, they are quick and agile and as such, this is reflected in their physiology.
Protein is an essential nutrient which helps the building of body tissues.
Protein forms the basis for enzymes (substances needed for body function) and is involved in the prevention of disease. The source and quality of the protein in your cat’s diet is therefore really important.
Dietary protein can be supplied from either plant or animal sources. As their intestine is much shorter than… that of a dog, cats are comparatively less able to digest plant material so animal protein provides the optimum source for your cat.
“A deficiency in any of the amino acids could lead to cause health issues.”
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein–Cats require 22 Amino Acids.
Cats can synthesize 11of these amino acids; the remaining ones – essential amino acids – must be consumed as part of diet.
Essential amino acids for cats include: taurine, arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine…
Cats have higher requirements for proteins and amino acids than dogs. Cats break down protein very rapidly and are unable to adapt when dietary supplies are low by reducing the rate of breakdown.