Everything You Need to Know About Your Cat's Nutritional Needs

Do you usually purchase your cat's feeds with nutritional needs in mind? Or do you ever check on the nutritional composition of your cat's feeds? Well, whether yes or no, this article discusses everything that you should know about your cat's nutritional needs. Like human beings, cats require their nutrition to be taken care of in every way for healthy living. The factors you need to consider in the nutrition include the required nutrients, the pets' age, environment, the pets' preference, environment, and other related factors. For a cat to be healthy, the following nutrients need to be supplied in its diet.

1. Proteins and Fats

Cats' food should contain proteins, which include essential and non-essential amino acids. The role of proteins includes the manufacture of antibodies, enzymes, tissues, and hormones. They also play a role in pH regulation. These nutrients are found from food sources such as meat and eggs. How much protein is required? Well, according to research, full-grown cats will require at least 26% of proteins in their meals, while kittens can be provided with 30% or more. This situation means that you'll need at least 26% of crude protein in every meal you buy for your pet.

2. Fats

Fats are the primary energy source, and they provide essential fatty acids required for nutrient transportation and utilization. The essential fatty acids include the Arachidonic and linoleic acid obtained from food. The essential fatty acids are essential in the cat's health. According to petsumer.com/best-cat-food/, any food fed to the cats must at least contain a certain percentage of fats. The best fat you can give your cat includes chicken fat and fish oil, better than sunflower and canola oil. Also, plant oils are essential since they provide omega-6 fatty acids that balance fats from animal sources. You need to buy the right food that contains all these compositions.

3. Minerals and Vitamins

Minerals are essential in nearly all the physiological processes in a cat. Biological availability is affected by mineral sources. Chelated minerals are obtained from organic sources, thus, easier for body absorption. On the other hand, elemental minerals are earth or water-sourced. Vitamins are vital for average growth and development, as well as the cat's metabolism. Vitamins are categorized as fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K, while water-soluble includes Vitamins C and B. 

The fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the cat's body, whereas the water-soluble are quickly expelled from the body. 

4. Water

Cats naturally become less thirsty since they feed on fresh raw food. Despite this, cats need to be supplied with safe, clean drinking water. You need to check on the safety of your water source frequently. If your cat feeds on dry food, it may lead to adverse health issues such as dehydration, and too much-concentrated urine is a likely result.

5. Antioxidants

These include vitamins, enzymes, and minerals that protect the cat's body from free radicals' damage. They are either obtained from food sources or manufactured by the body. Enzymes are very important and can be obtained from food, with the body also manufacturing some. They are heat sensitive and are denatured by temperatures above 118 degrees (F). The food supply of enzymes prevents the depletion of the body supplies. 

6. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for other animal species but not essential nutrient requirements for cats. However, these carbohydrates are usually provided in the cat's feed even though cats' carbohydrate needs do not exist currently. Despite carbohydrates being an energy source, cats utilize fats and proteins for the supply of energy. Thus, the carbohydrate requirement is substituted by fats and proteins requirement. Most food companies always put carbohydrates in cats' food, knowing very well they aren't required. 

Ensure the food you buy for your cat has less carbohydrate content to avoid getting a raw deal in the purchase. You need to check out the fiber content, too, since it is not required in plenty in cats' food and must not outweigh the proteins.

Supplements are not always ideal for cats. In case you need to give supplements, always seek the veterinarian's approval. All nutritional feeds are essential, even though each feed provides different nutrients for your cat's nutritional needs. Different foods need to be offered for cats to have a balanced diet and to grow healthily. Other than feeds, other factors, such as hygiene, need to be maintained for healthy growth. In case of difficulties in eating and other food disorders, it's recommended to seek veterinary services. We do hope the article helps in coming up with a proper cat diet.