Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. Their diet should primarily consist of high-quality commercial cat food that is labelled as “complete” to ensure it contains all the necessary nutrients. 

It is important to feed cats food that is approved by organizations like the UK Pet Food (previously known as PFMA) to meet their nutritional needs and quality standards. 

Additionally, cats should be fed life stage-appropriate food based on whether they are kittens, adults, or seniors. While occasional treats are fine, they should not exceed 10-15% of the cat’s daily calorie allowance and should consist of healthy options like cooked white fish, chicken breast, or turkey breast. 

It’s crucial to avoid feeding cats foods that are toxic to them, such as onions, garlic, and dairy products. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide guidance on the best diet for your cat and ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition for their health and well-being.

Common ingredients in commercial cat food

Common ingredients in commercial cat food include:

Protein sources 

Whole sources of protein, like whole chicken, turkey, eggs, or fish, are ideal. These should come from animals that the cat could conceivably kill, with amino acid ratios appropriate to feline kidneys, such as chickens, turkeys, and other small birds with occasional eggs and fish. 

“Meal” means the fat and water of the protein have been removed and is usually a satisfactory source of protein, as it’s more concentrated. However, it’s important to ensure that the animal is specified.

Fat

The AAFCO puts minimum fat needs at 9%, and around 15% fat is a good compromise. The fat source should be from a specific animal and not from vegetable sources, which cats can’t convert to an appropriate form.

Grains/Carbohydrates

A cat’s natural prey like the mouse would be around 3% carbohydrates. Cats have little metabolic need for carbohydrates and no way to convert carbs to energy, the way dogs and humans can. Grains are added to dry kibble to make it easier to handle for humans. 

The most appropriate grain for cats is rice, and the most appropriate form for rice is rice bran. It should come after the protein sources in the list of ingredients. Wheat, soy, and corn can be allergens and have a high chance of being genetically modified (GMO). They have not been studied for their effects on cats and should be avoided.

Fibre

Up to 90% of the immune system response lies in the intestine. Fibre plays a huge role in making sure the intestine is healthy. Rice bran and beet fibre have proven to be good sources of fibre for felines in that they provide the fermentability for good intestinal health.

Vitamins & Minerals

Cats need most of the same vitamins and minerals that dogs do, with the following exceptions. Cats need more Vitamin A than dogs because they can’t convert beta carotene. 

They also need twice the amount of B Vitamins: (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, and B-12). Most commercially prepared diets contain the recommended amounts of these vitamins and minerals.

However, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients, such as by-products, non-specific meat, especially by-products as the initial ingredient, vegetable sources of fat, grains/carbohydrates, especially wheat, soy, and corn, and artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours.

Some common preservatives used in commercial cat food

Common preservatives used in commercial cat food include ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), calcium ascorbate, citric acid, ethoxyquin, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite, and mixed tocopherols. 

However, some of these preservatives, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, have been linked to health issues in cats and are best avoided. Natural preservatives like Vitamin C and E or no preservatives are preferable.

The potential health risks associated with consuming cat food with preservatives

Consuming cat food with preservatives can pose potential health risks to cats, particularly if they are sensitive or intolerant to synthetic preservatives. Some common preservatives used in cat food, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, have been linked to health issues in cats and should be avoided. 

Artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours can potentially lead to health problems in cats. High-quality cat foods will use natural ingredients that are high in necessary nutrients instead of synthetic additives. 

When selecting cat food, it’s important to avoid ingredients like animal by-products, grains and fillers, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, added sugars, and rendered fats. Instead, look for foods that specify the sources of their ingredients and use natural ingredients that are high in necessary nutrients.

Some preservatives used in human food that are safe for cats to consume

Common preservatives used in human food that are safe for cats to consume include Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (tocopherols), and rosemary. 

These natural preservatives are often used in high-quality cat foods to maintain the freshness and nutritional value of the ingredients. It’s important to avoid synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which have been linked to health issues in cats.

Human food preservatives that cats should avoid

Some common preservatives used in human food that are safe for cats to consume include Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (tocopherols), and rosemary. However, it’s important to avoid synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which have been linked to health issues in cats. 

These preservatives are often used in processed pet food and can cause adverse health reactions in pets. Instead, natural preservatives like vinegar, citric acid, and Vitamin E can be used in cat food to extend its storage life without causing harm to pets. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to ensure that the homemade diet is balanced and meets the cat’s nutritional needs.

Symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in cats

Common symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in cats include decreased energy and activity, anorexia and weight loss, neurological problems such as weakness, enlarged pupils, falling and an uncoordinated gait, and seizures. 

These deficiencies can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients like taurine, thiamine, Vitamin D, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are necessary for various bodily functions, including heart muscle function, vision, energy metabolism, bone health, red blood cell production, skin health, and immune function. 

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to numerous health problems in cats, including vision problems, heart problems, rickets, osteomalacia, and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is important to provide cats with a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs to avoid these deficiencies and related health issues.

Nutritional deficiencies in cats and their symptoms

Common nutritional deficiencies in cats and their symptoms include:

1. Taurine Deficiency: Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and is necessary for heart muscle function and optimal vision. A deficiency can lead to vision problems and heart issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which can be fatal if left untreated.

2. Thiamine Deficiency: Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is essential for energy metabolism. A deficiency can lead to decreased energy and activity, anorexia, and weight loss. It can also cause neurological problems such as weakness, enlarged pupils, falling, and an uncoordinated gait.

3. Calcium Deficiency: Calcium is essential for bone health and red blood cell production. A deficiency can lead to stiffness, restlessness, weakness, muscle tremors, irritability, and hypersensitivity to touch.

4. Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium is essential for various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and blood pressure regulation. A deficiency can lead to muscle tremors, weakness, and seizures.

5. Zinc Deficiency: Zinc is essential for skin health and immune function. A deficiency can lead to hair loss, skin ulcers, and areas of skin thickening and cracking, particularly over joints and on foot pads.

6. Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A is essential for vision, growth, and immune function. A deficiency can lead to vision problems, growth retardation, and a weakened immune system.

7. Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. A deficiency can lead to rickets, osteomalacia, and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism.

8. Iron Deficiency: Iron is essential for red blood cell production. A deficiency can lead to anaemia, weakness, and fatigue.

9. Fat Deficiency: Fat is essential for energy and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. A deficiency can lead to weight loss, dry skin, and a weakened immune system.

These deficiencies can lead to numerous health problems in cats, including vision problems, heart problems, rickets, osteomalacia, and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. 

It is important to provide cats with a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs to avoid these deficiencies and related health issues.

Sources of thiamine in cat food

Cats require thiamine in their diet as they are unable to produce adequate amounts of it. Thiamine is naturally found in various food sources, including whole grains, vegetables, legumes, brewer’s yeast, meat (beef, pork, fish), organs (liver, heart, kidneys), milk, and eggs. 

However, the mere presence of thiamine in a food does not indicate its activity or bioavailability. Factors such as high temperatures, neutral or alkaline pH, chlorinated water, and oxidation can all lead to the loss of thiamine. Therefore, most manufacturers add thiamine to commercial pet foods to compensate for these losses.

In raw cat food diets, thiamine is not exposed to heat as canned and dry diets are, and they do not use any of the additives or preservatives found in canned foods. Therefore, the thiamine in these diets remains intact. 

However, it is important to note that certain species of fish and shellfish contain an enzyme called thiaminase which destroys thiamine. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the fish and shellfish used in raw cat food diets do not contain thiaminase.

Thiamine deficiency in cats can cause neurological signs, abnormal heartbeats, and gastrointestinal signs. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that cats receive adequate amounts of thiamine in their diet.

Some brands of cat food that are high in thiamine

Some common brands of cat food that are high in thiamine include those that use whole grains, pork, beef, or fish as their main ingredients. These brands may include high-quality commercial cat foods that are labelled as “complete” and meet the nutritional needs of cats. 

It is important to avoid synthetic preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, which have been linked to health issues in cats, and instead use natural preservatives like Vitamin C and E or no preservatives. Consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to ensure the homemade diet is balanced and meets the cat’s nutritional needs.

Other vitamins that are important for cats

Cats require a balanced diet that includes various vitamins and minerals to maintain their health. Some of the essential vitamins for cats include:

Thiamine: Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is essential for cats as they cannot produce it in their bodies. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates and is necessary for healthy functioning of the nervous system and heart. A deficiency in thiamine can cause neurological signs, abnormal heartbeats, and gastrointestinal signs.

B Vitamins: B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12, are essential for cats as they play many beneficial roles in the body, especially helping brain function and improving mood.

Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA): GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps create a calming effect.

Herbal Supplements: Herbal supplements, derived from plants, can help provide a calm mind.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and glutathione peroxidase, protect the body against damage from free radicals, a byproduct produced when the body creates energy from ingested food.

Probiotics: Probiotics, live microbes from bacteria and yeast, can help restore and improve the gastrointestinal system, decrease gas and bloating, and help with chronic diarrhoea, chronic vomiting, inability to maintain weight, and restoring gut health.

Electrolytes: Electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, are essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve transmission.

Taurine: Taurine is an amino acid that promotes heart health and is often added to cat food as it is essential for cats.

It is important to note that while these vitamins and minerals are essential for cats, they should not be given supplements meant for humans as they could be potentially harmful. Commercially available cat foods that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) contain necessary vitamins and minerals, but cats with specific health issues may benefit from added supplements. Those who have cats that eat raw or homemade diets should consult with a veterinarian to discuss if supplements are needed to ensure a balanced diet.

Common symptoms of protein deficiency in cats

Protein deficiency in cats can lead to various health issues, including protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), a condition where the cat’s intestines lose excessive amounts of protein into the digestive tract, leading to a decrease in the cat’s total protein levels. 

Symptoms of PLE include lethargy, edema (fluid accumulation in the body), diarrhoea, vomiting, and weight loss. In severe cases, PLE can lead to hypoproteinemia, where the cat’s total protein levels drop below normal, leading to various health issues, including anaemia, immune system dysfunction, and blood clotting problems.

In addition to PLE, protein deficiency can also lead to other health issues, such as muscle wasting, poor coat condition, and impaired immune system function. Cats require a diet that contains at least 26% protein on a dry matter basis to meet their nutritional needs. Therefore, it is essential to provide cats with a well-balanced diet that contains adequate amounts of protein to maintain their health.

If a cat is showing signs of protein deficiency, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The veterinarian may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or medications to help manage the condition. In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care may be necessary to stabilize the cat’s condition.