Dr Jennifer Creed - Some Essential Nutrients For Cats |
Posted: February 24, 2018 |
The nutritional requirements of cats are different from dogs. There are some essential nutrients that must be supplied by the food you provide to your pet cat for its normal growth and development. Thus, a well prepared diet containing all the essential nutrients is a must for normal feline health. Here is a list of various important nutrients important for cats: Healthy Protein for cats Cats require only animal proteins obtained from fish, eggs, poultry and meat. This is because animal proteins are complete proteins which provide all the essential amino acids unlike the incomplete proteins found in vegetables, legumes and grains which do not provide all the essential amino acids. The essential amino acids are required in the cat’s system for production of enzymes, antibodies, tissues and hormones. Proteins are also required for growth and maintenance. The protein requirement of an individual cat depends upon its age, level of activities and physiological state. Healthy Vitamins for cats Vitamins are required for enzyme reactions and normal metabolism. Vitamins mainly come from food while some are synthesized in the cat’s system. Vitamins are either water soluble or fat soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are A,D,E and K. Water soluble vitamins are C and B complex. Animal sources are required for providing vitamins in case of cats. Importance of Fat in Your Cat's Food Fats are required for maintaining the integrity of the cell structure, regulating metabolism and production of hormones. Fats are made of fatty acids. Essential fatty acids for feline health are arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid also called DHA. DHA is important for maintaining vision, immune system and the reproductive system of the cats. Other essential fatty acids for cats include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help in reducing inflammatory reactions in the cat’s system. Cats are not able to convert plant sources of essential fatty acids, therefore, they require animal sources. Carbohydrates in Cat FoodsCarbohydrates provide energy to feline tissues and are also important for the health of the cat’s reproductive system. Cats must be provided with moderately fermentable fibers as sources of carbohydrates. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber commonly used as a cat food. Corn, rice and wheat are other desirable moderately fermentable fibers for cats. Essential Minerals in a Cat's Diet Minerals are inorganic compounds which must be present in the diet because they are not synthesized in the cat’s body. Minerals are required for bone and muscle development, enzyme formation, oxygen transportation, maintaining fluid balance, metabolic reactions, etc. Magnesium, calcium, potassium, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, iodine, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, etc. are important minerals. Dr Jennifer Creed has provided the health benefits of your cat with the necessary nutrients required for its growth and maintenance.
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