Ancient carnivores
Today’s cats are descendants of true carnivores. Compared to dogs, cats require a high level of protein in their diet, stemming from cats’ inability to regulate the breakdown of liver enzymes. Cats in the wild thrive on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate (approximately 1–2 per cent) diet. Dry cat foods are more likely to contain high levels of carbohydrate (up to 40 per cent), including from wheat, grain and corn, and protein from non-meat sources – although this is not true of some premium brands. Good quality wet cat food (sachet or canned), on the other hand, is high in protein and more similar to a natural carnivore diet. Cats need water in their food.
Cats evolved on the deserts of Africa and adapted to their environment by having a lot of their water requirements met by the moisture found in their prey. This natural diet contained at least 65 per cent water – commercial dry food contains no more than 10 per cent moisture. By contrast, commercially prepared wet food typically contains 70–80 per cent water.
Creatures of habit
Cats are creatures of habit. If they are given only dry food or only wet food as young kittens, they get used to this one texture, and may not accept different food types when they are older. And for some particular health problems that occur in our older cats, eating wet food can be an important part of the treatment and ongoing health of the pet.
Dry cat foods
Many vets recommend a mixed dry and wet diet for healthy kittens and cats that do not have any health issues that preclude dry foods. Owners with older cats that have been raised on all-dry diets may choose to stay with this diet as long as the cat is well. There are still many benefits to a premium quality meat-based dry food:
Dry foods are economical, and clean and easy to feed. They are easy to leave out over the day, particularly good for slim cats that like to ‘graze’ (which is natural cat feeding behaviour).
Dry foods have benefits for plaque and tartar control. Most cats do need a dental program to keep their teeth clean and stay in good health, and some cats need more help than others. Choose a food with good dental claims (your vet can advise you).
Choosing cat foods – read the label
The quality of cat foods varies greatly between brands. Despite the benefits of wet cat food, not all sachet and canned foods provide the same standard of nutrition. Some wet foods contain less meat and more protein from other sources.
Read the sachet or can label: all good foods should meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards as a complete diet for the life stage (cat or kitten) of your pet. A meat source should be listed as the first ingredient and the meat ingredients should make up at least 70 per cent of the total weight of the food.
Read the dry food label: again, check the food meets AAFCO standards as a complete diet for the lifestage (cat or kitten) of your pet. There are some very poor quality dry foods on the market that should be avoided, as carbohydrate-based foods are very unnatural and not good for your cat. Meat should be the first ingredient on the label. Choose a premium dry food that is meat-based – seek a recommendation from your vet.
Labels can be confusing, especially as information about components must be adjusted for the type of food – for example a dry food (10 per cent moisture) with 35 per cent protein has the same protein content as a canned food (90 per cent moisture) with 3.8 per cent protein. If you want to know more about the protein content and quality of a food, ring the number listed on the food packet: a reputable company will be happy to give you this information.
It is important to choose good quality high-meat cat foods for your feline friend, to ensure their unique nutritional needs are being met.