|
Cats are CARNIVORES |
|
Cats are technically
“obligate” carnivores and that means that to be healthy they really need to
eat meat. If you have ever taken the
time to read the labels on those packages of dry cat food you are feeding
your cat you’ll easily conclude that meat is not making up the greater
percentage of what is in the bag.
Typically the food is 1/3 to ½ carbohydrates from grains and starchy
vegetables. Not food for carnivores. In fact, dry cat food presents many
challenges to a cat’s health. Commercial cat food has the
advantage of being convenient and cheap – that does not make it healthy. Producers of all the major brands of cat
food have a responsibility to the stock holders and not a heck of a lot to
the cats. In order for cats to even eat
the “stuff” in those bags the manufacturers have become geniuses at flavoring
those cute little chunks and hunks with sprayed on fats and flavors. Some of the worst foods are still so tasty
(not nutritious, you understand) that cats overeat. Wet food surpasses dry food
in that there is far less carbohydrate in the blend so a minimal goal for
your cat’s diet is at least 50% wet food.
But, be aware that fish flavors and those containing liver or giblets
(often labeled at “by-products”) offers a significant risk for thyroid
disease. Easy open and “pop top” cans
have been implicated as a high risk.
It is thought to have something to do with the lining of the cans or
the interaction between ingredients and what is in the lining. Avoid pop-tops and especially those with
white linings. Fish should be avoided
if your cat has a urinary tract disease.
Cats evolved as desert
animals and as such their main source of fluids came from the animals they
ate. Their prey animals are
approximately 65% water and while cats eating dry food are likely to drink
“more” water they rarely drink enough to be totally hydrated. High – proper! – water
intake keeps the kidneys happy, dilutes the urine and reduces the risk of
crystals and stones. These are such
common and mostly avoidable health issues – if the cats are fed what they are
meant to eat! The BEST diet for your cat
is a homemade/raw diet but beware – Yes – that does require time and understanding
of just what and how much to feed your cats.
What you need to know is beyond the scope of this article but I refer
you to: Raising Cats Naturally by
Michelle Bernard Natural Cat Care by Celeste
Yarnall What Cats Should Eat by
Jean Hofve,
DVM Dr. Hofve
has this to say about cats and carbohydrates: Scientific evidence is
increasing that carbohydrates are simply not metabolized well by many cats,
if not all……Overweight cats are at higher risk for many healthy problems: *joint damage *diabetes* *decreased immune function *heart disease *respiratory disease *liver disease *pancreatitis *digestive disorders *skin and coat problems *urinary tract disease *increased anesthetic risk *impaired healing ability *cancer If you want optimal health
NEVER feed dry foods!!! M |