Cat Nutrition Requirements Chart

As you prepare to take your cat home after successfully completing the adoption process, one of the most common questions you may have is, ‘what should I feed my cat.’ To fully understand and appreciate your cat’s nutritional requirements, it is important to step back a bit to get an idea of how cats are in the wild.

Cat domestication and evolution of their diet:

Cat domestication dates back to at least ancient Egypt from 7000 to 9,500 BC, and during that time, cats were primarily fed a diet of table scraps or ‘cat’s meat’. “cat’s meat” was trimmings and scraps of meat chunks not considered suitable for humans. In fact, there are records of “cat’s meat men” pushing small carts full of skewers of meat in London in the 1800s.

Cats are obligate carnivores:

While different cultures have domesticated cats at different times in history, all cats – whether big or small, domestic or wild – are obligate carnivores. This means that cats have a diet that depends on there being animal flesh in their food. In the wild, cats typically eat small prey – such as rodents, birds, and reptiles – which they consume entirely, including the bones, organs, and fur.

How carnivores are different from other animals:

They digest and use nutrients differently:

Carnivores are different from other animals – even other meat-eaters such as dogs and bears – in the way that they digest and use nutrients. For example, cats do not have the ability to convert plant-based proteins into animal protein the way that omnivores (animals that eat both plants and animals) or herbivores (animals that only eat plants) can.

They have shorter digestive tracts:

Additionally, carnivores have shorter digestive tracts than other animals because meat is easier to digest than plant material. This is due to the fact that carnivores have a higher concentration of enzymes in their intestines that break down protein and fat.

Cats have high renal clearance rate:

Cats also have a high renal clearance rate, which means that they are very efficient at filtering and removing wastes from their blood. This is an adaptation that helps cats conserve water because in the wild, water is not always readily available.

Cats use protein as the primary source of energy:

Another key difference between carnivores and other animals is that cats use protein as their primary source of energy, while other animals primarily use carbohydrates. This is because cats have a high level of glycolytic enzymes, which break down protein into glucose, which can then be used for energy.

Cats get their essential proteins – amino acids – from animal tissue:

Cats get the proteins they need – in the form of amino acids – from animal tissue. There are 22 different amino acids that are essential to cats, meaning that they cannot be synthesized by the cat’s body and must be obtained through a diet made up of animal tissues.

While all 22 of these amino acids are important for cats, there are some that are particularly critical due to their role in specific bodily functions. For example, taurine is essential for heart and eye health, and arginine is required for wound healing.

What does this mean for your cat’s diet?

While cats are obligate carnivores, this does not mean that they can eat any type of animal flesh and meet their nutritional needs. In the wild, cats consume prey that is typically high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates.

Additionally, the amino acids found in animal tissue are not all created equal. For example, taurine is only found in animal tissue, while arginine can be found in both plant and animal sources.

The bottom line is that cats need a diet that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. This can be accomplished by feeding your cat a commercially prepared diet made specifically for cats or by making your own cat food at home.

Wet and dry cat food:

When it comes to commercial diets, there are two main types: dry food and wet food. Dry food is typically made up of kibble, which is a type of compressed and dried food. Wet food, on the other hand, is typically canned or jarred and contains a higher moisture content.

Pros of wet food:

1. Wet food is typically higher in protein and moisture than dry food, which can be beneficial for cats that are prone to dehydration or that have kidney disease.
2. Additionally, wet food often smells and tastes better to cats than dry food, which can be helpful for finicky eaters.

Cons of wet food:

1. Wet food is typically more expensive than dry food and can be messy to feed. Additionally, wet food often contains more calories than dry food, so it is important to feed smaller portions if your cat is overweight or obese.

Pros of dry food:

1. Dry food is typically less expensive than wet food and is easier to store.
2. Additionally, dry food often contains more calories than wet food, so it can be a good option for cats that need to gain weight.

Cons of dry food:

1. Dry food is typically lower in protein and moisture than wet food, which can be a problem for cats that are prone to dehydration or that have kidney disease. Additionally, some cats find dry food to be less palatable than wet food.

The bottom line:

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between wet and dry food for your cat. Ultimately, the best diet for your cat is one that he or she will eat and that meets his or her individual nutritional needs.

Go for wet food if:

• Your cat is a finicky eater or needs to gain weight.
• You are concerned about your cat’s hydration status.
• Your cat has kidney disease.

Go for dry food if:

• You are looking for an affordable option.
• You have multiple cats and wet food would be too messy.
• Your cat is overweight or obese and you are looking for a lower calorie option.

Making your own cat food:

If you are interested in making your own cat food, it is important to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your cat’s diet is complete and balanced.

There are many recipes available online for homemade cat food, but it is important to remember that not all recipes are created equal. For example, some recipes may be high in fat or low in certain vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, it can be difficult to accurately portion homemade cat food, which can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding.

The bottom line:

Making your own cat food can be a healthy and affordable option, but it is important to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your cat’s diet is complete and balanced.

Nutritional requirements:

Now that we’ve taken a brief look at the evolution of the cat’s diet and how carnivores digest and use nutrients, let’s focus on the specific nutritional requirements of cats.

Protein:

As we mentioned before, cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their diet depends on there being animal flesh in their food. In the wild, cats typically eat small prey – such as rodents, birds, and reptiles – which they consume entirely, including the bones, organs, and fur.

I also mentioned above that cats need 22 amino acids and they cannot make all of them. They need to get half of these, 11 essential amino acids from food. This is why understanding their diet and what they exactly need is key.

Cats have a high protein requirement and need more protein than dogs or people. In fact, cats need twice as much protein in their diet as dogs do. Protein is an essential nutrient for cats and is necessary for their growth, maintenance, and repair. Cats use protein to build and maintain lean muscle mass, as well as to support a healthy immune system.

Cats also have very high levels of arginine in their blood. Arginine is an amino acid that is necessary for the proper functioning of a cat’s immune system and for wound healing. Arginine is also important for the proper development of a kitten’s central nervous system.

Benefits of Proteins to cats:

1. Builds and maintains lean muscle mass
2. Supports a healthy immune system
3. Aids in wound healing
4. Important for the proper development of a kitten’s central nervous system
5. Proteins are an essential nutrient for cats and should make up at least 30% of their diet.

How much protein to feed my cat?

Cats require at least two grams of protein for each pound of healthy body weight in their daily calorie intake. This means that a 10-pound cat needs at least 20 grams of protein per day.

How to calculate your cat’s protein intake:

• Weigh your cat: say 10 pounds
• Determines the grams of canned wet food to feed your cat: 100 grams
• Find the % composition of protein in the kibble you are feeding the cat, say 40%.
• Multiply the grams of food fed by the % of protein composition. In this case, it will be 40%*100 grams = 40 grams
• Divide the protein intake in grams by the weight of your cat. In this case, 40 grams per can of food divided by 10 pounds; 40/10 = 4 grams per pound of healthy body weight per day.

Can my cat have too much protein?

Yes, it is possible for cats to consume too much protein. If a cat eats a diet that is too high in protein, they may develop liver disease or kidney disease. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about how much protein your cat should be eating each day.

What are the best sources of protein for my cat?

There are a variety of protein sources that are suitable for cats, including:

Chicken:

Chicken is another high-quality protein source for cats and when raw, it is made up of up to 73% water and the chicken content reduces after processing. It is a good source of essential amino acids, including arginine, taurine, and cysteine. Chicken is also a good source of B vitamins and zinc. AAFCO defines “chicken” as meat composed of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone. AAFCO goes ahead to say that it must be ‘derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet, and entrails.’

Poultry-by-product meal:

Poultry-by-product meal is defined by AAFCO as the ‘rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines – exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practice.’ Poultry-by-product meal is a controversial ingredient in cat food and is often criticized because it can be a source of undesirable ingredients.

Beef:

Beef is another protein source that is suitable for cats and when raw, it is made up of 56% to 73% water and its beed composition in the kibble is reduced once processed. It is a good source of essential amino acids, including arginine, taurine, and cysteine. Beef is also a good source of B vitamins and zinc.

Beef tallow:

Beef tallow is defined by AAFCO as ‘the fat obtained from cattle tissue that has been rendered (processed) to separate it from the non-fat components.’ Beef tallow is a controversial ingredient in cat food and is often criticized because it is a source of saturated fat.

Eggs:

Eggs are a good source of essential amino acids, including arginine, taurine, and cysteine. Of the 11 amino acids needed by cats from the diet, 10 are found in eggs. Eggs are also a good source of Vitamin A, B, B12, E, Thiamine, Selenium and zinc. The downside of feeding your cats eggs is Eggs that they are high in fat and cholesterol. Too much fat in your cat’s diet can cause pancreatitis and obesity. The potential side effects from eggs deficiency are; stunted growth, poor coat condition, and problems with reproduction.

Fish:

Fish is another protein source that is suitable for cats and when raw, it is made up of up to 80% water and its fish composition in the kibble is reduced once processed. It is a good source of essential amino acids, including arginine, taurine, and cysteine. Fish is also a good source of B vitamins and zinc. The downside of feeding your cats fish is; Fish can contain high levels of mercury which can be toxic to cats. Feeding your cat fish that has not been properly cooked can also lead to food poisoning.

Turkey:

Turkey is another high-quality protein source for cats. It is a good source of essential amino acids, including arginine, taurine, and cysteine. Turkey is also a good source of zinc, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, and selenium. A deficiency of turkey in your cat’s diet can lead to; anemia, problems with reproduction, and a weakened immune system.

It is important to remember that not all proteins are created equal. For example, some animal products may be higher in fat than others. When choosing a protein source for your cat, it is important to select one that is high in protein and low in fat.

Some of the most popular protein sources for cats include chicken, beef, turkey, and fish. These proteins are all high in quality and provide the essential amino acids that cats need. However, there are some downsides to these protein sources. For example, chicken and turkey can be high in fat, and fish can contain high levels of mercury. It is important to select a protein source that is right for your cat’s individual needs.

Can dogs feed on plant-based protein:

Some plant proteins, such as soy, can be used as an alternative protein source for cats. However, soy is not a complete protein and does not provide all of the essential amino acids that cats need. Additionally, some plant proteins can be difficult for cats to digest. If you choose to feed your cat a plant-based protein, it is important to select one that is highly digestible and provides all of the essential amino acids.

Fats:

Cats need fat in their diet for energy, to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and to maintain a healthy coat. The best sources of fat for cats are animal-based fats, such as chicken fat or fish oil. Plant-based fats, such as vegetable oil, can also be used. However, plant-based fats are not as easily digested by cats and can lead to digestive problems.

Saturated vs non-saturated fat:

Saturated fats are found in animal-based sources of fat, such as chicken fat or beef tallow. These fats are solid at room temperature and can be difficult for cats to digest. Non-saturated fats are found in plant-based sources of fat, such as vegetable oil. These fats are liquid at room temperature and are easier for cats to digest.

The type of fat you feed your cat depends on your cat’s individual needs. If you are feeding your cat a high-fat diet, it is important to select a fat source that is easily digestible.

According to AAFCO, the minimum fat intake recommended for cats is 9% with no set maximum.

Deficiency of fat in cats:

A deficiency of fat in your cat’s diet can lead to a number of problems, including; reduced energy levels, weight loss, and dry skin.

Fat nutrient components;

1. Linoleic acid: Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based fats. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 0.6% of linoleic acid. A deficiency of linoleic acid can lead to dry skin and a dull coat.
2. Arachidonic acid: Arachidonic acid is an essential fatty acid that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found only in animal-based fats. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 0.02% of arachidonic acid. A deficiency of arachidonic acid can lead to problems with reproduction and a weakened immune system.
3. Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic acid: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil. EPA and DHA can have a number of health benefits, including; reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and supporting cognitive function. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat kibble with at least 0.012%.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for cats. However, cats do not have a high requirement for carbohydrates and can easily become overweight if they consume too many.

The best sources of carbohydrates for cats are highly digestible carbohydrates, such as; rice, oats, and potatoes.

Fiber:

Dietary fiber is found in both plant and animal-based foods. It is an indigestible carbohydrate that can help with digestive problems, such as; constipation, diarrhea, and hairballs. The best sources of dietary fiber for cats are; pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrots.

AAFCO recommendation: A max. 1% fiber in cat kibble (guaranteed analysis)

Deficiency of fiber in cats: A deficiency of dietary fiber can lead to digestive problems, such as; constipation, diarrhea, and hairballs.

Vitamins:

Cats need vitamins in their diet to maintain good health. The best sources of vitamins for cats are animal-based sources, such as liver or fish. Plant-based sources, such as fruits and vegetables, can also be used. However, plant-based vitamins are not as easily absorbed by cats and can lead to vitamin deficiencies.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. Based on calorie content, AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 6668 IU/kg of vitamin A for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 3332 IU/kg of vitamin A for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to vision problems, a weakened immune system, and growth problems.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):

Vitamin B1 is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. On Dry Matter-basis, AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 5.6 mg/kg of thiamine for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 5.6 mg/kg of thiamine for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin B1 can lead to neurological problems, such as; seizures, tremors, and paralysis.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

Vitamin B2 is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 1.0mg/kg of riboflavin for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 1.0 mg/kg of riboflavin for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin B2 can lead to skin problems, such as; lesions, scabs, and crusting.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin):

Vitamin B3 is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It helps with a number of bodily functions, including; digestion, nerve function, and skin health. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 15 mg/kg of niacin for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 15 mg/kg of niacin for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin B3 can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as; vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid):

Vitamin B5 is an essential vitamin found in both animal and plant-based sources. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 1.44 mg/kg of pantothenic acid for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 1.44 mg/kg of pantothenic acid for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin B5 can lead to neurological problems, such as; seizures, tremors, and paralysis.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):

Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, immune function, and red blood cell production. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 1 mg/kg of pyridoxine for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 1 mg/kg of pyridoxine for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can lead to anemia, skin problems, and behavioral problems.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 0.005 mg/kg of cobalamin for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 0.005 mg/kg of cobalamin for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological problems.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, which is a disorder that causes; bleeding gums, bruising, and joint pain.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that must be provided in your cat’s diet. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. On dry matter-basis, AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 280 IU/kg of vitamin D for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 280 IU/kg of vitamin D for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to Rickets, which is a disorder that causes; softening of the bones, skeletal deformities, and muscle weakness.

Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol):

AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 40 IU/kg of vitamin E for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 40 IU/kg of vitamin E for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of vitamin E can lead to neurological problems, such as; seizures, tremors, and paralysis.

Water:

Water is an essential nutrient that must be provided in your cat’s diet. AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 8 ounces of water per day for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 8 ounces of water per day for Adult Maintenance. A lack of water can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal.

Minerals:

Calcium:

Calcium provides critical for strong bones and teeth. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The recommended amount of calcium for cats is 1.5 grams per day. On a dry matter basis, AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 1% calcium for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 0.6% calcium for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of calcium can lead to problems,A lack of calcium can lead to bone weakness and fragility.

Phosphorus:

Phosphorus is critical for strong bones and teeth.On a dry mattery basis, AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 0.8% phosporus for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 0.5% calcium for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of phocan lead to problems, such as; bone weakness and fragility.

Potassium:

Potassium is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, nerve function, and muscle function. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The recommended amount of potassium for cats is 0.6% per day. A defiency of potassium can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.

Sodium:

Sodium is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, nerve function, and muscle function. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The recommended amount of sodium for cats is 0.2% per day. A defiency of sodium can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.

Chloride:

Chloride is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, nerve function, and muscle function. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The AAFCO recommended amount of chloride for cats is 0.3% per day for dogs of all stages. A deficiency of chloride can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.

Magnesium:

Magnesium is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, nerve function, and muscle function. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The recommended amount of magnesium for cats is 0.08% per day for growth and reproduction dogs and 0.04% for adult and maintenance dogs. A deficiency of magnesium can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.

Iron:

Iron is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; oxygen transport, energy production, and cognition. The AAFCO recommended amount of iron for cats is 80 mg/kg per day for cats of all stages.

Zinc:

Zinc is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; immunity, wound healing, and growth. The AAFCO recommended amount of zinc for cats is 75 mg/kg per day for cats of all stages. A deficiency of zinc can lead to problems, such as; poor wound healing, hair loss, and diarrhea.

Copper:

Copper is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; red blood cell production, immunity, and antioxidant function. The AAFCO recommended amount of chloride for cats is 15 mg/kg per day for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 5 mg/kg for Adult Maintenance dogs. A deficiency of copper can lead to problems, such as; anemia, lethargy, and weakness.

Iodine:

Iodine is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, thyroid function, and reproduction. The AAFCO recommended amount of iodine for cats is 1.8 mg/kg per day for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 0.06 mg/kg for Adult and Maintenance dogs.

Manganese:

Manganese is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, bone health, and antioxidant function. The AAFCO recommended amount of manganese for cats is 3 mg/kg per day for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 1 mg/kg for Adult Maintenance dogs. Deficiency of manganese leads to Growth retardation, Skeletal abnormalities and Hypotonia

Magnesium:

Magnesium is found in both animal and plant-based sources.On a dry matter basis, AAFCO recommends feeding your cat a diet with at least 0.1% magnesium for Growth and Reproduction dogs and 0.1% magnesium for Adult Maintenance. A deficiency of magnesium can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.

Potassium:

Potassium is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; metabolism, nerve function, and muscle function. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The recommended amount of potassium for cats is 0.6% per day. A defiency of potassium can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.

Selenium:

Selenium is an important mineral that helps with a number of bodily functions, including; immunity, antioxidant function, and thyroid function. It is found in both animal and plant-based sources. The recommended amount of selenium for cats is 0.03 mg/kg for dogs of all ages. A deficiency of selenium can lead to problems, such as; muscle weakness and paralysis.