According to a recent study, a cat's taste buds are very different compared to other animals. They possess more receptors for bitterness than sweetness, this makes most cats very finicky and picky about what they eat. Lack of poor eating habits can thus lead to poor nourishment and unhealthy development. Hence, cat parents are required to pay special attention to what their kitties eat, how much they eat, and how often. Feeding them a bowl full of treats and meals is not enough, caregivers also need to consider the nutritional value of their feline friend’s meal.
Choosing the right cat food to provide an adequate amount of vitamins for cats is important. Besides, being carnivorous animals, cats prefer animal-based products over the plant-based ones. IAMS develops cat food using high-quality animal-based protein that includes essential amino acids required for your kitty’s nourishment.
Essential nutrients for cats
Cats need specific nutrients for appropriate growth and development. Components like vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fat are some of the essential nutrients present in good-quality cat food. Cats can get most of these nutrients from food like dairy, bone meal, legume plants, animal organs, and dietary supplements. The following are the necessary cat food nutrients to look for:
- Calories
- Fat
- Protein
- Carbohydrate
- Mineral
- Water
- Vitamin
How to choose the right cat food?
Look for the following to ensure you only invest in the best meals for your cats when buying cat food:
- Check the cat food label to ensure it contains all essential nutritional values and minerals for cats.
- Make sure the cat food is certified and tested to provide complete and balanced nutrition for the overall development of cats.
You can also choose IAMS cat food to feed your kitty a complete and nourishing meal. IAMS cat food contains unique fatty acids that result in healthier skin, shiny fur, adequate membrane structure, and improved health. Besides, the fermented fiber present in IAMS products improves intestinal health by boosting your kitty’s digestive and gastrointestinal functions.
With our wide range of cat foods, you can choose the one that fits your pet’s needs and preference. IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Adult is made with love to ensure your cat has a shiny coat, healthy skin, and strong muscles. It comes in different flavors like Chicken, Tuna and Salmon Meal as well as Chicken and Salmon Meal.
If you are concerned about issues like unhealthy weight and hairball, you can include IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care. It is loaded with L-carnitine, natural fiber and high-quality protein for weight management and hairball care.
Minerals for cats
The following are some essential minerals for cats:
- Potassium
Cats need potassium for nerve function, muscular contraction, and heart rhythm as this mineral is an electrolyte.
- Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for bone and teeth growth.
- Sodium
This mineral ensures muscle contraction, provides hydration, and powers nerve impulses.
- Chloride
Sodium and chloride work together as electrolytes to maintain acid-base balance, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and hydration.
- Phosphorus
This mineral is essential for your metabolism and vital growth. It also supports your teeth and bone health.
- Iron
Cats need iron for transporting energy in their bodies.
- Selenium
This mineral works in conjunction with vitamin E and works as an essential antioxidant.
- Copper
Cats require copper for bone growth, skin pigmentation as well as the absorption and transportation of iron.
- Magnesium
This mineral is significant for enzyme function and digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in cats.
- Zinc
Another essential mineral for cats is zinc. They need it for metabolising lipids, protein, nuclei, and carbohydrates.
- Iodine
This mineral for cats is important for the development of thyroid hormones.
- Vitamins for cats
A lack of vitamins can result in the abnormal functioning of essential enzymes in cats. Hence, vitamins are important for its healthy growth and development. The following are some of the most essential vitamins for cats:
- Vitamin A
This vitamin improves the cat’s vision, bone, dental, reproduction, mucous membrane, and skin health. Kittens and pregnant cats need more vitamin A compared to adult and senior cats.
- Vitamin B12
Cats need vitamin B12 for metabolising fat and carbohydrate. This vitamin is also necessary for a cat’s nerve conduction.
- Vitamin D
Cats require a minimum of 280 IU of vitamin D per kilogram of food as this vitamin helps in improving their calcium and phosphorous levels. Both calcium and phosphorous are necessary for better bone density, hence vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins for cats.
- Vitamin E
Every adult cat should consume at least 1 to 3 IU of vitamin E per day as this vitamin is an essential antioxidant that protects them from cell oxidative damage.
- Vitamin K
Cats need very little vitamin K for preventing their blood from clotting.
- Riboflavin
This vitamin is necessary for releasing energy from fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Riboflavin deficiency may result in anorexia, bilateral cataracts, fatty liver, testicular hypoplasia, and periauricular alopecia.
- Thiamine
It improves carbohydrate metabolism in cats. Lack of this vitamin may result in weight loss, vomiting, neurological distress, impaired vision, dilated pupils, vestibular signs, and seizures.
- Niacin
Niacin deficiency may result in fever, oral mucosa, tongue ulcer, and weight loss. This vitamin is essential for breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins present in food.
- Folic Acid
Important for the synthesis of DNA and methionine (an amino acid), folic acid deficiency may cause anemia, weight loss, and leukopenia.
- Pyridoxine
This vitamin is necessary for digesting amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids.
- Biotin
Biotin deficiency may cause skin issues in cats. This vitamin helps in the formation of fatty acids, certain amino acids, and DNA/RNA in cats.
- Choline
Choline is an important neurotransmitter for the cell membranes and lipid.
Therefore, when buying cat food for your feline friend, make sure to check if it contains all the necessary nutrients to aid their better growth and development. You can also buy supplements to provide the necessary vitamins for cats. However, it is best to consult a veterinarian before choosing a new cat food brand or supplements for added vitamins and minerals for cats.
