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Most of us check ingredients and nutritional information on packaging when buying food for our pets. However, reading the nutritional data on a cat food label can get confusing. So, how do you know whether your pet is getting the right food for a healthy body? In this blog, we look at what you can expect to find on a cat food nutrition label and help you improve your understanding of this information.
Cat food labels provide limited information regarding the nutritional value of the package contents. It is important for customers to know what can and cannot be determined from the label, and what information is particularly important. Major components of a pet food label include:
Guaranteed Analysis
Company/Customer Service Information/Satisfaction
Ingredient Panel
Manufacturing Code, Expiration, or 'Best Used By' Information
Feeding Instructions
AAFCO Statement of Nutritional Adequacy
Values in the guaranteed analysis are expressed as either minimum or maximum. A maximum guarantee (% max) means at most this specific amount of the nutrient is included in the formula. A minimum guarantee (% min) means at least this specific amount of the nutrient is included in the formula. The following four nutrients must be included on all pet food labels:
For example, a cat food with a 25% minimum crude protein guarantee should contain at least 25% protein but could contain much more. The only way to determine the actual amount is by laboratory analysis.
Other information may be guaranteed on cat food products, such as magnesium (% max), taurine (% min), ash (% max), and linoleic acid (% min).
Animal-feed laws, particularly those pertaining to pet food, are dealt with by AAFCO. AAFCO is a coalition of governmental organisations in North America that aids in regulating animal food. Cat food with AAFCO label has an assurance that certain standards have been followed while manufacturing the food. Therefore, the food is said to meet the nutritional levels required by your pet. MARS pet food too complies with the standards of AAFCO and is nutritionally sound for your pet.
Ingredients must be listed in order of abundance (largest quantity listed first).
Because ingredient definitions and designations are standardized, it is difficult to determine the quality of ingredients. Ingredient quality can only be determined from laboratory analysis and animal feeding tests.
Here is the information that is required on a cat food label:
Distributor Name and Address: This gives you information about the manufacturer of the food, so that you can get in touch with them if you have any issues about the product.
Net Weight: This tells you how much food is contained in the package.
Ingredient List: The ingredients are listed in decreasing order, depending on the weight of the contents.
Product Traceability: Using the information on cat food label, you can identify when the food was prepared and even the precise factory that made the package.
Statement of Nutritional Adequacy: A ‘complete and balanced’ cat food should either meet or exceed the defined standards of nutrient profile. It explains which exact cat age and lifestyle the food is meant for.
Assurance of Analysis: This indicates the product’s nutritional content. It must contain the highest amounts of crude fiber and moisture and the minimum amounts of crude protein and crude fat. Although optional, percentages for other nutrients are frequently included. However, the key elements mentioned in the assured analysis of the cat food nutrition label must meet AAFCO’s nutrient profile guidelines.
Calorie Declaration: Calories are stated on a kilocalorie per kilogram basis and other commonly used units of measurement such as kilocalories per cup. You can compare several cat food products using this information.
Direction for Feeding: You can use these recommendations to figure out how much food to give your cat each day. Additionally, you might need to change the amount of food your pet consumes to assist them in maintaining an ideal body condition.
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements are required on all pet foods. Products may either be formulated or tested according to AAFCO procedures and recommendations.
A 'tested' statement indicates the product has been formulated, then fed to cats prior to sale to ensure it meets important criteria related to growth, maintenance, and/or reproduction.
Veterinary-exclusive products include statements such as, 'This product is intended for intermittent feeding only' and 'Use only as directed by your veterinarian.'
Manufacturing codes allow the company to track products for quality and inventory issues. In order to quickly and efficiently handle a customer inquiry, the company's customer service department will usually ask the customer for this code.
Expiration or 'Best Used By' dates are optional but are helpful in determining product freshness and shelf life.
Here are a few tips to help you read a cat food nutrition label.
Know the intent or purpose: The food must state that it is for cats on the container. Cats have highly specific nutritional requirements that necessitate a certain type of diet.
Choose the right product for your cat: The information on the back of the cat food container is extremely important. You can determine whether the food will offer a complete and balanced diet for your cat’s life stage by reading the nutritional adequacy statement. The term 'life stage' describes a cat's particular stage of growth. The information can also state that the food is suitable for cats at all life stages, for breeding cats (growth and reproduction), and, possibly, for indoor or outdoor cats.
The manufacturer's information should include the company name, address, and phone number so customers can quickly and easily obtain product information.
A toll-free telephone number should be provided as a convenience to the customer and to ensure that a charge is not incurred when calling for information.
The satisfaction guarantee should be an 'active' statement. This means that in addition to stating that the product is guaranteed, the company should indicate what action will be taken to meet customer expectations (replace product, money returned, etc.).
According to AAFCO guidelines, cat food should have a minimum of 26% protein content on a dry matter basis. This portion is typically regarded as complete and nutritionally balanced.
The difference between +1 and +7 cat food is the high fiber content in +7 cat diets. Despite having the same proportions of protein, fat, and minerals as adult cat diets (+1), senior cat foods (+7) have fewer calories than food for cats aged 1+ years.
Details about the quality of food ingredients are not required on a cat feed tag.
Yes. The production of cat and dog food as well as other dog treats or snacks are all regulated by the FDA.
fibre is a vital component in a cat's diet, categorised as soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre, dissolving in water, regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol, while insoluble fibre adds bulk, aiding in digestive movement. Crucially, fibre remains undigested, with some types fermenting to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). These SCFAs serve as a key energy source for the cells lining the intestinal tract, fostering a healthy gut environment. fibre for cats also promotes weight management by inducing a sense of fullness, preventing overeating.
Balancing fibre in cat food is crucial, as excess may lead to nutrient malabsorption. Monitoring fibre types and amounts is vital for optimal feline health, ensuring digestive regularity. Striking this balance supports longevity and vitality in cats, making fibre an indispensable element in their overall well-being.
Today, people are more aware of fibre and its role in their diet. Studies showing the beneficial effects of higher fibre levels in humans influence the way many people think about their own food and that of their pets. Some manufacturers now apply the recommendations of human nutritionists and make high-fibre diets for cats, but cats have a much shorter digestive tract than we do. And unlike humans, cats are carnivorous, so their nutritional needs are better satisfied with meat rather than plant matter. Therefore, cats have different dietary needs than humans. For more than 60 years, companion animal nutritionists at IAMS™ have been studying diets to meet the special nutritional needs of cats.
The feline microbiome constitutes a diverse community of microorganisms, residing predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract. This intricate system of bacteria, viruses, and fungi significantly impacts a cat's health. It plays a crucial role in digestion, influencing nutrient absorption, supporting immune function, and even affecting behavioural patterns. The delicate balance within the microbiome is essential for the overall well-being of the cat, making it a key focus in understanding and optimising feline health.
When it comes to feline nutrition and gut health, the impact of fibrous foods on a cat's microbiome is driven by processes essential for maintaining gastrointestinal balance. Listed below are some interactions and their impact on your cat:
When cats consume fibrous foods, their gut microbiome undergoes a dynamic response, adapting to the influx of indigestible fibres.
Certain fibres for cats function as prebiotics, fostering the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which are essential for gut health.
fibre fermentation by gut bacteria results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate.
SCFAs play a pivotal role in nourishing the cells lining the intestinal tract, contributing to mucosal integrity, nutrient absorption, and overall gut function.
fibre-induced fermentation also produces gases and by-products, influencing the pH of the gut environment, creating an environment that discourages harmful pathogens.
IAMS Company research shows the optimal crude fibre level for healthy cat’s ranges from 1.4% to 3.5%. At these levels, nutrient breakdown is maximised. In unique situations, such as hairballs, higher fibre levels may be beneficial.
An important characteristic of fibre is its fermentability, or how well it can be broken down by bacteria in the intestine. This breakdown produces short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy to the intestines. fibre varies in fermentability. fibre sources used in pet foods include cellulose, which is poorly fermentable; beet pulp, which is moderately fermentable; and gums and pectin, which can be highly fermentable. Research has shown that moderate levels of moderately fermentable fibre, such as beet pulp, provide the benefits of energy for the intestinal lining and bulk, without the negative effects of excessive stool or gas and, therefore, are beneficial in cat diets.
Incorporating high-fibre cat food into your feline’s diet offers various health benefits, contributing to their overall well-being. Here is a breakdown of the advantages and how they positively impact feline health:
High-fibre cat food promotes optimal digestive regularity in cats by adding bulk to the stool. This helps prevent issues such as constipation and ensures smoother bowel movements, contributing to overall gastrointestinal health.
The inclusion of fibre in cat food provides a feeling of fullness without adding excessive calories. This can be beneficial for weight management, as it reduces the likelihood of overeating and helps control calorie intake, supporting healthy body weight.
Increased fibre intake aids in controlling and reducing hairballs in cats. The fibrous content helps bind hair together, facilitating its passage through the digestive tract and minimising the risk of hairball-related issues.
fibre-rich cat food diets play a crucial role in managing diabetes in cats. The slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates associated with increased fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels, providing better glucose control for diabetic cats.
Soluble fibre for cats, found in high-fibre foods, has cholesterol-lowering properties. By binding to cholesterol molecules and promoting their excretion, soluble fibre contributes to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular well-being in cats.
High-fibre diets are often recommended for cats with specific medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, or certain gastrointestinal disorders. The advantages of fibre, including weight management and blood sugar regulation, make it a valuable component in the overall treatment and management of these conditions.
While low-fibre cat food is recommended in certain cases, it is essential for cat parents to be aware of potential drawbacks that can impact their feline companion's health and well-being.
A diet low in fibre may contribute to constipation issues in cats as it lacks the bulk necessary for proper bowel movement regulation. This can result in discomfort for the cat and potential complications if not addressed promptly.
Low-fibre foods might compromise the overall efficiency of the cat's digestive system, potentially leading to inadequate nutrient absorption. This could impact the cat's overall health and vitality, making it crucial to monitor its digestive well-being.
While low-fibre diets are often associated with weight loss, they may also pose a risk of obesity if not carefully monitored. Cats might consume more to compensate for the reduced caloric content, emphasising the need for vigilance in managing portion sizes.
Cats on a consistently low-fibre diet may face challenges in obtaining a balanced array of essential nutrients, potentially leading to nutritional imbalances and health issues.
Being aware of these potential downsides helps cat parents make informed decisions about their feline’s diet, promoting overall feline well-being.
When choosing a pet food, fibre is an important consideration, but remember that the needs of cats are not the same as those of humans. A moderate level of moderately fermentable fibre, such as beet pulp, provides proven nutritional benefits for cats. Cat diets containing high levels of poorly fermentable fibre dilute calories and deprive cats of the nutrients they need.
All IAMS products are made with levels of moderately fermentable fibre needed to promote intestinal health. And all IAMS foods, such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, contain the moderately fermentable fibre system, which is the exclusive property of IAMS Company and is protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,616,569 for Pet Food Products Containing Fermentable fibres and Process for Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Ensuring your feline companion meets their daily fibre requirements is crucial for their overall well-being. IAMS cat food offers a balanced and convenient solution to help achieve this goal. Here's a guide on maintaining your cat's daily fibre quota using IAMS:
IAMS cat food provides detailed nutritional information on the label. Check for the fibre content to understand how it contributes to your cat's daily requirements.
IAMS offers a range of cat food varieties, including formulas designed for specific needs such as weight control, hairball management, and digestive health. Select a variety that aligns with your cat's individual needs.
If you're introducing a new IAMS formula to your cat, make the transition gradual to allow their digestive system to adjust. This helps prevent any sudden changes in fibre intake.
Every cat has unique dietary needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal daily fibre quota for your cat based on factors such as age, weight, and health conditions.
IAMS provides feeding guidelines on the packaging. Monitor and adjust portion sizes based on your cat's activity level and weight management goals to ensure they receive an appropriate amount of fibre.
IAMS offers both wet and dry cat food options. Combining both varieties can offer a well-rounded diet, ensuring your cat receives a mix of moisture and essential nutrients.
Regular veterinary check-ups help monitor your cat's overall health, including their digestive well-being. Discuss any concerns about fibre intake or dietary preferences with your veterinarian during these visits.
By incorporating IAMS cat food into your cat's diet and following these guidelines, you can provide nutritionally balanced and fibre-rich cat food that supports their digestive health and overall vitality.
