What's In Cat Food
Cat Nutritional Requirements
It is important to remember that the nutritional needs of a cat are distinct and different to humans. A cat requires 41 essential nutrients for healthy body function. They are classified into six main nutrient groups; water proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Cat Food Ingredients
Cat food manufacturers blend mixtures of ingredients, including meat and fish, vegetables, cereals, vitamins and minerals to produce foods that will satisfy the nutritional requirements of your cat and achieve the right balance of nutrients.
Cat owners who feed a complete commercial cat food can have confidence they are addressing their cat’s nutritional needs.
Characteristics of a Satisfactory Cat Food
Complete – provides adequate amounts of all the required nutrients
Balanced – the nutrients are present in the correct proportions
Digestible – your cat is able to digest the food and absorb the nutrients
Palatable – appealing enough to be eaten
Safe – free of toxins or anything which could harm a pet
To learn more about cat food ingredients, see pet food ingredients and pet food labelling.
Manufacturer Guidelines & Legislation
Over the decades cat food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure they incorporate the latest advances in pet nutrition. Cat food manufacturers produce products in line with the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) Nutrition Guidelines and the NRC Guidelines (National Research Council). These guidelines detail the nutritional requirements of cats at varying life stages and they are regularly reviewed by independent nutrition experts throughout Europe and the United States.
There is also strict legislation governing what ingredients can be used in the manufacture of pet food. This legislation is laid down by Europe and also applies to imported commercially prepared pet foods.
The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession that pets are living longer, healthier lives as a result of improved nutrition.