Fueling Your Feline: The Benefits of an Animal-Based Diet
As natural carnivores, cats thrive on an animal-based diet with the necessary proteins to support their unique biological needs. Unlike humans, and even dogs, cats need certain nutrients that are naturally found in meat and not in plant-based proteins. Feeding your feline an animal-based diet will ensure that their muscles, coat and well-being remain in good health. We’re here to share why an animal-based diet maximizes your cat’s health and how to make the best choices for their nutrition.
Natural Carnivores
Cats digestive systems are meant to process an animal-based diet. Unlike humans and other animals that have the capabilities to digest plant-based foods, cats are designed to process meat. With their short digestive tract, they aren’t able to absorb nutrients from plant-based foods in the way that herbivores can. Their canines and sharp claws are biological indicators that felines are made to hunt animals for food. Feeding your cat an animal-based diet ensures that they are able to digest and absorb essential nutrients effectively.
Nutrient Breakdown
An animal-based diet contains essential vitamins and antioxidants that are necessary for your cat’s health. One of the most critical of these is taurine, which is found naturally in animal tissues, particularly in the heart, eyes and muscles of animals. Taurine is essential for cats’ heart function, vision and overall health, and a lack of it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and blindness. Along with the lack of essential nutrients, most plant-based diets are high in oxalates — naturally present in vegetables, nuts and grains, they can lead to calcium oxalate crystals, resulting in urinary tract issues and even kidney stones. Since cats are naturally prone to urinary and kidney issues, feeding your cat an animal-based diet avoids making these health issues more prominent in your feline friend.
Healthy Muscles, Bones & Digestion
Feeding your cat an animal-based diet will encourage strong bone development and help them maintain lean muscle mass. This will help your cat remain active and maintain a healthy weight throughout their nine lives. When you feed your cat plant-based or grain-heavy foods, they may not be able to fully digest or absorb the nutrients, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The lack of fiber and excess carbohydrates in plant-based diets can also contribute to obesity in cats, which is linked to a variety of health concerns, including diabetes and joint problems. Healthy muscles and strong bone development are especially important for kittens, pregnant or nursing felines and senior cats who have additional nutrition requirements.
How to Feed Your Cat an Animal-Based Diet
If you’re looking to switch your cat over to an animal-based diet, consult with your veterinarian on how to slowly transition them so they don’t become sick from the quick change in food source. When searching for an animal-based food, be sure to check the ingredients and look for brands that list whole proteins such as chicken, fish or beef first. Dr. Elsey’s line of cleanprotein paté, kibble and treats prioritize animal-based proteins that resemble a cat’s natural prey in order to keep your furry friend healthy and happy for years to come.
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