What's In Cat Food

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 6 main nutrient groups. They are water proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

To achieve the right balance of nutrients pet 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. Cat owners who feed a complete commercial cat food can have confidence they are addressing their cat’s nutritional needs.

Over the decades pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure they incorporate the latest advances in pet nutrition. Pet 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.

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

Read all about pet food ingredients in more detail here.  And find out more about labelling here.