There has been more and more talk about beginning to cook for our pets and make them diets specific for their species or breed. There are ingredients in over-the-counter and prescription pet diets that are viewed as harmful or “not good” for our pets. Everyone has their own opinions on what they want to feed their pets and what they feel is best, but there are some things to keep in mind if considering a homemade cat diet.
- Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a high amount of protein in their diet to be healthy. Not only do cats get their protein from animal tissue, but they get other nutrients as well, such as fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. These nutrients can only be found in animal sources, so cats cannot be fed a vegetarian diet. Without meat, a cat will not thrive, and he will be malnourished.
- Taurine is an essential nutrient that cats need to survive and is only found in animal tissue. Cats are unable to produce taurine naturally, so they need to ingest it through their food. Taurine helps with eye health, digestion, heart function, and helps to keep the immune system healthy. Most homemade diets will not contain the proper amount of taurine, which will lead to severe medical conditions or death.
- Many recipes for homemade cat food do not contain the proper balance of nutrients or the correct number of calories. This can lead to different types of deficiencies, medical conditions, poor nutrition, weight concerns, and lack of calories to be used for bodily functions and energy. If you truly want to make your own cat food, please consult with a veterinary nutritionist and receive the proper guidance to keep your cat healthy.
We all want the best for our cats and sometimes it is hard to make the right choice. When we see “All Natural” we automatically think it is the best and there will not be any adverse effects. I hope that this has enlightened you to think twice, do some research, and to always ask your veterinarian first before trying anything new for your cat.