Cat nutrition is the foundation of cat health. Pets that are fed high quality nutritious diets develop strong immune systems, and are less likely to fall prey to viral infections and health related complications. Cats are carnivorous in nature, and most pets require a steady and good source of protein. Most of the proteins available in commercial cat food contain an animal source such as chicken, beef or fish. Proteins form the largest component of food, in comparison to fats and carbohydrates. Cats also require a diet that consists of taurine supplements, because they're unable to synthesize taurine by themselves. Most commercial products are enriched with vitamins and minerals that make up a balanced diet. However, some pet owners choose to feed their cats vegetarian diets and use only fruit, vegetables and grains as components of the meal.
Vegetarian Diets
Most pet owners prefer a vegetarian diet due to their personal commitment to animal rights. The exclusive administration of a vegetarian diet for felines that are carnivorous in nature is debatable. However, several manufacturers of vegetarian cat food claim that vegan diets are healthy and natural, and hence promote longer life and lower chronic pet diseases. Pet owners also use nutritional supplements to meet the necessary dietary intake.
Commercially Available Vegetarian Cat Food Includes:
- Evolution vegan cat kibble
- Ami cat vegan kibble
- Evolution moist cat food
- Benevo cat food
Choosing a Vegan Diet for Cats
Any new diet should be introduced gradually to prevent food intolerance and gastrointestinal disorders. It's best to purchase cat food that's certified and tested. Pet owners should also read package labels to check the components of food present. Cat food that contains essential fatty acids and a source of protein is a good option. The best way to start a vegan diet is to incorporate a little amount of vegan cat food to the pet's normal food. Eventually, the normal food can be switched to a completely vegetarian diet.
Nutritional Supplements
Since carnivorous pets obtain their amino acids from a good source of animal protein, pet owners should ensure that the diet includes some form of amino acids to compensate the vegetarian cat food. Nutritional supplements are also beneficial, as they protect and build the immune system and provide pets with necessary vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in certain diets.
Commercially Available Supplements Include:
- Vegekit supplement
- Vegecat kibblemix
- Prozyme vegan cat supplement
- Missing link vegetarian formula for cats
Tips
Pet owners should follow dosage administration during nutritional supplementation. It's also best if pets are taken to the vet for routine checks to determine the cat's response to an all vegetarian diet. Pets that suffer from illnesses or gastrointestinal disorders may be given another type of vegetarian food source to alter food intolerance. Since research reveals that vegetarian diets lack complete nutrition for cats, it's best to gradually incorporate vegan cat food or supplements, and adjust the cat's intake after initial response to the food. Pet owners should also prevent the use of vegetarian diets high in carbohydrates, as this could cause conditions such as diabetes mellitus.
Care takers should vaccinate pets on time and discuss the nutritional supplements suited to individual cat needs with their vet.