The Benefits Of Protein In Cat Food

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If you watch a cat in the wild, they’re not eating vegetables or even corn. With one look at their teeth alone, it’s easy to see they’re created to eat meat.

Whether it’s a domesticated cat or a wild cat, they’re obligate carnivores and cannot thrive on a diet that’s high in carbohydrates. They also can’t process starches and vegetables. The essential nutrients that a cat needs to thrive come from eating protein.

Protein is important when it comes to the development and health of your cat. Unlike dogs, cats need a lot more protein. When they don’t get enough protein, it could lead to health issues, which we would like to avoid and provide our kitties the best life possible.

© Charlie Nunn Photography | https://charlienunnphotography.com

Protein consists of amino acids, which are organic compounds that play a vital role in the number of essential bodily processes. In other words, they’re the building blocks for a cat’s organs and tissues: From tendons and cartilage to their fur, skin, muscles, and finally, their heart. A high-protein diet favors your cat’s natural ability to digest meat and all the health benefits that come from that meat.

When your cat eats a high-protein diet such as Essence, for example, it can bring a wide variety of health benefits. From reducing the risk of getting obesity to reducing diabetes. The Essence Ocean & Freshwater recipe, for example, has 86% fish protein ingredients in the dry recipe and 96% fish protein ingredients in the wet formula, the highest available on the market today.

© Charlie Nunn Photography | https://charlienunnphotography.com

Cats can also benefit from a food that offers more than one protein source, such as combining different types of fish. The Essence Ocean & Freshwater recipe offers more than one protein source containing salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel. This means your cat is getting health benefits from more than one protein source! Salmon, for example, is very high in protein. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. The omega-3 fatty acids alone can help to boost your cat’s immune system and promote the brain health of your cat. It can also help in minimizing arthritis issues and high cholesterol.

“Animal proteins are typically excellent sources of proteins for pet diets,” said Dr. Quest, DVM. “Since each dietary protein has different amino acids that combine to make that specific protein, it can be good to combine different proteins in a diet to make sure your cat is getting what it needs nutritionally.”

Read the nutritional labels on your cat food bag or can to make sure the food you’re feeding him contains a high amount of protein. Feeding your cat a high-protein diet can help aid in the health and wellness of your cat for many years to come.

About The Author

Latasha With Scotty and Elvis

Latasha Ball is the Marketing Coordinator for Pets Global, the founders of pet food brands Zignature, Fussie Cat, Essence Pet Foods, and Inception Pet Foods. She has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations, in which she enjoys being able to combine her professional background with her passion for animals.

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About Cats.com Editorial Team

The Cats.com editorial team consists of experienced veterinarians, behaviorists, and other cat experts who are all dedicated to our mission of providing cat owners with the safest, most reliable information.