Walk the aisles of any pet store today and you’ll find dozens of cat food bags that boast high protein levels, real meat or cat food designed just for carnivores. This begs the question: Does high protein cat food really work?
Yes, but not necessarily as marketed.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to get nutrients from animal-based foods. The biological need for protein is much greater in cats than in humans and dogs, as they require the amino acids found in meat to maintain their muscles, immune systems, skin health and energy production.
Not all high protein foods are necessarily good. These include the source of the protein, quality of the ingredients, nutritional balance and the age and health of your cat.
Over the last few years, there has been a growing awareness among veterinarians and feline nutritionists of the need for species-appropriate diets. With the increased awareness of the nutritional requirements of cats, high protein cat food is among the top searched topics in pet nutrition.
To help make the right decisions about your cat’s long-term health, knowing the role protein plays, the amount required and how to determine quality cat food can be helpful.
Table of Contents
Why Cats Need More Protein Than Most Pets
Not all cats and dogs are alike when it comes to food.
Cats are hunting animals that fed on small, protein and moisture rich prey animals.Cats are evolutionary hunters who fed on small prey animals that are high in protein and moisture. Their digestive systems evolved to make efficient use of animal-based nutrients. Cats do not have the ability to use carbohydrates as a primary fuel source as much as omnivorous species do.
Protein gives cats the amino acids they need but can’t make. Taurine is one of the most beneficial nutrients, essential for:
• heart health,
• vision,
• reproduction,
• and immune function.
Long-term, cats may develop muscle loss, energy depletion, low muscle quality and health issues due to a lack of dietary protein.
The average cat owner makes a lot of nutritional errors, one that often gets done is paying attention to the marketing label instead of the quality of the ingredients. The guide on Cat Nutrition Mistakes Every Owner Makes covers a few of the most prevalent nutrition concerns that could be detrimental to the health of cats.
Cats are natural protein eaters, so a diet similar to their natural requirements can have measurable effects on their well-being and liveliness.
What Makes a Cat Food Truly High in Protein?
High protein cat food doesn’t mean all things created equal.
There are some manufacturers that claim high protein content but they make use of plant protein (pea protein, soy protein or potato protein) as their major source. The ingredients enhance the protein number on the label, but not always biological value as animal protein.
The ingredients in the first few rows are very important when assessing cat food.
Most good infant formulas contain:
• chicken,
• turkey,
• salmon,
• beef,
• rabbit,
Other animal proteins: other protein sources apart from those listed above.
Towards the top of the ingredients.
The amino acid profile of animal protein is more suitable to the feline nutritional requirement.
Additionally, pet owners ought to keep an eye out for the guaranteed analysis and ingredient quality, and not just the marketing on the front page.
Cornell Feline Health Center educational materials highlight the importance of feline nutrition and the value of quality ingredients for long-term health.
(External Link: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center)
It’s not only about finding the maximum amount of protein percentage. The aim is to locate healthful, digestible and species-adapted protein sources.
Benefits of High Protein Cat Food
A well-designed High-Protein diet can aid several health areas of cats.
The one thing that is very obvious is muscle maintenance. As cats get older, they tend to lose muscle mass, and it’s important that they get enough protein at an older age.
High quality protein can also contribute to:
• healthier body composition,
• stronger immune function,
• improved coat condition,
• increased energy levels,
• Enhanced overall vitality and more.
With proper portion control and exercise, for indoor cats a lean mass can also lower the risk of obesity.
Healthier diets can also affect behavior, grooming and well being for many owners who are attuned to their dog’s nutritional needs. In our article, “Why Does My Cat Lick Me?” you will learn that sometimes cat licking behavior is an indicator of comfort, health, and emotional well-being.
However, nutrition is just part of it: it is one of the most significant contributors to long-term feline health.
Is High Protein Food Suitable for Every Cat?
There are protein-rich foods that may work well for many cats, but it depends on each cat.
Adult cats in good health do well on a high quality protein, primarily from animal sources. Some medical conditions, however, may necessitate special dietary care and control by the veterinarian.
For example:
• kidney disease,
• liver disorders,
• certain metabolic conditions,
• or other chronic illnesses
may need a special diet depending on the cat’s health conditions.
That’s why one-size-fits-all feeding programs are not suitable for all cats.
Nutritional requirements vary with age. Senior cats require high digestibility of protein for muscle maintenance, and kittens require large protein amounts for growth and development.
The best way to think is to think about:
• age,
• activity level,
• body condition,
• medical history,
• and veterinary recommendations
when selecting food.
Don’t follow the trend, but consider your cat’s nutritional needs instead.
How to Choose the Best High Protein Cat Food
With a little knowledge, it’s easy to select a high-quality cat food.
The first step is to carefully read the ingredient list. Focus on foods with named animal protein as main ingredients, not animal parts or plant based protein concentrates.
Choose foods with:
• real meat ingredients,
• balanced vitamins and minerals,
• taurine,
• omega fatty acids,
When possible, choose and moist options!
Cats may not drink as much water as other pets do and wet foods can offer some extra humidity.
Consumer education groups like American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) set nutritional standards that help consumers recognise foods that are complete and balanced.
Not all the most costly cat food on the market is necessarily the best high protein cat food. It’s the one that provides high-quality nutrition and that meets your cat’s health requirements and lifestyle.
Conclusion
There’s a reason why high protein cat food is more of a popular option. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require a lot of animal-based protein for nutrition.
The right high protein meal plan can help with:
• muscle maintenance,
• energy levels,
• coat quality,
• immune function,
• and overall health.
The percentage of protein does not indicate food quality, however. All of these are important: the sources of ingredients, nutritional balance, digestibility and the specific health condition of your cat.
It is best to look for high quality animal protein, good nutrition and sound feeding information rather than merely marketing claims.
Knowing what your cat really needs will help you make informed decisions for a healthier, happier cat.
FAQs
High protein cat food is what the name implies: a cat food with a higher protein percentage.
Many of the high protein cat foods offer a much greater amount of animal protein than standard cat foods, and can be as high as 35% protein on a dry matter basis.
So, is high protein cat food okay for indoor cats?
Absolutely quality protein supports healthy body weight and lean muscle mass, particularly if it’s used in conjunction with correct portion sizes.
Is it okay if kittens consume high protein cat food?
Protein is critical to the development and growth of kittens and protein-rich foods are important for early life such as kittens.
Is your cat’s diet of protein rich cat food a good choice for weight loss?
Even a high quality protein could have a beneficial effect on maintaining muscle mass and helping to keep you feeling full, although calorie control is still essential for weight management.
Wet or dry, high protein food is which better?
Either may be effective. Wet food can be used to supplement the water provided and dry food is more convenient. Many owners utilize a mix of both!
