Most pet owners have a tendency to feed their pets out of their plate. They may feed anything they may find, however, this can be fatal to your cats. Unlike humans, cats can’t survive on an entirely vegetarian diet.
Cats are an obligate carnivore, and they require a meat-based meal on regular basis. Most importantly, you must feed essential nutrients to your cat to ensure they have sound health and long life.
Vitamin
Vitamin helps to fight off diseases. While vitamins can be found in many food ingredients, many can be found in supplemental form, as well.
Why are vitamins important for Pets?
Each individual vitamin plays an essential role in unique bodily function for your pets. Cats, including canines, require 14 kinds of Vitamins.
Fat Soluble Vitamins
- Vitamin A –It is often found in the form of retinol in liver, meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
- Vitamin D –It is readily available in tuna, sardines, egg yolk, milk, and other dairy products. Be aware not to feed excess Vitamin D, which may lead to Vitamin D Toxicity.
- Vitamin E –Vitamin E can be found in form of oils, oleaginous grains, and cereal germs. It can also be found in animal products like liver, eggs, and butter.
- Vitamin K –They are Ingredients that naturally provide vitamin K include meat and vegetables like cabbage, parsley, and spinach.
Water Soluble Vitamins
- B1 (Thiamine) –The best food sources to find thiamine is yeast and wheat but is found in meat, bran, and cereals.
- B2 (Riboflavin) –B2 can be found in yeast, liver, cheese, eggs and all dairy products.
- B5 (Pantothenic acid) –The main foods to find B5 are meat, eggs, and dairy products.
- B6 (Pyridoxine) –The best sources of pyridoxine include yeast, wheat germ, and meat.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) –It helps with protein synthesis, fights against anemia, and is part of the production of red blood cells.
- Niacin –Niacin is available in most foods but is especially present in meat, fish, cereal, and mushrooms.
- Biotin (B8) –The best foods to find biotin include yeasts, liver, kidneys, and cooked eggs.
- Folic Acid (B9) –The best food to find vitamin B9 is yeast, but it can also be consumed through the liver, spinach, and watercress.
- Choline & Inositol –Many pet foods include meat, eggs, and nuts for choline. Inositol can be found in certain animal organs, specifically cow liver and heart.
- Vitamin C –All vegetables have vitamin C in them but is found in large numbers in citrus fruits, berries, kiwis and strawberries.
Protein
Protein is the storehouse of essential amino acids which are needed for the manufacture of antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and tissues and for proper pH balance in Cats. It also provides energy and helps in growth and development. Protein-rich food found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and poultry.
Fats
Fats help in storing energy, cell integrity, and metabolic regulation. Essential fatty acids aids in nutrient utilization and transportation of energy.
Saturated fat is found primarily in animal sources, while polyunsaturated fat comes mostly from plants. Cats require saturated fat contents for longevity.
Minerals
Minerals contribute to enzyme formation, pH balance, nutrient utilization, and oxygen transportation throughout the body. They are stored in bone and muscle tissues of cats.
The list of essential minerals for cats includes calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc.
Water
Proper hydration is essential to maintain pH balance in Cats. Cats fulfill most of their water requirements by eating fresh raw food, however, they may require more water if they are fed bottled meal or dry foods and treats. You should supply clean water throughout the day.
Caring for pets is essential to maintain their health and life. You can always consult your nearest vet to understand better about their dietary requirements.
