The cat – a carnivore
The cat is originally a predator and a typical carnivore. The cat has a short digestive tract and the food passes quickly through. Thus, the cat requires food that is concentrated in terms of energy and with easily digestible nutrients. It is easier for the cat to utilize protein and fat, than carbohydrates.
When feeding your cat
It is important that you give cat food that you are sure covers the nutritional needs in the cat’s relevant life stage. The food should have a correct balance between energy and the main nutrients protein, fat and carbohydrates. With also correct content of fiber, the cat’s digestion will work well and with good feacal quality. Furthermore, the food must also provide adequate coverage of the cat’s vitamin and mineral needs. At least, when feeding your cat, a food with good palatability is of high importance.
Dry cat food
Today, cats are fed a diet consisting mainly of dry food, although more and more cat owners like to combine dry food and wet food in their cat’s diet. The advantages of dry food are that it is easier to store, hygienic and, if stored correctly, maintains its palatability for a long period. Dry food also has a positive effect on dental health and might prevents tartar.
Always remember fresh water!
Compared to wet cat food, dry food contains very little water. It is therefore important that the cat has continuous and easy access to fresh and clean drinking water. Insufficient access to water for cats fed dry food can cause health problems such as development of urinary stones.
Proteins in the diet
The cat has a high protein requirement and provides the cat with vital amino acids which are crucial for the growth and renewal of muscle tissue. It is often claimed that the higher the protein content in the cat food, the better it is. This is not quite right, as overfeeding with protein is not beneficial as the protein the cat cannot use. will be broken down and removed via urine. This is an energy-demanding process and a strain on the kidneys and urinary tract. In addition, overfeeding with protein will often lead to loose stools.
Taurine – essential amino acid for cats
One of the most important amino acids for cats is “taurine”, which is mainly found in animal protein sources. The cat can not produce this amino acid itself and a lack of the amino acid can cause blindness, heart and fertility problems. Appetitt has a high content of animal and marine proteins that provide coverage of taurine in the diet and of course the other vital amino acids.
Fat and carbohydrates
Fat is mainly a source of energy, but is also important as a carrier for a number of vitamins. Furthermore, the fat’s fatty acid composition is important for coat quality. The carbohydrates in Appetitt food consist of easily digestible starch from rice. This provides easily and quickly absorbable energy. Furthermore, the carbohydrate fraction contains dietary fibre, which is important as it contributes to stomach and intestinal health. At the same time, the fiber fraction will contribute to a good faecal quality.
High-quality raw materials with high digestibility
Sufficient and correct protein supply is important for the cat and Appetitt has a content of digestible protein and amino acids which is ideal for the cat in various life stages. The protein source in Appetitt Cat is mainly of animal origin with a high biological value where the protein raw materials are to a large extent hydrolysed.
Hydrolysed protein is protein that is broken down into smaller pieces and consists of both free amino acids and shorter peptides. This means that the protein has high digestibility and thus highly available to be metabolised in the body. When protein is hydrolysed, it consists of shorter fragments than a protein that is not hydrolysed. A shorter protein fragment can more easily “evade” the immune system, an attribute that might be beneficial if a dog is sensitive or has allergies.
The fat sources used in Appetitt are mainly from chicken, krill and fish. Marine fat supplies the cat with vital omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. A large proportion of these fatty acids come from krill and then in the form of phospholipids. Phospholipids are easily absorbed in the intestine and are included in cell wall structures, among other things. This, together with an ideal ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and a high content of vitamin E, supports the cat’s joint function, skin and fur quality and thus the general state of health. The carbohydrates come primarily from rice.
The fiber content in the feed is carefully balanced and ensures intestinal health.
Cats have a particularly high need for vitamin A, as well as some B vitamins such as thiamine and niacin.
Appetitt contain no grain raw materials with the exception of rice and has a high content of hydrolysed raw materials.
