how much protein should a cat have

The three most important ingredients to provide your cat are protein, protein and protein. Studies show the minimum daily protein requirement for adult cats is at least 5.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight,1 or about 11.5 grams of protein per pound. That’s why good commercial cat foods contain plenty of it.

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Unlike dogs, which are omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores. This indicates that because meat is the only food they eat, their bodies have adapted to a diet that provides animal protein.

Domestic cats have not changed much from their wild counterparts and are very similar to them. Cats typically eat small rodents like mice in the wild, along with insects, birds, rabbits, frogs, and reptiles.

The metabolism of cats is particularly well-suited to a diet high in meat. Cats are less able to synthesize some amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, than herbivores and omnivores.

AAFCO Crude Protein Requirements

AAFCO sets standards for pet foods in the United States. Although commercial pet foods are not obligated to adhere to AAFCO standards, the majority of veterinary nutritionists advise feeding exclusively AAFCO-compliant diets.

A nutritional adequacy statement, also known as an AAFCO statement, will be attached to these products, certifying that the diet adheres to one of the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profiles or Feeding Protocols.

A discussion of protein analysis serves as another illustration of the significance of AAFCO compliance. The percentages of each of the following are listed in the pet food label’s “Guaranteed Analysis” section:

Crude Protein
Crude Fat
Crude Fiber
Water

The term “crude protein” is defined by chemical analysis of all the food’s sources of nitrogen. Consequently, the crude protein content can include some non-protein-containing sources like urea.

According to AAFCO, no more than 9% of the crude protein in a diet should be 20%E2%80%9C pepsin, which means that at least 2091 % of the protein content of AAFCO-approved foods should be digestible protein in the diet. Therefore, based on the percentage of crude protein, diets deviating from AAFCO recommendations may seem to contain adequate protein; however, this protein may be mostly indigestible.

AAFCO-compliant pet foods follow more detailed nutrient profiles that include the recommended dosages of amino acids like taurine and arginine.

Protein Is a Cat’s Most Important Source of Energy

Cats also use protein for energy. In fact, it is their most important source of energy.

Cats’ liver enzymes, in contrast to those of other animals, are always breaking down proteins to provide energy and maintain blood glucose levels. Even in the presence of other energy sources like carbohydrates, cats’ bodies begin to break down their own muscle tissue in order to meet their needs for protein and amino acids when they do not get enough protein from their diet.

FAQ

How much protein should I give my cat a day?

Cats need at least two grams of protein per pound of healthy body weight in the number of calories they consume each day. To ensure that your cat’s daily protein intake is adequate for her needs, you need to know how many grams of food she eats, and the percentage of protein in the food: Step 1: Weigh your cat.

Is 40% protein too much for cats?

The Analytical Composition list: the analytical composition list shows the nutrients level of the food, and nutrients are what the body uses to support life. An adult cat requires around 30-40% protein in their diet, so the protein composition of the food should be within or above this to meet your cats needs.

What level of protein do cats need?

Healthy adult cats typically require food that contains at least 26% protein on a dry matter basis. This protein level will support muscle maintenance, metabolic processes and organ function. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cat protein requirements vary from feline to feline.

Is high protein food OK for cats?

Feeding your cat high protein, low carb diets not only helps your cat to lose weight, it also aids in reducing the cats’ urge to eat constantly. Cats are more likely to feel satisfied eating canned or meat based food rather than dry food that contains too much carbohydrates and fibre.