Understanding Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs
When it comes to feeding our feline friends, choosing the right food is more than just picking the tastiest flavour. Cats have unique nutritional requirements that are very different from dogs or humans, and meeting those needs is vital for their long-term health.
🥩 Cats Are Obligate Carnivores
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive. Unlike omnivores, they can’t properly digest or get key nutrients from plant-based sources. Their bodies are built to run on animal protein and fat, not carbohydrates.
Key nutrients cats need from animal sources include:
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Taurine – An essential amino acid which cats no longer produce, vital to support heart health, vision, digestion, and reproduction. Found only in meat.
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Arachidonic acid – A fatty acid needed for skin, coat, and kidney health. Cats can’t make it on their own, they must get it from animal fat.
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Vitamin A (preformed) – Cats cannot convert beta-carotene from plants into usable Vitamin A. They need it preformed, from liver or meat.
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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – Essential for nervous system function and metabolism. Found in organ meats and fish.
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Raw Food - The most natural way to feed your cat is to replicate the whole prey diet with raw meat and bones in the ratio of 80% meat, 10% bone and 10% offal.
🔍 Check the label: You might be surprised to learn that most commercial cat food contains less than 10% meat, and it won't be the good stuff either, usually "meat and animal derivatives". A quality cat food will list named meat ingredients at the top — like chicken, beef, turkey, or salmon — and make sure there is a minimum of 50% meat.
🛒 Check out the high quality cat food stocked at Lulu's Pet Pantry.
💧 The Importance of Moisture
In the wild, cats get most of their hydration from eating prey, which is around 70–80% moisture. Dry cat food not only contains little moisture, but will also dehydrate your cat. Domestic cats don’t have a natural thirst drive and won't instinctively drink from a water bowl, even if it’s always available.
Therefore, providing raw or wet food is crucial, especially for:
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Older cats
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Cats prone to urinary tract infections or crystals
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Cats with low water intake during hot weather
Feeding raw or moist food helps:
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Support kidney and bladder health
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Prevent painful urinary issues
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Improve digestion and stool quality
💡 Tip: You can encourage hydration with cat water fountains, or by adding warm water or low-sodium broth to their food.
🛒 Check out Applaws, an amazing wet cat food in broth with a very high moisture content.
🔬 Protein Quality
Protein is essential, but not all protein is created equal. Cats need high-quality, animal-based protein to maintain muscle mass, support their immune system, and fuel daily energy.
Avoid foods that rely heavily on:
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Plant proteins (like soy, peas, or corn gluten) — they are cheaper, but less digestible
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Meat meals or derivatives — these are usually meat "leftovers" such as feet, beaks, and feathers, and are often lower-quality
Instead, look for:
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Whole or dried meats
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Minimal or no fillers like wheat, corn, or soy
🐾 Putting It All Together: What to Look For in a Great Cat Food
✅ High meat content – Real, named meats at the top of the ingredient list
✅ Moisture-rich – Feed raw food exclusively, or wet food regularly
✅ Grain-free or low grain – Especially for sensitive tummies or overweight cats
✅ No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
👋 Need a Hand?
Every cat is unique. If your cat has allergies, a sensitive tummy, or you’re just unsure where to start — I’m here to help. Come in and have a chat, or send me a message — let’s keep your cat happy, healthy, and well-fed! 🐾