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Unlike people and dogs, cats
are true carnivores. They do not have a specific requirement
for carbohydrates in their diets. They must, however, have large
amounts of animal protein in the diet or they can suffer a number
of fatal problems such as heart disease and liver failure. Carbohydrates
are included in pet foods as an inexpensive source of energy.
Digested carbs are used to provide fuel (blood glucose) for people
and pets; if the energy is not needed immediately, then the carbs
are stored as glycogen in the muscle or liver to be used later.
While dogs and people can use protein for energy, this is less
efficient. Cats, however, have developed to be able to use protein
as their main source of energy. Dry food must contain more carbohydrates
than canned food in order to be formed into pellets.
Even though cats need a lot
of meat in order to obtain the large amount of protein that they
require, feeding only meat is a bad idea. Meat as the sole food
is too low in calcium and other vitamins and minerals. However,
the ideal food for cats is based upon animal protein as long
as it contains adequate amounts of fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Even though cats don’t really need carbohydrates in their
diet, I don’t think feeding dry food is harmful to most
cats as long as it’s a natural diet. Some of my holistic
colleagues might disagree, and some do in fact only recommend
wet or canned food. In my practice, I’m not quite that stringent.
However, there are some cats that I believe should probably not
eat dry food as their sole diets. Cats with kidney disease, chronic
bladder disease, diabetes, cancer, and heart and liver disease
do better in my opinion when eating a wet or can diet.
While a few carbs in the diet
won’t hurt most cats, I think the best approach is to find
out what is best for your cat. Every pet is different, and each
has specific nutritional needs. Work with your veterinarian to
determine what food is best for your pet at this stage of his
life.
Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the
author of 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for
Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs
& Cats. Dr. Shawn is the medical consultant for Pet Togethers,
a pet supplement company.
http://www.pettogethers.net/healthypet
http://www.petcarenaturally.com
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