Cat food
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[[Image:Cat and Cat Foods.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Cat enjoying a mix of wet (canned) and dry cat food]]
'''Cat food''' is formulated to address the specific nutritional requirements of [[cat]]s. Although cats are [[Carnivore#Obligate carnivores|obligate carnivores]], most commercial cat food contains both animal and plant material, supplemented with [[vitamin]]s, [[mineral]]s and other [[nutrient]]s. An important nutrient is the [[amino acid]] derivative [[taurine]], as cats cannot synthesize the compound. Cats fed a taurine-deficient dog food may develop retinal degeneration and go blind, for example.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Aquirre | first = GD | year = 1978 | title = Retinal degeneration associated with the feeding of dog foods to cats | journal = J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. | volume = 172 | issue = 7 | pages = 791–796}}</ref>
== Commercial cat food==
[[Image:Kattenkorrels op dierenmarkt Istanbul.JPG|right|thumb|Cat food for sale at an Istanbul animal market]]
Most store-bought cat food comes in either dry form, also known as kibble, or wet canned form. Some manufacturers sell frozen raw diets and premix products to cater to owners who [[raw feeding|feed raw]].
Major brand-name dry cat food manufacturers often use primarily grain-based ingredients like corn and rice with [[meat by-product]]s or [[animal digest]] making up the meat ingredients. Some manufacturers offer 'premium', 'natural' or 'holistic' formulas that are by-product free and contains less or no grains. However, grain-free dry diets still contain carbohydrates, from sources such as potato or [[tapioca]] as the starch in those ingredients is needed to allow the kibble to hold its shape. Cats have no metabolic need for carbohydrates as the feline system prefers to create [[glucose]] from protein.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
=== Dry food ===
[[Image:Katzenfutter.JPG|left|thumb|Dry (Extruded) cat food example]]
Dry food is generally made by [[extrusion]] cooking under high heat and pressure. It may then be sprayed with fat to increase palatability and other ingredients to complete its composition.
Pet owners often prefer dry cat food due to the convenience and price.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Besides usually being significantly cheaper, dry cat food can also be left out for the cat to eat at will over the course of several days; whereas, canned or raw cat food spoils or becomes unappetizing after several hours. It should be noted, however, that even dry food, since it is sprayed with fats as noted above, becomes rancid and stale as it oxidizes. Using a free feeding practice can also contribute to overeating, and ultimately obesity.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
Dry food is recommended by some based on the idea that cats break apart dry foods with their teeth, which causes the food to scrape off [[Calculus (dental)|dental calculus]]. The degree of benefit this provides has been disputed in recent years.<ref>[http://www.littlebigcat.com/?action=library&act=show&item=doesdryfoodcleantheteeth Little Big Cat<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Many dry foods use meals as protein source, such as meat meal, [[chicken meal]], [[fish meal]], or [[corn gluten meal]].{{Fact|date=May 2008}} This allows manufacturers to produce cheaper foods. Since the occurrence of [[BSE]] infection through contaminated [[meat and bone meal]], the use of meat meal in pet foods has been prohibited in parts of the world (e.g. Japan and France) but is still common practice in other parts (e.g. USA).{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Comparative studies conducted by Japanese researchers have shown that meat meal is superior to the other protein meal sources in terms of dry-matter digestibility and nutritional value for cats, while corn gluten meal is the least nutritional.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Funaba| first = Masayuki| coauthors = Tetsuji Tanaka, Masahiro Kaneko, Tsunenori Iriki, Yoshikazu Hatano, Matanobu Abe | year = 2001| title = Fish Meal vs. Corn Gluten Meal as a Protein Source for Dry Cat Food | journal =J. Vet. Med. Sci. | volume = 63 | issue = 12 | pages = 1355–1357| doi = 10.1292/jvms.63.1355}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Funaba| first = M | coauthors = C Matsumoto, K Matsuki, K Gotoh, M Kaneko, T. Iriki, Y. Hatano, M. Abe | year = 2002| title = Comparison of corn gluten meal and meat meal as a protein source in dry foods formulated for cats | journal =Am. J. Vet. Res. | volume = 63 | issue = 9 | pages = 1247–1251| doi = 10.2460/ajvr.2002.63.1247}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last = Funaba| first = Masayuki | coauthors = Yuko Oka, Shinji Kobayashi, Masahiro Kaneko, Hiromi Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Namikawa, Tsunenori Iriki, Yoshikazu Hatano, Matanobu Abe | year = 2004| title = Evaluation of meat meal, chicken meal, and corn gluten meal as dietary sources of protein in dry cat food | journal =Can. J. Vet. Res. | volume = 69 | issue = 4 | pages = 299–304}}</ref>
The same studies showed that cats fed with these dry food diets excreted alkaline urine. Urine [[pH]] has been implicated in the formation of [[struvite]] crystals in feline [[urolithiasis]], and many dry food manufacturers address this by adding urine-acidifying ingredients to their food. However, this practice may lead to the formation of [[calcium oxalate]] stones, therefore water intake rather than urine pH appears to be the most crucial factor for the prevention and treatment of feline stones.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Buffington| first = CA | coauthors = DJ Chew | year = 1999| title = Calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats | journal =J. Endourol. | volume = 13 | issue = 9 | pages = 659–663}}</ref>
<br style="clear:left"/>
=== Wet food ===
[[Image:Canned Cat Food1.jpg|right|thumb|Wet (Canned) cat food example (Fish flakes in jelly)]]
[[Canning|Canned]] or wet food generally comes in common can sizes of 3 [[ounce|oz]] (85 [[gram|g]]), 5.5 oz (156 g), and 13 oz (369 g). It is also sold in foil pouch form by some manufacturers.
Owners and veterinarians who recommend a diet consisting largely or entirely of canned, homemade or raw cat food point to higher water content of such food and the increased total water consumption in comparison to a dry food diet as an important health benefit. Wet food also generally contains significantly less grain and other carbohydrate material, although many are made with fish ingredients. Excessive consumption of fish (which contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids) can cause yellow fat disease.<ref>[http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/htm/bc/91402.htm Yellow Fat Disease] Merck Veterinary Manual</ref> In comparison to dry food, canned food is thought to either help treat or noticeably reduce the likelihood of numerous health issues including [[feline lower urinary tract disease|urinary tract disorders]]<ref name="CFNWFUT">{{cite web | author=Susan Little, DVM | year=2001| url=http://www.cfa.org/articles/health/urinary-tract.html| accessdate=2007-03-08| title=Non-obstructive Lower Urinary Tract Disease in the Cat | publisher=Winn Feline Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Tony Buffington | url=http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00125.htm | title=Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorders | publisher=Veterinary Information Network | accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref>, [[Diabetes in cats and dogs|diabetes]], [[chronic renal failure]]<ref>{{ cite web | author=Joseph W. Bartges, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SA IM), DACVN | url=http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2003&PID=6592&O=Generic | title=Nutrition and Chronic Renal Failure | accessdate=2007-03-10 | publisher=Veterinary Information Network }}</ref>, [[constipation]] (sometimes leading to [[megacolon]]), and [[obesity]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
Canned cat foods in pop-top containers may play a role in the development of [[hyperthyroidism]] in cats<ref>
{{cite journal | last = Edinboro| first = Charlotte H.| coauthors = Scott-Moncrieff, Catharine; Janovitz, Evan; Thacker, Leon ; Glickman, Larry T.| year = 2004| month = 3| title = Epidemiologic study of relationships between consumption of commercial canned food and risk of hyperthyroidism in cats| journal = [[Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association]], [[JAVMA]] ([[American Veterinary Medical Association]], [[AVMA]])| volume = 224| issue = 6| pages = 879–886
| doi = 10.2460/javma.2004.224.879
| url = http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2004.224.879
| accessdate = 2008-03-10
}}</ref>. This may be due to [[bisphenol A]] used in the pop-top can coating leaching into the food.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Kang | first = J.H. | coauthors = F. Kondo | year = 2002 | title = Determination of bisphenol A in canned pet foods | journal = Res. Vet. Sci. | volume = 73 | issue = 2 | pages = 177–182 | doi = 10.1016/S0034-5288(02)00102-9}}</ref>
== Homemade food ==
{{see|Raw feeding}}
Many pet owners feed cats homemade diets. These diets generally consist of some form of cooked meat or raw meat, ground bone, pureed vegetables, [[taurine]] supplements, and other multivitamin supplements. Although cats are naturally resistant to many of the bacteria that raw meats contain,{{Fact|date=May 2008}} meat can sometimes also contain parasites and other harmful organisms and for this reason raw meat is sometimes frozen for periods of time before being used.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Some pet owners use human vitamin supplements, and others use vitamin supplements specifically engineered for cats. Veterinarians sometimes recommend including digestive enzyme supplements in a homemade diet. Some pet food manufacturers offer packaged versions of a raw food diet that closely resembles such homemade diets. These packaged versions are generally kept frozen, with individual portions being thawed in advance.
{{Synthesis|section|topic=propylene glycol in homemade cat food|date=March 2008}}
Caution must be exercised in preparing homemade cat food. Some food additives are not suitable for cats. For instance, the emulsifying agent [[propylene glycol]] (PG) which is added to many human foods
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=172
|title=FDA > CDRH > CFR Title 21 Database Search
|publisher=www.accessdata.fda.gov
|accessdate=2008-03-14
|last=
|first=
}}</ref> can be deadly for cats. PG was once a common ingredient in moist commercial cat food, but it was found to induce [[Heinz bodies]] and oxidative damage.<ref>[http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/Tarigo/index.php Heinz Body Anemia In Cats<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Subsequently, the FDA prohibited the use of PG in or on cat food.<ref>[http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=589.1001&SearchTerm=propylene%20glycol FDA > CDRH > CFR Title 21 Database Search<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
PG is a problematic for homemade cat food preparers{{Syn|date=March 2008}} because under certain circumstances PG can be added to fresh meat and poultry intended for human consumption without listing it on the product label. The USDA allows lauramide arginine dissolved in propylene glycol to be added to fresh meat and poultry, and it may be listed on the label as just plain lauric arginate. Also, in solutions intended as antimicrobials, PG can be added to fresh meat and poultry with no labeling requirement at all. <ref>[http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/7120.1_Amend_6.pdf FSIS Directive 7120.1 Amend 6 - Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Consequently, the consumer does not know how much PG may be in any given product.
== Vegetarian or vegan food ==
[[Vegetarianism|Vegetarian]] or [[veganism|vegan]] cat food has been available for many years, and is targeted primarily at vegan and vegetarian pet owners. Cats are obligate carnivores and require nutrients (including [[arginine]], [[taurine]], [[arachidonic acid]], [[vitamin A]], [[vitamin B12]] and [[niacin]]) found in meat sources that cannot be obtained in sufficient amount in plant sources. According to the [[United States National Research Council|National Research Council]], "unsupplemented vegetarian diets can result in harmful deficiencies of certain essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins." <ref>{{cite web
| url = http://dels.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/cat_nutrition_final.pdf
| title = YOUR CAT’S. NUTRITIONAL NEEDS. A Science-Based Guide For Pet Owners
| accessdate = 1-5-2008
| author = Committee on Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats, Board on Agricultural and Natural Resources, National Research Council of the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|National Academies of Sciences]]
| date = 2006-07-24
| work = Book
| publisher = National Academy of Sciences
| language = English
}}</ref>
Organizations that advocate vegan or vegetarian diets for people have split opinions regarding vegetarian or vegan cat food. The [[International Vegetarian Union]]<ref>[http://www.ivu.org/faq/animals.html Frequently Asked Questions - Animals] International Vegetarian Union</ref>, the [[Vegan Society]]<ref>[http://www.vegansociety.com/html/animals/care/cats/ Cats] Vegan society</ref> and [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|Peta]]<ref>[http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display.asp?ID=34Meatless Meals for Dogs and Cats] Peta media center factsheet</ref> are some of the organizations that support a vegan or vegetarian diet for cats. On the other hand, the [[Vegetarian Society]] suggests people "consider carefully" and that many cats will not adjust to a vegetarian diet. They provide a list of necessary nutrients that will need to be supplemented with a recommendation to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for those who want to try.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.vegsoc.org/info/catfood.html
| title = Cats - a vegetarian diet?
| accessdate = 1-5-2008
| author = Vegetarian Society
| date =
| work = "Information Sheet"
| publisher = Vegetarian Society
| language = English
}}</ref> The [[Animal Protection Institute]] also does not recommend a vegetarian diet for cats and cautions that dietary deficiencies may take months or years to develop and may be untreatable. They do not recommend relying on supplements because they may not contain necessary co-factors and enzymes and have not been studied for long term implications.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.api4animals.org/articles?more=1&p=361
| title = Selecting a Commercial Pet Food
| accessdate = 1-5-2008
| author = Born Free/Animal Protection Institute
| date = Published 07/04/04
| work = Article:
| publisher = Animal Protection Institute
| language = English
}}</ref> The animal welfare organization [[American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]], although suggesting a supplemented vegetarian diet for dogs,<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.aspca.org/aspcablog/2007/06/nutrition-q-vegetarian-diets-for-dogs.html
| title = Nutrition Q & A: Vegetarian Diets for Dogs
| accessdate = 1-5-2008
| author = ASPCA
| date = Thursday, June 28, 2007
| work = ASPCA blog
| publisher = ASPCA
| language = English
}}</ref> recommends against a vegetarian and vegan diets for cats.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.aspca.org/aspcablog/2007/08/pet-nutrition-q-vegan-diet-for-cats.html
| title = Nutrition Q & A: Vegetarian Diets for Cats
| accessdate = 1-5-2008
| author = ASPCA
| date = Thursday, August 09, 2007
| work = ASPCA blog
| publisher = ASPCA
| language = English
}}</ref> [[Purina]], the pet food company, unequivocally says, "never feed your cat an exclusively vegetarian diet."<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.purina.com/cats/CompleteCatGuide.pdf
| title = Caring For Your Cat At Any Age, Health and Wellness Guide
| accessdate = 1-5-2008
| author = Purina Pet Institute, JDeVylder
| date = 2002-03-21
| work = Book
| publisher = Purina Pet Institute
| language = English
}}</ref>
One study evaluated cats whose owners were knowledgeable about vegetarian cat diets and had self-selected to feed commercial and/or homemade vegetarian diets. The study found that all the cats had serum cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels within the reference range but 3 of 17 cats had serum taurine values below the reference range.<ref>
{{cite journal | last = Wakefield| first = Lorelei A.| coauthors = Shofer, Frances S., Michel, Kathryn E.| year = 2006| month = 7| title = Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers| journal = [[Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association]], [[JAVMA]] ([[American Veterinary Medical Association]], [[AVMA]])| volume = 229| issue = 1| pages = 70–73
| doi = 10.2460/javma.229.1.70
| url = http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.229.1.70
| accessdate = 2006-10-16
}}</ref> Nutritionally complete vegetarian diets should not carry any risks however there are rumoured risks which have little or no evidence. One such risk is the increased risk of urinary problems. Urine acidity problems can come from viruses, bacteria, stress, diet, water consumption and urine retention as well as eating too much dry food, soaking up the cat's moisture, saturating the cat with nutrients and grazing all day from a bowl, not allowing stomach acidity to rise, and lack of water, again allowing a saturation of nutrients in the cat. This is typical of any dry food and not exclusive to Vegetarian Feline diets. Evidence of this can be found in the FAQ's of major meat-based dry food producers regarding their own feeding recommendations.<ref>[http://www.iams.co.uk/kitten/Food-Nutrition-10/Good-Health-Kitten-167.html]</ref>
A few vegetarian cat food brands are labeled by their manufacturers as meeting AAFCO's Cat Food Nutrient Profile while other manufacturers recommend their products to be supplemented and not used as a standalone. Pet owners can cause their cats to become malnourished when they do not follow dietary recommendations and mistakenly assume that their food is nutritionally complete {{Who|date=May 2008}}. A 2004 study evaluated two commercial pet foods for nutritional adequacy;[[Vegepet|Vegecat KibbleMix]] supplement and Evolution canned diet for adult cats. The study concluded that these two foods, counter to labeling claims, had multiple nutritional inadequacies when compared against the AAFCO minimal nutrient profile for cat diets. The authors recommended that these vegan diets should not be used as a sole source of nutrition for cats.<ref> {{cite journal|title=Nutritional adequacy of two vegan diets for cats|journal=JAVMA|date=2004|first=CM|last=Gray|coauthors=Sellon, RK and Freeman, LM.|volume=225|issue=11|pages=1670–5|doi=10.2460/javma.2004.225.1670|id= |url=http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2004.225.1670
|format=|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref>
In response, Evolution Diet denied that their product is nutritionally inadequate, citing the "ten to twenty thousand healthy and long living dogs, cats and ferrets living on the Evolution Diet" as an example. They attribute the discrepancy as a likely formulation error. In an apologetic reply, the manufacturer of Vegecat attributes the test results as caused by human error during the mixing process.<ref>[http://www.vegepets.info/pages/vegetarian_feline_diets.htm#AppendixII Manufacturer response: Evolution Diet and Harbingers of a New Age]</ref>
Although reports of animals that have been harmed by nutritionally inadequate vegetarian (and meat-based) diets do exist, these are of little scientific relevance to an examination of the viability of nutritionally sound vegetarian diets. There is no scientific reason why a diet comprised only of plant, mineral and synthetically-based ingredients cannot be formulated to meet all of the palatability, nutritional and bioavailability needs of the species for which they are intended. In fact, several commercially-available vegan (no animal product) pet diets claim to do so, and have jointly supported a healthy population of thousands of vegan cats, dogs and ferrets (who are also naturally carnivorous) for many years.
source www.vegepets.info
== Labeling ==
{{see|Pet food#Labeling and regulation}}
In the United States, cat foods labeled as "complete and balanced" must meet standards established by the [[Association of American Feed Control Officials]] (AAFCO) either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. Cat Food Nutrient Profiles were established in 1992 and updated in 1995 by the AAFCO's Feline Nutrition Expert Subcommittee. The updated profiles replaced the previous recommendations set by the [[United States National Research Council|National Research Council]](NRC).
Critics{{Who|date=May 2008}} argue that due to the limitations of the trial and the gaps in knowledge within animal nutrition science, the term "complete and balanced" are inaccurate and even deceptive. An AAFCO panel expert has stated that "although the AAFCO profiles are better than nothing, they provide false securities. "<ref>[http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00001.htm WSAVA 2001 - Alternative Feeding Practices<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Certain manufacturers label their products with terms such as premium, ultra premium, natural and holistic. Such terms currently have no legal definitions.
==Nutrients and functions==
Vitamins are organic compounds that take part in a wide range of metabolic activities. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to widely ranging clinical abnormalities that reflect the diversity of their metabolic roles. Twelve minerals are known to be essential nutrients for cats. Calcium and phosphorus are crucial to strong bones and teeth. Cats need other minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium, for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cell signaling. Many minerals only present in minute amounts in the body, including selenium, copper, and molybdenum, act as helpers in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions.<ref name="CFNPFD">{{cite web | author=Subcommittee on Dog and Cat Nutrition (Committee on Animal Nutrition, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Division on Earth and Life Studies) | year=2006 | url=http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10668 | accessdate=2007-03-08 | title=The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in the Diet for Cats | work=Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs. ISBN 0309086280| publisher=[[National Research Council]] - [[National Academies]]}}</ref>
The [[Cat food#CFNP|table below]] lists the AAFCO nutritional profiles for cat foods along with the roles of vitamins and minerals in cat nutrition according to the National Research Council.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; font-size:85%;"
|+<span id="CFNP">'''[[Association of American Feed Control Officials]] (AAFCO) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPa|a]]</sup> <ref name="CFNPNP">{{cite web | author=David A. Dzanis, [[D.V.M.]], [[Ph.D.]], [[DACVN]] [[Division of Animal Feeds]], [[Center for Veterinary Medicine]]| year=November 1997| url=http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfood.htm| accessdate=2005-01-20| title=SELECTING NUTRITIOUS PET FOODS| work=INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS| publisher=[[Food and Drug Administration]] - [[Center for Veterinary Medicine]]}}</ref>
<br />with Role of Vitamins & Minerals <ref name="CFNPFD" />'''</span>
|-
! [[Nutrient]] !! Units<BR>(Dry Matter Basis) !! Growth and<BR>Reproduction<BR>Minimum !! Adult<BR>Maintenance<BR>Minimum !! Maximum !! Functions !! Signs of Deficiency/Excess
|-
| style="text-align:left" | [[Protein]] || [[%]] || 30.0 || 26.0 || || ||
|-
| [[Arginine]] || [[%]] || 1.25 || 1.04 || || ||
|-
| [[Histidine]] || [[%]] || 0.31 || 0.31 || || ||
|-
| [[Isoleucine]] || [[%]] || 0.52 || 0.52 || || ||
|-
| [[Leucine]] || [[%]] || 1.25 || 1.25 || || ||
|-
| [[Lysine]] || [[%]] || 1.20 || 0.83 || || ||
|-
| [[Methionine]] + [[cystine]] || [[%]] || 1.10 || 1.10 || || ||
|-
| [[Methionine]] || [[%]] || 0.62 || 0.62 || 1.50 || ||
|-
| [[Phenylalanine]] + [[tyrosine]] || [[%]] || 0.88 || 0.88 || || ||
|-
| [[Phenylalanine]] || [[%]] || 0.42 || 0.42 || || ||
|-
| [[Threonine]] || [[%]] || 0.73 || 0.73 || || ||
|-
| [[Tryptophan]] || [[%]] || 0.25 || 0.16 || || ||
|-
| [[Valine]] || [[%]] || 0.62 || 0.62 || || ||
|-
| style="text-align:left" | [[Fat]]<SUP>[[Cat food#CFNPb|b]]</SUP> || [[%]] || 9.0 || 9.0 || || ||
|-
| [[Linoleic acid]] || [[%]] || 0.5 || 0.5 || || ||
|-
| [[Arachidonic acid]] || [[%]] || 0.02 || 0.02 || || ||
|-
| style="text-align:left" colspan="7" | [[dietary minerals|Minerals]]
|-
| [[Calcium]] || [[%]] || 1.0 || 0.6 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Formation of bones and teeth
*Blood coagulation
*Nerve impulse transmission
*Muscle contraction
*Cell signaling
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
**loss of bone mineral content, which can lead to collapse and curvature of lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones
**bone pain, which can progress to pathological fractures
*Excess
**Depressed food intake
**Decreased growth
**Increased bone mineral density
**Increased need for magnesium
|-
| [[Phosphorus]] || [[%]] || 0.8 || 0.5 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Skeletal structure
*DNA and RNA structure
*Energy metabolism
*Locomotion
*Acid-base balance
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Hemolytic anemia
**Locomotor disturbances
**Metabolic acidosis
|-
| [[Potassium]] || [[%]] || 0.6 || 0.6 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Acid-base balance
*Nerve-impulse transmission
*Enzymatic reactions
*Transport functions
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Anorexia
**Retarded growth
**Neurological disorders, including ataxia and severe muscle weakness
|-
| [[Sodium]] || [[%]] || 0.2 || 0.2 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Acid-base balance
*Regulation of osmotic pressure
*Nerve impulse generation and transmission
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Anorexia
**Impaired growth
**Excessive thirst and drinking
**Excessive urination
|-
| [[Chlorine]] / [[Chloride]] || [[%]] || 0.3 || 0.3 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Acid-base balance
*Osmolarity of extracellular fluids
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Increased sodium concentration in renal fluid
**Excess potassium excretion
|-
| [[Magnesium]] <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPc|c]]</sup> || [[%]] || 0.08 || 0.04 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Enzyme functions
*Muscle and nerve-cell membrane stability
*Hormone secretion and function
*Mineral structure of bones and teeth
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Poor growth
**Overextension of the carpal joints
**Muscle twitching
**Convulsions
*Excess
**Urinary tract stone formation in the presence of high pH
|-
| [[Iron]] <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPd|d]]</sup> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 80.0 || 80.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Hemoglobin and myoglobin synthesis
*Energy metabolism
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Poor growth
**Pale mucous membranes
**Lethargy
**Weakness
**Diarrhea
*Excess
**Vomiting and diarrhea
|-
| [[Copper]] (extruded food) <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPe|e]]</sup> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 15.0 || 5.0 || || rowspan="2" style="text-align: left;" |
*Connective tissue formation
*Iron metabolism
*Blood cell formation
*Melanin pigment formation
*Myelin formation
*Defense against oxidative damage
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Reduced weight gain
**Longer time to conceive
|-
| [[Copper]] (canned food) <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPe|e]]</sup> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 5.0 || 5.0 ||
|-
| [[Manganese]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 7.5 || 7.5 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Enzyme functions
*Bone development
*Neurological function
| style="text-align: left;" |
No studies of deficiency in cats
|-
| [[Zinc]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 75.0 || 75.0 || 2000.0 || style="text-align: left;" |
*Enzyme reactions
*Cell replication
*Protein and carbohydrate metabolism
*Skin function
*Wound healing
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Skin lesions
**Growth retardation
**Testicular damage
|-
| [[Iodine]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 0.35 || 0.35 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Thyroid hormone synthesis
*Cell differentiation
*Growth and development of puppies
*Regulation of metabolic rate
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Enlargement of thyroid glands
*Excess
**Excessive tearing, salivation, and nasal discharge
**Dandruff
|-
| [[Selenium]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 0.1 || 0.1 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Defense against oxidative damage
*Immune response
| style="text-align: left;" |
No studies of deficiency in cats
|-
| style="text-align:left" colspan="7" | [[Vitamins]]
|-
| [[Vitamin A]] || [[International units|IU]]/[[kg]] || 9000.0 || 5000.0 || 750000.0 || style="text-align: left;" |
*Vision
*Growth
*Immune function
*Fetal development
*Cellular differentiation
*Transmembrane protein transfer
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Conjunctivitis
**Cataracts, retinal degeneration, and other eye problems
**Weight loss
**Muscle weakness
**Reproductive and developmental disorders
*Excess
**Skeletal lesions in kittens, particularly outgrowths of the cervical vertebrae
**Osteoporosis
|-
| [[Vitamin D]] || [[International units|IU]]/[[kg]] || 750.0 || 500.0 || 10000.0 || style="text-align: left;" |
*Maintenance of mineral status
*Skeletal structure
*Muscle contraction
*Blood clotting
*Nerve conduction
*Cell signaling
*Phosphorous balance
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Rickets
**Abnormalities in skeletal development
**Progressive paralysis
**Ataxia
**Lack of grooming
**Reduction in body weight and food intake
*Excess
**Anorexia
**Vomiting
**Lethargy
**Calcification of soft tissues
|-
| [[Vitamin E]] <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPf|f]]</sup> || [[International units|IU]]/[[kg]] || 30.0 || 30.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Defense against oxidative damage via free radical scavenging
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Anorexia
**Depression
**Pain sensitivity in abdomen
**Fat tissue pathology
|-
| [[Vitamin K]] <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPg|g]]</sup> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 0.1 || 0.1 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Activation of clotting factors, bone proteins, and other proteins
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Prolonged blood clotting times
**Hemorrhaging
|-
| [[Vitamin B1]] / [[Thiamine]] <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPh|h]]</sup> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 5.0 || 5.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Energy and carbohydrate metabolism
*Activation of ion channels in neural tissue
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Neurological impairments including altered reflexes and convulsive seizures
**Heart-rate disorders
**Pathological changes in the central nervous system
**Severe learning deficits
|-
| [[Riboflavin]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 4.0 || 4.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Enzyme functions
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Cataracts
**Fatty livers
**Testicular atrophy
|-
| [[Pantothenic acid]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 5.0 || 5.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Energy metabolism
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Stunted growth
**Fatty changes in liver
**Small bowel lesions
|-
| [[Niacin]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 60.0 || 60.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Enzyme functions
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Anorexia
**Weight loss
**Elevated body temperature
**Fiery red tongue, with ulceration and congestion
|-
| [[Vitamin B6]] / [[Pyridoxine]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 4.0 || 4.0 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Glucose generation
*Red blood cell function
*Niacin synthesis
*Nervous system function
*Immune response
*Hormone regulation
*Gene activation
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Stunted growth
**Convulsive seizures
**Kidney lesions
|-
| [[Folic Acid]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 0.8 || 0.8 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Amino acid and nucleotide metabolism
*Mitochondrial protein synthesis
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Decreased growth rate
**increased iron levels in blood
|-
| [[Biotin]] <sup>[[Cat food#CFNPi|i]]</sup> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 0.07 || 0.07 || || ||
|-
| [[Vitamin B12]] || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 0.02 || 0.02 || || style="text-align: left;" |
*Enzyme functions
| style="text-align: left;" |
*Deficiency
**Weight loss
**Vomiting
**Diarrhea
**Intestinal disorders
|-
| [[Choline]]<SUP>[[Cat food#CFNPj|j]]</SUP> || [[kg#SI multiples|mg]]/[[kg]] || 2400.0 || 2400.0 || || ||
|-
| [[Taurine]] (extruded food) || [[%]] || 0.10 || 0.10 || || ||
|-
| [[Taurine]] (canned food) || [[%]] || 0.20 || 0.20 || || ||
|-
! [[Nutrient]] !! Units<BR>(Dry Matter Basis) !! Growth and<BR>Reproduction<BR>Minimum !! Adult<BR>Maintenance<BR>Minimum !! Maximum !! Functions !! Signs of Deficiency/Excess
|-
| style="text-align: left;" colspan="7" |<div style="text-align: center;">'''NOTES'''</div>
<ol style="list-style: lower-alpha inside; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px;">
<li id="CFNPa" style="background: silver;">Presumes an [[energy density]] of 4.0 [[calorie|kcal]]/[[gram (unit)|g]] ME, based on the ''modified'' [[Atwater system|''Atwater'']] values of 3.5, 8.5, and 3.5 [[calorie|kcal]]/[[gram (unit)|g]] for [[protein]], [[fat]], and [[carbohydrate]] (nitrogen-free extract, NFE), respectively. Rations greater than 4.5 [[calorie|kcal]]/[[gram (unit)|g]] should be corrected for [[energy density]]; rations less than 4.0 [[calorie|kcal]]/[[gram (unit)|g]] should ''not'' be corrected for energy.
<li id="CFNPb">Although a true requirement for [[fat]] per se has not been established, the minimum level was based on recognition of [[fat]] as a source of [[essential fatty acids]], as a carrier of [[fat-soluble vitamins]], to enhance palatability, and to supply an adequate [[caloric density]].
<li id="CFNPc" style="background: silver;">If the mean [[urine pH]] of cats fed [[ad libitum]] is not below 6.4, the risk of [[struvite urolithiasis]] increases as the [[magnesium]] content of the diet increases.
<li id="CFNPd">Because of very poor [[bioavailability]], [[iron]] from [[carbonate]] or [[oxide]] sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as components in meeting the minimum nutrient level.
<li id="CFNPe" style="background: silver;">Because of very poor [[bioavailability]], [[copper]] from [[oxide]] sources that are added to the diet should not be considered as components in meeting the minimum nutrient level.
<li id="CFNPf">Add 10 [[International units|IU]] [[vitamin E]] above minimum level per [[gram (unit)|gram]] of [[fish oil]] per [[kilogram]] of diet.
<li id="CFNPg" style="background: silver;">[[Vitamin K]] does not need to be added unless diet contains greater than 25 [[percent]] fish on a dry matter basis.
<li id="CFNPh">Because processing may destroy up to 90 [[percent]] of the [[thiamine]] in the diet, allowance in formulation should be made to ensure the minimum nutrient level is met after processing.
<li id="CFNPi" style="background: silver;">[[Biotin]] does not need to be added unless diet contains [[antimicrobial]] or [[antivitamin]] compounds.
<li id="CFNPj">[[Methionine]] may substitute [[choline]] as [[methyl donor]] at a rate of 3.75 parts for 1 part [[choline]] by weight when [[methionine]] exceeds 0.62 [[percent]].
|}
==Diet and disease==
===Food allergy===
Food allergy is a non-seasonal disease with skin and/or gastrointestinal disorders. The main complaint is [[Pruritus]], which is usually resistant to treatment by [[steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]. The exact prevalence of food allergy in cats remains unknown. There is no breed, sex or age predilection, although some breeds are commonly affected. Before the onset of clinical signs, the animals have been fed the offending food components for at least two years, although some animals are less than a year old. In 20 to 30% of the cases, cats have concurrent allergic diseases ([[atopy]] / flea-allergic [[dermatitis]]). A reliable diagnosis can only be made with [[dietary elimination-challenge trials]]. [[Provocation testing]] is necessary for the identification of the causative food component(s). Therapy consists of avoiding the offending food component(s).<ref>{{cite journal | last = Verlinden| first = A.| coauthors = Hesta, M., Millet, S., Janssens, G.P.| year = 2006| month = 4-5| title = Food Allergy in Dogs and Cats: A Review| journal = [[Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition]] ([[Taylor & Francis]])| volume = 46| issue = 3| pages = 259–273
| doi = 10.1080/10408390591001117
| url = http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16527756&query_hl=12&itool=pubmed_docsum
| accessdate = 2006-10-27
}}</ref>
===Malnutrition===
Cats fed exclusively on raw, [[freshwater fish]] can develop a [[thiamine]] deficiency.Those fed exclusively on liver may develop [[vitamin A]] toxicity. Malnutrition has been seen in cats fed "natural", "organic", or "vegetarian" diets produced by owners with good intentions, and most published recipes have been only crudely balanced (by computer) using nutrient averages. Because the palatability, [[digestibility]], and [[food safety|safety]] of these recipes have not been adequately or scientifically tested, it is difficult to characterize all of these homemade diets. Generally, most formulations contain excessive [[protein]] and [[phosphorus]] and are deficient in [[calcium]], [[vitamin E]], and [[microminerals]] such as [[copper]], [[zinc]], and [[potassium]]. Also, the [[energy density]] of these diets may be unbalanced relative to the other [[nutrients]]. Commonly used meat and carbohydrate ingredients contain more [[phosphorus]] than [[calcium]]. Homemade feline diets that are not actually deficient in [[fat]] or [[energy]] usually contain a [[vegetable oil]] that cats do not find [[palatable]]; therefore, less food is eaten causing a [[calorie deficiency]]. Rarely are homemade diets balanced for [[microminerals]] or [[vitamins]]. Owner neglect is also a frequent contributing factor in malnutrition.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/182902.htm
| title = Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases
| accessdate = 2006-10-27
| author = John E. Bauer, [[D.V.M.]], [[Ph.D.]], [[Dipl. A.C.V.N.]]
| date = 2005-1-1
| work = [[The Merck Veterinary Manual, 9th edition.]] ISBN 0-911910-50-6
| publisher = [[Merck & Co., Inc.]]
| language = English
}}</ref>
===Recalls===
{{main|2007 pet food recalls}}
The 2007 pet food recalls involved the massive [[Product recall|recall]] of many brands of [[domestic cat|cat]] and [[domestic dog|dog]] foods beginning in March 2007. The recalls came in response to reports of [[renal failure]] in pets consuming mostly wet pet foods made with [[wheat gluten]] from a single [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] company, beginning in February 2007. After more than three weeks of complaints from consumers, the recall began voluntarily with the [[Canada|Canadian]] company [[Menu Foods]] on [[March 16]] [[2007]], when a company test showed sickness and death in some of the test animals. Soon after, there were numerous media reports of animal deaths as a result of kidney failure, and several other companies who received the contaminated wheat gluten also voluntarily recalled dozens of pet food brands.
By the end of March, [[veterinary]] organizations reported more than 100 pet deaths amongst nearly 500 cases of kidney failure, with one online database self-reporting as many as 3,600 deaths as of [[April 11]]. As of [[April 8]], Menu Foods has confirmed only about 16 deaths. The U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] refuses to estimate the amount of sick or dead because there is no centralized government records database of animal sickness or death in the United States as there are with humans (such as the [[Centers for Disease Control]]). As a result, many sources speculate that the actual number of affected pets may never be known and experts are concerned that the actual death toll could potentially reach into the thousands.
Overall, several major companies have recalled more than 100 brands of pet foods, with most of the recalled product coming from Menu Foods. Although there are several theories of the source of the agent causing sickness in affected animals, with extensive government and private testing and forensic research, to date, no definitive cause has been isolated. As of [[April 10]], the most likely cause, according to the FDA, though not yet proven, is indicated by the presence of [[melamine]] in wheat gluten in the affected foods. The Chinese company behind the contaminated wheat gluten has initially denied any involvement in the contamination, but is cooperating with Chinese and American investigators.
In the United States, there has been extensive media coverage of the recall. There has been widespread public outrage and calls for [[government regulation]] of pet foods, which had previously been self-regulated by pet food manufacturers. The [[United States Senate]] held an oversight hearing on the matter by [[April 12]]. The economic impact on the pet food market has been extensive, with Menu Foods losing roughly [[United States Dollar|$]]30 Million alone from the recall. The events have caused distrust of most processed pet foods in some consumers.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{Commonscat}}
*From the U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] - [[Center For Veterinary Medicine]]
**[http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoods.htm Pet Foods]
**[http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petfoodflier.html Information For Consumers - FDA's Regulation Of Pet Food]
**[http://www.fda.gov/cvm/market.htm Information For Consumers - Information On Marketing A Pet Food Product]
**[http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petlabel.htm Information For Consumers - Interpreting Pet Food Labels]
**[http://www.fda.gov/cvm/labelint.htm Information For Consumers - Interpreting Pet Food Labels - Special Use Foods ]
**[http://www.fda.gov/cvm/may99.html#2564 Vegetarian Diets For Pets?]
*[http://www.vegsoc.org/info/catfood.html The Vegetarian Society UK on concerns relating to a vegetarian diet for cats]
*From [http://maxshouse.com/ Max's House] [http://maxshouse/Database_toc.htm Feline Medical And Behavior Database]
**[http://maxshouse.com/feline_nutrition.htm Feline Nutrition]
**[http://maxshouse.com/nutrition/aafco_cat_food_nutrient_profiles.htm Cat Food Nutrient Profiles]
**[http://maxshouse.com/feline_nutrition.htm#Dry_Food_vs_Canned_Food.__Which_is_reall Dry food v/s canned (wet) food]
**[http://maxshouse.com/Dispelling_The_Myth_that_Pets_Are_Used_In_Pet_Foods.htm Dispelling The Myth That Pets Are Used In Pet Foods]
*From [[Animal Protection Institute]]
**[http://www.api4animals.org/facts.php?p=359&more=1 Get The Facts - What's Really In Pet Food]
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