Cat Nutrients - Which Do They Need?
In the wild, big cats get all the nutrition they need from their prey. While your feline friend shares their cousins' natural instinct to eat whatever they catch, they rely on you to feed them a healthy, balanced diet. So it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what they need.
Vitamins for growth
Your cat needs vitamins for all sorts of important bodily functions. They help their vision, bone growth and metabolism – in fact, almost every part of your cat’s body needs vitamins for one reason or another. And each vitamin has its own role to play. For example, if your cat cuts their paw, one vitamin will help stop the bleeding, while another will help repair the skin.
Cat foods containing liver, kidneys, yeast and grains are all good sources of vitamins. All the vitamins your cat needs, in exactly the right amounts, can be found in Whiskas® Adult food.
Minerals for bones
A good supply of minerals will make sure your cat has strong teeth and bones, and keep their metabolism working efficiently. Make sure they don't overdo it though – too many minerals can be difficult to absorb.
The major minerals your cat needs are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium chloride, magnesium. They also need trace elements including iron, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium.
Cat foods containing fish, meat, liver and cereals are good sources of minerals. If you feed your cat a balanced, prepared adult food like Whiskas®, they'll get all the minerals they need in just right amounts, so there’ll be no need to give them any supplements.
Essential fatty acids for health
Your cat needs essential fatty acids to maintain the health of their skin, coat, reproductive system and metabolism. Not only are they a major source of energy, fats and essential fatty acids also make their meals taste great. They also transport vitamins A, D, E and K around the body.
Cat foods containing animal fats and vegetable oils are good sources of fats and essential fatty acids.
Carbohydrates and fibre for digestion
Your cat will use the carbohydrates they eat either as an energy source, or as a source of dietary fibre. Fibre supports good digestion and proper stool consistency. Cat foods containing grains such as rice, corn and wheat are good sources of carbohydrates.
Protein for strength
Your cat needs protein for healthy growth and muscle tone. Proteins are found in most living tissue, including hair, skin, nails and muscles, and provide the essential amino acids that your cat needs to stay fit and healthy. There are thousands of different proteins in your cat's body, and they all do different things.
You'll find lots and lots of protein in cat foods with meat, eggs, fish, grains, and yeast.
Feeding your cat Whiskas® is the best way to give them the right nutrition. Whiskas® provides a perfectly balanced diet, with all the nutrients needed to keep your cat happy and healthy! View our full range of dry food and wet food.
