Should I give my cat vegetables?
I heard that some fruits and vegetables are good for my dog. Should I give my cat veggies also?
Cats are true carnivores, requiring a diet mainly of meat and meat products. Dogs are omnivores, with the ability to exist on a diet of meat and plant products combined. Because cats are carnivorous, veggies are not on the top of cats list of needed nutrients. Fun Fact: Vitamin C is not needed in the feline diet.
Taurine on the other hand is an essential nutrient for cats, whereas dogs make their own. If a cat is taurine deficient, they may develop heart disease and other health issues.
What is Taurine?
Taurine is a type of amino acid, and amino acids form the main constituents of all proteins. Taurine is exclusively found in animal-based proteins. It is critical for normal vision, normal digestion, normal heart muscle function, to maintain normal pregnancy and fetal development, and to maintain a healthy immune system. Taurine is an essential amino acid in the cat.
Cat foods that contain high-quality animal-based protein will supply adequate levels of taurine for a normal, healthy cat.
Tip: Add Total-Zymes® to a cat’s food at each meal. Total-Zymes® will help digest the precious Taurine that a cat needs.
Note: Dog food does not contain enough taurine to meet the normal requirements for a cat. Do not feed your cat dog food.
