Energy
Energy is an especially important part of a kitten's diet. Food contains chemical energy and when food is eaten and broken down in the body, the energy released becomes the fuel necessary to carry out body functions and day-to-day activities.
Kittens have higher energy requirements than adults as their bodies are still constantly growing. Because of this, kitten diets are specially formulated to contain the right energy levels to promote healthy growth and development.
With cats being carnivores, the energy in cat food is derived primarily from protein and fats, but to a lesser extent, carbohydrates as well.
On food packaging, you would see 'Metabolisable Energy' or 'ME' often listed as kcal (kilocalories) and this value can differ across products, even those of the same brand.
Digestibility
Using quality ingredients is one thing, but whether or not an animal can readily use the nutrients contained in a diet is another. Digestibility essentially refers to how much a particular food can be digested, that is to say, how much of what an animal eats can easily be broken down, processed, and absorbed by an animal's body. Even if a particular ingredient is full of nutrients, if it's not digestible, our pets lose out on the nutritional benefits. Apart from just the specific ingredients, the form in which these ingredients are used, where they are sourced, how they are processed or prepared, as well as the specific quantities and ratios they are added are all factors that affect the digestibility of the diet.
Now how do we know if a kitten's diet is digestible? While manufacturers take care of the technical aspects of measuring digestibility via feeding trials and laboratory tests, cat parents can have a closer look at their kitty's stool quality. In general, healthy stools are formed, not too soft nor too hard, and easy to pick up or clean up. In terms of volume, your kitten's poops should be proportionate to how much they eat. If your kitten's stool quality, volume or consistency has changed, diet could be a factor but as digestive upsets can commonly occur with younger pets, it would be best to investigate this further with your veterinarian.
Protein
Protein is a macronutrient composed of smaller units called amino acids. This nutrient is a vital component in a kitten's diet because kittens undergo a period of rapid growth and development and to fuel this, they require sufficient protein to serve as the building blocks of their growing bodies.
As obligate carnivores, cats require more protein compared to dogs, which are considered omnivores. While cats have evolved to be able to digest carbohydrates to an extent, protein is still their main nutritional requirement as they have a limited ability to synthesise certain amino acids (like taurine and arginine) as readily as omnivores and herbivores, and cats can obtain these amino acids largely from animal protein.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that for growth and reproduction, cats require a diet that's at least 30% protein. However, this does not mean that cats need an excessive amount of protein. Excess protein beyond what your kitten requires may lead to health issues in the long run.
Calcium
As the most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is primarily known for its major role in the formation of healthy bones and teeth. As kittens grow, they require more calcium than adult cats to support healthy skeletal growth and development; 99% of the calcium in the body is stored in bones, with the remaining 1% utilised in a variety of body functions like muscle contraction, blood clotting, enzyme activity, nervous functions, hormones, etc.
If calcium is important, does that mean your kitten needs a calcium supplement? No, not necessarily. A healthy kitten that's kept on a high quality, complete and balanced diet should have no need for supplementation as this provides them all required nutrients and in the right amounts. Excessive calcium can result in certain nutrient deficiencies, skeletal abnormalities, and may even contribute to urinary issues, which cats are notorious for. It's important to first reach out to your veterinarian before starting your kitten on any supplements to ensure they are suitable.
Fatty Acids (DHA)
Omega fatty acids are known mostly for their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 and omega-6 are the more popular forms of omega fatty acids and a healthy balance between the two are often recommended for optimal health in pets.
Omega-3 is typically derived from fish, like salmon, mackerel, and trout. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, are often from vegetable oils. For kittens, omega-3 fatty acids in the form of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is essential as this plays a key role in supporting healthy retinal development (vision) and brain development.
Compared to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA is taken up more by cats but omega fatty acids in general provide several health benefits. Omegas work like a wonder ingredient as they help reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin and coat, joint health, immune response, and even cardiovascular functions. Commercial diets often include a combination of omega fatty acids in optimal amounts to promote overall health.
Antioxidants
Physiological processes produce free radicals, a normal byproduct kept in check by the body's antioxidant defence systems. However, certain other factors such as inflammation and external forms of stress like pollution and toxins can all contribute to the production of free radicals. These molecules, when left unchecked, would act on the cells of the body, causing damage and oxidative stress.
The main purpose of antioxidants is protection against oxidative stress. Antioxidants work via a chemical reaction to neutralise free radicals, thereby protecting the cells and helping support the body's immune system. Certain antioxidants also have other benefits. Vitamins A, C, and E, for example, assist with healthy vision. Selenium, which is a mineral, is used up by the body to produce natural antioxidants like glutathione.
Kittens, like other young animals, are still growing and can be rather delicate especially while they're still quite young. Antioxidants help to provide them extra support in this stage of life, helping to ensure healthy growth and development.
Intolerance of kittens to cow's milk
It is important to note that cow's milk is not suitable to give kittens. When kittens are still drinking mum's milk, their bodies produce lactase, the enzyme required to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. However, cow's milk is higher in lactose than cat's milk and it doesn't contain the right balance of nutrients for kittens; a small kitten's tummy would be unable to tolerate or digest it properly, resulting in diarrhoea and dehydration.
