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Why Every Ingredient Matters in Feline Nutrition

Last updated 23 April 2024

This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Michelle Wong BVSc in partnership with Black Hawk .

We are what we eat. So it makes sense that the ingredients and quality of what we feed our pets can have a direct impact on their health and wellbeing.  

For example, cats depend on food intake to acquire taurine - an essential amino acid that helps to support a healthy cardiovascular system.

Therefore, prioritising our pet's nutrition and tailoring it to meet their specific needs, should be a top priority for every pet owner.

 

Understanding Pet Nutrition Basics 


Ingredients in pet foods are formulated from two essential categories - macro and micro nutrients.


Macronutrients:

  • These are required by the body in relatively large amounts.
  • There are three main types : carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

 

Micronutrients:

  • These are required in smaller amounts. 
  • They include vitamins and minerals.


But there are other factors to consider, like the fact cats are obligate carnivores. Meaning there is a certain amount of daily protein intake they require from meat, to satisfy their needs.


The Role of Ingredients in Pet Food 


Each specially selected ingredient, when balanced in the right amounts, provides a different attribute for your pet's daily health. 

  • Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as for various metabolic functions. They are found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and legumes.
  • Grains and Carbohydrates provide energy and an important source of fibre for digestive health. They are found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Fats are concentrated sources of energy and are important for cell structure, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. They are found in foods like oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
  • Vitamins are organic compounds - essential for various metabolic processes in the body. They play roles in energy production, immune function, cell growth and repair and are found in a wide variety of foods.
  • Minerals are inorganic elements that are essential for various bodily functions, such as bone health, fluid balance, and nerve function. They include calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, among others and are also found in a variety of foods. 

Premium pet foods such as Blackhawk are complete and offer these essential ingredients in perfect balance to support your pet’s nutritional needs. 

Black Hawk Natural Cat Food

Addressing Specific Dietary Needs 


Choosing the right nutrition for your cat means taking into consideration their lifestage and lifestyle.

Kittens need kitten food that can provide the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Mature age and senior cats can benefit from tailor-made diets for their age, helping to support their health as they grow older.

Pets who are prone to certain health problems can benefit from diets made for specific needs. For example the Black Hawk Healthy Benefits range is specially formulated to help address health concerns your cat may have. Black Hawk Hairball diet has a specific blend of natural fibres to aid digestion and reduce hairball formation. Black Hawk Weight management diet is low in calories but packed with lean protein to help maintain healthy weight and muscle. 

Natural Diets For Specific Needs


 

The Importance of Ingredient Transparency and Quality 


Premium food brands not only use high quality ingredients for their foods but will also have strict quality control to ensure consistent standards and superior hygiene practices. They are transparent with where they source their ingredients and what exactly is in their food.

High quality brands such as Black Hawk tend to list meat as the primary ingredient, and also specify the type of meat (e.g. chicken). Some low-cost supermarket pet foods contain vague ingredients on the label and meat may not be the first ingredient on the list. Cheaper pet foods use whatever is cheap at the time and may use a larger amount of grains to bulk up the food.

The order by which each ingredient is listed on the food label will indicate the amount contained in that particular diet (i.e. the first ingredient contributes the highest amount in that diet). Understand more about reading pet food labels.


An ideal pet food would clearly state the type of meat proteins used in the formula and should include a healthy balance of carbohydrates. This means no excess grains or 'fillers'. Premium natural foods avoid artificial flavours, colours and preservatives and opt for natural options instead.


Individual Nutrition for Pets 


While selecting good quality food for your pet is important, we should also consider their personal health needs. Pets with existing health issues should follow a dietary plan recommended by their treating veterinarian. Prescription diets must be fed exclusively.

If you are unsure which food is best for your pet, reach out to our Pet Circle Vet Squad for assistance and recommendations. Available 7 days a week to provide general advice for your pet.

 

Further Reading