Biologically speaking at least, the similarities between the majestic beast that stalks buffalo on the veldt and the feline friend that stalks your slipper on the lounge-room floor are a lot closer than you might think.

Not that we're encouraging Moggy to take on a buffalo any time soon, but you may not realise that large and small cats share not only whiskers, grace and evolutionary DNA, but a similar reliance and need for high levels of protein within their Macro Nutrient Profile or MNP..

So, what is MNP - We're glad you asked!

A cat's Macro-Nutrient Profile is the balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate that produces the optimal nutritional combination to ensure natural good health. As all cats, from devoted domestic to large leonine, are carnivores, their optimal MNP relies on high levels of protein, moderate levels of fat and low levels of carbohydrate.

So what is it about protein that's so important for cats?

The metabolisms of carnivores (like your cat) are different from most other species. Their bodies process these elements in quite a unique manner and a protein rich diet is the foundation of their physical wellbeing and what keeps them healthy, lean, and well, cat-like.

So, that means my cat's needs are best served by feeding it a lion-like diet of fresh meat, right?

Interestingly, in the wild, while cats do get their protein primarily from fresh meat, alternate sources also contribute proteins and supplementary nutrients, and it's these other sources that are more difficult to approximate in a domestic situation on a fresh meat diet alone. It's also true that whilst a high level of quality protein is important, there are other vital ingredients required for optimal health.

An optimal balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate will help sustain a healthy skin and coat and the appropriate levels of protein in a cat's diet promotes strong, lean muscle condition.

When comparing brands in the supermarket it is important to look for a premium dry cat food that has the correct balance that includes a relatively high protein level. Of the current available brands, the OPTIMUM Dry cat range has the highest quality protein level of up to 43% - which is approximately double that of fresh meat as shown in the table below.

Product % Protein per 100 gms
OPTIMUM Kitten 43%
OPTIMUM Adult 41%
Purina ONE Kitten 40%
Purina ONE Adult 34%
Purina ONE Natural Blends Adult 34%
Supercoat Kitten 32%
Supercoat Adult 30%
Eukanuba Kitten 36%
Eukanuba Adult 34%
Beef mince 19%
Salmon 20%
Chicken Breast 23%

For more information on how to get more protein into your cat's diet, click here

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