When it comes to feeding our feline friends, understanding their unique dietary needs is crucial for ensuring their long-term health and well-being. One area that often sparks debate is the role of carbohydrates in a cat’s diet. Are they necessary? Are they harmful? Let’s explore the myths and truths surrounding cats and carbohydrates to provide a clear, science-based perspective.
Understanding a Cat’s Natural Diet
To begin with, it’s important to understand that cats are obligate carnivores. This means that their natural diet in the wild primarily consists of animal tissue—muscle meat, organs, and bones—providing them with high levels of protein and fat. Carbohydrates are naturally present in low amounts in such a diet.1
Myth 1: Cats Don’t Need Carbohydrates
Truth: While it is true that cats have a lower carbohydrate requirement compared to dogs, it is a myth to say they don’t need any carbohydrates at all. Carbohydrates can provide a readily available energy source. However, unlike dogs, cats do not have a dietary requirement for carbohydrates because their bodies are adapted to metabolize protein and fat for energy. Cats have a unique metabolic pathway that allows them to convert protein into glucose through gluconeogenesis, meeting their energy needs without relying heavily on carbohydrates.2
Myth 2: Cats cannot digest and utilize carbohydrates?
Truth: Cats possess some unique physiological traits that affect how they process carbohydrates. For example, they lack salivary amylase, an enzyme that helps break down starches, and have lower levels of pancreatic amylase compared to other species.3 Despite these differences, studies have shown that cats can effectively digest and metabolize carbohydrates when they are properly cooked and processed.4,5
Myth 3: Carbohydrates Cause Obesity in Cats
Truth: Obesity in cats is a multifactorial issue, with overfeeding and lack of physical activity being the primary contributors. While a diet high in carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, especially if it leads to an excessive overall caloric intake, it is not the sole cause of obesity.6 In fact, data provide evidence that in cats, high dietary fat, but not carbohydrate, induces weight gain.6 It’s crucial to manage portion sizes and ensure that a cat’s diet is balanced, providing the necessary nutrients without excess calories. In some cases, reducing carbohydrate intake may help with weight management, particularly for cats prone to obesity or diabetes, but it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes proper feeding practices and regular exercise.
Myth 4: All Carbohydrates Are Bad for Cats
Truth: Not all carbohydrates are created equal, and their impact on a cat’s health depends on the type and quantity. Dietary carbohydrates include simple sugars (mono- and disaccharides), complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides and starches), and indigestible carbohydrates (dietary fibers).2 Simple carbohydrates, like sugars, can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, which may be harmful over time, particularly for cats with diabetes or insulin resistance. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains and vegetables, break down more slowly and can provide a gradual release of energy. Additionally, certain carbohydrates like dietary fiber play an important role in digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements and preventing issues like constipation.
Carbohydrates in Commercial Cat Foods
In commercial cat foods, carbohydrates are often used as fillers and binders, especially aiding in the extrusion process for dry kibble. While high-quality cat foods aim to limit unnecessary fillers, some carbohydrate content is almost unavoidable in processed diets. The key is to choose a cat food that prioritizes high-quality animal proteins and fats, with carbohydrates used sparingly and appropriately.
Balancing Your Cat’s Diet
For most cats, a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates is ideal. However, every cat is different, and factors such as age, activity level, and health status should be considered when determining the best diet. Cats with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, may benefit from a more carefully controlled carbohydrate intake, often requiring a specially formulated diet by certified pet nutritionist to manage their condition effectively.
In summary, while cats do not need carbohydrates in the same way that they need protein and fat, moderate amounts of the right types of carbohydrates can be included in a balanced diet. Understanding the difference between harmful excesses and beneficial inclusions is key to making informed decisions about your cat’s nutrition.
If you have concerns about your cat’s diet, especially in relation to carbohydrate content, you can book a consultation with me to tailor a diet plan that meets your cat’s specific needs. As always, ensuring that your feline friend receives a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is the best way to support their health and longevity.
References:
- Plantinga EA, Bosch G, Hendriks WH. Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats. Br J Nutr. 2011;106(suppl 1):S35–S48. doi:10.1017/ S0007114511002285
- Verbrugghe A, Hesta M. Cats and carbohydrates: the carnivore fantasy? Vet Sci. 2017;4(4):55 doi:10.3390/ vetsci4040055
- Kienzle E. Carbohydrate metabolism of the cat. 1. Activity of amylase in the gastrointestinal tract of the cat. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 1993;69(1–5):92–101. doi:10.1111/j.1439–0396.1993.tb00793.x
- Morris JG, Trudell J, Pencovic T. Carbohydrate digestion by the domestic cat (Felis catus). Br J Nutr. 1977;37(3):365– 373. doi:10.1079/bjn19770040
- Kienzle E. Carbohydrate metabolism of the cat. 2. Digestion of starch. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 1993;69(1–5):102–114. doi:10.1111/j.1439–0396.1993. tb00794.x
- Backus, R. C., Cave, N. J., & Keisler, D. H. (2007). Gonadectomy and high dietary fat but not high dietary carbohydrate induce gains in body weight and fat of domestic cats. British Journal of Nutrition, 98(03), 641. doi:10.1017/s0007114507750869