IAMS IN
The Importance of Protein, Fat, and Fiber in Cat Food
The Importance of Protein, Fat, and Fiber in Cat Food

adp_description_block378
The Importance of Protein, Fat, and Fiber in Cat Food

  • Share

Unique Protein in Our Cat Foods

Our cat food products contain animal-based proteins that provide all the essential amino acid requirements for cats. In addition, special refining and quality assurance tests ensure that we only use high-quality, highly digestible protein sources for increased digestibility.
 

Cats, best fed as true carnivores, require essential nutrients that aren't found in plant proteins such as soybean meal. For example, cats require taurine, which can only be found in animal-based proteins.

 

Unique Fatty Acids in Our Cat Foods

There are two important types of fatty acids for cats, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids, found in chicken fat and corn, are essential for maintenance of skin and coat and proper membrane structure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in ingredients such as canola, fish meal or fish oil, and flax. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important in blood clotting and in managing inflammation, among other things. All of our products contain sources of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
 

IAMS™ research has shown that including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio between 5:1 to 10:1 provides for optimal skin and coat condition in dogs. All of our products contain an adjusted omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio between 5:1 to 10:1.

 

Unique Fiber in Our Foods

IAMS research has shown that moderately fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, enhances intestinal health. The fermentable part of the fiber is broken down by intestinal bacteria to provide short-chain fatty acids, an energy source for intestinal cells. The non-fermentable component provides bulk for normal feces.
 

Using only highly fermentable fibers can cause problems, such as excess gas, while using only non-fermentable fibers, such as peanut hulls, promotes excess stool volume, because they are of no nutritional value.
 

All of our products, including IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, contain a patented fiber system of moderately fermentable fiber to help keep dogs’ and cats’ digestive systems healthy.

 

  • senior-cat-nutrition-facts-and-fixes
    senior-cat-nutrition
    adp_description_block224
    Senior Cat Nutrition Facts and Fixes

    • Share

    So, your baby's not a baby anymore.

    You remember the first time you met like it was yesterday, but lately you find yourself wondering if your cat has entered the golden years.

     

    Here are some things to know about senior cats, including signs they’re ageing and ways to alter their diets to keep them going strong.

     

    Cats reach their senior years around age 11.

    Gasp!

    Is my baby ... old?

     

    But older cats are kinda like older people

    A 12-year-old cat is equivalent to a 64-year-old human.

    This 64-year-old

    ran a marathon,

    so you never

    know.

     

    Don't worry; it's normal.

    Just like people, cats often show signs that they're getting older:

    • Decreased activity

    • Joint weakness

    • A picky palate

    • Confused by the internet

     

    A complete and balanced diet is important, whether or not your cat has underlying health issues.

     

    Reasons to change a senior cat's diet:

     

    1. Obesity

    We get it. Indoor cats have less opportunity to exercise than outdoor cats. Just don’t let those calories add up to unwanted pounds.

    10 extra calories a day = up to 1 pound a year.

     

    2. Underweight

    Picky eating in older age often comes from a reduced ability to taste and smell. Cats 14 years and older are 15 times more likely to be too skinny.

    So make sure you’re feeding your cat a food that’s high in calorie density and as tasty as possible.

     

    3. Heart Disease

    Senior cats with heart disease may need a special veterinarian-prescribed food.

     

    4. Kidney Disease

    Senior cats with kidney issues may need veterinarian-prescribed food that's lower in potassium and protein.

     

    5. Diabetes

    Cats with diabetes may need to eat a special veterinarian-prescribed diet.

     

    6. Dental Issues

    Consider adding dry food to your cat’s diet which can help remove plaque buildup.

     

    Bring on the meat!

    All adults cats, regardless of age, should be fed a carnivorous diet.

    An animal-based protein should be the first ingredient on any cat food label.

     

    What about supplements?

    Good news: You don’t have to worry about providing additional supplements when you choose IAMS™. All foods are nutritionally complete and balanced.

     

     iams-shite-cat-sittingarticle-header
     iams-cat-sleeping
Close modal