The Role of Protein, Fat and Fibre in Your Cat's Diet

 

The Importance of High-Quality Protein

Fatty Acids

Moderately Fermentable Fibre

Fructoligosaccharides (FOS)

Not all protein sources are the same when it comes to feeding your cat. Cats are carnivores and require nutrients that aren't found in adequate amounts in plant proteins such as soya bean meal. Iams® cat nutrition products contain animal-based proteins that provide for all the essential amino acid requirements, like taurine, for cats. In addition, special quality assurance tests ensure that we only use high-quality, highly digestible protein sources.

Fatty acids are a key part of complete cat nutrition. The fatty acids found in vitamin-rich fish oils can play a role in promoting healthy skin, a shiny coat and overall health. Essential fatty acids, found in animal fat, are important for maintaining skin and coat health and to ensure the correct cell membrane structure. All Iams® products contain sources of these essential fatty acids.

Our research has shown that moderately fermentable fibre, such as beet pulp, enhances intestinal health. The fermentable part of the fibre 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 small and firm faeces.

Using only highly fermentable fibres can cause problems, such as excess gas. Whilst using only non-fermentable fibres, such as peanut hulls, promotes excess stool volume, because they cannot be broken down by intestinal bacteria.

All Iams® products contain a special fibre source of moderately fermentable fibre to help keep a cat's digestive system healthy.

FOS is a special fibre source that helps to stabilise the bacteria found in the intestine. This fibre helps to promote a healthy intestinal environment enhancing the cat’s ability to absorb nutrients and minimise litter tray waste and odour.