Posted by Max Gottlieb on 1st Aug 2016
There may still be debate in some circles as to whether dogs are carnivores or omnivores, but science has made it clear that canines prefer meat for primary fuel, even though they “may” be able to tolerate some vegetable foods to a degree.
The key word here is “tolerate.” It is also well established that cats are obligate carnivores and do not have the biological capacity to derive nutrition from plant foods – although it may be hard to tell considering the way some kitties devour grain-laden kibble.
Just like us, our pets become addicted to flavor and taste as opposed to nutrient content, often ignoring the food their bodies so desperately need, opting instead for what satisfies their taste buds. It’s essentially the same as when we choose sugar and fat-filled fast food instead of a clean, home-cooked meal we know will nourish us far better. The difference is, we have control over our impulses and can make calculated decisions while our pets don’t, they follow our lead .
Another very important difference between us and our beloved animals is digestion, more specifically the digestive enzyme Amylase which is produced in saliva and helps break down carbohydrates long before they reach the stomach. The production of Amylase is significant in that without it, most plant foods move through the body completely undigested, which is the case when cats eat grains since they do not produce the enzyme whatsoever. Dogs, on the other hand, do produce some Amylase enzyme however it is not present in the saliva but introduced later on in the digestive process through the pancreas and small intestine. This biological distinction between canines and felines provides us with much needed insight into the importance of diet and supplementation and the health of our pets.
For cat owners who incorporate grains in their cat’s diet , a quality Amylase-containing enzyme product is absolutely critical to sustain any form of digestive health . In the same respect, dog owners who feed using more than 15-20% grains should also seriously consider an amylase-containing product, this will relieve a ton of pressure on their pancreas and small intestine to produce enough Amylase for carb overload. That being said, science supports a diet of 100% meat for cats and 85% or greater meat for dogs (preferably raw and organic) to achieve optimal health and nutrition. High quality digestive enzymes for dogs and digestive enzymes for cats tailored specifically to their respective systems is critical for long lasting health and longevity.
9 Telltale Signs Your Cat May Be Depressed
This is a tricky subject, mainly because every furry little feline has their own unique set of characteristics that make them who they are. Some cats naturally love to communicate verbally while others seldom make a sound. Some cats are hyper-inquisitive while others are simply less interested and would rather enjoy their own company. The key to pinpointing depression [...]
Awaken Your Cat's Inner Athlete!
Let’s be honest, in their younger years kittens would literally fly around the house with reckless abandon, using furniture as props to jump over and around you. But nowadays your once young, energetic feline is plastered to the couch, often only tempted to move by the possibility of more food or perhaps the occasional trip to the litter box. Is [...]
Top 4 Foods that are Surprisingly Bad for Your Cat
Milk and Dairy is a no-no – It’s a little known fact, and most folks are surprised to learn that the majority of cats are actually born lactose intolerant. As a result, the feline system has an incredibly difficult time digesting any dairy products. Diarrhea may occur along with upset stomach and lethargy as a result. Tuna, only okay [...]
Ask Dr. Goodpet ~ Live Chat is Now Available!
Do you have questions regarding your pets? Or do you need answers pertaining to specific products? Please don't hesitate to ask. With our new Live Chat option you can visit us here at www.goodpet.com and get answers from Dr. Goodpet himself, as well as ask any question you want as it relates to the health of [...]
Why Diet & Exercise are Critical to Your Pet's Health
Obesity in pets has become a major problem over the past two decades. Our beloved dogs and cats are falling victim to this problem right under our noses. Being obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat to sustain life, cats are actually at a much greater risk of becoming overweight and obese. Thanks to the heavily marketed grain-centric [...]
Pure Shampoo: A Must-Have for your Dogs and Cats
As responsible and loving owners, we only want the best for our dogs and cats, especially when it comes to health and hygiene. There are hundreds of pet shampoos and conditioners on the market to choose from, but you might be wondering, “What makes these specially formulated for my pet?” Well, the truth might disturb you - that is, today [...]
Miraculous Health Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs & Cats
Lately, coconut oil has gained momentum as one of the leading health foods on the market, and for good reason. Use of the highly nutritious oil extracted from fresh coconuts has demonstrated 3 incredible benefits aside from increased energy, fat loss, protecting hair and skin from harmful sun rays and boosting brain function, to name [...]
Why Feline Digestive Enzymes are So Important for Your Cat
Diet is paramount when considering the health of your cat. Felines are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat in order to survive. Unfortunately, a lot of food out there offered for cats contains little meat and is filled with grain. Felines naturally produce the enzymes required to absorb all the nutrition from meat, NOT [...]
5 Things You Can Do to Instantly Improve Your Cat’s Health
Switch From Dry Food to Meat - This is perhaps the QUICKEST way to improve your cat’s health almost over-night. It’s imperative to understand that felines are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet in order to sustain life. While dogs have evolved to be able to process and utilize plant material for energy, cats do not share this [...]