The Nutritional Value of Homemade Cat Treats

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Homemade cat treats are vital for every domestic cat from the docile and aloof to the calculating hunter. The latter relates to the most important aspect of nutrition throughout the history of the species. All cats are obligate carnivores. Thus, feed them meat. All cats including lions of the wild and your house cat need a significant amount of animal-based proteins. Felines cannot efficiently digest and use plant materials as a source of protein like human beings or even dogs. A plant-based diet will result in disease namely of the heart and the eyes. Proteins from animals have necessary amino acids. Taurine is a critical amino acid which is not found in plants. Taurine deficiency is a major reason for a sickly cat. Also, vitamins are found in animals such as liver which is a natural source of Vitamin A.

By feeding your feline meat, hydration intakes are better served. Meat holds more moisture. A cat, hunting in the wild will capture prey that is up to 75 percent water. Homemade cat food should mimic a cat's natural nutritional needs that have evolved over thousands of years. Cats are hunting carnivores. Their 4 canine teeth are used to grab prey. The skeleton is built for agility and cushioned pads on their paws allow silent stalking and less injury while sprinting and leaping. Prepare homemade cat food with mainly animal-based proteins. Give cats the same dietary ingredients by which their predecessors thrived.

To supplement homemade cat treats, they need pure drinking water. Cats are not very thirsty creatures. Long ago, cats were desert dwellers - their prey being the source of hydration and nutrition. Deadly kidney problems, it is believed, such as chronic renal failure occur from a long-term lack of water in the cat's diet such as feeding only dry food. A cat has a great reserve in their kidneys. Signs of chronic renal failure may not appear until most of the kidney tissue does not work. Have fresh water available at all times along with the feeding of a moisture-rich meal.

Further, a steady diet of dry food adds unnecessary carbohydrates. A cat does not need carbohydrates. A marked increase of such disturbs their blood sugar levels and can cause diabetes. Cats cannot process carbohydrates as efficiently as they can metabolize protein to glucose for energy. Carbohydrates are known to make a cat's urine alkaline. Their urine needs a pH balance of acidic. If a cat's urine is not within the acidic range of 6.0 to 6.5, crystals will develop. An acidic urine measure on the higher end will yield a growth of magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals. A pH value below 6 can cause calcium oxalate crystals.

Of course, a cat's diet cannot be 100 percent meat. Important minerals like calcium would be lacking. Calcium is needed for the proper function of bones, blood, muscles and nerves. Calcium can be found in bones, dairy and leguminous plants such as beans or peas. Another necessary mineral is phosphorous which fortunately is found in meat. The calcium phosphorous ratio of 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorous is good for your cat's health.

Artifacts from ancient Egypt have shown that cats were revered and worshiped. Somehow the modern house cat seems to expect this practice. This genetically sleek and sinewy predator, though easily intrigued by yarn and string, deserves the best. Your pet cannot control their food environment. However, you can. Homemade cat treats created with the correct balance of meat, water, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals promote excellent health and prevent the downside of deficiency.

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