The Feline Food Pyramid

Fat Cat
While animal protein is the mainstay of the feline food pyramid, your cat also needs animal fat to thrive. Indeed, fat fills the second-largest slot in the pyramid. "A mouse is almost half fat," points out Dr. Perea, referring to a feline's diet in the wild. Cats specifically need a fatty substance called arachidonic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid essential for energy production. This acid is not found in vegetable oils, only in animal fat. Additionally, fish fat provides Omega-3 fatty acid, which may prevent a host of inflammatory conditions that could affect everything from your cat's arteries to its urinary tract.

Grains Prevent Pains 
Grains are second from the top in the feline food pyramid. Cats require less fiber than protein or fat, but they do need it. Carbohydrates are not only an energy source for cats, but they also aid digestive functioning. "Fiber can help with the health of the large intestine," says Dr. Perea, "It makes for a healthier gastrointestinal tract."

Fruits and Veggies
While you don't need to start feeding your cat green salads and fruit cups, you may want to seek out a cat food that contains them, or at least lists the antioxidant Vitamin E found in green leafy vegetables as well as apples, berries and mangos, to name a few. Vitamin E plays a role in the formation and maintenance of cells, and also in the metabolism of fats. Cats benefit from the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, if only in small amounts. 

The USDA may not be offering nutritional advice for cats any time soon, but educated cat owners can nevertheless ensure that their four-legged friends get all the nutrients they need. With the right proportions from the right food groups, your pet's diet will satisfy the feline food pyramid guidelines while satisfying your feline's hunger, too.

 More Cat Food & Feeding Articles
 Browse Cat Food & Feeding Questions & Answers