Document Detail


Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22005434     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Cats are strict carnivores and in the wild rely on a diet solely based on animal tissues to meet their specific and unique nutritional requirements. Although the feeding ecology of cats in the wild has been well documented in the literature, there is no information on the precise nutrient profile to which the cat's metabolism has adapted. The present study aimed to derive the dietary nutrient profile of free-living cats. Studies reporting the feeding habits of cats in the wild were reviewed and data on the nutrient composition of the consumed prey items obtained from the literature. Fifty-five studies reported feeding strategy data of cats in the wild. After specific exclusion criteria, twenty-seven studies were used to derive thirty individual dietary nutrient profiles. The results show that feral cats are obligatory carnivores, with their daily energy intake from crude protein being 52 %, from crude fat 46 % and from N-free extract only 2 %. Minerals and trace elements are consumed in relatively high concentrations compared with recommended allowances determined using empirical methods. The calculated nutrient profile may be considered the nutrient intake to which the cat's metabolic system has adapted. The present study provides insight into the nutritive, as well as possible non-nutritive aspects of a natural diet of whole prey for cats and provides novel ways to further improve feline diets to increase health and longevity.
Authors:
Esther A Plantinga; Guido Bosch; Wouter H Hendriks
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The British journal of nutrition     Volume:  106 Suppl 1     ISSN:  1475-2662     ISO Abbreviation:  Br. J. Nutr.     Publication Date:  2011 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-10-18     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0372547     Medline TA:  Br J Nutr     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  S35-48     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.151, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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