A DETAILED LIST OF DIFFERENCES IN INGREDIENTS FOR CATS AND DOGS

NUTRIENT

Protein Vitamin A (Retinol)

Niacin (An essential B vitamin)

Arginine (Building block for proteins that is involved in aiding the elimination of protein waste products)

Taurine (Responsible for the healthy functioning of the heart, retina, bile fluid and certain aspects of reproduction)

Arachidonic Acid (Fatty acid for fat utilization and energy production)

DOG

• If fed with perfectly balanced digestible protein, the dog will use 12% of it for growth metabolism and 4% for maintenance.

• Dogs can produce their own Vitamin A by breaking down plant carotenoids in the lining of their intestine using their enzymes.

• Dogs can obtain niacin by either converting trytophan (a dietary amino acid) into niacin or eating preformed Niacin.

• Dogs can produce arginine with their enzymes.

• Dogs can produce their taurine through their enzymes.

• Dogs can manufacture their own arachidonic acid from linoleic acid by eating proper fats.

CAT

• If fed with perfectly balanced digestible protein, the cat will use 20% of for growth metabolism and 12% for maintenance.

• Cats need more meat as they produce little or have no enzymes to break down plant-produced carotenoids.

• Cats can only eat preformed niacin because it cannot be produced by its own body’s chemical factory.

•Ever notice the strong smell of ammonia in a cat’s urine? As a cat’s meal is digested, protein is broken down, producing by-products such as ammonia. Arginine prevents ammonia toxicity, which can cause drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and even convulsions.

•Cats must eat meat to receive sufficient amounts of taurine. This amino acid prevents cats from retinal degradation.

• Cats are not capable of producing arachidonic acid even in the presence of linoleic acid, and are dependent on food sources to get this nutrient.