Like a cat, a kitten's dietary requirement relies on nutrients from animal tissues. Cats are meat eaters - often referred to as obligate carnivores. Wildcats have survived for thousands of years on their prey which is high in protein and approximately 75 percent water. Specifically, proteins are made of 23 different amino acids. A kitten can make 12, but the remaining 11 known as the essential amino acids must come from their diets. Animal proteins from meat such as chicken and turkey contain these amino acids.
Taurine Is A Necessary Amino Acid For Feeding Kittens
An example of an essential amino acid paramount for young felines is taurine. This must come from animal tissues. Taurine helps a kitten develop and sustain a strong heart and optimal vision. Naturally occurring Vitamin A from animal tissue is important since cats cannot convert beta-carotene from vegetables. To support their immune system, a kitten needs a balance of vitamins and minerals such as the B Vitamins of thiamine and niacin. They also need fatty acids such as linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. The calcium phosphorous ratio for a kitten is very important and could be unbalanced with improper supplementation.
With a healthy diet, a kitten will thrive. In the first few weeks of life alone, a kitten may triple its weight. The benefits of eating nutritionally sound recipes will show in your little cat's glossy coat, steady weight gain and healthy digestive system. A kitten has a smaller stomach and will need to eat smaller portions 3 to 4 times a day. As your pet ages from 6 months to 12 months, try for 2 meals a day. Be advised that kittens may not eat as much during the time when they lose their teeth and may suffer from sore gums. This happens between 4 to 7 months of age.
Feeding Kittens The Correct Amount of Food Is Essential
A danger with feeding kittens regards excess. Too many feedings lead to obesity, and too many supplements cause severe medical problems. A diet of mostly fish can cause Vitamin E deficiency while a diet which is only meat will upset the calcium phosphorous ratio. Be wary of feeding certain raw foods to kittens. Raw meat and liver contain pathogenic bacteria and parasites. Also raw eggs can lead to a decrease in the absorption of B vitamins, while raw fish can result in a thiamin deficiency.As always, water is the most important nutrient for a growing animal. However, felines are not thirsty. Have fresh purified water available. Designate a quiet area for the kitten to get hydrated and nourished.
Young cats in the wild have lived in a natural environment. We can recreate this for our adorable kittens. Try feeding kittens homemade cat food as one of their meals and extend this practice into adulthood.
Homemade Cat Food Recipes For Feeding Kittens
