Evanger's Nutrition Guide for your Beloved Pet

Author Archives: evangersnutrition

What you need to know about Cat Nutrition

What you need to know about Cat Nutrition

Evanger's Cat Nutrition Since cats are carnivores, their nutritional needs are quite different than those of their canine counterparts. With their unique liver and digestive enzymes, cats require larger amounts of protein, fatty acids and Vitamin A.

Felines are also very susceptible to obesity and potentially diabetes when consuming too many carbohydrates. In selecting cat food, check the label to confirm that it meets the standards set by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). All of Evanger’s cat food dinners not only meet AAFCO minimum nutritional needs, but also exceed them.

To help you select your cat food, consider its needs and the negative impact if those elements are missing.

  • High Protein With a diet that’s low in protein, a cat’s body will soon start breaking down the protein in its own muscle.
  • TaurineWhile they possess limited enzymes that can produce taurine, felines require high amounts of this amino acid that’s necessary for proper bile formation, eye health and proper heart muscle function.
  • Arginine The only way cats produce the amino acid ornithine is by converting it from arginine. Arginine deficiencies can lead to salivation, vocalization, ataxia and even death when ammonia levels become too elevated. Ingredients that will provide cats with a source of arginine include beef, poultry, seafood, pork, wild game such as pheasant.Evanger's Cat Nutrition
  • Arachidonic AcidWhile dogs can manufacture this essential fatty acid from linoleic acid or gamma-linolenic acid, cats can’t. Arachidonic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid, regulates skin growth, aids with blood clotting, and helps with reproductive and gastrointestinal system functions. Liver, chicken, duck, and salmon are beneficial ingredients to seek in cat food that provide a good source of arachidonic acid.
  • Active Form of Vitamin ASince cats lack the enzyme that can convert beta-carotene to retinol (active form of Vitamin A), they require a preformed Vitamin A present only in foods of animal origin. It’s typically listed as retinyl palmitate on food labels. Deficiency may contribute to night blindness, retarded growth, and poor quality skin and hair coat. Sweet potato, carrots, squash, tuna, or Vitamin A supplements can contribute Vitamin A to a cat’s nutritious diet.
  • Niacin Cats can’t manufacture sufficient quantities of this B vitamin from the amino acid tryptophan. Niacin deficiencies can lead to loss of appetite, weight loss, inflamed gums and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Look for fish, chicken, pork, beef, liver, or added Niacin supplements to deliver adequate Niacin in your cat’s food.

Typical Cat Feeding Mistakes

  • Overfeeding – One of the most common mistakes pet owners make when feeding cats is overfeeding. Obesity can lead to feline diabetes, arthritis and urinary tract disease. While Evanger’s cat foods are appropriate for all life stages, the serving size should be adjusted to the feline’s age, health, and activity levels. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight of your cat.Evanger's Cat Nutrition
  • The Dry Food Only Diet Because cats naturally produce highly concentrated urine, it is important to be aware that a dry food only diet can often lead to urinary tract problems due to low moisture levels in the food. A cat’s thirst drive is much lower than a dog’s, and hydration is an essential building block to optimal health in pets. Evanger’s recommends combining canned foods like Grain Free Game Meats with dry food to increase a cat’s water intake, thus maintaining proper hydtration for optimum health.
  • Grain-Based Diets – The starches in grain-based diets alkalize urine pH, which can lead to development of struvite crystals and stones in cats. To reduce urine pH in cats, choose a diet low in carbohydrates, grain-free, and species appropriate. Evanger’s offers a variety of canned cat foods, specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of cats. Evanger’s Beef it Up Dinner for Cats combines real beef and liver with butternut squash. Butternut squash is an excellent vitamin rich source of carbohydrate. Evanger’s Signature Series Slow Cooked Turkey Stew is another ideal combination of high quality turkey and liver protein with just a touch of fruit-based carbohydrates (cranberries and blueberries) in a palate pleasing gravy, which adds even more moisture to help keep cats well hydrated. Evanger’s Grain Free Game Meats are also ideal supplements to Evanger’s dry cat foods to increase moisture and protein content in a cat’s diet.

What can I feed my dog or cat recovering from illness?

A digestive disorder is a health issue reducing the digestion or absorption of food, or altering its passage through the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders will cause pain and other problems impacting a dog’s or cat’s stomach and intestines. Efficient digestion is essential so your pet can build tissues, repair tissues and gain energy. GIContinue Reading

When pet allergies are not caused by food

Did you know that food allergies are among the least common type of allergy in pets? That’s why it’s important to consider all possible allergens when pets suddenly exhibit signs of allergy such as itching. Especially when the change occurs during a seasonal transition, consider that an itchy pet may be suffering from allergies other thanContinue Reading

What You Need to Know About Dog Nutrition

What You Need to Know About Dog Nutrition

While domesticated dogs are largely carnivores, they do consume some omnivorous foods. A wild dog’s diet consists mainly of prey animal raw meat, organs, other tissue, raw bones and digested vegetable matter. Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to consume this type of diet. When you look at your dog’s teeth, you’ll notice thatContinue Reading

Dog Food for Giant Breed Dogs

Dog Food for Giant Breed Dogs

Dogs like Great Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards and Irish Wolfhounds that tip the scales at 100 pounds or heavier when fully grown are considered a giant breed. When it comes to feeding these big boys and girls, you have to consider their fast-track growth rates from puppyhood to adulthood, as well as their tendency forContinue Reading