If you’ve ever wondered why your cat turns up its nose at carbs, you’re not alone. While cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins, many cats nevertheless enjoy a little kibble now and again – even if it’s mostly for the taste.
Why is it difficult for cats to digest carbohydrates? Let’s take a closer look.
Why can’t cats digest carbohydrates?
Ever wondered why your kitty can’t eat a bowl of cereal as people do? The answer lies in the way cats digest their food. Unfortunately for our furry friends, felines are unable to break down and absorb carbohydrates because their digestive systems don’t produce enough of the enzymes needed to do this.
This means that cats mainly survive on a diet high in proteins and fat. However, many veterinarians hope that more research into cat nutrition may help us discover more about their digestion, so we can better understand how to keep them healthy over the long run.
What do carbohydrates do for cats?
Carbs are an incredibly important part of a cat’s diet. Cats require carbohydrates to provide them the energy they need for their active lifestyles, from running around and playing to hunting down their prey. Sources of carbohydrates include grains and vegetables that cats consume by eating plant material or animals that have eaten it themselves.
Not only do carbs give cats the power to live full and healthy lives, but they also help their overall digestion – certain grains contain dietary fiber, which can aid in maintaining healthy gut bacteria as well as promoting stool consistency and regularity. All in all, carbs are vital components of a cat’s nutritional needs, providing them with sustained energy production while contributing to a balanced diet.
What carbohydrates do cats need?
Cats are carnivorous and need a lot of protein to stay healthy. However, they also benefit from some carbohydrates in their diet. Like humans, cats need carbohydrates for energy, and they can get these from certain grains like rice or wheat as well as tubers like potatoes.
Cats also need complex carbohydrates found in high-quality kibble and wet food; these provide long-lasting energy that’s not just a sugar rush. If you plan on feeding your cat raw foods, be sure to throw in some cooked rice or other grains for variety and balanced nutrition. As with anything else in your cat’s diet – moderation is key!
Should cats eat carbohydrates?
With their small frames and energy to spare, it’s no wonder some owners might be wondering if carbohydrates are anything cats could benefit from. In general, the jury is still out on this one, as different cat food brands have different perspectives and recommendations on this matter. What we do know is that cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diets should primarily consist of proteins and fats from animal sources to stay healthy – not carbs.
With that being said, most foods will contain some level of carbohydrate since they derive a portion of their calories from grains such as wheat and corn. As with anything else when it comes to your cat’s diet, moderation is key: too much protein or fat can be bad for them too. It’s a good idea to check your pet food label to have an idea of the specific ingredients in your cat’s meals!
What carbohydrates are hard to digest?
Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient we need in our diets for energy, but some types can be harder for our bodies to digest than others. When it comes to carbohydrates that are more difficult to process, complex carbs like whole grains and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, and peas are usually the culprits.
Refined carbs like white flour and sugar should typically be avoided altogether since they can be even tougher on our digestive systems. If you do choose to include these foods in your diet, make sure they’re in moderation since they can deep-six healthy digestion if overconsumed.
What foods can cats not digest?
When it comes to handling the foods cats should and shouldn’t eat, it can get a little tricky. Although cats can generally handle many human foods just fine, there are some that simply don’t sit well with their digestive tract.
Dairy products—including cheese, cream, and yogurt—can often cause stomach irritation or even vomiting in cats due to their low levels of lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose. Grapes, raisins, and onions contain compounds that are toxic to felines, so steer clear of these items as well.
Lastly, any undercooked meat or seafood may contain bacteria that will make your cat ill if ingested, so always feed them cooked foods only. As with all animals, the best way to keep your cat healthy is through a balanced diet nutritionally designed for them.
Concluding Remarks
So there you have it – now you know why it can be difficult for cats to digest carbohydrates and all the different factors that contribute to this issue. To summarize, cats are naturally adapted to consume a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet; as a result, their bodies are struggling to break down complex sugars due to their lack of amylase enzymes in their digestive tract and small intestine.
Additionally, cats’ shorter digestive tracts mean that any carbohydrates they ingest take longer for their bodies to process and absorb. Ultimately, this means that food with higher amounts of carbohydrates may be difficult for them to process so pet owners should opt for foods that contain more lean proteins such as chicken or fish instead.
All in all, it is important to consider your cat’s dietary needs when choosing which cat food would work best for them in order to ensure good health.
