Cat Nutrition 101: What Cats Actually Need (Hint: It's Not Carbs)

Cat food sold in grocery stores is some of the worst pet food on the market. Heavy on plant protein, packed with carbs, light on the animal protein cats actually need. Cats are obligate carnivores. The biology is non-negotiable, even when the bag of kibble pretends otherwise.

Here's what cats actually need at Barks N Purrs.

What "obligate carnivore" means

Cats can't make their own taurine. They have to eat it from animal sources. They have very limited ability to convert plant-based vitamin A or fatty acids into the forms they need. They evolved on a diet of small prey animals (mice, birds, lizards), which is roughly 50-60% protein, 30% fat, and 1-2% carbs. By weight, prey is also about 70-75% water.

Modern dry cat food is often 30-40% carbs and only about 10% moisture. Almost the opposite of biology.

The two big problems with most kibble

Too many carbs

Cats have very few carb-digesting enzymes. The carbs that get into them often go to fat storage or feed yeast and bacteria in the gut. Carb-heavy diets are linked to feline obesity (one of the most common feline issues), feline diabetes, and chronic gut inflammation.

Not enough moisture

Cats evolved to get most of their water from food. They have a low thirst drive. Cats on dry food only are often in a state of mild chronic dehydration, which is a major contributor to kidney disease (the #1 killer of older cats).

What cats need

  • High animal protein (45%+ of diet on a dry-matter basis)
  • Moderate fat (25-35%)
  • Very low carbs (under 10%)
  • High moisture
  • Taurine (from animal protein, not synthetic)
  • Arachidonic acid (from animal fat)
  • Vitamin A from animal sources (preformed, not beta-carotene)

The diet hierarchy (best to worst)

  1. Balanced raw diet (frozen or freeze-dried). Closest to what cats evolved to eat.
  2. High-quality canned/wet food. High moisture, often higher protein than kibble.
  3. Limited-ingredient, low-carb kibble. Better than typical kibble, but still dry.
  4. Standard grocery kibble. Often grain-heavy, low animal protein. Avoid if possible.

Switching from kibble to wet or raw

Cats imprint on food texture young, and changing diets is harder than with dogs. Always gradual. NEVER skip meals (cats can develop hepatic lipidosis if they don't eat for 24+ hours).

Mix small amounts of new with old, gradually shifting over 7-14 days. If your cat refuses, slow down. Some cats need 4-6 weeks of slow transition.

Brands we trust

  • Carnivora. 12 single-protein options, great for sensitive cats.
  • Big Country Raw. Cat-specific blends, accessible.
  • Scrumptious. Quality canned (we have a Buy 3 Get 1 Free loyalty card on these for cats).
  • SMACK. Winnipeg-made shelf-stable raw, gentle entry point.
  • COEVO. Freeze-dried raw for travel and convenience.

Hydration tips

  • Add water or low-sodium broth to wet food.
  • Offer a fountain (many cats prefer running water).
  • Multiple water bowls in different rooms.
  • Wet food at every meal, not just one.

Watch your cat's body condition

You should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard. A clear waist when viewed from above. If they're round, cut back. If you can SEE ribs clearly, increase. Adjust portions based on body condition, not just label recommendations.

What we carry

Stop by Barks N Purrs at 925 Headmaster Row in Winnipeg for cat raw, canned, kibble, fountains, and bowls. Call 204-219-1928 or browse our Cat Products collection.

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