Cats need certain nutrients to stay healthy. These are usually all included in the complete food, which is also labeled as such. Depending on the cat's condition, age and physical characteristics, it may need to receive additional nutrients. The best way to do this is to give them nutritional supplements that are perfectly tailored to the needs of the velvet paws.
Our guide provides information about the most important nutritional supplements for cats and how to give them to them. Cat owners also receive valuable tips on feeding their beloved pet.
Does my cat need nutritional supplements?
There is no general answer to whether a cat needs nutritional supplements or not. This depends, among other things, on the general condition of the cat, its age and any illnesses. Some cats with increased nutrient requirements need additional nutrients that they do not get enough from the complete food. There are special nutritional supplements for these cases.
Taurine is essential for the survival of cats
It is very important for cats to get a sufficient amount of taurine in their diet. Basically, this can be done using normal complete feed. It should be noted, however, that there is generally less taurine in cooked meat than in raw meat.
You can also feed your cat taurine in the form of snacks . So far, no negative effects have been found in the event of an overdose; instead, the cat's body simply excretes the excess.
Cats need nutritional supplements, among other things, to strengthen their immune system. We have various cat immunity food supplements available for this purpose.
Additional vitamins
Cats also need to receive many important vitamins . Vitamin A is particularly important. It is equally important for the eyes, skin and hair of the animals. If there is a deficiency, it can result in eye diseases and skin problems.
Important: Excess should be avoided as this can lead to skeletal changes and growth disorders . Adult cats weighing 3 kilograms need approximately 300 IU (International Unit) of the vitamin daily.
Cats should also consume the following vitamins with their food:
- Vitamin D is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphate balance. It also supports bones, kidneys, mammary glands, intestines and uterus. Indoor cats often suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. Cats that are allowed outside regularly can synthesize it from vitamin D3 through sunlight. While a deficiency can lead to rickets, in the event of an excess, calcification of the vessel walls is possible.
- Vitamin E – the fat-soluble vitamin is responsible for protecting the fats and lipids found in the body from free radicals. This vitamin is an antioxidant. Adult cats need around 2 milligrams of vitamin E per day. Kittens or pregnant cats have a higher requirement.
- Vitamin C – Cats produce it themselves in their bodies, but only in small quantities. That's why they have to get it additionally through food. 100 to 300 milligrams of vitamin C provide support for the immune system. Sufficient vitamin C is particularly important in the event of stress, illness and in advanced age.
The cat has a health problem, such as kidney dysfunction ? Then a nutritional supplement for cat kidneys can be useful.
minerals
Minerals should also be present in cat food. These are nutrients in the form of inorganic compounds . Since they are essential for the body of cats, a deficiency can cause serious disorders.
Of particular importance in this context is the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio , which should be approximately 1.2 to 1 . It is important for the cat's healthy bone metabolism.
The minerals potassium, chlorine and sodium, on the other hand, are responsible for coordinating the water balance in the body and absorbing nutrients.
Cat grass and malt paste
Cats occasionally eat grass because it helps them with digestion . Especially when cats have groomed themselves extensively, the grass can help get rid of hairballs. That's why indoor cats in particular should always have access to a pot of cat grass .
Malt paste contains important fiber , which helps to bind food and fur. This makes it easier to transport through the intestines . However, you should know that malt paste contains a lot of fat and sugar and is therefore not suitable for cats that tend to be overweight. Furthermore, the paste should not be given daily, but only occasionally .
Brewer's yeast and biotin
Brewer's yeast contains various minerals and vitamins . However, excess should be avoided here as it can put strain on the kidneys and lead to an overdose of phosphorus or calcium.
Cats normally get enough biotin from their diet . It is important for the fur and the claws . Cats with long fur in particular may have a higher biotin requirement.
An overdose is hardly possible here, as the excess is usually successfully excreted .
Salmon oil
Salmon oil contains important omega-3 fatty acids , which are good for cats' heart and circulation. Capsules containing salmon oil can be opened before feeding and then added to cat food.
Cats are usually not averse to the fishy smell, but these capsules should not be given too often. The needs can vary from cat to cat, which is why you should definitely seek veterinary advice .
amino acids
One of the essential amino acids is, for example, taurine . This is responsible for neuronal networking and the regulation of the heartbeat . While an overdose is not possible, a deficiency can lead to blindness, an impaired immune system, or even stiffening of the heart muscle. That's why cats should receive around 100 to 200 milligrams of taurine per day . This is best fed in the form of nutritional supplements.
Are nutritional supplements useful?
A good cat food that is labeled as a complete food contains all the important nutrients that cats need to maintain their health. Nutritional supplements can still be useful to prevent illnesses or nutritional deficiencies. Care should always be taken to ensure that there is no excess, as this can also be dangerous.
Old, sick or pregnant cats often need nutritional supplements as their nutritional needs may change. Which nutritional supplements make sense should be discussed with a veterinarian.
The cat isn't eating ? We will explain what to do in another guide.
FAQ
Since the topic is very complex, many people have one question or another: Which vitamins should cats receive and how does a vitamin deficiency manifest itself in my cat? In this section we address and answer the most frequently asked questions .
Which nutritional supplements are useful for cats?
Vitamins, minerals and fatty acids are important for a cat. Normally these are already in the main food. However, it may be that the cat has changed nutrient requirements because, for example, it is pregnant or sick. Then nutritional supplements may be necessary.
What vitamins can I give my cat?
While some of the vitamins needed can be produced in a cat's body, others must be obtained from their diet. Vitamin C, thiamine and biotin are water-soluble vitamins, and vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble. For example, cats absorb vitamin A directly through meat.
Which nutritional supplements for old cats?
Old animals usually have an increased need for vitamin D, the B vitamins and folic acid. You can help them meet their needs with appropriate nutritional supplements.
How does vitamin deficiency manifest itself in cats?
A vitamin deficiency can cause various symptoms in cats. Thinning fur, hair loss and dandruff are possible. This is often accompanied by a copper deficiency, which ultimately causes the cat's fur to become discolored. The vitamin deficiency can even cause deformations and hairline cracks in the bones.
Conclusion
Whether a cat needs nutritional supplements depends on various factors. Old, sick and pregnant cats usually have an increased need for nutrients such as vitamins, essential fatty acids and amino acids. Deficiency symptoms in cats often become noticeable through fur and skin problems. But behavioral changes such as apathy or loss of appetite can also be the first warning signs.
To ensure that the cat doesn't lack anything, nutritional supplements should not be given without veterinary advice. Supplementary food for cats can also be useful if you want to prevent illnesses and nutritional deficiencies in your furry friends.
At Recoactiv we offer high-quality nutritional supplements for cats that are generally very popular. The products are of high quality and can help cats achieve better health.
