In my clinic, I am often tasked with helping pet owners distil an overabundance of regularly conflicting information on the best dietary choices for our feline and canine companions. What I find encouraging, is the number of owners interested in the potential health benefits of feeding their pets a high-meat diet.
Whilst we continue expanding our knowledge in this area, evidence suggests that feeding cats and dogs a more biologically appropriate, high-meat diet may have substantial health benefits.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their physiology and metabolism are specifically adapted to thrive on a diet rich in animal protein. Cats are designed to harvest their energy from fats and protein provided by a high-meat diet. Animal protein also delivers essential nutrients such as Taurine and Vitamin A in their most bioavailable forms, without which can lead to severe health conditions. Given this, one could argue that it isn’t just ideal to feed felines a high-meat diet… it is necessary.
Slightly different, dogs are what we call facultative carnivores, meaning they should be consuming a high-meat diet, but they can digest carbohydrates. Importantly, however, canines are metabolically adapted to use fat, not carbohydrates, as their major energy source. Studies have also shown that dogs digest and utilise animal proteins more efficiently than plant proteins. So, just because they can digest carbohydrate-rich foods, does not mean it should be a significant component of their diet.
One of the major benefits of feeding our canine and feline friends a high-meat diet is the impact on their gut health and microbiota, which we know plays a crucial role in overall health, immune function, and well-being.
Research indicates that high animal protein diets positively affect the gut microbiota of cats and dogs, by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, which can aid in nutrient absorption and the maintenance of a healthy gut environment.
Another key advantage of high-meat diets is their digestibility. Animal proteins are generally more digestible than their plant protein counterparts.
Easy digestion leads to more efficient nutrient absorption and utilisation. This can be particularly beneficial in pets with sensitive digestive systems. Furthermore, the use of single source, high animal protein diets such as the K9 Natural Lamb Feasts or Beef Feasts and the Feline Natural Lamb Feasts or Beef Feasts, are fundamental in the management of pets with dietary intolerances where limiting protein sources is essential. Generally speaking, improved digestibility also helps to reduce digestive issues such as gas and loose stools, which can be common with lower-quality diets – a win for pets and owners alike!
A critical but often overlooked aspect when discussing pet diets is palatability. Even the most nutritious diets can be rendered utterly useless if they are left untouched in the bowl.
Studies have shown that high-meat diets are often favoured over those with lower quantities of animal protein, perhaps indicating that our cats and dogs instinctively know what is best for them. This increased palatability of a high-meat diet can lead to better food acceptance and reduced feeding-related stress for both pets and their owners. This is particularly poignant for our feline friends who can be notoriously fussy eaters. Not to mention, the overall satisfaction of knowing you are feeding your beloved cat or dog something they love. I know my dog Albus will lick the bowl clean after I serve anything from the K9 Natural Range!
Finally, a high-meat diet can significantly improve skin and coat health. The high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids found in grass fed and finished meat can contribute to a glossy coat and optimal skin health.
The team at K9 Natural and Feline Natural have amplified this further by sourcing high omega 3 fatty acids ingredients for their Feast Range which we know confers further skin benefits for our furry family members.
Evidently, there are many potential benefits to feeding pets a high-meat diet, a diet more aligned with their biological needs and one they instinctively choose. My own dog Albus loves K9 Natural and it is such a great feeling knowing I am feeding him food that allows him to naturally thrive…. AND he licks the bowl clean every time!
Written by Dr Josie Gollan.