Cats evolved to eat fresh, moist animal protein and almost nothing else. It’s how they are biologically programmed to consume the water they need and, in eating the vital organs of their prey, how they would get all the vegetable-based vitamins and nutrients they require to thrive.
First
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How Human Grade is made
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Dr. Susan LautenAuburn University, PhD Biomedical Sciences
American Association of Veterinary Nutritionists -
Dr. Mikel Maria DelgadoUC Berkley, PhD Psychology
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Cats & Dried Food
The Agrarian Hunter
Cats evolved to live alongside humans with the advent of farming, grain-stores, and the abundant mouse population that came with them.
Small, wild cats found safety and convenience at the readily available rodent populations of early agrarian settlements, and this was what they lived on for thousands of years, only occasionally stealing scraps off dinner plates and eggs from the henhouse.
It was only in the last century that cats came to eat the diets people often associate with domesticated kitties: commercial kibble, water bowls, and even dairy milk - none of which is ideal for feline health.
If it were up to your cat, chances are she would say her ideal diet is fresh mouse, bird, or lizard. Cats are obligate carnivores: they evolved to eat exclusively animal protein and the partly-digested veggies found in the stomachs of their prey. They just don’t digest starches. While the odd bit of carbohydrate won’t hurt your cat, it won’t help.
While cats today can be found drinking from toilets, water-bowls and ponds, a cat in the wild on a diet of fresh meat will get all the moisture she needs from her prey.
Unfortunately, a modern diet of low-quality kibble means cats often don’t consume nearly enough water resulting in chronic renal problems, and in many cases, shortened life-spans. A regular diet of fresh, wet food is the best way to prevent a cat’s chronic or cosmetic health problems. Contrary to popular belief, wet food is definitely NOT a treat.
