Dog and Cat nutrition

Protein
Not only is the quantity important, but also the quality. Quality is due to the specific amino acids that make it up and also how digestible it is (this can vary from 50-95%). Plant proteins are less digestible than animal and over-processing of the food can lower digestibility as well. A lack of protein can cause poor growth, lack of appetite, loss of coat condition and an impaired immune function.

Carbohydrates
These are complex chains of sugars joined in different groups that provide energy to your pet. Surprisingly, they are not essential as they are in people, because the energy your pet needs can be supplied from protein or fat. Plant carbohydrates that resist digestion are called "fibre". If the carbohydrate source is of poor quality, or excessive, it can lead to diarrhoea.

Fats
These can be saturated (bad guys) or unsaturated (good guys). Some fats, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, cannot be made in the body and so are called "Essential Fatty Acids" (EFAs). They are a concentrated energy source, providing 2½ times more energy than carbohydrates or protein. They also increase the palatability of foods (i.e. for me, a salad vs a meat pie!).  

For further information about pet nutrition visit the ADVANCE Wellbeing section.