Helpful Definitions
Information in this section was obtained from the Nutrition Reference Manual. Supported by Hill's Pet Nutrition
Omnivores vs. Carnivores
carnivoreAn animal subsisting primarily on animal tissue.
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herbivoreAn animal subsisting entirely on plant tissue
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omnivoreAn animal subsisting on both animal and plant tissue.
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A closer look
Cats and dogs are both members of the taxonomic order Carnivora. But not all species of the order are actually carnivores.
Protein metabolism of cats is unique. Kittens require 50% more protein than puppies to support growth. The relative maintenance requirement for protein in the adult cat is even higher: adult cats need about 200% more protein than adult dogs
- Some, including dogs and coyotes, are omnivores.
- Another member species, the panda, is an herbivore.
Protein metabolism of cats is unique. Kittens require 50% more protein than puppies to support growth. The relative maintenance requirement for protein in the adult cat is even higher: adult cats need about 200% more protein than adult dogs
Dogs are omnivores because they thrive on a diet consisting of both animal and plant foods. Cats are true carnivores because they have a higher protein requirement and higher dietary requirements for nutrients that aren’t available from plant sources, such as taurine.
Three amino acids essential for cats
- ARGININE - Even a single meal devoid of arginine may result in hyperammonemia in less than one hour.
- TAURINE - Cats can only conjugate bile acids with taurine, unlike other species that can use also use glycine.
- METHIONINE - Approximately 19% of a food must be protein in order to meet the methionine requirement of kittens.2
OMNIVORE/CARNIVORE MYTHS
MYTH
Dogs are carnivores
TRUTH
Dogs belong to the taxonomic order Carnivora. But their anatomy, behavior and feeding preferences reveal their ability to eat and remain healthy on a diet consisting of both plant and animal foods, which classifies them as omnivores from a dietary perspective.
MYTH
Cats should not eat carbohydrates because they are carnivores.
TRUTH
It is true that cats are carnivores and have a high dietary protein requirement. But cats can use carbohydrates efficiently for energy.
The starch levels found in commercial cat foods (up to 35% of the food’s DM) are well tolerated.
MYTH
Cats should not eat carbohydrates because of the risk for diabetes.
TRUTH
Currently available evidence does not support a direct cause-and-effect relationship between increased carbohydrate intake and diabetes in cats.8 And because of relatively increased amounts of protein, phosphorus and fat, some low-carbohydrate foods may not be ideal for diabetic cats with concurrent conditions (e.g., kidney disease, hepatic disease, pancreatitis).
Dogs are carnivores
TRUTH
Dogs belong to the taxonomic order Carnivora. But their anatomy, behavior and feeding preferences reveal their ability to eat and remain healthy on a diet consisting of both plant and animal foods, which classifies them as omnivores from a dietary perspective.
MYTH
Cats should not eat carbohydrates because they are carnivores.
TRUTH
It is true that cats are carnivores and have a high dietary protein requirement. But cats can use carbohydrates efficiently for energy.
The starch levels found in commercial cat foods (up to 35% of the food’s DM) are well tolerated.
MYTH
Cats should not eat carbohydrates because of the risk for diabetes.
TRUTH
Currently available evidence does not support a direct cause-and-effect relationship between increased carbohydrate intake and diabetes in cats.8 And because of relatively increased amounts of protein, phosphorus and fat, some low-carbohydrate foods may not be ideal for diabetic cats with concurrent conditions (e.g., kidney disease, hepatic disease, pancreatitis).
Organic/Natural/Holistic
organic
Grown with only animal or vegetable fertilizers, such as manure, bone meal compost, etc. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) rules, the term “organic” may only be applied to pet food labels that meet regulations.
natural
- Of or arising from nature; in accordance with what is found or expected in nature.
- Produced or existing in nature; not artificial or manufactured. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the term “natural” requires a pet food to consist of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations.
holisitic
There is no legal definition of this term under laws devoted to pet foods. Any manufacturer can make claims of “holistic” in literature and brochures regardless of ingredients chosen.
by-products
BY-PRODUCT
Secondary products produced in addition to the principle product, according to the AAFCO Official Publication 2008.
Examples of By-Products include:
Secondary products produced in addition to the principle product, according to the AAFCO Official Publication 2008.
Examples of By-Products include:
- Vitamin E- When processing SOYBEANS, for example, the by-product vitamin E is produced.
- VEGETABLE OILS (such as flaxseed oil, rice bran oil, corn oil and soy oil) are by-products extracted from the seeds that are processed for consumption purposes.
- CHICKEN FAT is a by-product of the chicken industry.
- MIXED TOCOPHEROLS (such as vitamin E), used as natural preservatives in pet foods, are by-products of the soybean industry.
- PORK, CHICKEN and BEEF LIVER are internal organs of animals used for human consumption
- BEET PULP is dried residue from sugar beets
- TOMATO POMACE comes from tomato skins, pulp and seeds
What do vitamin E, Jell-O® brand gelatin, beef bouillon and lamb meal have in common? They’re all by-products!
By-products are common ingredients in both human and pet food. A by-product is simply something produced in the making of something else.
preservatives
Having the quality of preserving — n. anything that preserves; esp., a substance added to a food to keep it from spoiling.
Preservatives are ingredients used in pet food to prevent spoilage and rancidity.
Preservatives are ingredients used in pet food to prevent spoilage and rancidity.
