[mom4kittys]

People that know a whole lot about nutrition say that dogs and cats don’t need rice or grains because they are carnivores.

[3D-JOY]

YES, I agree, but that would be an expensive and not complete nutrition with today’s water supply...etc.

[Caramelgal]

People that know a whole lot about nutrition say that dogs and cats don’t need rice or grains because they are carnivores.

I could be wrong but I think the reason grains are added to cat and dog food is no only that it helps the dried kibble keep its shape, but for the roughage. In nature a carnivore is going to ingest some fir, feathers, skin and even some bone along with the meat. I’m not catching wild birds and mice for my kitties to eat, and while my kitties would kill a mouse if one got inside they’d rather “play” with it to death than eat it.

If the issue is protein, I know in humans, we get a good amount of protein from non-meat sources, bean, rice, legumes and even some vegetables are excellent sources of protein, but I think in cats the issue is getting enough taurine which comes from animal tissue.

I’m interested in making homemade cat food, but I’m not sure what that involves. Are they going to do well if I feed them just cooked chicken, tuna or salmon? In general dogs are willing to eat whatever you eat but cats are generally more picky and don’t like sudden changes in their diet.

If I ask my vet, she’s probably going to want to sell me the prescription Science Diet since my male has had some bouts with cystitis.

Any suggestions?

[rxgalfl]

People that know a whole lot about nutrition say that dogs and cats don’t need rice or grains because they are carnivores.,

Dogs are actually omnivores and cats are obligate carnivores. If you compare the cat food available on the market you will see listed as the main ingredients carbohydrates from many sources (wheat, rice, corn) and then somewhere at the end (which means low percentage) the proteins. My brother's cat is diabetic and they are feeding her Purina DM. I checked the bag (since we have 2 cats ourselves) and the listed ingredients are as follows: beef, liver, trout, fish meal, beef tallow, wheat flour, soy proteins. No wonder most house cats are meatballs.