SWANICS FELINE NUTRITION
EVERYDAY NUTRITION
Feeding a nutritionally complete diet to your cat is a vital part of successful ownership. By combining the correct feed and feeding strategy, all the nutritional needs of cats can be met. The SWANICS feline range is scientifically
formulated to provide all nutrients in a complete and bio-available form – an optimal balance of essential and health beneficial amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and metabolizable energy to ensure good nourishment
throughout your cat’s different life-stages. Our SWANICS feline range is formulated to ensure that the majority of protein is derived from animal protein sources to mimic cats natural status as obligate carnivores.
1. Cats Are Obligate Carnivores:
Unlike some other animals, cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily consisting of meat. Their evolutionary history has shaped their digestive systems to require essential nutrients found in animal tissues. Their anatomy and physiology are finely tuned for consuming animal-based proteins and nutrients.
2. Balancing Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates:
A well-balanced cat diet includes high-quality proteins, moderate fats, and low levels of complex carbohydrates. Proteins support muscle growth and maintenance, while fats provide a concentrated source of energy. Carbohydrates, while not a significant part of their natural diet, can be included in moderation for a balanced meal plan.
3. High Protein Requirement:
Proteins are the building blocks of life, and for cats, they are especially crucial. A cat’s body relies heavily on protein for various functions, including muscle development, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Unlike some animals, cats lack specific metabolic pathways to efficiently process complex plant proteins. They require amino acids found in animal tissues, making meat an essential part of their diet.
4. Need for Animal Fats:
Fats are a concentrated source of energy and play a significant role in nutrient absorption. Cats require specific types of fatty acids, like arachidonic acid, which are primarily found in animal fats. These fats are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function.
5. Taurine:
Taurine is an amino acid that plays a vital role in cats’ overall health, particularly in maintaining proper heart and eye function. Unlike many other animals, cats cannot synthesize taurine in their bodies. They must obtain it directly from their diet, making it an essential nutrient in cat food.
6. Essential Micronutrients:
Apart from proteins and taurine, cats require specific vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients are naturally found in animal tissues and are essential for cats’ growth, bone health, and overall vitality.
Understanding Cat Food Palatability: A Complex and Individual Matter
Cat food palatability is a complex and multifaceted aspect of feline nutrition. What one cat finds irresistible; another might simply ignore. Understanding the intricacies of palatability is crucial for cat owners, as it directly influences your pet’s eating habits and overall health. Some cats may prefer poultry-based flavours, while others lean towards fish or beef. Additionally, the texture and aroma of cat food can significantly impact its palatability. Some cats might favour the crunchiness of dry kibble. SWANICS uses a unique formulation with Animal protein being the main component alongside palatants to ensure that our food is a tasty options for as many cats as possible.
FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION
Over-and-above providing complete and balanced nutrition or nutrient fortification, the approach to functional nutrition is based on a philosophy of embracing the additional benefits of selected natural and functional food ingredients called nutraceuticals. We have included functional ingredients in all our diets which contains pet nutraceuticals that provide additional benefits throughout the entire life cycle from kitten to senior cats.
Gut-active botanicals, found in our phytogenic compounds. The inclusion of unique plant active ingredients or phytonutrients in our range offers natural protective benefits. The phytonutrient blend is formulated with extracts of sweet chestnut, capsicum, cinnamon, and oregano – scientifically combined to utilize its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, properties to synergistically support the health and well-being of your cat's digestive system.
Calcium Butyrate, a short chain fatty acid provides an energy source for the growth of gut epithelial cell, which in turn helps to stabilize tight junctions for a healthy gut lining and absorption capacity.
Prebiotics, such as Inulin a mannooligosaccharides derived from carrots as nutrient substrate for beneficial gut microbes, promoting a healthy and stable gut microbiome.
Natural antioxidants protect the cells against free radicals which are formed during oxidation, reducing oxidative stress and promoting health – especially during rapid environmental changes.
L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino-acid –like compound . L-carnitine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism by facilitating the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production. By enhancing fatty acid utilization, L-carnitine helps cats efficiently convert stored body fat into energy, making it beneficial for cats on weight management programs.
Collagen, is a protein found in the connective tissues of animals. Collagen is known to support joint health, as it provides the building blocks for cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Additionally, collagen helps maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat, as it plays a crucial role in the formation of collagen fibers, which are essential for skin elasticity and hair strength
Taurine is a vital amino acid essential for the overall health and well-being of cats. Unlike some other animals, cats cannot produce taurine in sufficient quantities within their bodies, making it necessary to obtain it through their diet. Taurine plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, including maintaining healthy heart function, vision, and the reproductive system.
Cellulose is a natural indigestible plant fiber. Cellulose serves as a beneficial dietary fiber. When a cat grooms themselves, loose hair can accumulate in its stomach, forming hairballs. Cellulose acts as a gentle abrasive substance that helps move ingested hair through the cat's digestive tract. As it passes through the intestines, cellulose binds with the loose hair, forming a soft mass.
Algal DHA, Provides omega 3 fatty acids for an ideal balance of omega 6 and 3 fatty acids that is essential for normal skin health and coat condition, by reducing inflammation in joints. Omega 3 fatty acids are also important for the development of cognitive and learning capacity in kittens.