Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are essential elements of a nutritionally balanced diet. They are important for bone formation, blood oxygenation, muscle growth, nerves, and the production of hormones.

Cats need a balance of fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E and K, as well as Vitamin B. Cats actually produce Vitamin C on their own, so they do not need to have it in their diet. Cats are unique in that they cannot convert beta-carotene that is found in plants and vegetables to Vitamin A. Therefore, they must get this from animal-based proteins.

Minerals

It is not necessary to supplement a healthy cat’s diet with extra vitamins and minerals. In fact, this can be quite dangerous as it can upset the delicate nutritional balance in a cat’s body and cause a myriad of health problems.

Common minerals found in cat food include iron, zinc, copper, calcium and potassium. These are essential for chemical reactions, bodily functions and growth. Minerals are absorbed in the body through particular foods, and provide the cat with vital healthy nutrients.

Many commercial cat foods contain all the vitamins and minerals a cat needs to live a healthy life. Some brands may include the addition of appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals. These will be listed in the ingredient list, and in our cat food reviews and ratings. It is not necessary to supplement a healthy cat’s diet with extra vitamins and minerals. In fact, this can be quite dangerous as it can upset the delicate nutritional balance in a cat’s body and cause a myriad of health problems. Only supplement vitamins or minerals under the guidance of a veterinarian.