What Is Best to Feed Cats to Support Normal Liver Function?

Felines, much like humans, have specific dietary needs to adhere to in order to keep their body in prime condition. Unfortunately, most pet owners are misled as to what these dietary needs are, and their cats may suffer as a result. Along with illness and general ill health, a poor diet can also cause organ failure. Liver disease and liver failure is a very real risk for cats that are not properly nourished, and it is mostly preventable through adequate diet.

  1. Protein Type is Key

    • Cats are carnivores, and most pet owners are aware of their need for protein. However, not all proteins are alike. Cats need to be fed animal proteins, as opposed to plant proteins, in order to benefit from all the amino acids that their bodies need to thrive. Missing this vital part of the diet can cause blindness, heart failure, and liver failure. The problem is that plant proteins are cheaper, and are used heavily in many commercial cat foods. Check the cat food packaging to ensure that it contains animal proteins.

    Cat Do Not Need Carbs

    • Carbohydrates are commonly found in cat food. However, cats have absolutely no need for carbohydrates and do not even have the proper enzymes to break them down. All the carbohydrates that cats get in their diet turns to waste or fat. Unfortunately, all the extra waste can tax the kidneys and liver and lead to premature failure.

    Proper Hydration

    • One of the most important things you can do for your cat is make sure that they get the proper amount of water. Cats have low thirst drives, and do not usually drink enough on their own. To do this, cats should have at least part of their diet as wet food, which contains water and makes up for some of the water that they don't drink on their own. Proper hydration helps to remove bacteria and keeps body organs supplied with all the water they need to function properly.

    Maintain Proper Weight

    • Just as it's important what you feed your cat, how much is important as well. Obesity can occur either from overfeeding or from too many carbohydrates in the diet. Cats should never be free-fed, they should be given meals throughout the day. Obesity stresses the system and can lead to fatty liver disease, or loss of function in the liver, as well as other organs.