Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that isn't digested by a cat's gastrointestinal tract. It is important for cat health, because it provides bulk to move food through. Some types of fiber can be fermented (broken down by bacteria) in the system. This process creates short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are an important energy source for the cells lining the intestinal tract.
Today, people are more aware of fiber and its role in their diet. Studies showing the beneficial effects of higher fiber levels in humans influence the way many people think about their own food and that of their pets. Some manufacturers now apply the recommendations of human nutritionists and make high-fiber diets for cats, but cats have a much shorter digestive tract than we do. And unlike humans, cats are carnivorous, so their nutritional needs are better satisfied with meat rather than plant matter. Therefore, cats have different dietary needs than humans. For more than 60 years, companion animal nutritionists at IAMS™ have been studying diets to meet the special nutritional needs of cats.
IAMS Company research shows the optimal crude fiber level for healthy cats ranges from 1.4% to 3.5%. At these levels, nutrient breakdown is maximized. In unique situations, such as hairballs, higher fiber levels may be beneficial.
An important characteristic of fiber is its fermentability, or how well it can be broken down by bacteria in the intestine. This breakdown produces short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy to the intestines. Fiber varies in fermentability. Fiber sources used in pet foods include cellulose, which is poorly fermentable; beet pulp, which is moderately fermentable; and gums and pectin, which can be highly fermentable. Research has shown that moderate levels of moderately fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, provide the benefits of energy for the intestinal lining and bulk, without the negative effects of excessive stool or gas and, therefore, are beneficial in cat diets.
High levels of poorly fermentable fiber are used in some weight-reduction pet foods to dilute the calories in a serving. IAMS Company research shows that high fiber levels can make it harder to digest other nutrients in the food and, in turn, reduce the nutritional quality of a cat's diet. Your cat making more trips to the litter box can be a result.
When choosing a pet food, fiber is an important consideration, but remember that the needs of cats are not the same as those of humans. A moderate level of moderately fermentable fiber, such as beet pulp, provides proven nutritional benefits for cats. Cat diets containing high levels of poorly fermentable fiber dilute calories and deprive cats of the nutrients they need.
All IAMS products are made with levels of moderately fermentable fiber needed to promote intestinal health. And all IAMS foods, such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, contain the moderately fermentable fiber system, which is the exclusive property of IAMS Company and is protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,616,569 for Pet Food Products Containing Fermentable Fibers and Process for Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders.
We all love corn. And why not? Corn on the cob is soft, sweet, and buttery. Just the sight of it can make our mouths water. However, did you know that even cats like corn. This might make you wonder whether corn is good for your feline friend. The answer is yes. In fact, corn is present in many cat foods. It is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Continue reading to know the importance of corn for cats.
Since cats are omnivores, they need a high amount of protein to support their bodily functions. Hence, corn alone is not enough. One medium ear of corn contains 3.5 grams of protein. And cats need at least 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
If your cat is around 8 pounds, they require 16-gram protein at the least. Basically, your cat might have to eat at least 4 or 5 medium ears of corn. And doing that would increase their calorie intake. Hence, corn can only be a part of your cat’s day-to-day diet, not the whole meal. That being said, here are a few benefits of including corn in your cat’s diet:
Carbohydrates might not be the most vital nutrient for cats; however, it is highly digestible. This ensures that your fur baby feel energetic throughout the day. When your cat gets enough carbs, they do not have to use protein to produce energy. Proteins available in their body can focus on their primary role--muscle and tissue growth.
Corn is packed with fatty acids which maintain skin health and prevent inflammation. These fatty acids must be supplied through a balanced diet because your cat cannot produce them in their body.
Antioxidants are essential for cat health since they minimise damage to cells. Vitamin E optimises a cat’s T-cell activation, whereas beta-carotene increases antibody levels and improves vaccine recognition. Here's good news for you: corn is rich in both!
Corn is included in cat food formulas in various forms, such as ground corn, corn meal, corn grits, corn gluten meal, and corn bran. When reviewing the ingredients list on cat food packaging, you may see one or more of the following corn ingredients:
Corn ingredient | What it is |
Ground corn or corn meal | Finely ground and chopped whole corn |
Corn grits | The portion of ground corn containing little or none of the bran (fiber) or germ (the small protein portion at the end of the kernel) |
Corn bran | The outer coating of the corn kernel; largely fiber |
Corn gluten meal | A dried protein source that remains after the corn’s bran, a large portion of carbohydrates, and germs have been removed |
As a cat owner, you might want to serve your feline friend the best corn cat food. However, not all types of corn snacks are suitable for your pet. As a cat parent, you want to avoid feeding your fur baby with corn chips, popcorn, fried kernels, and corn husks. Stick to grilled or boiled sweet corn without any seasoning.
Corn is included in the formulas for all IAMS cat foods, including IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Healthy Adult and ProActive Health™ Healthy Kitten. It is more appropriate to associate the corn used in our products with “cornbread” rather than “corn on the cob.” The difference is similar to cooked corn versus raw corn. We use only the highest-quality corn in our products. The corn is finely ground, which breaks up the outside covering of each kernel, and then it is cooked for better digestibility.
Corn grits and cornmeal are used in our foods as high-quality sources of carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy. Corn generally also results in lower glycemic and insulin responses than rice. This can be especially beneficial for senior and overweight cats.
