What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the basic constituents of proteins, their association allows to realize more or less long protein structures. Some proteins are composed of a few amino acids while others are composed of several tens.
NB: the good proteins that should be found in the cat's food are made up of a chain of 10 amino acids.
What is the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids?
Non-essential amino acids are those amino acids that are produced by the cat's body, such as :
➤ A lanine
➤A sparagine
➤A spartate
➤ Cysteine
➤ Glutamate
➤ Glutamine
➤ Glycine
➤ Proline
➤S erine
➤ Tyrosine
As for the essential amino acids, the cat's body cannot produce them, which is why it is imperative that it find them in its food or in supplements:
➤ A rginine
➤ Histidine
➤ Isoleucine
➤ Leucine
➤ Lysine
➤ Methionine
➤ Phenylalanine
➤ Threonine
➤ Tryptophan
➤ Valine
For both dogs and cats, these 10 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids are identical.
But for the cat, it needs an essential amino acid in addition: taurine.
Indeed, if the dog's body produces this amino acid, the cat is not able to produce taurine. Therefore, taurine is a non-essential amino acid for the dog but essential for the cat.
Taurine, an essential amino acid and more than necessary for cats.
Here is a summary of how taurine contributes to a cat's good health:
➤ Reproduction
➤ Heart
➤ Eyes
➤ Muscles
No non-essential amino acids without essential amino acids, why?
Yes, because only when there is no deficiency in essential amino acids can the cat's body produce its 10 non-essential amino acids.
No protein without amino acids.
In the diet, these amino acids are found in proteins and are not directly available. Once digested, the proteins release the amino acids which then pass into the bloodstream. According to the needs, new amino acids, which are assembled to form proteins, are then manufactured.
This cycle of production of new amino acids and proteins takes place continuously, which is why it is essential for the body to find all the essential amino acids it needs every day.
What are proteins used for?
Proteins are the basis of enzymes, which are substances necessary for body functions and help prevent diseases.
Although both cats and dogs need protein and amino acids, cats need them more because they break down protein much faster. It is impossible for the cat's body to adapt by slowing down the rate of breakdown when there is a lack of protein in the diet.
It is important to know that proteins are essential for the cat's skeleton.
Proteins are structurally involved in :
➤ bones
➤ muscles
➤s kin
➤ tendons
➤ joints and ligaments
➤ collagen ...
Proteins also play a functional role in the production of:
➤ enzymes
➤ hormones
➤ antibodies ...
How to cover the cat's needs in essential amino acids?
Cats are playing a perpetual Lego game to build up the proteins they need, and unfortunately cat food, no matter how rich, cannot provide all the amino acids a cat needs.
It is therefore essential for the well-being of our cats to use dietary supplements rich in essential amino acids, enabling them to manufacture non-essential amino acids and proteins. We have developed a natural supplement, Total Minerals Cat (available soon), which covers 100% of a cat's daily amino acid and mineral requirements.
Respond to this article in the comments ↓
One Response to "Amino Acid Deficiencies in Cats: Taurine
"cat foods, no matter how rich, cannot provide the amounts of amino acids that the cat needs."
First news!
How do cats and felines do it in the wild?
Fresh and raw meat (or freeze-dried) has all the essential amino acids for cats.
Obviously the cat properly fed, does not need more food supplements, than man or the white shark.