New research has found that cats will select and combine wet
and dry foods to achieve a consistent intake of protein, fat and carbohydrate,
i.e. macronutrient intake. Even when offered complex combinations of different
foods, cats will regularly target an intake of protein, fat and carbohydrate
that is similar to that of wild cats. The findings indicate that domestic cats
have retained the capacity to regulate macronutrient intake to closely match
the “natural” diet of their wild ancestors.
The research was conducted by scientists from the WALTHAM®
Centre for Pet Nutrition – the science centre underpinning Mars Petcare brands
such as WHISKAS®, NUTRO® and ROYAL CANIN. It was undertaken in collaboration
with scientists from the University of Sydney (Australia) and the Institute of
Natural Sciences at Massey University (New Zealand).