Cats & Carbs
I thought I’d update you all on some current information I got at the AVMA meeting.
Over time, many have commented on grain and carbohydrates (diets that contain them) and how they affect cats. Many point you to web sites that promote the idea that carbs are seriously harmful to cats, are an inappropriate diet, are causing diabetes and in general killing your cat.
The summary below was information obtained from a presentation by Dr. Jennifer Larsen (U Cal) and represents the best evidence we have at this time.
CAN THE CAT DIGEST, ABSORB, AND UTILIZE CARBOHYDRATES?
Although cats appear to have much lower pancreatic amylase activity than dogs regardless of diet1, they efficiently digest and absorb ground or cooked starch at concentrations typically found in commercially available diets.2-3
WHAT IS THE CONSEQUENCE OF CARBOHYDRATE CONSUMPTION?
Do carbohydrates cause obesity in the cat?
Retrospective studies have identified numerous risk factors for obesity in cats, including being middle aged, male, neutered, and eating ‘premium’ diets.5 Prospective research comparing food intake and body weight in cats eating diets that differed in carbohydrate and fat content (when protein was held constant) found that body weight increased as dietary carbohydrate was decreased.6 Other research has also identified dietary fat as a risk factor for obesity rather than carbohydrate.7
Do carbohydrates cause diabetes mellitus in the cat?
Perhaps because many cats are fed dry foods, a causative association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and carbohydrate consumption has been suspected. However, epidemiological analysis has found no association between the feeding of dry foods and the development of DM.8 The cause of DM in the cat remains unknown, but risk factors include obesity, advanced age, male gender, and neutering9, as well as indoor living and inactivity.8
SUMMARY
Research data does not support the theory that dietary carbohydrates cause obesity or DM in the cat. Low carbohydrate diets are one option for achieving weight loss in cats, provided that small volumes do not sacrifice compliance. More research is needed in the area of dietary treatment of cats with naturally occurring DM.
Any of you that want the references cites in the above summary, PM me and I’ll provide it.
Doug, DVM
Over time, many have commented on grain and carbohydrates (diets that contain them) and how they affect cats. Many point you to web sites that promote the idea that carbs are seriously harmful to cats, are an inappropriate diet, are causing diabetes and in general killing your cat.
The summary below was information obtained from a presentation by Dr. Jennifer Larsen (U Cal) and represents the best evidence we have at this time.
CAN THE CAT DIGEST, ABSORB, AND UTILIZE CARBOHYDRATES?
Although cats appear to have much lower pancreatic amylase activity than dogs regardless of diet1, they efficiently digest and absorb ground or cooked starch at concentrations typically found in commercially available diets.2-3
WHAT IS THE CONSEQUENCE OF CARBOHYDRATE CONSUMPTION?
Do carbohydrates cause obesity in the cat?
Retrospective studies have identified numerous risk factors for obesity in cats, including being middle aged, male, neutered, and eating ‘premium’ diets.5 Prospective research comparing food intake and body weight in cats eating diets that differed in carbohydrate and fat content (when protein was held constant) found that body weight increased as dietary carbohydrate was decreased.6 Other research has also identified dietary fat as a risk factor for obesity rather than carbohydrate.7
Do carbohydrates cause diabetes mellitus in the cat?
Perhaps because many cats are fed dry foods, a causative association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and carbohydrate consumption has been suspected. However, epidemiological analysis has found no association between the feeding of dry foods and the development of DM.8 The cause of DM in the cat remains unknown, but risk factors include obesity, advanced age, male gender, and neutering9, as well as indoor living and inactivity.8
SUMMARY
Research data does not support the theory that dietary carbohydrates cause obesity or DM in the cat. Low carbohydrate diets are one option for achieving weight loss in cats, provided that small volumes do not sacrifice compliance. More research is needed in the area of dietary treatment of cats with naturally occurring DM.
Any of you that want the references cites in the above summary, PM me and I’ll provide it.
Doug, DVM
