When I mentioned I ate Fenris' food some wise cats pointed out that it isn't a good idea for cats to eat dog food. Don't worry, Mommy just lets me have a nibble before she takes it away. There isn't anything harmful to cats in dog food, what is harmful is what is left out. Dog food does not contain taurine which is essential to cats, we will die without it. What is taurine?
Taurine is an amino acid (AA) talked about when referring to feline diets. For cats, unlike most other mammals, taurine is an essential amino acid, meaning that cats can not synthesize their own taurine from other building block amino acids as can dogs and even humans. Thus it is essential that cats take in adequate taurine in their diet on a regular basis. Prolonged deficiencies of taurine in cats can cause central retinal degeneration, resulting in blindness. Dilated cardiomyopathy is another real risk. In this condition, the heart dilates, its walls become thinner and weaker, making the heart less effective and resulting in a form of heart failure.
You can read more about taurine deficiency
here.
If you are worried your cat isn't getting enough taurine please discuss it with their vet. Most commercial cat foods contain taurine and you can give us a taurine supplement if you are a loving owner who provides homecooked meals to their cat unlike our lazy Mommy who thinks we should be happy with stuff out of a can or bag. I mean really she likes homecooked meals so why does she think we prefer commercial food?
Alasandra: Because when I actually tried cooking for the cats they refused to eat my cooking, it was before you came to live with us Artemisia. Just ask Socks about it.
Wow, I didn't realize her cooking was that bad, maybe we should share our food with the Boy Beans and Dad. Anyway if you look on the ingredients listed on the cat food label taurine should be listed. ~Artemisia
