Let Protein Ring! Why Cats Love and Need Meat, Poultry, and Fish

Cats have a well-earned reputation for being picky eaters. However, when it comes to meat, poultry, and fish, even finicky felines tend to partake! Why? Cats aren’t just carnivores by choice – they are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are biologically wired to thrive, or more accurately survive, on a diet of animal-based proteins.

From the nutrients their bodies crave to their sensory love of savory flavors (aka “umami), let’s explore why animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish are essential, irresistible, and ideal cat treats for your favorite catty companions.

Unlike humans, cats cannot survive on plant-based foods alone. (Note: As omnivores with a carnivorous bias, dogs might be able to survive but cannot truly thrive without animal-based proteins in their diets for many of the same reasons considered below.) As such, cats are classified as obligate carnivores. This means their bodies require certain nutrients that can only be found in animal tissues, first and foremost being complete protein.

Cats use protein, not carbs, as their primary energy source, and animal protein is a much more efficient source of protein than most non-animal sources. In addition, animal protein contains the following essential nutrients that cats must acquire from their diets:

• Taurine – An essential amino acid that supports feline heart function, vision, and reproduction.
• Arachidonic acid – A fatty acid only found in animal fats, critical for inflammation regulation and skin health.
• Preformed Retinol (Vitamin A) – Cats cannot convert beta-carotene (found in plants) into Vitamin A like humans can.
• Preformed Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Similarly, this vitamin is present in plants, but cats need the preformed version from animal protein.

Without these nutrients, cats can suffer from serious health issues such retinal degeneration, heart problems, poor immune function, and stunted growth.

Animal proteins provide a full spectrum of nutrients and amino acids vital for feline health. Here's a closer look at why meat, poultry, and fish are so beneficial:

🐄 MEAT 

Meat (e.g. beef, lamb, venison) provides a rich source of protein and iron. Beef is dense in myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in muscles, which contributes to the dark red color of meat and provides a savory flavor cats adore. Beef and lamb are also rich in zinc, essential for a healthy coat and skin.

🐓 POULTRY 

Poultry (e.g. chicken, turkey, duck) tends to be leaner and more digestible. It offers high levels of tryptophan, which supports mood and sleep, and selenium, an antioxidant that promotes immune function. High in vitamin A, chicken is often used in cat food because of its palatability and digestibility, while turkey is an excellent choice due to high levels of taurine, another amino acid cats need for cardiovascular and ocular health.

🐟 FISH 

Fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, walleye) is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which support brain health, joint mobility, and a shiny coat. Cats love the aroma and flavor of oily fish like sardines and salmon, which often have a stronger umami profile than land-based meats.

While all of these proteins are healthy foods for cats, it is important to consider the fat levels as well as the sources of these proteins. For example, certain cuts, skin, offal and byproducts of animal tissues can be high in fat and lower in nutrition. Meat and poultry can also contain hormones or antibiotics, and fish can be high in mercury or contaminants, effectively reducing their nutritional value. Luckily, you can count of Farm to Pet to use only the best cuts of hormone-free, wild-caught and contaminant-free protein sources for your fur babies!

Ever notice how your cat goes wild for tuna or roast chicken? That’s thanks to umami! Often called the fifth taste (along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter), umami is a savory, meaty flavor associated with amino acids like glutamate and inosinate, both of which are abundant in meat, poultry, and fish – and uber popular with the feline set. (Dogs love them, too!)

🐈 Cats Are Hardwired for Umami

• Cats have around 470 taste buds, far fewer than dogs or humans – who have 1700 and up to 9000, respectively – but they are highly sensitive to amino acids and proteins.
• Due to a genetic mutation, cats cannot taste sweetness at all, which means they don’t crave or respond to sugary or starchy foods.
• Cats are specifically tuned to enjoy the flavor of animal proteins, especially glutamate, which produces that rich, savory umami sensation.

In short, your cat’s palate is naturally aligned to crave meaty flavors because their bodies depend on it. Umami is not just enjoyable to felines; it’s an evolutionary signal of high-quality nutrition.

While plant-based diets may be popular among humans, they can be dangerous for cats. Here's why:

1. Insufficient protein – Not only do plants lack the level of proteins of animal tissues, but they lack the full amino acid profile cats need as well.
2. Missing essential nutrients – As mentioned above, nutrients cats need like taurine, vitamin A, and arachidonic acid cannot be derived naturally from plants or synthesized internally by felines.
3. Digestive limitations – Cats have shorter digestive tracts and are less equipped to process fiber-rich foods, while protein is an easily digestible and efficient source of feline energy.

Even with synthetic supplements, plant-based cat diets carry risks and require constant veterinary monitoring. The safest, most natural choice is to feed your cat the animal-based proteins they are designed to metabolize, enjoy and thrive on.

Cats are also highly influenced by texture and smell, especially in wet or fresh food. The warm, soft texture of meat mimics prey in the wild, and the aroma of cooked chicken or fish activates powerful olfactory responses.

If your cat turns her nose up to dinner, here are some tips for encouraging your cat to eat:

• Warm up wet food slightly to release more aroma.
• Rotate proteins (e.g., chicken, fish, turkey) to keep flavors interesting.
• Choose single-protein cat treats like ours with real meat or fish as the only ingredient.
• Sprinkle protein-rich food toppers on your cat’s meals to increase protein and flavor content.

High-protein, high-moisture diets that include raw or gently cooked meats closely align with what a cat would eat in the wild and make the best choice for your cat café menu!

We know pet parents care where their pet food, dog treats and cat treats come from and have grown increasingly concerned with sourcing, purity and transparency in manufacturing. Luckily, Farm to Pet leads the pack in ethically sourced meats and sustainable seafood options for pets. Experts recommend looking for:

• Certified sustainable, wild-caught fish
• Hormone-free, antibiotic-free poultry and beef
• Human-grade, minimally processed ingredients

Sound familiar? With our guiding principle that pets deserve only the best treats, it’s no surprise that Farm to Pet checks all of these boxes and more. Choosing quality meat-based products not only supports your cat’s health and well-being but also promotes responsible animal agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Cats aren’t just attracted to meat because of taste – they need it to survive. From essential amino acids to vital nutrients, animal-based proteins provide everything our feline friends require to stay strong, sleek, and happy. The savory flavor of umami makes meat, poultry, and fish even more irresistible.

When choosing food or treats for your cat, be sure to check the ingredients, looking specifically for:

• Named animal proteins as the first ingredient (or better yet, the ONLY ingredient, like in Farm to Pet’s healthy cat treats!)
• High moisture content if feeding wet or fresh food
• No fillers or excessive plant proteins in snacks, meals or treats

By embracing your cat’s natural carnivorous instincts, you’re giving them the fuel they were built to thrive on and a flavor profile they genuinely love. So let protein reign and the purring begin!