Meat is the foundation of dogs' and cats' diets, stemming from their biological and evolutionary needs. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies require animal proteins and fats to function properly. Dogs, as facultative carnivores, also base their diet on meat, although they can derive nutrients from plants to a lesser extent. A well-balanced, meat-based diet provides key nutrients such as protein, taurine, vitamins, and minerals that support a pet's health, immunity, and well-being. However, not everything we eat is safe for pets—some products can be toxic and cause serious health problems.
Cats – absolute carnivores
Cats have evolved as predators for thousands of years, so their bodies are completely adapted to a meat-based diet. A cat's digestive system cannot cope with large amounts of carbohydrates – these animals primarily require high-quality protein and animal fats.
The most important nutrients for cats are:
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Taurine - Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, which their bodies cannot synthesize. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the heart, vision, and reproductive system. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including blindness and dilated cardiomyopathy.
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Vitamin A - Cats cannot convert beta-carotene into active vitamin A. Therefore, they must obtain it from their diet in the form of retinol, which is found in animal products. Vitamin A is essential for eye health, proper growth, and the functioning of skin and mucous membranes.
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Niacin – Vitamin B3 is another substance that cats cannot produce in sufficient quantities on their own. It participates in many metabolic processes, including the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.
These nutrients are found almost exclusively in meat and are essential for proper bodily function. The best choice for cats is grain-free food rich in meat and natural ingredients.
When searching for the perfect cat food, consider Dr. Malou – freeze-dried salmon , which provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and taurine, supporting heart health, vision, and coat condition. It's an ideal choice for picky cats who instinctively prefer a taste and aroma that's close to their natural food.
Dogs – relative carnivores
Although dogs, unlike cats, are not obligate carnivores, meat still forms the foundation of their diet. During domestication, dogs' bodies have adapted to digest some carbohydrates, but animal protein and fats remain essential for health.
The most important nutrients for dogs are:
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High-quality protein - is extremely important for building and regenerating muscles, as well as maintaining healthy skin and shiny coat.
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Essential amino acids - support important metabolic processes, including the production of enzymes and hormones.
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Omega-3 fatty acids - strengthen immunity, improve skin condition and reduce inflammation in the body.
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Animal fats - are a concentrated source of energy and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
When searching for the perfect food, it's worth paying attention to the meat content, which should be at least 50%. This amount will provide your dog with the appropriate amount of animal protein necessary for proper body function.
That's why Duck with Pumpkin – Freeze-Dried Complete Food for Adult Dogs is a perfect example of a food that meets these requirements (it contains a whopping 86% meat!). It's a natural source of high-quality protein and iron, supporting proper muscle development, strength, and energy in your pet. The freeze-drying process ensures the product retains the freshness and flavor of the meat, while also being easily digestible and convenient for daily feeding.
What nutrients does meat provide?
Meat is the absolute foundation of a healthy diet for dogs and cats, as it contains all the most important nutrients in a form easily digestible by the animal's body. It provides not only energy but also substances that support immunity, muscle development, heart health, and the condition of skin and coat.
1. Protein
Animal protein is the most important building block in a pet's diet. Dogs use it for muscle development and repair, healthy skin, and hormone production, while cats use it to produce glucose through gluconeogenesis, as they cannot derive energy from carbohydrates. A diet low in protein leads to loss of muscle mass, weakness, and weakened immunity.
2. Taurine (especially important for cats)
Taurine is an amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own, so they must obtain it through their diet. It's responsible for proper heart function, nervous system function, and visual acuity. A deficiency can result in cardiomyopathy, blindness, or a weakened immune system. It's crucial that your cat's diet is rich in meat and fish.
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A, found in foods such as liver and fish, supports immunity, healthy skin and mucous membranes, and eyesight. Cats cannot convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, so its source must come from meat. Dogs require it in smaller amounts, but they should also include it in their daily diet.
4. B vitamins
Meat provides a broad spectrum of B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and cobalamin. These support energy metabolism, improve nervous system function, and maintain healthy skin and coat. Deficiencies can result in weakness, digestive disorders, and dermatological problems.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are among the most valuable dietary components, found primarily in fatty fish like salmon and sardines. They support skin health, reduce inflammation, improve heart function, and support the immune system. They also contribute to the health of fur, leaving it shiny and thick.
6. Minerals
Meat is also a rich source of minerals – iron supports red blood cell production and oxygenation of the body, zinc improves immunity and wound healing, and selenium protects cells from oxidative stress.
What types of meat are best?
Not all meats are suitable for daily feeding of dogs and cats, so choosing the right protein is crucial for their health and well-being. Easily digestible varieties, rich in vitamins and minerals, are best, and do not burden the digestive system and are well-tolerated by most pets. Dr Malou's range of foods and treats includes many flavors that meet the natural needs of animals, such as chicken, beef liver, and salmon.
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Chicken and turkey are easily digestible, high-protein meats, ideal for adult dogs and cats with normal activity levels. You'll find this nutritional combination with chicken and pumpkin in Chicken & Pumpkin – Freeze-Dried Complete Food for Adult Dogs . It supports muscle building and is readily eaten by even picky eaters.
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Beef is a valuable source of iron and minerals that support circulatory and immune systems. However, it's important to remember that some dogs may be allergic to beef.
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Lamb is an excellent alternative for dogs and cats with food intolerances. It's high in protein and fat, providing energy and satiety.
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Salmon and sardines – rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they improve skin condition, support immunity, and give coat a beautiful shine. You'll find all these benefits, along with salmon, in Chicken with Salmon – Freeze-Dried Complete Food for Adult Cats.
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Game – meat with a natural, intense flavor, less processed and well tolerated by dogs with allergies.
It is worth avoiding feeding raw pork due to the risk of viral diseases and small poultry bones that can break and damage the digestive tract.
What should you avoid giving your dog or cat? Toxic products
While many people happily share snacks from the table with their pets, some foods that are completely harmless to humans can be very dangerous to animals. Dogs and cats have different digestive systems than humans, and their bodies metabolize certain nutrients much more slowly or are unable to break them down at all. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even poisoning, leading to serious illness or death. Every owner should be familiar with the list of prohibited foods and avoid feeding them to their pets, even in minimal quantities.
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Chocolate – contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, agitation, seizures, and rapid heartbeat. In extreme cases, cardiac arrest and death can occur.
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Grapes and raisins – these inconspicuous fruits can lead to sudden kidney failure. Symptoms appear quickly and include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
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Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives – vegetables from this group destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms include weakness, pale mucous membranes, and loss of appetite.
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Macadamia nuts – just a few can cause vomiting, muscle tremors, weakness and problems with motor coordination in a dog.
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Xylitol , a popular sweetener used in gum and candy, causes a rapid drop in blood sugar levels and liver damage. Xylitol poisoning can be fatal in animals.
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Alcohol Even a small amount of beer or wine causes vomiting, difficulty breathing, and disorientation. High-proof alcohol can be fatal.
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Dairy – many dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, which results in diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain.
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Sugar and salt – sugar promotes obesity and metabolic disorders, and salt burdens the kidneys and can lead to heart problems.
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Citrus fruits – they contain essential oils and citric acid, which cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
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Yeast – when consumed by a dog or cat, they ferment in the stomach, producing alcohol and causing dangerous flatulence or gastric torsion.
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Raw meat and eggs of uncertain origin may contain bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. This poses a serious threat to dry-fed animals, which lack immunity to such pathogens.
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Smoked fish – in addition to their high salt content, they also contain harmful substances produced during the smoking process. They can lead to liver and digestive system diseases.
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Dog food for cats lacks taurine, which is essential for cats' heart function and vision. Regularly feeding it can lead to serious deficiencies.
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Poisonous plants – Many popular houseplants, such as lilies, azaleas, and ficuses, are toxic to animals. Ingestion of their leaves can lead to poisoning, kidney and liver damage.
Instead of risking your pet's health, it is worth reaching for safe, natural products, such as Dr Malou - freeze-dried meat lollipops for cats , which is completely free of toxins and artificial additives.
The effects of an inappropriate diet
An improperly composed diet in cats leads to serious deficiencies, primarily taurine, vitamin A, and niacin. A lack of these nutrients can cause cardiomyopathy, retinal degeneration, and ultimately vision loss and significant weakness. Similarly, in dogs, a diet low in meat results in decreased muscle mass, a dull and lackluster coat, and decreased immunity. An even greater risk is the administration of toxic products to animals, which can lead to:
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digestive problems such as diarrhea, flatulence or vomiting,
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damage to internal organs, including the liver, kidneys and heart,
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changes in behavior – from apathy and anxiety to excessive aggression.
How to choose the right meat food?
Choosing dog and cat food should be conscious and tailored to your pet's needs. A high meat content is key – at least 70% in cat food and at least 50% in dog food. It's best to avoid grains, soy, and artificial additives, which provide no nutritional value and burden the digestive system. The quality of ingredients is also crucial – ideally, the food should be free of preservatives and colorings. The diet should always be tailored to the pet's age and health – puppies and kittens have different requirements than seniors or pets with food allergies.
Natural Carnivores – Why Meat Is So Important in a Dog's and Cat's Diet
Meat is the foundation of a healthy diet for dogs and cats – it provides high-quality protein, taurine, vitamins, and minerals essential for proper development and body function. Cats, as obligate carnivores, require a diet almost entirely based on meat, while dogs, as facultative carnivores, can supplement their meals with plant-based ingredients, but meat should be the main component of their diet. Toxic foods such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol should be strictly avoided, as they can lead to serious poisoning. The most important thing is to choose high-quality meat-based food, consult your veterinarian about the diet, and carefully monitor your pet's reactions. A properly selected, meat-based diet is the foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life for dogs and cats.
