A Practical Guide to Feline Nutrition & Feeding

Feline nutrition plays a critical role in a cat’s long-term health, digestion, hydration, and behavior. Because cats are obligate carnivores, their dietary needs differ significantly from dogs and humans.

This guide explains how to think about feline nutrition in the real world — from protein and moisture requirements to feeding routines, environment, and common dietary pitfalls — so cat owners can make informed, health-focused feeding decisions.

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Why Nutrition Matters for Every Cat

While energy levels and activity can vary by breed, all cats share the same core nutritional needs:

• High animal protein (cats are obligate carnivores)

• Moisture-rich food (cats naturally drink very little water)

• Clear ingredient sourcing

• Consistent feeding routines to support digestion and behaviour

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High-energy or athletic cats like Bengals, may show dietary imbalances more quickly, but the nutritional foundations remain the same for all breeds.

• High animal protein (they’re obligate carnivores)

• Moisture-rich food (they’re not big water drinkers)

• Clear ingredient lists (no mystery “meat by-products” and fillers)

• Consistent feeding routine (blood sugar and behaviour stay balanced)

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When food is fresh, species-appropriate, and consistent, cats simply do better. Beyond the information on this page, we've linked posts where we've cover expanded information! If you're looking for some quick tips on simple diet changes that will improve your cats eating habits, check this post out! ​

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Do Different Cat Breeds Need Different Diets?

Short answer: Bengals don’t need a “special” food brand. They need the same fundamentals as every cat—but they often need:

• More frequent meals (3–4 small meals a day instead of 1–2)

• Higher quality protein to match their energy output

• Extra hydration to support kidneys, joints, and digestion

 

​If you’ve landed on this page with a domestic shorthair, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, or rescue tabby—the principles here still apply.

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Fresh vs Commercial Feeding Approaches

There is no one “perfect” way to feed every cat.​​

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Where Kibble and Canned Food Fit

• Good quality wet food can work alongside homemade meals, especially for hydration.

• Dry food is convenient, but many cats do best when it’s reduced to a smaller part of the diet or used as a supplement/treat—not the entire menu.

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If you’re switching from an all-kibble diet to fresh or homemade, do it slowly over 7–10 days and talk to your vet if your cat has any existing health issues.

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A Note on Raw Diets

Raw diets are one of several feeding approaches cat owners may consider. They are typically designed to mimic a cat’s ancestral diet and may include uncooked meat, organs, and bone.

Important considerations when feeding raw include:​

• Careful formulation to meet all nutritional requirements

• Strict food-safety and handling practices

• Awareness of bacterial risks associated with raw ingredients

• Proper storage to reduce contamination for both pets and humans

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From a nutritional standpoint, any homemade diet — raw or cooked — can become imbalanced without precise planning. Particular attention must be paid to:

• Taurine supplementation

• Calcium and phosphorus balance

• Essential vitamins and trace nutrients

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For cat owners who choose to feed raw, working with a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can help ensure meals are nutritionally complete and appropriate for a cat’s life stage and individual health needs.

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Why Some Owners Choose Cooked, Homemade Diets

Many cat owners choose cooked, homemade meals for greater ingredient control, digestibility, and safety when properly formulated. When formulating recipes they must include: 

• Fresh meats (chicken, turkey, beef, fish, rabbit, egg)

• Simple add-ins (pumpkin, squash, gentle grains, selected veggies)

• Vet-approved supplements (especially taurine and omegas

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Basic Cooked Meal Ratio

A balanced cooked meal for most healthy adult cats should follow this general structure by weight, not volume:

• 70–80% animal protein
  (chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit, fish, egg)

• 5–10% healthy fats
  (naturally occurring fats + added fish oil or other cat-safe oils)

• 5–10% moisture-supporting ingredients
  (broth, water, pumpkin, zucchini, squash)

• 5% fiber sources (as needed)
  (pumpkin, sweet potato, peas, oat bran — optional and minimal)

• Required supplements

  • Taurine (non-negotiable)

  • Calcium source (eggshell powder or vet-approved calcium)

  • Omega-3s and vitamins as needed per recipe

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Benefits of this approach:

• You control the ingredients

• Pathogens are reduced by cooking

• Meals can be tailored for digestion, skin, coat, weight, kidneys, etc​

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For readers seeking a structured approach, the focus here is on cooked, carefully formulated homemade meals, rather than raw feeding, with attention to nutrient balance and food safety.​

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Important Notes for Cooked Diets

• Cooking reduces naturally occurring taurine, so supplementation is required

• Calcium must be added to balance phosphorus when feeding muscle meat

• Ratios may shift slightly based on:

  • Age (kitten vs adult vs senior)

  • Activity level

  • Health considerations (always consult your vet)

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Portion Guidance (Daily Intake – General)

A rough starting point for most adult cats:

• 20–30 calories per pound of body weight per day

Very general cooked food equivalents:

• 5 lb cat → ~3–4 oz cooked food/day

• 10 lb cat → ~5–6 oz cooked food/day

• 15 lb cat → ~6–8 oz cooked food/day

Split into:

• 2 meals for most cats

• 3–4 smaller meals for high-energy or very active cats

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Why This Ratio Works

• Prioritizes animal protein, which cats require

• Maintains hydration through food, not just water bowls

• Supports digestion and energy stability

• Allows flexibility while protecting against nutritional gaps

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What a Balanced Cat Bowl Looks Like

A typical balanced meal for most healthy adult cats should include:

• Animal protein as the star

  • Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, rabbit, fish, egg

• Healthy fats

  • Fish oil, flaxseed oil, or other cat-safe oils for skin and coat, we've done a deep dive on suitable additions that will make your cat shine here. 

• Moisture

  • Broth, water, pumpkin, and hydrating vegetables like zucchini, you can add toppers for additional moisture, read about that here

• Targeted fiber

  • Pumpkin, sweet potato, peas, or oat bran to support digestion

• Key supplements

  • Especially taurine; often omega-3s and specific vitamins depending on the recipe​

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Taurine: A Required Nutrient for Cats

Taurine is an essential amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own. It’s critical for heart function, vision, reproduction, and overall neurological health. Without enough taurine, cats are at serious risk of conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration.

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This is why taurine is intentionally included in every recipe we share—especially when feeding raw, cooked or homemade meals, where natural taurine levels can be reduced during preparation and not added by food brands.​

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If you’re feeding fresh, taurine isn’t optional. It’s foundational.​

👉 Read a full blog post to understand why taurine matters, how much cats need, and how to supplement safely when feeding homemade food. Also provided some safe options for our US and Canadian cat parents. ​​

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The Foundation of a Healthy Cat Starts Before the Food Bowl

Nutrition begins long before the first ingredient hits the plate. These are the often-ignored elements that shape a cat’s relationship with food:

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Feeding Environment Matters

Cats eat best when:

• Their bowl is away from the litter box

• There’s no food competition from other pets

• Noise, guest traffic, and smells are minimized

A calm space = a cat that actually finishes meals.

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Meal Timing Affects Behaviour

Beyond calories, timing regulates:

• Energy bursts

• Anxiety

• Sleep patterns

• Aggression and over-vocalizing

Keep an eye on the cat feeding area by considering a cat cam! Read this post, to learn more. 

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The Three Core Principles We Use for Bengals

These principles apply to all breeds!​

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1. Rotation Without Chaos

Many owners rotate foods too quickly. Cats need gradual transitions and consistency.
Practice a controlled rotation: slowly introducing new proteins over weeks, not days.

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2. Hydration as a Non-Negotiable

Cats evolved in deserts — they don’t naturally drink enough.
Focus on moisture-based meals, and know that you can supplement moisture with:

• Broth

• Watered-down wet food

• Hydration “boosters” for picky drinkers

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3. Texture-Based Feeding

Some cats prefer:

• Shredded

• Minced

• Pâté

• Chunky

• Soupy

Choosing the wrong texture can make a cat “picky” — even if the ingredients are right.

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Signs Your Cat’s Diet Isn’t Working

These aren’t the usual “coat dullness” or “vomiting” symptoms you see everywhere online. These are overlooked signs: ​

• Sudden clinginess or over-affection

• Random zoomies at night

• Pawing at water bowls

• Sleeping immediately after meals

• Excessive grooming of belly or legs

• Swallowing loudly after eating

• Hesitating before jumping

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Each sign points to a different dietary gap: hydration, protein balance, digestion, or meal timing.

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What Your Vet Wants You to Know (But Can’t Teach in a 10-Minute Visit)

Veterinarians agree on the basics, but your day-to-day routine makes or breaks nutrition.

Here are the “unspoken” truths:

• Cats do best on routine more than variety

• Overfeeding happens in tablespoons, not cups

• Hairballs are often a fiber + hydration issue

• Many behavioural problems start with unstable blood sugar

• Too many mixed textures confuses digestion

• Cats hide discomfort — by the time they show symptoms, it’s already severe

This page teaches awareness.
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An Example of a Structured Feeding Framework

Here’s the simplified structure to follow:

• A protein-forward main meal

• A hydration-focused second meal

• A light third meal (active breads benefit from this!)

• Controlled add-ins like omegas or pumpkin

• Treats with purpose (freeze-dried protein or broth chips)

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Nutrition Questions We’re Asked Every Week​

“How do I start introducing homemade food to my cat?”

Start slowly. Any diet change should be introduced over 7–10 days by gradually mixing the new food with the current diet. Sudden changes can cause digestive upset. Portion ratios and timing matter, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs or existing health conditions. If you are just looking to transition your cat's diet in general, check out this Blog Post

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“What supplements does my cat actually need?”

At a minimum, homemade diets require taurine and a calcium source to remain balanced. Many recipes also include omega-3 fatty acids and specific vitamins, depending on the ingredients used. Supplement needs vary by recipe, which is why careful formulation matters.

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“How do I prevent urinary or digestive issues?”

Moisture intake and meal structure play a major role. Diets that prioritize hydration, consistent feeding times, and appropriate fiber levels tend to support urinary and digestive health better than dry-only feeding. Always consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

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“Do different cat breeds need different diets?”

All cats share the same core nutritional requirements. However, highly active or athletic cats may benefit from more frequent meals and careful attention to protein quality and hydration. The fundamentals of feline nutrition remain consistent across breeds.

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"Is cooked food safer than raw food for cats?"

Cooked diets reduce exposure to foodborne pathogens when prepared properly. Both cooked and raw homemade diets require precise formulation to avoid nutritional imbalances. Food safety practices and supplementation are critical regardless of feeding style.

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"Can cats eat homemade food every day?"

Yes, cats can eat homemade food daily if meals are nutritionally complete, properly supplemented, and consistently prepared. Homemade feeding requires more planning than commercial diets to avoid deficiencies.

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"What nutrients are cats most commonly deficient in?"

Common deficiencies include taurine, calcium, and certain vitamins when diets are improperly balanced or recipes are followed without supplementation.

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"Is homemade cat food better than commercial food?"

Neither is universally “better.” The quality of ingredients, nutrient balance, and consistency matter more than the format itself.​