The pet food industry only uses materials from beef, lamb, poultry and pork origin, fish, shellfish, rabbit and game. There are a range of products available to suit all purses, palates and preferences. All of the products are nutritionally balanced for health. However the price of the products will reflect the quality and cost of the ingredients and the manufacturing process involved. Just as you might make the choice between fillet steak or a shoulder, both cuts offer the same nutrition but one is less expensive than the other.
Cats are obligate carnivores.
In 1982 Taurine an amino acid only present in meat, was found to be crucial for the healthy functioning of the cat. Taurine is vital for aspects of metabolism, eye sight, cardiac function, bile formation and reproduction. Cats are not able to synthesise sufficient taurine themselves and must have an adequate dietary supply. As taurine occurs almost solely in materials of animal origin, cats should not be fed on a purely vegetarian diet. Dogs are omivores and can be fed a balanced vegetarian diet.