Laboratory conducted feeding trials, used to measure minimal nutritional requirements by withholding nutrients and observation of the ensuing deficiencies, are unnecessary. It is a cruel method, and the acquired knowledge of minimal requirements leads to development of dietary formulations of non-optimal nutritional quality. Also, the simple analysis of nutritional composition is insufficient if the nature of the food and the way it is consumed, remains unexplored.
Cats consume small prey whole.
Larger prey is only partially eaten, leaving digestive tract, skin, hair, larger bones, or feathers. Larger prey may be eaten over several days, although cats seldom take carrion. Carnivores have been defined through evolution by eating meat raw - feeding them cooked meat will lead to deficiencies resulting in poor health and ultimately in premature death. In turn, this poor health is inherited by future generations manifesting as congenital defects. M.D. Initially Dr. Pottenger kept cats as laboratory animals for experiments in human health.