Macronutrient Profile of common proteins (Protein, Fat, Carbs) AND prey animals of feral cats

ldg

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The information is shown both with the moisture content (as fed) and on a dry matter basis.



From an analysis of feral cat diets published by Plantina et al. in 2011 (British Journal of Nutrition (2011), 106: S35-S48), "Esitmation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implication for nutrition of domestic cats," we know that the average macronutrient composition of a feral cat's natural diet on a dry matter basis is:

Protein 62.7%
Fat 22.8%
Ash (minerals) 11.8%
Carbs 2.8% (of which "the starch content is low.")


And we have from the study the macronutrient content of feral cat prey:


Link to the study (full report is available for free): http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8404219


So on a dry matter (DMB) basis:

The meats - according to the USDA - that look most like wild rabbits (according to the USDA), are venison, chicken breast, and turkey thigh.

The meats that look most like rats, mice, and rabbits (from Plantinga) are duck and grass-fed beef.

Again - this is only from the macronutrient content profile and doesn't reflect the vitamin, mineral, or fatty acid profile. Basically just protein & fat.
 
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ldg

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Oh - and for those wondering why the profile of the meats look so different than the prey items (MUCH lower ash), that's because the USDA tracks the profiles for food people eat. The USDA data does not include the bone content of the cut, just the minerals IN the meat.
 
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