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Nutritional needs for total body health should be considered during diet selection
By Dr. Maurice Docton,
The Iams Company
One of the most important responsibilities of breeders is to provide a diet with the specific nutrients, while still addressing the nutritional needs of the entire cat. Cat breeders have many considerations when choosing the best, most appropriate nutrition.
Breeders commonly select hairball-control diets, special kitten blends and dental-care formulas, but how to address the needs of the cat’s internal organs might not be as readily apparent.
However, recent nutritional innovations have led to the development of premium cat food formulas designed to promote total body health, including the health of organs such as the heart, kidneys and immune system.
Vital Organ Health
Eukanuba® Cat Foods feature specialized nutrition, including the new Vital Organ Health System™, designed to promote and maintain organ health.
An advantage of the Vital Organ Health System is that it is a part of the overall Eukanuba Vital Health System™, which includes components that support the digestive, oral, skin and coat, bone and muscle, and sensory systems of cats. This comprehensive nutrition system allows breeders to target six essential health functions and also provide food that delivers nutrients when and where they are needed for the cat. All Eukanuba foods incorporate the Vital Health System with unique formulas, each customized to meet the specific needs of cats with different life stages and lifestyles.
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“Just like for us, the body systems of a cat work together to maintain peak health and well-being,” said Dr. Leighann Daristotle, The Iams Company. “The Vital Health System, featuring Vital Organ Health, is a way to provide nutritional support for the most essential systems of the breeding cat.
Benefits of Nutritional Support for Organ Health
“All cats need complete and balanced nutrition for normal organ function,” Dr. Daristotle said.
Optimal nutrition promotes healthy activity levels, reduced tartar build-up, a shiny coat and small, firm stools, which indicate good digestion.
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regenerate a cat’s healthy cells,” said Dr. Daristotle. “For overweight felines, a diet including L-carnitine assists in burning fat and building lean muscle mass.”
Other important components of a cat’s diet are animal-based proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals, which nourish tissues such as the heart, lungs and kidneys. An appropriate blend of carbohydrates also promotes healthy blood sugar metabolism for sustained energy levels.
For more information about Eukanuba Vital Organ Health or the entire Vital Health System™, visit The Iams Company on the web at http://www.iamsco.com
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Certain nutrients provide key functional and structural benefits in various tissues. For example, calcium plays a critical role for bone strength and structural integrity in skeletal tissues, but in muscle tissues like that of the heart, the same mineral is essential for contraction.
“Diets enriched with antioxidants, such as vitamin E, support a strong immune system by helping
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About Dr. Docton
Dr. Docton received his DVM from Ohio State University in 1978. After years in private practice, he joined The Iams Company in 1996 as a clinical veterinarian for the Animal Care Center. Recently, he became manager of Technical Communications for Iams research and development. Since 1997, he has also served as staff veterinarian and primary surgeon for Waynesville Animal Hospital in Waynesville, Ohio.
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