Although the basic physiologic and metabolic systems are relatively similar among all mammals, the evolution of cats as strict carnivores has resulted in notable nutritional and metabolic adaptations. Cats are obligate (strict) carnivores, making them somewhat different than dogs in their nutritional needs.

What does it mean to be an ‘obligate carnivore’? It means that cats evolved to meet their nutritional needs through the consumption of animal tissue rather than plant-based proteins such as grains, which make up the majority of ingredients found in commercial cat foods today. Evolution has ensured that wild feline nutritional needs are met by its natural prey. When feeding companion cats, the most logical strategy is to feed the diet that most closely imitates the natural prey diet when prey cannot be accessed.