Evaluation of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium content in commercially available foods formulated for healthy cats.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:High dietary phosphorus (P) and low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) are associated with kidney damage in cats. There are no established guidelines for dietary P maximum for cats. OBJECTIVES:To quantify crude protein, P, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in cat foods and compare among food formats (dry, canned, raw), primary protein ingredients, protein concentrations (low, moderate, high), grain-free versus grain-containing foods, foods intended for adult maintenance versus all life stages, and cost. SAMPLES:Eighty-two commercial nonprescription cat foods. METHODS:Descriptive study. Mineral concentrations were measured using inductively coupled argon plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Crude protein was measured using the Dumas nitrogen combustion method. Mineral and crude protein concentrations were compared among food categories. RESULTS:Twenty-seven foods contained ?3.6 g P/1000?kcal metabolizable energy (ME), of which 7 exceeded 4.8 g/1000?kcal ME. Thirteen foods had low Ca:P ratio (?1.0). The low-protein diet group had no products ?3.6 g P/1000?kcal ME, which was significantly different compared to the high-protein diet group (52% of products had ?3.6 g P/1000?kcal ME; P =?.01). No significant differences in P content and Ca:P ratio were found among other diet categories. Canned foods had significantly lower Mg compared to dry (P

SUBMITTER: Summers SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6979088 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature