[Nikita]

what sort of protein levels should my cats have?

i have 4, two are 2 yrs old, one is 6 and the other is 17. at the mo they're on Felix, but I'd like to put them on the best I can find, within money constraints of course the felix labels say it has 8.5% protein - i can't say i know about cat nutrition, but for an animal that is a carnivore, I can't shake the feeling that this is very low. that level is the same in both the adult and senior foods.

oh, the 6-yr-old is a little plump, if that makes a difference.

thanks!

 

[opokki]

I assume at 8.5% protein this is a canned food? Compared to most dry foods which usually contain 26 - 34% protein this seems low but it really isn't....for an accurate comparison the food should be compared on a dry matter basis. Im sure 8.5% protein for a canned food is fine.
The AAFCO Nutrient Profiles recommend a minimum of 26% protein on a dry matter basis for adult maintenance presuming an energy density of 4 kcal/g ME.
To figure out the DM protein you need to know the protein % and the moisture %:
protein % divided by (100 - moisture %) x 100 = DM protein

A food with 8.5% protein and 78% moisture would have:
8.5 / (100 - 78 = 22) x 100 = 38.6% DM protein

 

[AngelZoo]

Nakita: Unfortunatly I am not too familure with Felix and other forigen foods, I'm working on it and I know I have found some which look really good, hopefully Zal can help you out if you are in the same neck of the woods she is.

Like Opokki said, 26-36% is what you will find in dry kibble. 7-12% is what you may find in canned food, just make sure it's from a good protein source (aka a good fresh meat content). Your average healthy adult cat and kitten, don't really have too much of a max on how much proper protein they can have, as they are oblitorat carnivors, provided that their other nutritional needs are met by some other suppliment or included ingredients.

Good luck!