Plant-based fat sources only

Score impact: −10 pts per affected product

Exclusively plant-derived oils as the fat source. Cats cannot efficiently convert ALA to EPA/DHA — animal fat or fish oil is necessary.

Score Rationale

Cats lack sufficient delta-6 desaturase activity to convert short-chain ALA (from plant oils) into long-chain EPA and DHA, which are required for neurological function and vision. A diet relying exclusively on plant-derived fats risks long-term essential fatty acid deficiency — particularly DHA, which is critical for retinal and brain development.

Scientific Evidence

• · Rivers JP et al. (1976). Inability of the cat to desaturate essential fatty acids. Nature 258(5531):171–173.
• · National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. Washington DC: National Academies Press.
• · Bauer JE (2006). Metabolic basis for the essential nature of fatty acids and the unique dietary fatty acid requirements of cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229(11):1729–1732.

Affected Products (0 of 60)