1.Scientific basis:

Cats are obligate carnivores, while dogs are omnivores, and their nutritional needs differ significantly. According to the 2021 Feline Nutrition Guidelines of the American Animal Hospital Association(AAHA), protein should account for more than 40% of dry matter in a cat's diet, which is much higher than the 18%-25% of dogs.

This is because cats lack certain metabolic pathways and cannot effectively synthesize taurine, arginine, and arachidonic acid, which must be obtained from animal protein.

2.Research support:

A study by Tufts University in the United States found that cats fed a low-protein cat food (<30%) for a long time lost muscle twice as fast as the high-protein group.

Dogs can adapt to more carbohydrates, but excessive grains may lead to obesity. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022) pointed out that when the starch content in dog food exceeds 40%,

the risk of intestinal flora imbalance increases.

3.Practical suggestions:

Cats: Choose cat food with a high proportion of animal protein (chicken, beef, fish), and avoid grain-filled products.

Dogs: Choose a formula with medium protein (25%-30%) + moderate fiber (3%-5%). Large dogs need to pay attention to joint health (add glucosamine).