Nutrition in newborn cats: from mother’s milk to dry food
Composition of cat’s milk
On the first day postpartum, the special composition of the mother’s milk is known as colostrum. This milk has a high proportion of immunoglobulins, which are extremely important in the development of the kitten’s immune system. In 2006, Claus M.A. et al. conducted a study to determine the concentration of immunoglobulins in cat colostrum and milk. The results showed that colostrum had a higher concentration of IgA and IgG compared to milk from day 7 postpartum.
Immature immune system
In a previous post, we explained the importance of nutrition in the early stages of life, when the immune system of newborn cats is still immature.
However, there comes a time, usually after 2 months, when kittens stop receiving their mother’s milk and start to eat dry food. It is important to continue strengthening the young cat’s still immature immune system through their new diet. Furthermore, newborn cats have very specific energy and nutritional needs.
Diets for newborn cats
In this post we introduce you to the Advance Baby Protect Kitten diet specifically for kittens. This diet is recommended diet for kittens from 2 to 12 months of age as well as for gestating or lactating females.
Advantages
Notable for:
- Its high bioavailability thanks to the presence of top-quality proteins and organic minerals such as zinc and manganese. Nearly all of the food is exploited, thus minimising waste generation.
- Contains immunoglobulins and vitamins B6 and E, which reinforce the immune system, as demonstrated in several scientific studies.
- A superior taste due to the high quality of the ingredients.
- Sold exclusively in veterinary clinics.
Key features
Its key features are:
- Ideal protein: with high biological value. It contains a balanced amino acid profile that meets the kitten’s needs. In addition, its high digestibility reduces the formation of protein residues, thereby optimising full exploitation.
- Organic minerals: by binding zinc and manganese to amino acids, they subsequently use other carriers to cross the intestinal barrier.
- Optimum growth: the diet provides a high energy intake, fully covering the protein, fat and vitamin needs of a growing body. It contains a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus for improved kitten development.
