Essential nutrients: what modern cats eat for optimal health

The way we understand what cats eat has radically transformed over the past decade. What was once considered simply food has evolved into a comprehensive wellness strategy. According to data from Dane, more than 67% of households live with at least one pet, and annual spending on feline products has doubled in recent years. This evolution reflects a profound shift in owners’ priorities: feeding is no longer enough; now it’s about smart nourishment.

The revolution in cat nutrition: four ingredients that make a difference

Feline nutrition has ceased to be a secondary aspect in households and has become a strategic decision. Experts and companies in the sector have identified four key components that define what the next generation of cats eat: vitamin A, functional fiber, beta-glucans, and prebiotics. Each plays a specific role in the feline body, and together they form the foundation of truly protective and balanced nutrition.

The four nutritional pillars your cat needs

Vitamin A: the guardian of visual health and immunity

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in feline nutrition. Its presence is essential for maintaining your cat’s sharp vision, protecting the integrity of its skin, and strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms. Especially during sensitive stages such as growth or old age, this vitamin helps prevent infections and ensures the optimal functioning of cells responsible for immunity.

Functional fiber: more than just digestive aid

When we talk about what cats eat, functional fiber is much more than a regulator of intestinal transit. It acts as a facilitator of nutrient absorption and promotes the balance of the gut microbiota. This internal bacterial ecosystem is fundamental: it ensures proper digestion and boosts immune response from the source—the digestive system.

Beta-glucans: activators of the immune system

These bioactive compounds, recognized for their immunostimulant capacity, work by strengthening resistance against pathogens. Additionally, they improve the structure of intestinal villi, optimizing the absorption of nutrients present in your cat’s daily diet. Their presence is especially valuable during times of stress or environmental changes.

Prebiotics: the invisible allies of feline health

Prebiotics directly nourish beneficial gut bacteria, maintaining a healthy microbiota balance and improving overall digestive tolerance. Their role is vital in preventing food allergies and enhancing the effect of complementary probiotics, reinforcing immune response from the digestive tract.

Vitamin A, fiber, and much more: the power of functional components

Traditionally, these four elements have been incorporated separately into commercial cat foods. However, advances in biotechnology have enabled the identification of a revolutionary ingredient capable of combining all these benefits in a single source: dried mycelium.

Dried mycelium comes from the body of the fungus Aspergillus niger, a microorganism used in fermentative processes to convert sugars into citric acid. After completing this chemical process, the fungus is filtered, carefully dried, and turned into a powder of extraordinary nutritional value. What’s remarkable is that this single ingredient contains protein, vitamin A, functional fiber, chitin, beta-glucans, and prebiotic properties simultaneously.

In other words, dried mycelium concentrates everything considered essential in modern functional nutrition into one component. Its organic origin and nutritional profile position it as one of the most promising innovations in the new generation of foods designed for cats and dogs.

Dried mycelium: the innovation that combines all benefits in one

Beyond its nutritional richness, dried mycelium represents a significant advancement in sustainability. It transforms what was previously a disposable waste from a chemical process into a valuable resource for animal health. This reconversion allows for complete production cycle closure and nearly full utilization of the materials used, reducing the environmental impact of the industry.

From the lab to the bowl: how Sucroal is revolutionizing feline nutrition

In Colombia, biotech company Sucroal, based in Valle del Cauca, has led the integration of this ingredient into its portfolio of solutions for animal nutrition. Since 2007, the company has marketed this component both domestically and internationally, with confirmed applications in countries like Belgium, where it has established itself as a key input for developing products focused on overall health and animal well-being.

The future of what cats eat: science-driven purchasing criteria

The rise of dried mycelium coincides with a broader shift in pet owner purchasing decisions. Increasingly, these criteria respond to concerns about health, traceability, and respect for natural resources. In this scenario, the animal nutrition industry faces the challenge of constantly evolving.

Functional ingredients, sustainably sourced, and scientifically backed are rapidly gaining ground in a market that seeks not only to feed cats but to actively care for their well-being. The question of what cats eat is no longer just about satisfying hunger but about contributing to a longer, better quality life for our feline companions.