How much fat should be in cat food?

AAFCO requires a minimum of 9% fat on a dry matter basis for adult cats. Most complete commercial cat foods exceed this. For calorie management in sedentary indoor cats, foods in the 10–15% fat range (dry matter) tend to be lower in calorie density than those at 18–22%, while still meeting essential fatty acid requirements.

No -- fat is an essential nutrient for cats and their primary calorie source. The issue is quantity relative to a cat's total calorie budget. For very sedentary indoor cats with low calorie needs, high-fat foods can make portion control more difficult. The solution is managing total intake, not eliminating fat.

Do cats need omega-3 supplements?

Cats have limited ability to convert plant-based omega-3s (ALA) to the marine forms (EPA and DHA) they can actually use. If a cat's diet is low in fish or marine ingredients, an omega-3 supplement from a fish oil source may be beneficial for coat health and anti-inflammatory support. Any supplementation is best discussed with a vet to ensure appropriate dosing.

What is the link between fat and pancreatitis in cats?

Unlike dogs, cats are not as clearly affected by high-fat diets as a pancreatitis trigger. Feline pancreatitis is often associated with other conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, cholangiohepatitis) rather than dietary fat specifically. That said, cats with confirmed pancreatitis may be managed with dietary changes; the specifics should be guided by a vet rather than a general rule.

Cat Fat Requirements | PetCalculator

Fat is cats' primary energy source and carries essential nutrients they can't synthesise themselves. Here's what AAFCO requires, which fatty acids matter, and how fat intake connects to weight management.