Arginine
Our ingredient score: 4 / 5 · Amino acid · How We Score
Arginine is an amino acid cats cannot do without. It allows the body to clear the toxic ammonia released while protein is digested. In experiments, kittens that ate a single meal without arginine showed signs of ammonia poisoning in as little as an hour; this shows how dependent cats are on arginine. It also supports the immune system and blood vessel health.
Arginine also appears on labels as L-Arginine.
Common Questions
What happens if a cat does not get arginine?
In experiments, kittens that ate a single meal without arginine showed signs of ammonia poisoning in as little as an hour.
Is L-arginine safe for cats?
Arginine is an amino acid that cats must get from food. FDA lists arginine (L- and DL-forms) as GRAS for animal feed under good manufacturing or feeding practice (21 CFR 582.5145). Tufts veterinary nutritionists explain that cats lack the enzyme needed to make enough arginine themselves. A cat with kidney or liver disease often eats a special diet, so its veterinarian should guide protein and amino acid intake.
Source: govinfo.gov
Why is arginine added to cat food?
Arginine is added because cats need a lot of it and some recipes fall short. The body uses arginine to clear ammonia, the waste made when protein is broken down. Meat supplies most of what a cat needs, and added L-arginine tops up recipes that rely partly on plant protein.
Why do cats need more arginine than dogs?
Cats lack the enzyme needed to make arginine in their own bodies, so they depend on food for it, Tufts veterinary nutritionists explain. Their high protein diet also produces a lot of ammonia, and arginine is needed to clear it. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that cats have higher arginine requirements than dogs.
Source: sites.tufts.edu
Is L-arginine the same as arginine on a cat food label?
Yes, for practical purposes. L-arginine is the form of arginine found in proteins and used by the body. A label may list L-arginine when the pure amino acid is added. AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles set an arginine minimum of 1.04% of dry matter for adults and 1.24% for growth. Those figures count arginine from all ingredients.
Source: aafco.org
How does Pettings score arginine?
Pettings gives arginine 4 out of 5 and lists it as an amino acid. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. Meat covers most needs, so it is rarely added on its own. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Arginine Compare
Arginine is on the label of 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.