Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and influence normal growth and development throughout the body. Cats require only a very small amount of iodine, but that small amount must be supplied consistently.

The conventional ingredients used to make homemade cat food are generally poor and unreliable sources of iodine. Natural sources such as seafood and seaweed can contain substantial amounts, but their iodine content varies considerably. TCfeline therefore uses potassium iodide, a standardised source that allows iodine to be supplied in a precise and consistent amount.

How much iodine to provide has been an interesting question. Analysis of wild mice conducted as part of Feline Future’s prey research found considerably more iodine than current AAFCO minimums and NRC recommended allowances for cats. This makes biological sense: a cat eating whole prey consumes the thyroid gland and other tissues in which iodine accumulates, while these tissues are absent from the retail meats used to prepare homemade cat food.

These findings led to a change in the TCfeline formulations. Rather than formulating iodine primarily to established minimum requirements, both TCfeline Original and Special Formula now provide approximately 0.18 mg iodine per 100 g / 140 kcal of prepared food, matching the level measured in our wild mice.

Potassium iodide therefore provides more than simply protection against iodine deficiency. It allows us to supply this essential trace mineral consistently and to calibrate the finished food more closely to the nutritional composition of natural prey.

Learn about a possible connection between iodine deficiency and Hyperthyroidism in cats →