Thiamine fortification in canned foods for cats continues to be an issue. Since this topic was last covered in this column (December 2009) there have been several recalls. There has also been some research to help solve this issue. The investment by ingredient and pet food companies has produced several graduate student theses, peer-reviewed original research publications, at least one review paper on the subject, and has been the topic of at least two research symposia at scientific conferences. Despite these efforts, thiamine degradation in canned cat foods has not been solved. A quick, easy or consistent solution remains elusive.
As a reminder as to why this is so important, the carnivorous cat has an elevated requirement for thiamine which is roughly five times that of omnivores. If cats are fed a deficient diet for several weeks, they can become paralyzed and within a month it can be fatal. This is one of the most acute nutritional diseases that we deal with in modern nutrition. Thiamine is a water-soluble B vitamin (B1), so it must be included in the diet on a regular basis.
