Mineral Balance in Dry Cat Foods: The Role of Calcium and Phosphorus

The suitability of cat food for a cat in the long term is not determined solely by protein, fat, or calories. It is known that both the quantity and the ratio of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus affect kidney health. But why?

The ratio of calcium and phosphorus in cat food directly affects kidney and urinary tract health. An ideal Ca/P balance prevents excess phosphorus from creating an uncontrolled burden on the body. This reduces the burden on the kidneys and better supports urinary tract health. In addition, maintaining mineral balance can protect the skeletal system. Terralora dry foods are formulated with mineral ratios that fully comply with FEDIAF 2025 standards to prevent crystal accumulation and stone formation in urine. Analysis results show that the Ca/P ratio in Terralora dry foods is at the ideal level.

Terralora dry foods are formulated with mineral ratios that fully comply with FEDIAF 2025 standards to prevent crystal accumulation and stone formation in urine. Analysis results show that the Ca/P ratio in Terralora dry foods is at the ideal level.

In the continuation of our article, you can see the details of the mineral values ​​of all Terralora brand cat foods in the tables. In this article, we wanted to share with you the reports prepared for Terralora cat foods in light of the FEDIAF (September 2025) guide, which is the most current scientific standard in cat nutrition.

Information: The information and tables in our content are based on the “Cat Food Mineral Analysis and Evaluation” report prepared for Terralora cat foods. The evaluations were made by Assoc. Dr. Eren Kuter, faculty member of the Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases at MAKÜ Veterinary Faculty and Scientific Consultant of Effeffe Pet Products, referencing the FEDIAF 2025 (September) nutrition guideline.

Why is the Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio Important in Dry Cat Foods?

Macrominerals hold a special place in the long-term health of cats. Calcium and phosphorus, in particular, are two of the most frequently discussed topics when considering both skeletal structure maintenance and urinary tract sensitivities.

It should be remembered that what is important here is not the quantity but the balance of the two minerals relative to each other, that is, the Ca/P ratio.

Calcium and phosphorus… Both are necessary. But the real issue is not the quantity, but the balance. Because these two minerals are absorbed through similar mechanisms, when there is a shift in the ratio, the balance of mineral utilization in the body can change.

This excess mineral, which cannot be used and eliminated in a balanced way in the body, can accumulate in your cat's urinary tract over time and turn into those dreaded, painful crystals and stones.

Therefore, the Ca/P ratio is considered one of the most meaningful indicators to look at when choosing cat food.

• In kittens, the priority is that growth occurs in a balanced manner. Because bones develop and harden rapidly, the Ca/P balance becomes more critical during this period.
• In adult cats, growth is complete, and the goal now is to maintain the existing skeletal structure and overall balance.
• Metabolism works differently in neutered cats. Since the risk of urinary tract stones is a much more sensitive issue during this period, the formulation approach is adjusted accordingly.

So what is the scientific basis for these statements?

Let's take a closer look at the FEDIAF standards that we will use as a basic reference when evaluating the mineral values ​​of Terralora cat foods.

What is the FEDIAF Nutritional Guide?

FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) compiles current scientific data on pet nutrition and defines the "minimum" and "maximum" value ranges for nutrients that should be present in pet food.

It provides a clear basis, especially in evaluating essential minerals such as Ca, P, Ca/P ratio and sodium.

According to FEDIAF 2025, the minimum macro-mineral levels that should be present in 100 g of dry matter of cat food are as follows:

As stated in the prepared report,

All Terralora cat foods comply with FEDIAF values.

Calcium/Phosphorus Ratios in Terrara Dry Foods

The calcium and phosphorus ratios in Terrara dry foods are fully compliant with the values ​​determined by FEDIAF. This helps protect the kidney and urinary tract health of cats.

You can find detailed analysis results in the section below.

Terralora Salmon Flavored Kitten Food

MINERALS	LEVEL IN FOOD	FEDIAF 2025 (Minimum / Maximum)	COMPLIANCE
Kalsiyum (Ca)	%1,39	%1,00 / -	Compliant ✓
Phosphorus (P)	%1,13	0.84% ​​/ 1.50%	Suitable ✓
Ca/P Ratio	1,23	1,0 / 1,5	Suitable ✓

According to FEDIAF's scientific guidelines, the recommended Calcium/Phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio for kittens is between 1.0 and 1.5.

Terralora Salmon Kitten Food, with its 1.23% salmon content, fully complies with the scientific standards set by FEDIAF.

This ideal balance forms the biological basis necessary for the healthy development of your kitten's skeletal system during its rapid growth period.

Terralora Salmon Adult Cat Food

MINERALS	LEVEL IN FOOD	FEDIAF 2025 (Minimum / Maximum)	COMPLIANCE
Kalsiyum (Ca)	%1,61	%0,40 / -	Compliant ✓
Phosphorus (P)	%1,11	%0,26 / -	Suitable ✓
Ca/P Ratio	1,45	1,0 / 2,0	Suitable ✓

The FEDIAF guideline states that the safe Calcium/Phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio for adult cats is between 1.0 and 2.0.

Terralora Salmon Adult Cat Food fully complies with the FEDIAF safe range with its 1.45% calcium/phosphorus ratio.

The 1.45% Ca/P ratio in the food is within the range that can protect against skeletal system problems such as calcium deficiency and osteoporosis in adult cats.

Terralora Salmon Sterilized Cat Food

MINERALS	LEVEL IN FOOD	FEDIAF 2025 (Minimum / Maximum)	COMPLIANCE
Kalsiyum (Ca)	%1,48	%0,53 / -	Compliant ✓
Phosphorus (P)	%1,16	%0,35 / -	Suitable ✓
Ca/P Ratio	1,28	1,0 / 2,0	Suitable ✓

According to FEDIAF scientific standards; the ideal Ca/P ratio for adult and neutered cats is between 1.0 and 2.0.

Terralora Salmon Sterilized Cat Food fully complies with the scientific limits set by FEDIAF, with a calcium-phosphorus ratio of 1.28%.

This ratio, which perfectly suits the metabolism that becomes more sensitive after sterilization, protects the skeletal structure and meets the body's mineral needs at the scientifically correct level.

Terralora Chicken Sterilized Cat Food

MINERALS	LEVEL IN FOOD	FEDIAF 2025 (Minimum / Maximum)	COMPLIANCE
Kalsiyum (Ca)	%1,39	%0,53 / -	Compliant ✓
Phosphorus (P)	%1,03	%0,35 / -	Suitable ✓
Ca/P Ratio	1,35	1,0 / 2,0	Suitable ✓

FEDIAF nutritional standards accept a Ca/P ratio of 1.0 – 2.0 as the scientific reference for adult and neutered cats.

Terralora Chicken Sterilized Cat Food fully complies with the scientific standards set by FEDIAF, with its 1.35% mineral content.

This mineral balance, created in accordance with FEDIAF standards, prepares the right foundation for a strong bone structure and high mineral absorption.