Researchers have found that cats prefer food attractants that contain free amino acids, giving their kibble savory and fatty flavors. Cats have a heightened sense of smell and are sensitive to umami flavors, while unable to taste sweetness. Previous studies lacked input from actual cats, so Shiqing Song and colleagues used a panel of 10 hungry adult cats to evaluate food sprays with different volatile flavor compounds. The cats preferred attractants with proteins broken down by enzymes and more free amino acids, leading to mushroom and fatty flavors. This research could improve future cat food formulations, helping owners choose a kibble their picky feline might enjoy.
https://phys.org/news/2024-08-cat-food-flavors-feline-testers.html