Cats cannot synthesize adequate amounts of taurine, arginine, vitamin A from beta-carotene, niacin from tryptophan, or arachidonic acid — all must be supplied by an animal-source diet. Cats also need higher dietary protein than dogs (26%+ DM minimum vs. 18% for adult dogs) and depend on dietary moisture because their thirst drive is weak — low water intake is implicated in feline lower urinary tract disease. Critical takeaway: "all life stages" dog food is NOT appropriate for cats. Look for AAFCO cat-specific compliance, ideally with wet or supplemental wet food in the rotation.