The Effect of the Carbohydrate and Fat Content of the Diet upon the Riboflavin Requirement of the Cat

Riboflavin deficiency has been produced in cats fed isonitrogenous purified diets varying in carbohydrate and fat content and containing different quantities of riboflavin. In a number of instances cataracts developed in cats receiving amounts of riboflavin slightly below their minimal requirement. Fatty livers and testicular hypoplasia were present as well as skin changes which were less dramatic than in other species. Anemia and central nervous system changes were not observed. High-carbohydrate, low-fat diets appear to exert a sparing influence on the cats’ riboflavin requirement. Urinary and fecal riboflavin determinations indicate that this effect is largely due to increased intestinal synthesis and utilization of riboflavin.