Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they have a physiological requirement for animal-based protein and fat in their diet. As a result, cats do not require grain in their diet and some cats may be allergic to grains or have sensitivities to them. For these reasons, many pet owners choose to feed their cats a grain-free diet.
Grain-free cat food is a type of pet food that does not contain grains, such as oats, corn, barley, wheat, and rice. This type of food has become increasingly popular in recent years, as a more natural and healthier option for cats. This is because cats have minimal ability to digest and make use of carbohydrates in their diet, as they don’t produce salivary amylase (an enzyme that breaks down starch), whereas dogs can digest those carbs.
Read A Complete Guide: Why Dog Food Shouldn’t Be Grain Free
The Surprising Truth About Grains in Cat Food: Why They’re Unnecessary
We discovered scientific research on grain-free cat food together with concerns about the potential risks of a grain-containing cat diet.
“Multiple studies conducted by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) and National Library of Medicine shows that domestic cats who feed high carbohydrate diet lead to obesity and diabetes mellitus.”
Read PDF from Vets Research: Our Facts Source
Furthermore, we also found that grains can be difficult for cats to digest, as they do not have the digestive enzymes necessary to break down complex carbohydrates like those found in grains.
This could also lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea or constipation. Grains can also be a source of allergies or sensitivities in some cats, leading to skin irritation or other health problems.
Whole grains are not necessarily fatal to cats, they are not a necessary part of their diet and can potentially cause allergic issues. So feeding a grain-free cat diet that is high in animal protein is important to meet their nutritional needs and support their overall health.
Alternatively, we highlight some benefits so you can make an informed decision about your feline’s health.
Grain-Free Cat Food Pros and Cons
To produce energy, cats have a natural preference for a high-protein diet consisting of animal meat and fats. This raises the question of whether a grain-free diet is beneficial to them. So, to help you understand the importance of a grain-free diet for your cat, we’ve listed all of the pros and cons.
Pros of Grain-Free Cat Food
Some of the benefits of feeding your cat a grain-free diet include:
Improved Digestion
Grains can be complex for cats to digest, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea. By removing grains from your cat’s diet, you may be able to reduce or eliminate these issues.
Allergy Prevention
As mentioned, some cats may be allergic to grains, which can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, itching, and excessive scratching. A grain-free diet can help to prevent these symptoms and keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
Weight Management
Grains are a source of carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain in cats. By removing grains from your cat’s diet, you may be able to help your cat maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of obesity-related health problems.
Better Nutrition
Many grain-free cat foods are made with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, and salmon. These protein sources can provide your cat with the essential amino acids they need to maintain its health and vitality.
High Amount of Taurine
The health of cats depends on taurine, an important amino acid that is predominantly present in sources of protein from animals. Unlike dogs, cats must obtain taurine from their diet because they are unable to produce it on their own.
We discover premium grain-free cat food containing high amount of taurine, which can prevent feline health problems, such as heart disease and vision blindness.
Cons of Grain-Free Cat Food
Veterinarians only dislike unhealthy cat food. In this regard, we’ve found only two concerns, why grain-free diets cannot be suitable for your cat.
Excessive Plant-Based Ingredients
It is a weakness of commercial cat food that contains high levels of certain nutrients that can be harmful to cats if consumed in excesses, such as plant-based protein sources like peas and lentils.
These plant-based protein sources can be difficult for cats to digest, and they may contribute to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Increased Price Point
Grain-free cat food may cost more due to the use of high-quality ingredients such as meat and fish and specialty ingredients like fruits and vegetables.
The production process, including the use of natural and organic ingredients and smaller batches, also contributes to the increased cost.
Despite the higher price point, grain-free cat food can provide your feline friend with the quality nutrition they need.
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