This post may contain affiliate links. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners.
If you watch television, or even if you happen to peruse the pet food aisle at the local grocery store, you might notice a trend. That trend is grain free cat food and the companies who make the brands seem to have nothing but praise for the benefits it holds for your cat. The question is, should you really go grain free?
The Only Grains Cats Eat In The Wild Are Those Ingested By Their Prey
In the wild, cats are meat eaters. The only grains that they really eat are those that were ingested by the prey that they caught and devoured. A cat’s body and digestive system was not made to process grains. In fact, corn, wheat, and even soy can cause digestive upset in some cats as well as allergic reactions. Dogs are different; they can eat both meat and grain and process it the same with no adverse effects. So when you see grain free cat food, it actually makes more sense that grain free dog food. But still, how much of a difference can it make?
If Your Cat Has Allergies, Grain Free Might Be Best
Switching to a grain free cat food can be incredibly beneficial for cats who have allergies. Again, not all cats are allergic to grains, but some are. If you notice these signs in your cat, try making the switch and see if it helps:
- Excessive itching
- Hair loss
- Inflamed skin
- Sores and scabs
- Bald patches
Some cats can have digestive issues that come from allergies as well, so if your cat is vomiting frequently or has diarrhea on a regular basis, have him checked out with the vet to make sure there are no other underlying issues and try a grain free cat food brand to alleviate the symptoms.
Other Benefits Of Switching To Grain Free Cat Food
Going grain free can also be beneficial to helping control your cat’s weight. Without grains, there are less carbohydrates that can pack on the pounds. Plus, grain free cat foods are usually produced by the high end cat food companies who can be trusted to put good quality ingredients into every bag or can that they sell. Fillers and grains are designed to pass through your cat, which can create more waste, so when you remove the grain, you’ll likely have a cleaner and less stinky litterbox. Most importantly, grain free cat foods have more meat included and that is one thing that all cats should have. The meat inclusion is what they need to stay healthy and active for life.
The Power Of the Potato
There are other fillers that can be added to your cat’s food that are designated carbohydrates but are not grains, such as potatoes. This ingredient is becoming more popular in “grain-free” cat foods because while potatoes are not grains, they serve much the same purpose by acting as a filler. The good news is, potatoes are complex carbs so they are easier to digest than whole grains and also don’t spike blood sugar levels like the simple carbs do. Some popular potato brands are:
- Addiction King Salmon Potatoes
- Blue Buffalo Basics Adult Duck and Potato
- By Nature Chicken and Potato
Don’t get the potato confused with sweet potato. Many brands of high quality use sweet potatoes as a nutritious fiber filler in grain free or low grain varieties. Sweet potatoes provide a great source of potassium, vitamin B, and beta-carotene as well as antioxidant agents that specifically help to fight against cancer causing agents.
Not All Grains Are The Same
Though corn, wheat, and soy are the main grains, it is important to remember that barley, oatmeal, and brown rice are grains, too. Allergic reactions are often caused by the first three and some cats can tolerate brown rice or other grains better that corn. Try going in stages and eliminating the big 3 first to see if you notice a change before you cut out all grains. Some of the good brands to try that are free from corn, wheat, and soy (but still have brown rice, barley, or another grain) are:
- EVO Herring and Salmon
- Artemis Fresh Mix Feline Formula
- Avoderm Salmon & Brown Rice
- Natural Balance Ultra-Premium Turkey & Giblets
- By Nature Adult Cat Formula
A Brand By Any Other Name Might Still be The Same
Some brands do not specify that they are grain free even though they do not include any grains. Below is a list of foods that do not have any grains included in the ingredient list, but are good grain free cat food choices for your kitty:
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Health Adult Chicken
- Addiction Black Forest Rabbit Blueberries
- Felix Adult Sensations Cat Formula
- Orijen Regional Red
- Blue Wilderness Adult Indoor Chicken
Then there are the grain free cat food brands that label themselves as grain free so that there is no guesswork.
- Science Diet Adult Grain Free
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Beef, Venison & Lamb
- Solid Gold Grain free Sardines & Tuna
- The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Turkey
- Innova Grain Free Chicken and Turkey
Feeding your cat and feeding your cat well is all a matter of choice. You have to be confident in making the choice to provide the best food you can to meet your kitty’s nutritional needs and she needs to make the choice to like the food she’s getting! Whether you go with grain free cat food or a good balance of higher quality food is up to both of you, but it certainly is worth a try.
