Looking at the ingredients of dry cat food, it's easy to see why some may consider this as an option for their backyard flock. Purina's Tender Selects Blend comes with an exclusive mix of crunchy bits and tender, meaty strips that are easier for senior cats to eat. All these are harmful to cats. After all, the meals are 100 percent complete . This leads to unresearched additives like tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, potatoes, carrots, spinach, apples, zucchinithe list goes on. Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE): Having a sensitive and allergic reaction. Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein Dry Cat Food 14/20 rating Product name rule = "recipe" 25-94.9% of the named ingredient Approx carb amount = 3% First 5 ingredients = turkey, dried chicken, dried egg product, gelatin, pork protein isolate The previous two dry foods are much more suitable for cats. Many cat foods, especially higher-end ones, are marketed toward the human, not the cat. $47 at Chewy Best dry cat food for kittens: Purina Kitten Chow $15 $17 Ingredients that include the words such as: By-products; meat and bone meal; animal digest; or added sugars. Products from fish found in cat food include: . Protein: Recommended Level- 25 to 26. Hydrochloric Acid- Also used in chlorides, fertilizers, and dyes, this nasty stuff is what the name implies; Acid. Preferably in that order. The first ingredient used in this pate is organic, free-range chicken raised with no antibiotics. This brand sells a wide variety of cat foods formulated for specific veterinary and dietary concerns, all with the vet-approved label. Details. Cats cannot make sufficient amounts of taurine, however, which is why it is considered an essential nutrient for them. Most people who don't have awareness related to cat healthy food consider that meat and grains are beneficial for cats. Some manufacturers add ingredients like bromine or chlorine to make their cat's food smell better, but these ingredients are actually toxic to cats. To avoid this problem you need to know what ingredient in cat food causes crystals in urine? Ask your veterinarian for specific instructions. Has fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and antioxidants, plus extra nutrients not found in other foods. Look for a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA. Xanthan gum is another you may want to avoid. There are different types of cat food available, including grain free cat food, dry cat food, wet cat food, raw cat food, and more. Iams Proactive Health Dry Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health Iams got 2nd position in the list containing chicken as the first ingredient to help your cat build strong lean muscles. The Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Food contains exceptional quality ingredients for cats with sensitive stomachs. Carbs are a good thing because they provide the body with energy, but too much of a good thing can cause problems, including diarrhea and vomiting. It's expensive, and caused some cats digestive upset. *natural prebiotic. It contains 32% protein content, which is easier for your cat's stomach to process. You might be looking for a best grain-free hypoallergenic cat food option, so our pick for the best grain-free option is Natural Balance L.I.D limited ingredient diets dry cat food. After all, he is a carnivore. Protein is the number-1 most important nutrient in your cat's diet. Yes they are, until we don't know some things about them. The virtues of these products will be plastered across their marketing. Try to buy a dry food that has some . Cats require particular types of fats, including linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and DHA. Interestingly, duck is the main ingredient in this dry cat food. This leads to unresearched additives like tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, potatoes, carrots, spinach, apples, zucchinithe list goes on. The included DHA fatty acids and taurine will help support your kitten's vision and aid in their brain development. Because this is wet food, it has a much higher moisture content than dry food, which can help keep your cat properly hydrated. Avoid them at all costs. Your cat requires a protein-rich diet to support lean muscle mass, so look for quality animal proteins like real meat, poultry, and fish. Firstly, this food is helpful for easy litter box clean-up and healthy digestion with natural fiber. Best Bang for the Buck Purina Cat Chow Naturals with Real Chicken and Turkey Indoor Dry Cat Food (13 pounds) Check Price Wholesome & Affordable The reason behind this is quite horrible. In addition to using such a fantastic protein source, our runner-up contains no corn, wheat, or soy, ingredients known to irritate a cat's digestive system. BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin Chemical preservatives like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are very effective at preserving dry cat food but are suspected to be potentially cancer-causing agents. Avoid Grain Foods When Feeding a Cat. The presence of all these items makes the dry cat food highly nutritious and full of vitamins and minerals. They're . Higher protein content and lower fat is important in maintaining a . Unlike some of the other dry recipes of competitors, which can be a bit bland, Smalls uses ground duck as the primary ingredient and other parts of the duck, like the liver, heart, gizzard, and duck blood. BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin are all examples of effective additives to preserve dry cat food. So, look for a wet or dry food brand that sticks to these recommended levels. First 5 Ingredients: Ground Yellow Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols What makes it one of the worst cat foods on the market? Xanthan gum makes smooth foods smooth. The most common ones are ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). Such directions are to be considered general guidelines, not rules. Magnesium in the cat's body reacts to the highly alkaline urine and creates kidney stones. Certain foods contain unhealthy ingredients for cats. Certain vitamins and minerals are vital to a cat's well-being, reports VetInfo, including calcium, vitamin A, iron, magnesium and sodium. Ethoxyquin: An illegal preservative. In addition, avocados have been found to be toxic to cats. . Once ingested, this substance causes symptoms such as asthma attacks, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness, and anemia. Cornmeal is a very common ingredient in dry cat food that adds absolutely no nutrition to your cat's diet. Mycotoxin - According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals.". Compare these two ingredients lists. Your cat is an obligate carnivore, which means it will thrive best with minimal carbohydrates making up its diet, and all recipes need to be high in animal proteins. Healthy fats provide your cat with energy and support its skin and coat health. Cranberry juice and herbs such as Cantharis, Uva Ursi and Staphysagris help prevent bacteria from building up in your cat's bladder. The food contains real, farm-raised chicken and gives the food a protein content of 40% overall, aiding in the growth of your kitten's developing muscles. Mousse in, mousse out. Now that you know what to look for and what to . Protein is the number-1 most important nutrient in your cat's diet. #4 - Ethoxyquin Maintaining a cat's energy balance helps avoid excessive weight gain. Pet food companies commonly use soy as a filler ingredient for protein. You can pick from a chicken formula or a salmon formula, and the protein source is the first ingredient on the label. (May be followed by named organs, e.g. Best dry food for overweight cats. Ingredients you would want to avoid: 'by-products', 'meat and bone meal', added sugar, chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate), and artificial flavors and colors. Cynthia Lawrence 9/8/2022. It doesn't contain grains, corn, wheat, soy, or other irritants that can cause allergens in some cats. Sodium Acid Pyrophosphates (SAPP) - This food additive is used to make pet food taste better - it's a flavor enhancer. Taurine is only found in animal products. Crude protein minimum: 40%. This low carbohydrate dry cat food's main ingredient is chicken. This wholesome cat food is loaded with healthy carbs for vital energy. If you have a kitty with . Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend Adult Cat Food. Iron (Helps with hemoglobin production) Magnesium (Muscle and nerve health) Phosphorus (Development of DNA and RNA ) Potassium and sodium (Transmission of messages to nerves) Selenium (Immune system) Zinc (Cell and skin health, metabolism) Pay attention to the nutrition facts on the back of the bag. Most animals make their own taurine. It's available in multiple flavors, like chicken and salmon. Therefore, cat foods with a restricted amount of minerals help deal with this health issue and act as prevention. Crude fat minimum: 18%. Cat Food Common Ingredients . Add mashed salmon to the dough. Divide the daily amount of food by three. Its primary ingredients are chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product, chicken broth, and natural flavor. While protein is good for your cat's health, excess of the same can cause urinary issues in the long run. It's an unnecessary ingredient with no nutritional value, and only helps to sweeten your pets food. Other ingredients include pork isolate and egg. Stones and debris may form when the urine is too alkaline. In some cats, a deficiency of Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C contributes to the formation of bladder crystals. Protein - 59.0% min. Ingredients To Look for in a Cat Food. Because corn is naturally full of sugar, it can add unnecessary weight to a cat. Causes vary from kidney stones to infections or even cancer. Cat food ingredients you'll find in kitten-specific formulas include DHA (a fatty acid that aids brain and eye development), taurine . Then, mix it by hand if necessary: You'll need to get a dough ball as a result. Always look for the best high-protein, low-carb dry cat food. Some pet owners will use onions or garlic when preparing a raw food meal for their cat, which can have serious adverse health reactions. Calories per serving: 443 Kcals per cup. Just like sugar, pets can become addicted to eat and refuse any nutritious meals so they can wait for their sugary desserts. Should You Avoid Dry & Wet Cat Food. Buy at Amazon. Several reports of cats not eating it. Avoid any food that is full of starches, fats, or other fillers. PG (Propylene Glycol): A harmful glycerin to soften food. The toxic substance contained in both garlic and onions is called methylcysteine sulfoxide. Caramel Merrick's Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Pate Wet Cat Food is canned wet food. And for those cats who are sensitive to it, it makes their poops smooth too. Vitamin K3, also known as Menadione or Menadione Sodium Bisulfite or Bisulphate is highly toxic, which caused it to be banned for human consumption in the United States because ingestion could result in allergic reactions, hemolytic anemia, and cytotoxicity in liver cells. The basic components of most cat foods are: Protein source (meat or meat meal). Many cat foods, especially higher-end ones, are marketed toward the human, not the cat. Furthermore, this recipe contains all essential nutrients, including potassium and calcium, to improve your feline partner's heart health. Meneadione Sodium Bisulfite- A fancy word for fake vitamin K. Take two cups of water, add them to that large bowl with dry ingredients, and use a spoon to turn them to a heavy and thick mass. The Best Dry Cat Food in 2022 | Pet Side. Omega Fatty Acids. MEAT Steer clear of foods with soy. For example: if your cat requires 400 kcal/day and the can of food is 95 kcal/can, you can do this calculation: 400 95 = 4.21 cans per day. TBHQ (Tert-butylhydroquinone)- A very toxic preservative much like BHA, BHT, propyl gallate, ethoxyquin and so one - which should ALL be avoided. Carbs (grains and . Some of these are . Corn, Soy and Wheat in Dry Cat Food Corn, soy and wheat products are simply fillers. October 20, 2022 February 20, 2022 by Emily. Specific Carbohydrates aka "Fillers" The result is a cat food with a safe protein to support the natural diet of your cat. It's a cheap replacement and damaging to our cats' health. The food also contains vital antioxidants that will aid in immune function. Ground meat, cereals, and vegetables are the main components of most cat foods. Here are the 5 key nutrients cats need: Protein Fat Vitamins Minerals Water These key nutrients provide the building blocks for a healthy body and provide what your cat's body needs to produce and utilize energy. Crave dry cat food is made primarily with chicken. Crave Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food This formula for picky cats is manufactured by CRAVE with each pack weighing two pounds. Several ingredients in cat food can further prevent cat cystitis and bladder crystals. However, many main ingredients are the same across these different kinds of diets. . This change makes it easier for cats with allergies to more typical foods. This recall alone should be justification for most cat owners to avoid Sportxmix cat food. Healthy protein can also come from other sources like eggs and pea protein. Here are the 5 key nutrients cats need: Protein Fat Vitamins Minerals Water These key nutrients provide the building blocks for a healthy body and provide what your cat's body needs to produce and utilize energy. Phosphate: Recommended Level- Less than 100mg/100kcal. The first is from Purina Pro, the second is from a real premium cat food; Chicken (21%), rice, maize gluten meal, dehydrated poultry protein, maize, wheat, animal fat, dried egg, dried chicory root* (2%), pea protein concentrate, minerals, fish oil, digest, yeast. By using a combination of novel proteins, greens, and whole grains, Halo Sensitive Stomach cat food supports easy digestion. Notably, cats do not need carbohydrates, which is why feeding cats grain is not recommended. Feeding directions: Explains how to feed the product to the cat. Avoid buying dry cat food, which does not have moisture in it, since it is full of preservatives and chemicals that can be harmful to your cat's health. Omega-6 fatty acids help keep your princess looking and feeling her best. Calcium: Recommended Level- Maximum of 0.6. These chemicals are often added to oils and fats. Commercial cat food, both dry and wet, come in many recipes formulated by companies keen to dominate the pet food market. . But do consider the calories content when serving overweight cats. MEAT AND GRAINS Meat and Grains are also cat food ingredients to avoid. Other notable ingredients include chicken meal, pea proteins, split peas, chicken fat, tapioca, fish meal, and more. chicken liver, chicken heart, both rich sources of taurine.) Halo's dry cat food and canned cat food for cats with sensitive stomachs is made with real WHOLE meat, poultry, or fish protein, non-GMO vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals. Only Natural Pet Dry Cat Food Made with 90% animal ingredients Includes fresh meat, organs, and bone Rich in animal-based omega-3 fatty acids Check Price Best Limited Ingredient Picked by 64 people today! According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey, a whopping 60 percent of American cats are overweight or obese. In March 2021, the scale of the issues at Midwestern Pet Foods increased further, and a huge number of recipes from Earthborn Holistic and Pro Pac were also recalled due . Nutrients are different from ingredients. Learn more about the ingredients used in cat food and which should be avoided. 7. By that standard, Miko cat food recipes might be a good choice for your cat because they have an 82-percent moisture level from real broth. Cats are meat eaters; man-made cat food is not necessarily what cats have evolved to eat. 3. Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium can contribute to urinary crystal and stone formation. Dr. Elsey's grain-free dry cat food aims to match the protein levels present in natural prey. To add adequate hydration to your cat's daily meals, Dr. Pavia-Watkins says to choose a high-moisture cat fooda moisture content of upwards of 80 percent. The formula's also made with vitamin A and fatty acids for skin and coat health, as well as probiotics and fiber for good digestion. Moisture - 12.0% max. This product contains limited ingredients that make it easier for you to observe what your cat likes. Check Price. Ingredients to Avoid. Make sure nothing important's been omitted. They are all quite effective, but there are concerns about how these ingredients might affect a dog's health. They must also get a sufficient amount of various minerals and vitamins. #3 - Corn Syrup Corn syrup is another ingredient that's bad for both humans and our pets. High protein cat food made with real and delicious farm-raised chicken and other wholesome ingredients to give your kitty the cornerstones of nutrition. Guaranteed analysis: States the minimum or maximum amount of certain nutrients, including protein, fat, and fiber. While many vet-recommended brands only offer cat food, Purina Pro Plan includes a line of supplements as well as wet food and dry food products. In addition, avocados have been found to be toxic to cats. Moreover, knowing which ingredients to avoid can help you select a healthy and safe product when shopping for commercial cat food in the market. Conclusion: Things to Look Out Before Buying Dry Cat Food. They are also complete and balanced according to AAFCO regulations . Fiber - 4.0% max. You should pick a cat food that contains a small amount of protein, a small amount of fat, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates. 2. Taurine is an amino acid used throughout a cat's body it is important for the health of their vision, digestion, heart, and immune system. Hill's Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food. Fish- High in protein, fish is a common ingredient in cat food, especially since cats love the taste and smell of it. Dr. Elsey's doesn't contain any mystery ingredients. Although considered protein, soy acts as a carbohydrate in our cats' bodies and has a direct link to thyroid damage. If you provide your cat three times per day, divide the daily amount of food by three, and you will figure out how much food to feed a cat at each meal. . Updated August 7, 2022. 9. Plus the balanced minerals aid in promoting healthy teeth. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): A harmful preservative. Your cat doesn't need a high-carb diet, and it's important to ensure you're not filling them with too many carbs. Avoiding these ingredients can improve the taste and health of your cat's meals. This Raw Water Bird recipe also includes duck egg, goat's milk, herring oil, and eggshell membrane. Top three ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein. Too much of even the best dry . Unfortunately, they are suspected to potentially cause cancer. Forms of Commercial Dry Cat Food: . Meat Not Included Among the First Ingredients Rendered fat: A source of micro-organisms (Salmonella, etc.) Moreover, it is crafted especially for the indoor feline to fuel up their energy needs. Moisture maximum: 9%. The kibble is loaded with the essential vitamins and nutrients for cats, including taurine and omegas. By adding this ingredient to cat food, a company is able to save money on the more expensive protein. The very first ingredient in this dry food is meat, followed immediately by rice. So, in this blog post, I'll go over some of the cat food ingredients to avoid when shopping for commercial products . Feeding kitties with the best dry cat food is a "purr-fect" way of ensuring you're giving them the healthiest of diets. Remember that the first three ingredients in any cat food should be meat? Fat - 18.0% min. Crude fiber maximum: 4%. After all, he is a carnivore. and toxins. Combine the dry ingredients with water. Here are common ingredients in cat food to avoid: Corn Rice Soy Brewers yeast and rice Wheat Sugar Meat by-products and meat and bone meal Animal digest Poultry fat, by-products, and meal Fish oil Salt Cellulose Colors (yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 2, red 3, red 40) BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin (chemical preservatives) Named Protein Source This is by far the most important ingredient to look for in cat foods: a specific protein source other than "meat." Look for chicken, turkey, lamb, salmon, etc.