With so many brands to choose from, picking the best food for your feline friend can be a tricky task! And it’s one we need to get right, because nutrition is central to our pets’ health. To help you out, today we’re discussing some ingredients you want to steer clear of when checking cat food packaging.
Why ingredients matter more than marketing claims
Although there are rules about what companies can put on pet food labels, many marketing claims are still unclear. For instance, if a packet says ‘with chicken’, this only guarantees that the food inside contains at least 4% chicken. And if it says ‘flavoured with chicken’, then less than 4% of the product is chicken. Conversely, if the label reads ‘rich in chicken’, that guarantees the food is at least 14% chicken.
One of the most important distinctions to be aware of is between ‘complete’ and ‘complementary’ pet food. Complete means it’s nutritionally balanced, contains all the nutrients your kitty requires, and can be their primary food source. Complementary means it’s nutritionally incomplete on its own and designed to be a supplementary food or treat. This doesn’t mean complementary food is low in quality, just that your moggy needs to eat complete food alongside it.
How to read the ingredients list on cat food
Figuring out precisely what’s in your cat’s grub can be surprisingly confusing, so let’s break it down. The first thing to note is that ingredients are listed by weight. That means the top few are the most important, as they comprise the bulk of the food. Manufacturers can choose to either list individual ingredients (e.g. ‘salmon’) or group them into categories (e.g. ‘cereals’). The former makes it easier to discern exactly what’s in a product, but the latter doesn’t automatically signify lower quality.
Additives are in a separate list, which helps you to spot any unwanted artificial ingredients (like those we discuss below). Not all additives are bad though – some are nutrients that are vital for your moggy’s health (e.g. taurine). You should also see a table of the food’s analytical constituents, which breaks it down into things like protein, fat, moisture, and fibre.
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Organic Ashwagandha Powder
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Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil
What ingredients to avoid in cat food and why
What’s good and bad for us isn’t the same as what’s good and bad for our feline friends. That means it’s not always easy to tell healthy ingredients in cat food from unhealthy ones. So here’s a rundown of the things you don’t want to see on the label:
Unspecified meat sources
Our kitties are obligate carnivores, but that doesn’t mean any old meat is fine for them. In particular, it’s best to avoid cat foods with vague sources like ‘meat by-products’ or ‘meat derivatives’ in the ingredients. This doesn’t give you any idea about the quality of the meat or where it comes from.
What does ‘meat and animal derivatives’ mean on cat food labels? It usually refers to parts of the animal that humans don’t eat, such as offal. Are these by-products in cat food bad? Not necessarily. For example, organ meats can be highly nutritious for our fluffy friends. However, if this is the top ingredient and there’s no named protein like chicken or salmon, it could be a red flag.
Artificial preservatives
All commercial cat foods will contain some kind of preservative to keep them fresh. However, while natural preservatives like ascorbic acid (vitamin C), mixed tocopherols (vitamin E), and citric acid are pet-safe, some synthetic ones may not be. For example, some experts advise people not to choose cat food containing BHA (E320) and BHT (E321).(1) Another ingredient to watch out for is ethoxyquin, which is banned in the UK and EU but not the US.
Artificial colours
When thinking about what ingredients to avoid in cat food, anything that doesn’t add nutritional value is worth questioning. And artificial colours are a top offender in that regard. Historically, manufacturers would use synthetic colours in their products to make them look more appealing to pet owners. But while our kitties can see colour, their colour vision is more limited than ours. And unlike us, they don’t really care what their dinner looks like!
What’s worse is that some artificial colourings could actually be harmful to our feline friends. These include E102, E110, and E132. Some, like E129, are banned in the UK but might still show up in imported products. Such additives may cause digestive discomfort and even be carcinogenic. Fortunately, many companies are discontinuing their use of all artificial colourings as a result. Natural options like beetroot, spinach, and turmeric can create food that’s both visually appealing to owners and safe for cats.
Artificial flavours
The third in our ‘artificial’ trio of what ingredients to avoid in cat food, artificial flavours are another red flag. After all, if companies make products with healthy things our kitties enjoy, there shouldn’t be a need for them! If you spot terms like ‘chicken flavour’ on the packet, they might be there to compensate for having low-quality meat derivatives as the main ingredient. Sodium nitrate in particular is one that vets often recommend you steer clear of. This is because it’s toxic to cats in large doses and can cause a dangerous blood disorder called methemoglobinemia.(2)
Added sugar and sweeteners
It’s normal for there to be a little sugar in pet food, because it’s found naturally in healthy ingredients like fruit and vegetables. However, some manufacturers may add extra sweeteners to increase palatability, act as a binder, or mask low-quality ingredients. That’s despite the fact that our feline companions can’t taste sweetness!(3) It still poses health problems for them though, including raising the risk of obesity, diabetes, and dental issues. Check the ingredients list and avoid things like caramel, cane molasses, and different types of syrup.
Gelling agents
It’s not unusual for companies to use gelling agents to give cat food a jelly-like texture. But some are safer than others. If you spot agar-agar, gelatine, or locust bean gum, it shouldn’t be a concern as long as it’s low down on the ingredients list. Conversely, cassia gum must be highly purified and may trigger digestive upset in some pets.
Is carrageenan safe for cats? Some vets recommend avoiding it because of concerns that it could cause gut inflammation. However, this debate is ongoing, and further research is necessary. In the meantime, if your moggy has a sensitive digestive system, you might want to choose foods without it.
Grain and carbohydrate fillers
Cats get most of their energy from protein and fat, so only need minimal carbohydrates in their diet. Although ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy aren’t toxic to kitties, they also don’t offer them much nutritional value. However, some companies use them as cheap fillers to bulk up cat food and cut costs. This sometimes causes digestive troubles because cats don’t have the ability to effectively digest large amounts of plant matter.
Is grain-free cat food better for your moggy? No, there’s no need for our feline friends to avoid grain entirely. In fact, in small quantities, grain can be a good source of energy and nutrients. And remember that grain-free doesn’t mean carbohydrate-free, as carbs come from other sources too (e.g. vegetables). A more appropriate metric to consider is that your kitty should get less than 10% of their calories from carbs.
How to choose good quality cat food
Having covered what ingredients to avoid in cat food, let’s flip the script and look at what makes top-notch grub. The first thing to check is that it’s labelled as ‘complete’. That means it contains all the nutrients your furry friend requires to be happy and healthy. We also recommend choosing a brand that’s a member of UK Pet Food. Membership ensures they adhere to the organisation’s strict standards on nutrition.
Turning to the ingredients list, it’s a good sign if there’s a named animal protein like chicken or salmon at the top. You also want to see taurine in there, as this is vital for feline wellbeing.
Lastly, always choose a cat food that’s appropriate for your pet’s age and health condition. There are different foods for kittens, adult cats, and senior moggies, as well as those who are pregnant. And pets with specific medical conditions – like diabetes or kidney disease – may need to be on a special diet. Check with your vet if you’re unsure what’s best for your beloved feline.
Healthy ingredients to boost your cat’s nutritional intake
One way to top up the nutritional value of your kitty’s meals is to add an extra ingredient or two. For example, plain cooked fish is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids that benefit skin, fur, and eye health. Meanwhile, a small amount of unseasoned scrambled or boiled egg provides some added protein and taurine. And if you want to look after your cat’s gut health, you could give them a tiny quantity of pumpkin.
There are also some functional foods that may support your moggy’s wellbeing. Our organic sea buckthorn oil is rich in omega-7, helping protect your pet’s vision and keep their skin healthy and coat shiny. Alternatively, medicinal mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane could have a positive influence on the feline immune system. And studies show that ashwagandha powder can lower inflammation and ease the negative effects of stress in cats.(4)
Consult a vet before adding any new people foods or functional foods to your pet’s diet. This is to ensure that they’re suitable for their individual needs.
How to change your cat’s food
Noticed some of these ingredients to avoid in cat food lurking on the packaging of your kitty’s current grub? Don’t panic! It’s not too late to switch to a higher-quality brand. While it might be tempting to do this immediately, a more gradual change is almost always better. This is because abrupt alterations to your pet’s diet can cause an upset stomach or put off picky eaters.
The best approach is to dish up a little of the new food alongside the old – in separate bowls – and see if your kitty tucks in. If they do, gradually increase the proportion of new food to old over a week or two. (And if they don't, try using toppers to entice them!) Continue doing this until you’re only giving your moggy the new, high-quality food.
What’s the best cat food?
It’s impossible to single out one brand as the ‘best’ cat food. What’s most appropriate for your kitty will depend on several factors. These include their preferences, life stage, and health condition. However, this list of what ingredients to avoid in cat food should apply in almost all cases. Steer clear of products packed with unspecified meat, artificial additives, and sub-par fillers. Instead, opt for those containing named animal proteins, labelled as ‘complete’, and created by members of UK Pet Food. And remember that you can always add extra ingredients to your pet’s bowl to make their dinners even healthier. That’s sure to get them purring!
Frequently asked questions
Can I feed my cat dog food in an emergency?
No, it isn’t safe to give dog food to cats. The two species have different dietary requirements, and dog food won’t provide your cat with all the nutrients they need. Dog food isn’t toxic for cats though, so don’t worry if your kitty sneaks a bite from your pup’s bowl!
What human foods are dangerous for cats?
Having talked about what ingredients to avoid in cat food, we should also mention the ingredients in human food that our kitties should avoid. Lots of things we eat are toxic to our feline friends. These include grapes, raisins, chocolate, citrus fruits, garlic, leeks, onions, chives, alcohol, caffeine, nuts, seeds, dairy products, coconut milk, bread dough, and the sweetener xylitol.
Should I give my cat dry food or wet food?
Dry cat food and wet cat food have different benefits, so it’s a good idea to feed your cat both. However, you may find that your moggy prefers one over the other. The most important thing is to choose a high-quality product.
Is there a difference between food for indoor cats and outdoor cats?
Food made for indoor cats tends to have more fibre and fewer calories than food made for outdoor cats. This reflects the different nutritional needs of their lifestyles. Again, however, quality is the most important consideration when choosing what to feed your pet.
