Why choose grain-free cat food? Is it better?
In our cosy homes, cats are not only pets but companions. As pet owners, we all want our cats to enjoy good health and happiness. One of the most critical factors in supporting your cat’s health is their food choices.
Nowadays, the concept of “grain-free cat food” is gradually appearing on everyone’s horizon and has become the centre of attention for many pet owners. So, what is grain-free cat food? Should you feed your cat grain-free food? Let’s dive in and make the most thoughtful choice for your cat’s dietary health.
Definition of Grain-Free Cat Food: What is Grain-Free Cat Food?
First, let’s understand the definition of grain-free cat food. Grain-free cat food is cat food that does not contain wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley or other grains as a source of carbohydrates.
Grain-free dry cat food is primarily made with meat, vegetables, fruits, and other non-grain sources of carbohydrates. In lieu of grains, it often uses potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, or cassava to provide carbohydrates. This design enables cats to get the same amount of carbohydrates, if not more, by consuming a grain-free diet.
Why choose a grain-free cat food? Is it better?
Grain-free dry cat food is designed to more closely resemble a cat’s natural eating habits, i.e. a meat-based lifestyle. It’s great for cats with grain allergies.
Cats’ natural dietary habits
Cats are natural predators and are typically “obligate carnivores.” It’s a typical “obligate carnivore”, which means that their bodies and structures are able to utilize proteins and fats rather than carbohydrates efficiently. Compared to humans and other omnivores, cats have a shallow carbohydrate requirement.
Wikipedia notes that cats lack the enzymes to efficiently break down complex carbohydrates such as plant fibre, which means they have limited ability to digest and absorb grains. Too much grain or other plant-based carbohydrates can lead to health problems such as indigestion, obesity and even diabetes.
Reducing Allergy Risk
Grain is one of the common pet food allergens. Grain-free cat food can significantly reduce itchy skin and digestive problems caused by food allergies in cats, allowing them to get rid of itching and enjoy a more comfortable daily life if your cat has an allergic reaction to grain ingredients, which manifests itself in itchy skin, indigestion, hair loss and other problems. Then grain-free cat food will be a better choice. If your cat has skin problems, check out Best Cat Skin & Coat Supplements!
Optimize Nutritional Absorption
As specialized carnivores, cats’ digestive systems are better adapted to a high-protein, low-carb diet. Grain-free meat-based formulas are better suited to meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Grain-free cat food usually contains a higher percentage of animal protein. It helps to meet your cat’s natural dietary needs, promote digestion and absorption, and maintain ideal body weight and muscle condition.
Hsviko Grain Free Dry Cat Food uses real meat as the first ingredient, is high in animal protein and contains no grains or additives—a unique addition of probiotics and prebiotics in cat food to promote digestion and absorption and maintain intestinal health.
Low Sugar Content
Grains usually contain high amounts of sugar for cats that are prone to weight gain or at risk of diabetes. The lower sugar content of grain-free cat food is more suitable to help control blood sugar levels and prevent obesity and related health problems.
Helps with weight management
Excessive obesity in cats has become a common problem, and the low sugar profile in grain-free cat food helps control blood sugar fluctuations, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Providing a clean source of energy allows cats to support an agile stance and be full of energy.
Not all cats need
Not all cats are sensitive to grains, and many cats can digest grain-containing cat food well and more affordably. Grain-free cat food is usually more expensive than grain-containing cat food due to the cost of its ingredients and processing. For normal cats, as long as they choose nutritionally balanced and reliable full-price cat food, it can also meet their growth and health needs.
Conclusion
In the process of choosing food for our cats, every thoughtful consideration we make is an expression of love for them. Grain-free cat food, with its targeted nutritional design, meets the natural needs of cats and reduces potential health risks. Let’s work together to provide the little furballs in your family with the meals that are best for them.