Grain Free Cat Food

Many veterinarians recommend that cat owners switch their pets to grain-free food. Special editions are developed by leading pet food manufacturers, taking into account the age, breed and needs of furry pets. It is believed that the absence of grain in the composition of the components brings the diet closer to the natural one, with the right choice helps to avoid allergies and obesity.

When developing a daily “menu” for cats, it is important to consider the needs of the animal. For the full functioning of internal organs, a large amount of protein, vitamins and minerals is needed. But more and more often, overweight pets with problems with their hair and urinary system end up in veterinary clinics. In most cases, it is improper feeding that causes such serious diseases.

Most feeds contain dietary fiber based on corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, which act as ballast substances and contribute to the satiety of the animal. But they contain a minimal amount of vitamins and a large percentage of carbohydrates that make you gain excess weight. In grain-free feed, they are replaced with useful components:

• sweet potato;
• potatoes;
• legumes;
• with sugar beet pulp.

More expensive series contain particles of carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes and even cranberries. This provides the cat's body with vitamins A, E, group B, antioxidants and phytoncides.

Grain-free cat food has a number of benefits, which help to improve the well-being and appearance of the pet.

• They do not contain gluten, therefore they do not provoke an allergic reaction. The benefits of gluten-free feed are the normalization of digestion, improvement of intestinal motility. Domestic cats often suffer from constipation due to low mobility, so the addition of healthy fiber reduces the risk of discomfort and the frequency of regurgitation.
• It can act as a medicinal food for obesity. The increased protein content and a minimum of carbohydrates give energy, preventing the animal from gaining weight while maintaining the serving size. In premium feed with beef or chicken, the percentage of the protein component increases to 75–80%.
• Veterinarians note that plaque accumulates on the teeth of pets less often, tartar does not remain.

Food for cats without added grain can be considered medicinal in some situations. Such food reduces the risk of urolithiasis, gives energy. The presence of nutrients makes the coat smoother and shinier, and normalizes the skin's balance.

There are two types of cat food you can find on the market.

• Wet. It consists of 70% liquid, contains broth or water. It is suitable for feeding kittens, weakened and old animals. Their soft structure and balanced recipe make them the basis for a daily diet.
• Dry. Granulated feed has a convenient shape, does not deteriorate during long-term storage. The hard bits clean the teeth when eaten and bitten.

Most owners prefer dry food. They can be left in a bowl for a long time without fear of poisoning. But what matters is the quality and percentage of useful components, proteins, mineral compounds and ballast fibers. Therefore, they are divided into classes.

• Economy Differs in a reduced protein content at the level of 15-20%. This is not enough for the full development of the cat, and prolonged feeding often leads to the development of kidney and pancreas diseases.
• Premium class. Foods represent the "golden mean", combining a high-quality composition and an affordable price. The recipe contains natural fibers of poultry meat, fish protein (up to 30–35%).
• Super premium class. Does not contain harmful substances, salts or preservatives, not diluted with fragrances. These are the best food for animals of any age, providing excellent condition of the skin and coat.

They differ in almost natural composition, do not contain chemical and synthetic compounds that can provoke indigestion or allergies in a cat. The basis is meat of good quality, and only 10-15% of the volume is allocated for vegetable components.

When choosing a brand, it is better to forget about advertising and carefully study the reviews of experienced cat owners. Before buying, you can analyze the composition on the package, consult a veterinarian: some manufacturers offer special food for a kitten, with urolithiasis, to improve the quality of wool.

There is a certain rating of grain-free feed, which includes different brands.

• Natural balance... Differs in natural content and a large amount of vitamins. Recommended for cats with health problems and allergies to gluten or other substances.
• Halo Spot's Stew. This is a special brand line that is developed on the basis of quality raw materials. Differs in the content of essential amino acids and vitamins. Recommended for active young animals.
• Blue Buffalo. The company produces unique dry and wet feeds saturated with alfalfa, flaxseed and barley extracts. Some products contain parsley, blueberries, and seaweed.
• Orijen. The manufacturer specializes in the production of grain-free feed.They are distinguished by their high cost due to the addition of fruit fibers, various herbs, and the absence of by-products.
• Life's Abundance. The preparation is based on the unique technology of baking the meat composition. With this method, all nutrients, minerals and vitamins are preserved. Fish of the catfish family and chicken are used as protein.

When a cat is transferred to a new diet, the animal may refuse to eat: premium food often does not contain flavor enhancers and aromas, therefore, they are not so attractive for baleen pets. The good gluten-free series are compositionally adapted to the diet of the wild cat.

Veterinarians recommend switching to grain-free food in the following situations:

• loss of hair, loss of shine or smoothness;
• dandruff;
• increased lacrimation, sneezing;
• lack of mass.

It should be understood that with a sedentary lifestyle and a calm character of the cat, the use of grain-free food can be harmful to health... From an excess of protein, he begins to actively gain weight. It is not recommended for pets with diseases of the kidneys, genitourinary system. This threatens the formation of stones, blockage of the ducts. That's why transfer to a new type of food is better to agree with the veterinarian, to conduct a preliminary series of tests for the level of salts in the urine.

For an overview of dry grain-free cat food, see below.