Cats can have an allergy to grains and others have a hard time digesting them. Cats natural diet is not full of grains and carb fillers. Which is why their bodies are not meant to have an abundance if at all in their diet.
What is Grain Free Cat Food?
They make grain free cat food free of grains. Specifically excluding wheat, corn, oats, barley, and rice.
The Problems with Grains
Grains like corn, wheat, and rice are the foundations for many cat foods. They meet the carbohydrate requirements and save money with producing.
Some cats are allergic to grains and many have a hard time digesting and processing them. A wild cat’s natural diet will only have a small amount of carbohydrates through the proteins they consume. They are not built for all the “junk”.
Symptoms of Allergies in Cats
There are specific signs that your cat will show when it is allergies.
Itchiness
Bald patches
“Hot Spots”
Sores and scabs
Excessive hair loss
Excessive grooming
Are Grain-Free Cat Foods High in Proteins?
Protein is especially important in cat food as protein is a cat’s primary energy source. In grain free cat food, you will find that it is most like a cat eating in the wild. Proteins like fish and meat are in greater amounts. Which is what a cat craves as well.
Check if There are Substitutions Made for Grains
Some companies that offer grain free cat food will substitute other glycemic carbohydrate sources like potato and tapioca, which are not grains but similar in their nutrient makeup. The idea is to keep the price point of production lower to make the food. You can find this answer within the nutrient label. A high quality cat food will not have this substitution in their grain free cat food. It is more common to have extra fillers in dry cat food versus canned cat food.
Serving Size on Grain Free Cat Food?
With the grain free cat food being made up of more protein and not fillers, you will want to make sure that you feed an appropriate portion size. Sometimes the higher protein food will have a higher fat content. You just want to be aware of the portion size that is best for your cat so they don’t overload on the fat intake. If you are unsure what is best for your cat, check with your veterinarian.
Check the Ingredients Label
When shopping for grain free cat food, be sure to read the ingredients label and not just the front that states “all natural” cat food. You can get all the information about the cat food and nutrient analysis on the back of the can.
Does Grain Free Mean Gluten Free?
If you are wondering if grain free cat food means that it is gluten free the answer is yes. Gluten is the protein that is found in specific types of grain, mainly wheat, barley, and rye. Grain free cat food is always gluten free.
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