Does Your Cat Really Need to Go Grain-Free?
You’ve got questions. Dr. Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, has answers.
When I started to write about grain-free cat food, I didn’t have a clue as to whether a grain-free diet was actually good for cats. I might have had a very vague notion that grain-free food contained more meat, and therefore had more of what my cat wanted to eat. But I wasn’t confident in that assessment, either.
It wasn’t long after I began working on this story that I realised the food my cat eats is, in fact, grain-free. The next time I paid a visit to my local independent pet shop, I couldn’t find a single food product for cats (or dogs, for that matter) that wasn’t labelled as grain-free. Strange. Next, I went to a big chain pet store to see if I could find cat food with grains in the ingredient list, and here, too, I struggled to locate more than a few items that were not billed as being grain-free.
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opens in a new tabIt seemed like everywhere I turned, brands were touting their grain-free pet foods. Was it a conspiracy? There had to be a point to all this, right? Some actual nutritional reason for the great removal of grain from every cat’s diet? I reached out to the director of the Cornell Feline Health Centeropens in a new tab Dr. Bruce Kornreich, to get some answers.
What is it about grain-free diets that makes for controversy?
While grain-free advocates and contrarians may disagree on the cut-and-dry notion of grain versus no grain, they can often find middle ground on the topic of harmful ingredients as it pertains to their beloved pets. The additives used to replace grain – namely, legumes – in some brands that produce grain-free food can cause short-term and long-term sickness in pets, including heart issues.
Although grain-free has come to be seen as a designer diet, the impetus for feeding your pet specialised food is always situational and not all grain-free foods use the additives that can lead to these health problems. If pet parents are searching for grain-free diets that don’t use high-carb fillers, they should explore human-grade food options.
What kind of food should a cat be eating?
In general, when shopping for cat food, Dr Kornreich advises that you look for several things, such as ensuring you’re buying food for the right life stage (either kitten or adult). Veterinarian and medical writer Dr. Amy Fox recommends looking for a statement on the product’s label that says it meets the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelinesopens in a new tab for a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.
The most important thing is to check in with your veterinarian if you’re switching foods or have other concerns related to your cat’s diet. Changing a cat’s diet could have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system, so Dr. Fox says it’s best to slowly introduce a new food over several weeks.
Should a cat be eating a grain-free diet?
While cats do sometimes develop allergies to foods, they’re more likely to be allergic to proteins rather than carbohydrates. Dr Kornreich says: “The incidence of a true sensitivity to grain is very low, both in people and in animals.” A sensitivity to food can be identified through an allergy panel and/or an elimination diet with the help of your vet.
Very effective marketingopens in a new tab, combined with whatever people have come to believe about the presence of grains in human diets, is ultimately what influences many people’s decisions to buy grain-free food for their dog or cat, while others are simply searching for the healthiest option for their pet.
What’s the problem with grain-free food?
There have been cases of adverse effects in pets that are given grain-free diets. They can develop a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy that has been, at times, fatal. According to Dr Fox, “in cats, dilated cardiomyopathy was historically associated with diets low in taurine, and this is another possible cause that is still under investigation with grain-free diets”. Although the occurrence is most often in dogs and more research needs to be done on the exact causes (US food standard regulators are conducting an investigationopens in a new tab), it is possible that high concentrations of pulses, peas and other legumes in grain-free foods are to blame.
What if the food you’re currently giving your cat is grain-free – should you be concerned?
Maybe? But maybe not? It’s unclear for now. “There are certainly grain-free diets that have the AAFCO label on them, and many, if not most of them, may turn out to be fine,” Dr. Kornreich says, “but until more research is completed, this recommendation is made out of an abundance of caution.” As always, consult with your veterinarian if you have specific questions pertaining to your cat’s nutritional health.
Disclaimer alert: This article is here to share information. But, much like pineapple on pizza, the topic may be controversial. Meaning, not all vets or pet professionals agree. Because every pet is a unique weirdo with specific needs. So, don’t take this as fact or medical advice. Talk things over with your vet when making decisions, and use your best judgment (about both your pet’s health and pizza toppings).
Best Grain-Free Cat Food Options
Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)
