Visit any grocery store aisle and you are certain to find more and more shoppers scanning labels to make sure their food is "free" of one thing or another: gluten free, fat free, sugar free… the list grows longer each day. Now, these preferences have extended beyond the dinner table and into the food bowl, as some pet parents strive to make similar food choices for their beloved four-legged family members.
It’s no wonder that the pet food market has reacted in kind, with an array of grain-free cat food options appearing within the recent years. But is grain-free food for cats the right option for your favorite kitty? Contrary to what can be found on the internet (which is anything), grains can actually be good for your cat. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about grain-free cat food — and whether you should consider for your own pet.
What Is grain-free cat food?
Grain-free cat food is just what its name describes — a cat food made free of grains. Common grains found in cat food include wheat, corn, oats, barley and rice.
Most cats don't require grain-free food and cats with diagnosed grain allergies are unusual. In a study published in Veterinary Dermatology, corn was found to be one of the least likely sources of food allergy in a cat. Of the 56 cats in the study with food allergies, corn was responsible for four cases of allergy issues. Forty-five cats, meanwhile, suffered from allergies associated with eating beef, dairy and/or fish. So how can you know if your cat has a food allergy? Some possible signs of a food allergy include:
- Itchiness
- Excessive grooming
- Excessive hair loss
- Bald patches
- Inflamed skin
- Sores and scabs
- "Hot spots"
Cats can have allergic reactions to grooming products, food and environmental irritants, such as pollen or flea bites which are more common than food allergies. Feline acne, mites, lice, and bacteria and fungus infections of the skin all can lead to similar signs as food allergies in your kitty. You can narrow down what type of allergy your cat has by having your vet do a thorough examination and if food is suspected, your vet may recommend an elimination trial, the gold standard for diagnosing a food allergy, that can help you determine what the cause of your cat's discomfort is. If there is ever a question, your vet should be your number one source for discovering if any allergies do exist.
Tasty Tips
Does grain free also mean gluten free and low carb?
More than 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, a painful condition that can be managed by following a gluten-free diet. But the good news is there is no scientific evidence that the same condition affects cats. So, avoiding gluten is not necessary for cats.
What many pet parents forget to consider is that to replace grains, grain-free food often uses other carbohydrate ingredients such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca, lentils and peas. In fact, some grain-free pet foods contain carbohydrate levels similar to or even higher than cat food containing grains — but carbs don’t make dogs and cats fat. A sedentary lifestyle, neutering, over-feeding, feeding table scraps, consuming too much fat and calories are risk factors for obesity rather than carbohydrates. Carbohydrates from whole grains help provide your kitty with complete and balanced nutrition — the key to good health.
Are grain-free cat foods high in protein?
Protein is especially important in cat food because, unlike many other animals, protein is a cat's primary energy source. What many people don't realize (57 percent of cat parents, according to a PetMD survey) is that while cats do require a part of their protein to come from animals, their systems are also very good at digesting and absorbing nutrients from high-quality, plant-based ingredients. Plant ingredients can be an excellent source of essential nutrients, proteins, fat and carbohydrates. Providing adequate carbohydrate calories spares body proteins, like muscles, from being broken down to be used for energy.
In fact, a food that relies solely on meat as a protein source can be higher in phosphorus. While phosphorus is an essential nutrient, there is a link between high-phosphorus foods and a progression in cats (and dogs) with preexisting chronic kidney disease. Vegetables and grains are low-phosphorus sources of essential amino acids that cats need, providing your cat with a source of protein she needs to be healthy.
How to find the right food for your cat
Research the different options available for your cat, talk to your veterinarian, then choose a high-quality food that meets all the nutrients your cat requires (and that your cat actually likes to eat). Your diligence will go a long way to ensuring your cat's health now and long into the future.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Related articles
The Tales Your Cat's Tail Tells
Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tell
Tips & Resources for Feeding Your Cat
Learn how cat's naturally feed and ways you can help meet their nutritional needs without disrupting their feeding behavior.
Your Cat's First Month At Home: Tips & Suggestions
Learn more about the basics of cat care in the first month, including choosing the right cat bedding, cat toys, cat carriers, pet id tags and litter boxes.
Cat Life Stages: Providing the Best Care for Your Cat at Any Age
From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.
How to Properly Pick Up a Cat
Learn the proper way to pick up a cat. Practicing the right technique will make her feel safe & secure, and you'll avoid getting a bunch of scratch marks.
Deciphering Your Kitten's Behavior & Body Language
Kitten's body language and behaviors tell you a lot about what they want. Learn what each behavior means and start to better understand your cat's needs.
Hill's Kitten Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Kitten
Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.
Using Your Kid's Old Toys as Homemade Cat Toys
Learn how to turn your surplus of old children's toys into repurposed cat toys, entertaining your cat for hours and saving you money.
Why Does My Cat Yowl at Night?
Cats can be quite chatty, especially at night when their yowling can keep even heavy sleepers awake. Learn tips for how to deal with her nighttime noises.
Fun DIY Beds for Your Cat
Learn how to create four different DIY cat beds that will provide your furry friend with a cozy space of her own & won't break your bank!
Is My Cat Pregnant? How to Tell & Tips for Care
Learn how to spot common signs that your cat might be pregnant, as well as care and nutrition tips for her if you find out she is expecting.
Safe Play Between Cats and Kids
Learn to help cats and kids enjoy fun and safe playtime together. From introductions to holding, here's how to play with cats when kids are involved.
Is Your Cat Scooting on the Carpet? Anal Glands May Be the Culprit
Find out why a cat scooting on carpet could be a sign of inflamed anal glands and what you can do to help relieve your cat's agitation.
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
How to Choose the Right Cat Nutrition for Your Cat
Find out what healthy cat nutrition entails and how to choose the healthiest cat food. Also, learn about common cat feeding concerns and myths.
Important Information About Kidney Disease in Cats
Kidney disease and renal failure can kill your cat. Know these 4 facts about feline kidney disease, the symptoms to look for, and when to call your vet.
Caring for a Sick Kitten
Learn about common illnesses and health concerns among kittens, how you can spot their symptoms and steps you can take to prevent them from happening.
Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats & What to Do If Your Cat Drank It
Learn about antifreeze and cats: what to do if your cat drank antifreeze, symptoms of antifreeze poisoning to watch for, treatment and prevention.
Diet Considerations for Pregnant & Nursing Cats
Learn what your female cat needs for proper nutrition when pregnant or nursing, so you can make sure you are feeding her properly.
DIY Cat Toys Your Feline Friend Will Love
Discover how to make three creative DIY cat toys out of household items. Cats can get bored very easily, which is why you need to keep her interest.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.