What is the Importance of a Grain-Free Diet for Cats?

Grain-free cat food has been growing in popularity over the last few years, as cat owners seek to keep their cats on a diet that is naturally appropriate to their biological makeup. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their bodies are specifically designed to derive nutrients primarily from animal-based proteins and fats. Understanding the importance of a grain-free diet involves recognising the natural dietary needs of cats and the potential benefits it may offer.

Dietary Needs of Cats

Cats, as obligate carnivores, have a higher requirement for protein and certain amino acids like taurine, which are abundantly found in animal tissues but not in grains (Zoran, 2002). One of the benefits of the grain-free diet to cats is the potential to reduce the risk of the development of food allergies and food intolerances. Omnivores have more capability for carbohydrate digestion compared to cats - the feline's ancestral diet mainly comprises small prey animals (Buffington, 2008) such as birds and fowl which the grain-free diet most closely resembles. 

Some examples of grain-based ingredients, particularly corn and wheat, may have high allergenic potential in some cats, thus limiting carbohydrate digestion in this small carnivore which results in symptoms such as skin irritations and gastrointestinal disturbances (Fascetti & Delaney, 2012). Further, most grain-free diets have better quality protein sources and fewer fillers, something that's good for overall health, like a shiny coat, proper digestion, and optimal body weight.

Potential Issues

Although grain-free diets can be useful, it's important to make sure you select high-quality balanced cat food products. Other sources may have high carbohydrate levels in the same grain-free foods, such as potatoes or peas; these don't necessarily provide the same properties as do animal-based ingredients (Case, Daristotle, Hayek, & Raasch, 2011). Smylo's food is completely grain free, without gluten  and is minimally processed , compatible with and in accordance with the digestive capability of cats. 

Therefore, discussing this change in diet with a veterinarian is advisable to make sure the diet covers all cat requirements. 

To conclude, a grain-free diet can be more important than not to the health of a cat, thus closely mirroring their natural dietary requirements. In this aspect, the most important thing is to be judicious in selecting high-quality, grain-free products and consulting with professionals to ensure a well-balanced diet.

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References

Buffington, C. A. (2008). Dry foods and risk of disease in cats. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 49(6), 561-563.

Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Fascetti, A. J., & Delaney, S. J. (2012). Applied Veterinary Clinical Nutrition. John Wiley & Sons.

Zoran, D. L. (2002). The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 221(11), 1559-1567.