5 Benefits OF Grain Free Cat Food And A Gluten-Free Diet

When choosing food to give your cat, you must ensure it can benefit from it. Many cat foods come in a variety of forms, but most are grain and grain-free variants. However, out of these two options, many prefer giving their cat the grain-free option.

Grain-free diets are becoming popular, and many pet parents are opting for them as they are believed to be closer to a cat’s natural diet and can help prevent allergies and digestive issues. However, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before making any major changes to your cat’s diet.

What are the benefits of grain free cat food? Due to the starchy and dry nature of carbohydrates, grains are very difficult for a cat’s digestive system to break down, making grain-free foods for cats easier to digest. This is because they don’t have the amylase enzyme in their saliva, which is needed to break down foods with a lot of starch.

5 Benefits of Grain Free Cat Food For Domestic Cats

Most cats are also known as “Obligate Carnivores,” which means that in order to survive biologically, they should indeed eat meat. Because they must be carnivores, wild cats differ from other domestic pets in this way.

If you have a pet cat and want to improve its diet or need to make adjustments due to food sensitivity, then you should consider picking grain-free food for your cat the next time you hit the grocery store. With grain-free cat foods, your cat experiences the following health benefits:

#1 Grain-Free Pet Foods Are Easier to Digest

Many cat owners use grain-free cat food for their fur babies because it is easier to digest. Grain is tough for a cat’s digestive tract to break down because it is dry and starchy. This is because they lack the salivary amylase enzyme required to digest foods with a lot of starch.

Since no grains are used to tie the meal together, grain-free cat food is prepared naturally. Grain-free products give the closest equivalent to a cat’s natural diet while still delivering the best nutritional content.

Because of these benefits, cats with sensitive digestive systems would love this kind of cat food. They can get the nutrition they need without worrying about an upset stomach and diarrhea. If your kitten has a sensitivity to whole grains, it will cause them to lose weight and experience skin irritation.

#2 Advisable for Cats That Are Experiencing Food Allergies

Another advantage of a grain-free diet is assisting cats with food allergies or sensitivities. These allergies can manifest as skin or digestive issues like severe itching or loose stools. You should not include grain in your cat’s diet if their allergy to a certain grain has been shown.

Some cats might be allergic to wheat. It only makes perfect sense to pick grain-free cat food if they’re allergic, as wheat is a grain that’s mostly found in cat food with grain-based extenders.

Even if your cat hasn’t had a food allergy identified by a veterinarian, if you notice any of the signs connected with a food allergy, switch to a grain-free diet. Low-carb, high-protein diets for cats can keep them strong, healthy, and thrive.

#3 Cat Food Without Grains Typically Has Fewer Carbs

Since grains are sources of carbs, grain-free cat food ought to have fewer of them, at the very least. Diabetes and obesity can result from feeding your kitty too many carbs. Although cats are carnivores, a tiny amount of cooked carbs in their food won’t cause them any harm because they can digest them.

Yet, the operative term there is “tiny.” High carbohydrate consumption has been linked to obesity and diabetes and can cause diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Keep your carb intake minimal for all of these reasons!

Research has shown that gluten-free cat food often has a reduced carb content than grain-containing food. However, there’s some overlap where some grain-free products have just as many, if not greater, carbs as grain-free alternatives.

It is crucial to read the label if it is your primary objective to adopt grain-free cat foods to maintain minimal carbohydrates in your cat’s food. Remember that tapioca, lentils, potatoes, and the like can all be carbohydrate sources in grain-free diets.

To ensure that the grain-free pet food you choose is also low in carbohydrates, be sure it has just trace levels of the above-mentioned nutrients. The nutritional facts part of the package will show the carbohydrate content as fiber.

#4 Grain Free Cat Foods Contains Higher Protein

Cats have special metabolic functions and need more animal protein than most pet owners believe because they demand a carnivorous diet. Plant-based proteins in vegetables don’t offer the same nourishment for cats, who lack a range of amino acids and enzymes they can only obtain from meat.

Cats require proteins for various reasons, including strengthening muscles, beautiful fur, excellent eyesight, and enough energy. The protein level is crucial when selecting nutritionally suitable foods, as emphasized by experts.

Even though there are no grains in the cat food, it can still supply the essential amino acids cats require. Cat food is typically made out of protein. Grain-free cat food means that it’s free from extenders. Hence, more meat equals more protein.

#5 A Grain-Free Diet Gives Shiny Coat To Your Cat

This is yet another benefit of feeding cats a diet with the proper proportion of protein. A grain-free diet helps promote coat health by preventing hair loss, itchiness, and skin flakiness. Many pet owners

Your cat’s overall health can be determined by the state of her skin and coat. Healthy skin should be clean and supple, not oily, flaky, or rough. Healthy fur should be lustrous and silky, not rough or brittle.

How To Choose A Nutritionally Adequate Cat Food

The pet food industry is highly regulated, but not all cat foods are created equal. Look for a whitefish and tuna recipe that meets the AAFCO standards and has high-quality protein sources listed as the first ingredient.

Most grain-free options deliver certain essential nutrients for your cat’s balanced diet. Additionally, grain-free cat food options may also help reduce the risk of allergies and digestive issues in some cats. Avoid feeding table scraps to your kitten to prevent allergic reactions.

Your cat’s health depends on what they eat, and grain-free cat food can give them a well-balanced diet that is good for their health as a whole. Giving your cat grain-free food doesn’t only aid their stomach sensitivity but also helps improve their overall health.

If your cat suffers from a grain food allergy, you should try the DIY elimination diet. This involves feeding your cat a diet of protein and vegetables that do not contain any grains and monitoring their health to see if their symptoms improve. Grain-based carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and other carbohydrate-rich ingredients are also beneficial for your kitty.

Last Updated on 03/04/2023 by Karen Snow