Grain Free Cat Food Benefits
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 a 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”
Some pet food companies and other sources have suggested that grain-free diets are good options for cats with allergies. Overall, food allergies are much less common than many pet owners believe and when they do occur they are usually caused by animal-sourced ingredients such as chicken, milk, fish, and eggs. Overall, these ingredients were commonly found in both grain-free and grain-containing diets – switching to a grain-free diet would be unlikely to eliminate these common allergens.
Best Grain Free Cat Food
Taste of the Wild Grain
- A taste of the wild with ROASTED VENISON and SMOKED SALMON; optimal amino acid profile, HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
- Ingredients From Trusted, Sustainable Sources Around The World; Made With No Grain, Corn, Wheat, Filler; No
- Artificial Flavors, Colors, Preservatives Added
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE with PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract; at guaranteed levels
Wellness Dry Cat Food
This product is intended for adult animals. It contains five key indicators of healthy nutrition: essential vitamins and minerals; probiotics and prebiotics; fiber; fatty acids; and healthy proteins and carbohydrates.
Fromm Dry Cat Food
Fromm’s FourStar is a unique dry kibble option. In addition to duck and turkey, the product also offers quail and pheasant meat, which is tough to find in other brands.
Customers have noted that their cats’ skin and coats became shinier and fuller when they switched to this product. Some cat owners have even noticed that their pets shed less, which could be due to an increase in the health of skin and hair follicles.
Purina Grain Free Cat Food
With a delicious taste cat’s love and the nutrition they need, Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain Free With Added Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients adult dry cat food provides something both you and your cat companion can love. This grain free cat food formula provides her with all 25 essential vitamins and minerals to help support her overall health and wellness. Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient, this adult cat food gives your cat the flavor she craves, along with other high-quality, natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals & nutrients. Let your cat know just how important her health and her happiness are to you when you make Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain Free With Added Vitamins, Minerals & Nutrients adult dry cat food part of her regular feeding routine.
- Chicken is the 1 ingredient
- Grain free dry cat food
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- High-quality protein to help support strong muscles
- Offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats
- Delicious taste cats love
- Natural cat food with added vitamins, minerals & nutrients
- Provides all 25 essential vitamins and minerals
- Checked for quality and safety to provide added peace of mind
- Grain free cat food made with high-quality ingredients cooked with care
Grain Free Canned Cat Food
Nutro Max Adult Wet Canned Cat Food Chicken Supreme
This wet food is made only with real chicken—no unwanted byproducts—and includes plenty of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your cat healthy and energized. Each 3-ounce can contains around 70 calories and has a guaranteed analysis of 8 percent protein, 4.5 percent fat, 1 percent fiber, and 82 percent moisture.
Avoderm Natural Indoor Weight Control Cat Food
This wet food is rich in high-quality fats and oils, with Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids derived from avocados. It consists of 8 percent protein, up to 5 percent fat, 2 percent fiber, and 78 percent moisture. It uses simple, healthy ingredients (chicken broth and chicken are the first two), and includes plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat’s immune system.
Royal Canin Aging 12+ Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food
It contains Omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint health during the aging process, while controlled phosphorus levels provide kidney support. The protein source (pork and chicken) is designed to be highly digestible, and the food also provides a healthy ratio of fats and carbohydrates intended to be enticing to picky eaters. It has a guaranteed analysis of 9 percent protein, 2.5 percent fat, 1.8 percent fiber, and 82 percent moisture.
Should Cats Eat Grain Free?
All dry cat diets contain carbohydrates of some kind. These ingredients are no more “natural” or healthy for your cat than grains. Some pet food companies and other sources have suggested that grain-free diets are good options for cats with allergies.
What Is The Best Grain Free Food For Cats?
Best Overall: Natural Balance Dry Cat Food.
Best for Weight Management: Blue Buffalo Dry Food.
Best Grain Free: Purina Beyond Natural.
Best Budget: Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Cat Food.
Best for Older Cats: Blue Buffalo High Protein.
Does Grain Free Food Cause Heart Problems In Cats?
Many of these dogs are being fed grain free diets which are aggravating taurine levels. Low levels of taurine often lead to cardiomyopathy – a fatal heart condition in dogs and cats. Golden Retrievers are a recent addition and many are eating the grain-free diet.
Is Purina One Cat Food Grain Free?
Purina ONE® Grain Free Cat Food. Purina ONE grain free cat food offers wet and dry options with real meat as the first ingredient. Our no-grain cat food is crafted with natural ingredients, with added vitamins, minerals & nutrients and no corn, wheat or soy.