How to Choose the Best Grain Free Cat Food?
More and more cat owners are switching to grain-free cat food . But why is this a better choice for your cat? And how do you choose the best grain-free food? In this blog, we explain why grain-free cat food is good for your cat's health and what to look for when buying high-quality grain-free dry and wet food.
Why grain-free cat food?
Many standard cat foods contain wheat, corn, and rice as cheap fillers. However, cats are obligate carnivores , meaning their diet should consist primarily of animal protein . Grains provide little nutritional value to cats and can cause digestive upset.
Benefits of grain-free cat food:
✔ Better digestion – Reduces the risk of food allergies and intolerances.
✔ Healthy skin and coat – Less chance of itching, hair loss and skin problems.
✔ More animal proteins – Better for muscle building and energy.
✔ Suitable for sensitive cats – Helps with stomach and intestinal complaints.
If your cat is suffering from vomiting, diarrhea or a dull coat , a grain-free diet may be a solution.
What should you look for in grain-free cat food?
Not all grain free cat foods are high quality. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best grain free cat food :
1. High protein content from animal sources
Choose foods rich in chicken, fish, beef or lamb . Avoid cheap vegetable proteins such as soy or pea protein .
- Good: Chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, beef
- Less good: Pea protein, soy protein, corn gluten
2. No artificial additives
Please note that the food is free of artificial colours, fragrances and flavours . These can cause allergies and stomach complaints.
3. Addition of taurine
Taurine is an essential nutrient for cats and is naturally found in meat. A deficiency can cause heart problems and blindness.
4. Good balance of fats and carbohydrates
Cats need healthy fats for energy and a shiny coat. Choose foods with salmon oil or chicken fat instead of vegetable oils.
- Good: Salmon oil, chicken fat
- Less good: Sunflower oil, palm oil
Grain-free dry food or wet food?
Both types of nutrition have benefits.
Grain-free dry food:
✔ Easy to store and has a longer shelf life
✔ Helps clean teeth
✔ Often cheaper than wet food
Grain-free wet food:
✔ Contains more moisture, prevents dehydration
✔ More attractive to fussy cats
✔ Fewer carbohydrates, better for digestion
Best choice: A combination of both makes for a balanced diet .
Common mistakes with grain-free cat food
- Thinking grain-free is always better – Some cats do just fine on rice or oat food.
- Too many carbohydrates in grain-free foods – Some brands replace grains with potatoes or legumes, which is not ideal.
- Transition without habituation – Cats can be sensitive to dietary changes, introduce new food gradually.
Top 5 Best Grain Free Cat Foods
Based on ingredients, nutritional value and customer reviews, we have selected the best grain-free cat food:
- Orijen Cat & Kitten – Highest meat content, no fillers
- Acana Regionals – Natural and rich in animal proteins
- Carnilove Salmon & Turkey – Grain-free and without artificial additives
- Applaws Grain-Free – Affordable and good quality
- Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain – Good balance between proteins and fats
Want the best grain-free cat food for your cat? Choose one of these high-quality brands!
Conclusion: Choose the Right Grain-Free Cat Food
Grain-free cat food can offer many benefits, especially for cats with food allergies or digestive issues . When choosing, look for high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and the right nutrients .
Looking for the best grain-free cat food? Check out our selection at Purr-n-Bark and give your cat the nutrition they deserve!
