The Truth About Grain Free Cat Food

The Truth About Grain Free Cat Food: What Pet Shops Won’t Tell You

My local pet shop shelves are packed with grain-free cat food these days. Like many cat owners, I used to think these products were the best choice for my cats. The reality I’ve discovered tells quite a different story.

The truth might surprise you – grain allergies in cats are remarkably rare. Most grain-free options filling shop shelves today exist mainly because we cat owners want them, not because our cats need them. Here’s something even more startling – many grain-free foods actually pack more carbohydrates than regular cat food with grains.

My years of research and hands-on experience with my own cats have taught me plenty about grain-free cat food that pet shops rarely mention. Let me share what I’ve learned about ingredients, health effects, and everything you need to know to choose the right food for your feline friend.

Understanding Grain-Free Cat Food Basics

Let me share what I’ve learned about grain-free cat food after years of feeding my cats. The marketing can be confusing, so I’ll break down exactly what these products are all about.

What exactly is grain-free cat food?

Just as it sounds, grain-free cat food contains no wheat, corn, oats, barley, rice, or rye [10]. You won’t find any grain by-products either – that means no bran, gluten, hull, flour, or starch. Something worth noting – when you choose grain-free, you’re automatically getting gluten-free food too [10].

Common ingredients in grain-free formulas

I’ve noticed manufacturers replace grains with other carbohydrate sources. The usual substitutes I see include:

• Potatoes and sweet potatoes
• Peas and lentils
• Tapioca
• Chickpeas
• Green peas

When I check grain-free labels, I’m pleased to see many premium options list real meat as their first ingredient [20]. Though I should mention the protein levels can vary quite a bit between different brands.

How grain-free differs from regular cat food

Through my research, I’ve put together this comparison to show the main differences:

Aspect	Regular Cat Food	Grain-Free Cat Food
Carb Sources	Wheat, corn, rice	Potatoes, legumes
Cost	Generally lower	Usually premium-priced
Protein Content	Varies	Often higher
Fibre Sources	Grain-based	Legume-based

Here’s something that surprised me – grain-free doesn’t mean there are no carbs [21]. In fact, I’ve discovered some grain-free foods actually pack more carbohydrates than regular cat food [21].

My Recommended Products:

1. Natural Balance L.I.D. Grain-Free Green Pea & Chicken

   • First ingredient: Real chicken
   • Limited ingredients
   • Supports digestive health

2. Chicken Soup Grain-Free Chicken & Legumes

   • No artificial preservatives
   • Contains omega fatty acids
   • Made in USA

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free

   • High-protein formula
   • Natural ingredients
   • Contains antioxidants

The Science Behind Feline Nutrition

My years of cat ownership have taught me fascinating things about how cats process their food. Let me share what science tells us about their unique dietary needs.

Cats as obligate carnivores

My cats’ hunting instincts aren’t just for play – they’re hardwired into their biology. Nature has designed cats as strict meat-eaters, requiring animal proteins to survive [3]. Their digestive system works specifically to handle meat-based diets [4]. I’ve learned that my cats’ bodies simply aren’t built to process plant proteins efficiently [5].

Essential nutrients for cats

When I plan my cats’ meals, I focus on nutrients that come exclusively from animal sources. Taurine is particularly crucial – it’s an amino acid my cats can only get from meat [6]. Without enough taurine, they could develop serious heart problems and even lose their vision [6].

My cats’ essential nutrient checklist includes:

• Protein (at least 26% for adult maintenance) [7]
• Eleven essential amino acids [7]
• Animal-based fats
• Specific vitamins (A, D, B12)

Role of carbohydrates in cat diets

Something that surprised me about my cats’ digestion – while they don’t produce salivary amylase [8], they can actually process properly cooked carbohydrates quite well, with up to 90-100% efficiency [8]. Though they don’t strictly need carbs, their clever bodies can adapt to use different energy sources [9].

Products I Recommend:

1. Royal Canin High Protein Cat Food

   • 85% animal protein content
   • Added taurine
   • Balanced nutrient profile

2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor

   • Natural fibre blend
   • High-quality protein sources
   • Essential amino acid complex

3. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free

   • 95% protein from animal sources
   • Omega fatty acid blend
   • No artificial preservatives

These nutritional basics explain why I choose certain ingredients for my cats. I make sure their food provides 70-75% moisture [5], and I keep their protein levels higher than what other pets might need [10].

Marketing Tactics Revealed

After years of buying cat food, I’ve learned to see through clever marketing tricks. Let me share what I’ve discovered about the tactics pet food companies use to catch our attention.

Decoding pet food labels

When I shop for my cats, I always check the AAFCO-regulated information [11]. Every label must show:

• Product name and species
• Weight statement
• Guaranteed analysis
• Ingredient list
• Nutritional adequacy statement
• Feeding directions
• Manufacturer contact information

Something I’ve found particularly useful – ingredients are listed by weight in descending order [11]. I always check the first ingredient since it’s the main component of the food.

Common marketing myths debunked

I’ve fallen for some of these claims myself before learning better:

1. 
   

   “Natural” – While this has a legal definition, I’ve learned it doesn’t automatically mean healthier [12].

   
   
2. 
   

   “Human-grade” – This one fooled me at first. Most animal by-products already come from animals fit for human consumption [13].

   
   
3. 
   

   “Premium” – I used to think this meant better quality, but it’s just an unregulated marketing term [13].

   
   

Here’s what I’ve discovered about common claims:

Claim	Reality
Holistic	No legal definition [13]
Hypoallergenic	No standardised meaning [13]
Natural	Only indicates physical processing [13]

Premium pricing strategies explained

My monthly cat food budget has had to adjust to rising prices. The premium pet food market keeps growing, expected to hit USD 65 billion by 2028 [14]. I’ve noticed these trends:

• Premium products make up 30% of dog products but only 10-15% of cat products [14]
• Fresh pet food is growing rapidly – about 20% growth [14]
• I’m spending around £87.30 monthly on cat food, similar to the average [15]

Products I Trust:

1. Royal Canin Premium Grain-Free

   • High-protein formula
   • Natural ingredients
   • Premium quality certification

2. Hill’s Science Diet Premium

   • Balanced nutrition
   • Scientifically formulated
   • Quality ingredients

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness

   • Natural ingredients
   • High protein content
   • Premium meat first

My Shopping Do’s and Don’ts:

Health Benefits and Risks

My journey with grain-free cat food has taught me valuable lessons about its effects on cat health. Let me share what I’ve discovered through research and personal experience.

Potential advantages of grain-free diets

I’ve seen remarkable improvements in some cats with specific health issues. My vet explained that cats with food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other inflammatory conditions often do better on grain-free diets [16]. From what I’ve observed, these diets’ higher protein levels can lead to:

• Healthier skin and shinier coats
• Better digestion
• More playful, energetic cats

Associated health concerns

Despite feeding grain-free food to my cats for years, I stay cautious about potential risks. Recent studies have made me particularly aware of possible links between certain grain-free diets and heart problems (DCM) in cats [1]. Here’s what worries me about some grain-free formulas:

Nutrient Concerns	Impact
Thiamine deficiency	Affects heart health
Calcium imbalance	Impacts bone strength
Taurine levels	Critical for heart function

Products I Trust:

1. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet

   • Balanced nutrient profile
   • Veterinarian-approved formula
   • Available on Amazon UK / Amazon USA

2. Hill’s Science Diet Indoor

   • Complete nutritional balance
   • Clinically proven ingredients
   • Available on Amazon UK / Amazon USA

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness

   • High-protein formula
   • Natural ingredients
   • Available on Amazon UK / Amazon USA

What veterinarians say

My vet’s advice has been invaluable in understanding grain-free diets. Clinical evidence shows most cats digest grains perfectly well [17]. Here’s what I’ve learned from veterinary experts:

Most importantly, I’ve learned that grain-free isn’t necessary for most cats [16]. My vet emphasises focusing on balanced nutrition rather than following the latest pet food trends.

Comparing Top Grain-Free Brands

After trying countless brands with my cats, I’ve learned to spot the real differences between grain-free options. Let me share what I’ve discovered about quality and value across different price points.

Premium vs budget options

I’ve watched grain-free cat food grow tremendously popular – purchases jumped from 4% to 9% between 2012-2014 [18]. This surge has brought us more choices at every price level.

When I shop premium brands, I look for:

• Higher meat content
• Limited ingredients
• Specialised formulations

Premium Brands I Trust:

1. Orijen Cat Food

   • Features: Raw ingredients, meat, organs, bone
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Ideal for: Adult cats

2. Ziwi Peak

   • Features: Ethically sourced meats
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Suitable for: All life stages

3. Weruva Classic

   • Features: Cage-free white meat chicken
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Best for: Indoor cats

Ingredient quality analysis

My careful review of ingredients shows striking differences between brands. Something that surprised me – research shows common allergens pop up just as often in grain-free foods as regular cat food [18].

Quality Indicators	What I Look For
Protein Source	Named meat as first ingredient
Carbohydrates	Limited use of potatoes, peas
Additives	No artificial preservatives

Value for money comparison

I’ve learned that price tags can be deceiving. Here’s my guide for smart shopping:

I’ve found some brilliant budget-friendly options too. Brands like Purina Beyond and Taste of the Wild give us quality ingredients without breaking the bank [19].

Something worth noting – bigger pet food companies usually have veterinary nutritionists and proper feeding trials [20]. Smaller boutique brands might skip these steps.

When choosing any brand for my cats, I make sure they:

• Manufacture their own products
• Employ veterinary nutritionists
• Conduct AAFCO feeding trials
• Maintain quality control measures

Making the Switch to Grain-Free

When I switched my cats to grain-free food, I learned that patience and careful planning make all the difference. Let me share my transition strategy that helped prevent upset tummies and kept my cats happy.

Transition guidelines

I follow a 7-10 day transition period [21]. Here’s my tried-and-tested mixing schedule:

Day	Current Food	Grain-Free Food
1-2	75%	25%
3-4	50%	50%
5-6	25%	75%
7+	0%	100%

Products That Worked for My Cats:

1. Royal Canin Digestive Care

   • Features: Easy-to-digest proteins
   • Transition-friendly formula
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA

2. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach

   • Features: Gentle ingredients
   • Digestive support
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA

3. Purina ONE Sensitive Systems

   • Features: Limited ingredients
   • Digestive health blend
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA

Monitoring your cat’s response

I keep a close eye on my cats during food transitions. Here’s what I watch for:

• Changes in appetite
• Energy levels during playtime
• Litter box habits
• Coat shininess
• Overall mood and behaviour

When to consult a vet

I always chat with my vet before changing my cats’ food [16]. I’ve learned to seek immediate vet help if:

• My cats show allergy symptoms
• They vomit or have diarrhoea
• Their appetite changes dramatically
• They have existing health issues

I’m extra careful with my cats who have:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Known food allergies
• Chronic inflammatory conditions [16]

If my cat eats less than 3 tablespoons daily during the switch, I call my vet straight away [22]. The same goes for tummy troubles lasting more than 24 hours.

FAQs

After years of feeding my cats and answering questions from fellow cat owners, I’ve gathered the most common concerns about grain-free cat food. Here are my detailed answers based on both research and hands-on experience.

Q: How can I spot food allergies in my cat?
I watch for these signs in my cats:

• Skin irritation
• Changes in coat condition
• Unusual behaviour

Q: What replaces grains in these foods?
In my grain-free cat foods, I typically see:

• Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Tapioca
• Lentils
• Peas

Q: How do I know if grain-free suits my cat?
I check these factors:

1. Is the food right for my cat’s age?
2. Does my cat maintain healthy weight?
3. Is muscle condition good?
4. Are toilet habits normal?
5. Does the coat look healthy?
6. Is my cat energetic?
7. Does my cat enjoy the food?

Remember, these answers reflect my experience, but every cat is unique. I always recommend consulting your vet for personalised advice.

Final Thoughts – Grain Free Cat Food

My journey with grain-free cat food has been quite enlightening. After years of testing different brands and closely watching my cats’ responses, I’ve come to realise that marketing claims often overshadow scientific facts. Most cats thrive on balanced diets, regardless of whether they contain grains or not.

Quality ingredients and proper nutritional balance matter most in my experience. While grain-free options suit some cats brilliantly, they’re not essential for most. The success of any diet change comes down to careful monitoring and gradual transitions.

When I choose cat food now, my decision stems from my cats’ specific health needs rather than following market trends. My vet’s guidance has proved invaluable in making these choices. I always consider both environmental impact and my budget while ensuring my cats get the nutrition they need.

Whether you pick grain-free or traditional cat food, focus on high-quality protein sources and balanced nutrition. Watch your cat’s response to their food and adjust accordingly. I’ve learned that a healthy, energetic cat with a shiny coat tells you more about their diet’s success than any marketing claim ever could.

Remember, every cat is unique. What works brilliantly for my cats might not suit yours. Trust your observations, work with your vet, and make choices based on your cat’s individual needs rather than following the latest pet food trends.

Cost Analysis and Budgeting

Let me share how I manage my budget for grain-free cat food. After years of experience, I’ve learned some clever ways to balance quality with cost.

Long-term cost implications

I spend around £87.30 (USD 109.12) monthly on my cats’ food [23]. While grain-free options often cost more upfront, I’ve noticed fewer vet visits since making the switch [24]. Here’s what I’ve learned about different options:

Food Type	Average Monthly Cost	Long-term Health Impact
Premium Grain-Free	Higher initial cost	Potential vet savings
Budget Grain-Free	Moderate cost	Variable results
Mixed Diet	Balanced expense	Good compromise

Ways to save money

I’ve discovered several brilliant ways to save without compromising quality:

My Online Shopping Tips:

• I use auto-shipping for regular discounts
• Buying in bulk saves me money
• I always look for free delivery options [25]

Products That Save Me Money:

1. Purina ONE Grain-Free

   • Features: High-protein formula
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Auto-ship eligible

2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness

   • Features: Natural ingredients
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Bulk purchase options

3. Wellness CORE Natural

   • Features: Grain-free formula
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Subscribe & save eligible

My Money-Saving Do’s and Don’ts:

Insurance considerations

I’ve found pet insurance incredibly helpful for managing costs. When choosing coverage, I look at:

• Policy types and coverage limits
• Wellness plan options
• Prescription food coverage [26]

I always check if policies cover preventive care and special diets. Some plans even cover vet-prescribed foods [26].

FAQs

Over my years of caring for cats and chatting with other cat owners at vet visits, I’ve collected quite a few common questions about grain-free food. Here’s what I’ve learned through both research and daily experience with my own cats.

Q: Must I feed grain-free food to my cats?
Most cats don’t actually need grain-free diets. My vet explained that cats can digest and use nutrients from both animal and plant sources quite well [8]. Rather surprisingly, I’ve found that many cat owners share this misconception about grains.

Q: How will I know if my cat has food allergies?
In my cats, I watch for these signs:

• Scratching more than usual
• Tummy troubles
• Changes in their fur
• Different behaviour patterns

Q: Are grain-free and gluten-free the same thing?
Yes, absolutely. Though interestingly, my vet mentioned there’s no scientific evidence suggesting cats need to avoid either [5].

Q: What ingredients replace grains?
When I check my grain-free cat food labels, I typically spot:

• Sweet and regular potatoes
• Peas and lentils
• Tapioca
• Various legumes

Q: Will grain-free food help my cat lose weight?
This is a brilliant question I often hear. From my experience, grain-free doesn’t automatically mean lower calories. Some grain-free foods actually pack more calories than regular cat food [11].

Q: How long should the transition to grain-free food take?
I usually take 7-10 days when switching my cats to new food. This gentle approach has worked brilliantly for avoiding upset tummies.

Q: Should I stick to one brand?
Unless my vet suggests otherwise for health reasons, I prefer giving my cats variety. Even premium brands might miss certain nutrients, so I find mixing helps ensure complete nutrition.

Remember, while these answers reflect my experience with my cats, every cat has unique needs. Your vet knows your cat’s specific health requirements best, so do have a chat with them before making any major dietary changes.

Final Thoughts – Grain Free Cat Food

After years of feeding my cats different diets, I’ve learned that grain-free food isn’t quite what clever marketing would have us believe. My journey through countless brands and varieties has taught me that scientific facts often tell a different story from trendy claims.

I’ve discovered that quality ingredients and proper nutritional balance matter far more than whether a food contains grains. While some of my cats have flourished on grain-free options, others do brilliantly on traditional food. The key lies in watching how your cat responds and making gradual changes when needed.

These days, I choose my cats’ food based on their individual health needs rather than following the latest trends. My vet’s guidance has proved invaluable – something I wish I’d appreciated sooner. I’ve learned to balance environmental impact and budget whilst ensuring my cats get proper nutrition.

Whether you fancy grain-free or traditional cat food, I’d encourage you to focus on high-quality protein sources and balanced nutrition. Keep a close eye on your cat’s response to their food – their energy levels, coat condition, and overall happiness tell you far more than any fancy packaging ever could.

Most importantly, I’ve realised every cat is wonderfully unique. What works brilliantly for my cats might not suit yours at all. Trust your observations, work closely with your vet, and remember – your cat’s individual needs matter more than following the latest pet food fashion.

Environmental Impact

When I research cat food choices, I look beyond my cats’ bowls to understand the bigger picture. Recent studies have opened my eyes to how pet food affects our environment – cats and dogs account for 25-30% of meat consumption’s environmental impact in the United States [27].

Sustainability of ingredients

I’ve learned that grain-free diets present unique environmental challenges. These foods typically contain more animal proteins, which I discovered require significantly more resources to produce [28]. The numbers surprised me:

• Animal protein needs 25 units of energy to produce 1 unit of protein, while plant proteins need only 2.2 units [29]
• Our pet food production releases up to 64 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases [28]

Environmentally Conscious Brands I Trust:

1. Green Petfood FairCat

   • Features: CO2-neutral production
   • Forest conservation support
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA

2. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free

   • Features: Human-grade ingredients
   • 84% North American sourcing
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA

3. ORGANIX by Castor & Pollux

   • Features: USDA organic certified
   • Ethically sourced ingredients
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA

Manufacturing processes

I’ve noticed huge differences in how manufacturers approach sustainability. The best ones prioritise:

Process Element	Environmental Impact
Energy Usage	Solar-powered operations [30]
Ingredient Sourcing	Local procurement [27]
Waste Management	Upcycling programmes [31]

Some companies really impress me with their innovation. I love that certain manufacturers offset their CO2 emissions through forest projects, actually absorbing 25% more CO2 than they produce [32].

Packaging considerations

Here’s something that shocked me – the Pet Sustainability Coalition reports that Americans generate about 300 million pounds of pet food and treat bags yearly, with over 99% ending up unrecycled [31].

My Sustainable Shopping Do’s and Don’ts:

I’m encouraged to see major manufacturers taking action:

• Purina aims for 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025 [31]
• I’ve noticed some brands using 30% plant-based packaging materials [27]
• Through TerraCycle partnerships, I’ve helped divert over 360,000 empty food bags from landfills [31]

FAQs

After sharing my cat food experiences at countless vet visits and cat owner meetups, these questions pop up most often. Let me share what I’ve discovered through both caring for my own cats and researching extensively.

Remember, while these answers reflect my experience with multiple cats over the years, your furry friend might have different needs. Your vet remains your best guide for specific dietary advice.

Final Thoughts – Grain Free Cat Food

After years of feeding different diets to my cats, I’ve come to realise that grain-free food isn’t the miracle solution marketing often suggests. My journey through countless brands and varieties has taught me valuable lessons about separating fact from fiction in pet nutrition.

Quality ingredients and proper nutritional balance matter far more than whether a food contains grains or not. Some of my cats thrive on grain-free options, whilst others do brilliantly on traditional food. Success comes down to careful observation and gradual transitions when trying new foods.

These days, I choose my cats’ food based on their individual health needs rather than following market trends. My vet’s guidance has proved invaluable – something I wish I’d appreciated sooner. I’ve learned to balance environmental impact and budget constraints whilst ensuring my cats get proper nutrition.

Whether you fancy grain-free or traditional cat food, focus on high-quality protein sources and balanced nutrition. Watch your cat’s response to their food – their energy levels, coat condition, and overall happiness tell you far more than any fancy packaging ever could.

Most importantly, I’ve discovered every cat is wonderfully unique. What works brilliantly for my Bengal might not suit my neighbour’s Siamese at all. Trust your observations, work closely with your vet, and remember – your cat’s individual needs matter more than following the latest pet food fashion.

FAQs

After years of answering questions at cat shows and vet visits, I’ve gathered the most common concerns about grain-free cat food. Let me share what I’ve learned from both research and my own cats’ experiences.

Brands My Cats Love:

1. Royal Canin Grain-Free Indoor

   • Features: High digestibility
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Brilliant for sensitive tummies

2. Hill’s Science Diet Grain-Free

   • Features: Natural ingredients
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Perfect for adult cats

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness

   • Features: High-protein formula
   • Available on Amazon UK/USA
   • Suits all life stages

My Shopping Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s	Don’ts
Check complete nutritional profile	Focus solely on “grain-free” label
Monitor your cat’s response	Make sudden diet changes
Consult veterinarian	Assume expensive means better

Q: How do I know if grain-free suits my cat?
I check these factors with my cats:

1. Is it right for their age?
2. Do they maintain healthy weight?
3. Is muscle condition good?
4. Are toilet habits normal?
5. Does their coat look healthy?
6. Are they energetic?
7. Do they enjoy their food? [33]

Q: Should I stick to one brand?
Unless my vet suggests otherwise for health reasons, I prefer offering variety. I’ve noticed even premium foods can have nutritional gaps, so mixing helps ensure complete nutrition [34].

Q: What about mixing wet and dry grain-free food?
I’ve found combining both works brilliantly. This approach helps:

• Keep my cats hydrated
• Provide texture variety
• Ensure complete nutrition

Q: Are grain allergies common?
Surprisingly rare! My vet confirms that most cats don’t need grain-free diets [35].

Q: What about environmental impact?
I look for brands offering:

• CO2-neutral production
• Sustainable packaging
• Local ingredient sourcing

Remember, while these answers reflect my experience with my cats, your furry friend might have different needs. Your vet knows your cat’s specific requirements best.

Final Thoughts – Grain Free Cat Food

After years of feeding different diets to my cats, I’ve discovered that marketing claims often don’t match the science behind cat nutrition. My Bengal and Persian both thrive on balanced diets, and I’ve learned that grain content matters far less than overall nutritional quality.

Quality ingredients and proper nutrition balance top my priority list now. Through trial and error with my own cats, I’ve seen that while grain-free options suit some cats brilliantly, most cats don’t actually need them. The real success comes from watching your cat carefully and making slow, thoughtful changes to their diet when needed.

My decision to try grain-free food came from my cat’s specific health needs, not from flashy marketing. My vet’s guidance proved invaluable – she helped me understand exactly what my cats needed nutritionally. These days, I carefully balance environmental impact and budget while ensuring my cats get proper nutrition.

Whether you choose grain-free or traditional cat food, focus on quality protein sources and balanced nutrition. I watch my cats’ energy levels, coat condition, and overall happiness – these tell me far more about their diet’s success than any packaging claims. My youngest cat’s gleaming coat and playful nature speak volumes about her diet’s effectiveness, much more than any trendy label ever could.

FAQs

References

[1] – https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/grain-free-cat-food-better
[2] – https://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/cat-recipes/dry/limited-ingredient/grain-free-green-pea-chicken/
[3] – https://cats.com/best-grain-free-cat-food
[4] – https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/veggie-cat-food/
[5] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5753635/
[6] – https://catinfo.org/
[7] – https://www.aspca.org/news/why-cant-my-cat-be-vegan
[8] – https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/cat-nutrition-what-makes-nutritional-cat-food
[9] – https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/learn-the-truth-about-carbs-and-cats/
[10] – https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/260/5/javma.21.06.0291.xml
[11] – https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centres-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-centre/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat
[12] – https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/reading-labels/
[13] – https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/myth-busting-false-claims-pet-food/
[14] – https://www.veterinary-practise.com/article/debunking-common-pet-food-myths
[15] – https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/18656-report-super-premium-to-propel-us-pet-food
[16] – https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2023/03/despite-inflation-pet-owners-still-purchase-premium-pet-products/
[17] – https://www.petcarerx.com/article/is-grain-free-cat-food-a-good-choice/1581?srsltid=AfmBOorauDF_p2srS3b1pn89zKqdQljNhFgoA0UrkMKx_Nyk-CPl5lVG
[18] – https://www.petsradar.com/features/is-grain-free-food-better-for-cats-vet-spills-the-beans-on-this-designer-diet
[19] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11129224/
[20] – https://www.rover.com/blog/affordable-grain-free-cat-food/
[21] – https://catsonlyvethosp.com/blog/2019/07/03/grain-free-other-marketing-trends/
[22] – https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/switching-cat-food
[23] – https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/changing-cats-food-how-to
[24] – https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-save-money-on-cat-food/
[25] – https://untamed.com/blogs/nutrition/grain-free-cat-food
[26] – https://pangovet.com/pet-lifestyle/cats/how-to-save-money-on-cat-food/
[27] – https://www.prudentpet.com/fda-gain-free-food/
[28] – https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-cat-food/
[29] – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327848807_Consumer_Attitude_Toward_the_Environmental_Sustainability_of_Grain-Free_Pet_Foods
[30] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6166590/
[31] – https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/pet-food-ingredients/sustainable-cat-food
[32] – https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-08-01/pet-food-sustainability-and-outside-bag
[33] – https://www.green-petfood.com/articles/grain-free-cat-food
[34] – https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/what-is-grain-free-cat-food
[35] – https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/whats-in-my-cats-food-designer-diets-grain-free-diets
[36] – https://thecatdoctor.co.uk/blog/caring-for-your-cat/should-i-feed-my-cat-a-grain-free-diet/
[37] – https://canidae.com/blog/grain-free-cat-food