"With every company boasting its own nutrition, how can we know what ingredients are truly unhealthy? To understand what’s in your cat’s food, it’s important to know more about the ingredients it’s made from." --Maia Cavagnolo, 7th Grade
Cats are the love of many people’s lives, which is why it’s very important to know what we’re actually feeding them. With every company boasting its own nutrition, how can we know what ingredients are truly unhealthy? To understand what’s in your cat’s food, it’s important to know more about the ingredients it’s made from.
First, powdered cellulose. An article by Chris Bessent says, “[Powdered] cellulose is a fibrous plant-based compound. It comes from plants, which doesn’t sound too alarming, but don’t be fooled. This is not meant to be eaten by cats — or anyone, for that matter. Cellulose is typically used to make paper and fabrics. It’s also used in household items like sponges and glue.”
Is this true? No. There is a very important distinction we have to make here: powdered cellulose versus cellulose. Powdered cellulose is harmless for humans and pets. It’s cellulose that’s harmful. As Chewy (a brand of pet food and toys) says, “Powdered cellulose is used in both human and animal foods, and it can be derived from cooking plant fibers. This ingredient is not harmful for cats, dogs, or humans and is used as a filler.”
Now, corn and wheat gluten. “Corn and wheat gluten are often used in commercial cat food as a protein source. However, they are not easily digestible by cats and can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea,” Petzlove says.
Well, first, corn can actually be good for cats, despite what many people think. A PDF put together by the Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital says that “corn gluten meal is easy to digest, making its nutrients readily available to your pet.” But the wheat part is where it gets tricky. Wheatgrass, which is the first sprout of wheat, is digestible by cats if you limit their intake. “Even if your cat is not allergic to wheatgrass, you must limit its consumption to less than 10% of its total caloric consumption. Wheat for cats is best served every alternate day instead of daily,” IAMS, a pet food company, explains.
What about meat by-products? “Meat by-products are the leftover parts of animals after the meat has been removed. This can include organs, bones, and other parts that are not suitable for human consumption. While meat by-products are a source of protein, they are not always of high quality, and their origin may not be disclosed,” Petzlove says.
This is mostly true. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Official) says that “Meat and meat byproducts from animals that have died by other means than slaughter aren’t directly suitable for animal food because these products are considered adulterated. They can’t be used for animal feed unless they contain no chemical additives and are heat-treated and further processed. For dry kibble and canned pet foods, the final product should be free of disease-causing bacteria.”
Next up, soy. Jim Scott writes, “Commonly included as fillers, corn, wheat and soy can be problematic for cats. Wheat and soy are known allergens for felines, triggering allergic reactions and disturbances in the digestive system.”
True? Or false? Well we already went over corn and wheat, so let’s just focus on the soy part. It’s true. “While soy isn’t toxic for felines, it’s not recommended for them. A little taste of soy milk won’t usually be an issue, but because it doesn’t provide the same nutritional benefits for cats as humans, there is no point in offering it to your pets. In addition, cats metabolize soy differently than humans. One short-term feeding study looked at how dietary soy impacts a cat’s thyroid function,” says an article by Chantelle Fowler. Soy is not recommended for your cat.
“Chemical and artificial preservatives help extend shelf life and enhance the visual appearance of cat food. However, it’s important to be aware that these preservatives can be detrimental to your feline’s well-being. While preservatives like BHT and BHA are generally considered safe when consumed in small quantities, studies have linked these ingredients with tumors and liver damage in lab animals,” Scott writes.
And it’s absolutely true! An article by Vishal Jain says “BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) have been known to cause issues in some cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Currently, there is not much scientific research that has been done on the long-term side effects of preservatives in pet food but some studies have shown that prolonged exposure to certain preservatives may be linked to health issues such as cancer, organ damage, and immune system disorders in pets.”
But don’t worry— an article by Shereen Lehman says that BHA and BHT “have been tested for safety and approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so long as they meet certain requirements.”
Now for MBM, or meat and bone meals. Bessent explains that “Meat and bone meals are a mysterious mixture from sources such as roadkill, expired food from grocery stores, and inedible byproducts from slaughterhouses. What is it supposed to be used for[?] Well, compost. We’re all about repurposing, recycling, and sustainability, but here’s something we’re not about: feeding our pets unhealthy and unsafe waste.” And this is true though not nearly as dramatic. “Bones and raw meat are not recommended as they can break teeth and cause constipation and internal blockages, raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill,” an SPCA in the UK tells us.
Bessent continues next with food dyes. “Food dyes are artificial chemicals that can provide color to many foods (ever had a lollipop that left your tongue blue for hours?). What is it supposed to be used for [?] Well, coloring food at best. But we have to ask if this is really necessary — especially for CATS! Does your cat really care or even see what color [their] food is? Colors—” specifically yellow 5, yellow 6, red 40, and blue 2 “—are often added to make the food look more enticing to you (the consumer, not your cat). But artificial colors just aren’t worth the cancer risk. Yep, food dyes are known carcinogens for animals.”
True! An article by Emily Bayne says, “Can [food dye] be harmful to our pets? Unfortunately, the answer isn't black and white. Several independent studies have investigated food dye safety — and the results are a mixed bag. Studies link four of the most common artificial dyes (Blue #2, Red #40, and Yellow #5 and #6) to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer in humans. But does the same hold true for dogs and cats? Ultimately, we're still not sure — more research is needed to confirm the effects of food dye on dogs and cats. However, studies show that Red #40 and Yellow #5 and #6 can cause hypersensitivity and cell damage in small mammals (namely rodents).”
Amelia Whitcomb, a Literary Arts teacher, describes trying to find out what cat food brand is best a “real quagmire,” saying “I've tried my best to look up top-rated cat foods and nutrition information, but I also am only a teacher, so the cat food has to be affordable, too.” It seems that finding healthy cat food is a struggle for everyone.
Scott goes on to tell us that, “Vegetable fats, while prevalent in many cat food products, are not optimal ingredients for felines. Cats can't effectively convert vegetable fats (i.e. flax and safflower oil) to the fatty acids required for their well-being.”
But is this true? Kind of. An article by Modern Vet, a pet emergency hospital, says, “Vegetable oil is not a good source of protein for cats. Cats are carnivores, meaning their diet should consist of meat and other animal-based foods such as fish, eggs, and poultry. Vegetable oils like canola oil are high in calories, so it’s essential to keep the amount you give your cat in check. For example: if you want to feed your cat one tablespoon (15 grams) per day of vegetable oil, then make sure this amount is spread over several meals throughout the day rather than giving them all at once or having them eat nothing but vegetable oils!” So, while vegetable oil is not a great ingredient for cats, it can be manageable if you spread it out over a couple days.
So, in the end, what pet food brand is really good for your pet? Well, it depends on the cat.
“There's a lot of contradictory information out there, though, about which brands are the best for your cats. Just the other day, I took my cat in for her yearly check up and my vet warned me against using the brand of cat food I was currently using because the parent company is a major company that produces junk food for humans,” Whitcomb said. “However, the brands that my vet recommended, like Purina, are made by Nestle, which doesn't seem much better. I’m constantly looking for something better.”
Long story short, you should do some research before feeding your cat whatever comes their way.
First, powdered cellulose. An article by Chris Bessent says, “[Powdered] cellulose is a fibrous plant-based compound. It comes from plants, which doesn’t sound too alarming, but don’t be fooled. This is not meant to be eaten by cats — or anyone, for that matter. Cellulose is typically used to make paper and fabrics. It’s also used in household items like sponges and glue.”
Is this true? No. There is a very important distinction we have to make here: powdered cellulose versus cellulose. Powdered cellulose is harmless for humans and pets. It’s cellulose that’s harmful. As Chewy (a brand of pet food and toys) says, “Powdered cellulose is used in both human and animal foods, and it can be derived from cooking plant fibers. This ingredient is not harmful for cats, dogs, or humans and is used as a filler.”
Now, corn and wheat gluten. “Corn and wheat gluten are often used in commercial cat food as a protein source. However, they are not easily digestible by cats and can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea,” Petzlove says.
Well, first, corn can actually be good for cats, despite what many people think. A PDF put together by the Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital says that “corn gluten meal is easy to digest, making its nutrients readily available to your pet.” But the wheat part is where it gets tricky. Wheatgrass, which is the first sprout of wheat, is digestible by cats if you limit their intake. “Even if your cat is not allergic to wheatgrass, you must limit its consumption to less than 10% of its total caloric consumption. Wheat for cats is best served every alternate day instead of daily,” IAMS, a pet food company, explains.
What about meat by-products? “Meat by-products are the leftover parts of animals after the meat has been removed. This can include organs, bones, and other parts that are not suitable for human consumption. While meat by-products are a source of protein, they are not always of high quality, and their origin may not be disclosed,” Petzlove says.
This is mostly true. The AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Official) says that “Meat and meat byproducts from animals that have died by other means than slaughter aren’t directly suitable for animal food because these products are considered adulterated. They can’t be used for animal feed unless they contain no chemical additives and are heat-treated and further processed. For dry kibble and canned pet foods, the final product should be free of disease-causing bacteria.”
Next up, soy. Jim Scott writes, “Commonly included as fillers, corn, wheat and soy can be problematic for cats. Wheat and soy are known allergens for felines, triggering allergic reactions and disturbances in the digestive system.”
True? Or false? Well we already went over corn and wheat, so let’s just focus on the soy part. It’s true. “While soy isn’t toxic for felines, it’s not recommended for them. A little taste of soy milk won’t usually be an issue, but because it doesn’t provide the same nutritional benefits for cats as humans, there is no point in offering it to your pets. In addition, cats metabolize soy differently than humans. One short-term feeding study looked at how dietary soy impacts a cat’s thyroid function,” says an article by Chantelle Fowler. Soy is not recommended for your cat.
“Chemical and artificial preservatives help extend shelf life and enhance the visual appearance of cat food. However, it’s important to be aware that these preservatives can be detrimental to your feline’s well-being. While preservatives like BHT and BHA are generally considered safe when consumed in small quantities, studies have linked these ingredients with tumors and liver damage in lab animals,” Scott writes.
And it’s absolutely true! An article by Vishal Jain says “BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) have been known to cause issues in some cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Currently, there is not much scientific research that has been done on the long-term side effects of preservatives in pet food but some studies have shown that prolonged exposure to certain preservatives may be linked to health issues such as cancer, organ damage, and immune system disorders in pets.”
But don’t worry— an article by Shereen Lehman says that BHA and BHT “have been tested for safety and approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so long as they meet certain requirements.”
Now for MBM, or meat and bone meals. Bessent explains that “Meat and bone meals are a mysterious mixture from sources such as roadkill, expired food from grocery stores, and inedible byproducts from slaughterhouses. What is it supposed to be used for[?] Well, compost. We’re all about repurposing, recycling, and sustainability, but here’s something we’re not about: feeding our pets unhealthy and unsafe waste.” And this is true though not nearly as dramatic. “Bones and raw meat are not recommended as they can break teeth and cause constipation and internal blockages, raw bones also carry bacteria that can make both animals and humans ill,” an SPCA in the UK tells us.
Bessent continues next with food dyes. “Food dyes are artificial chemicals that can provide color to many foods (ever had a lollipop that left your tongue blue for hours?). What is it supposed to be used for [?] Well, coloring food at best. But we have to ask if this is really necessary — especially for CATS! Does your cat really care or even see what color [their] food is? Colors—” specifically yellow 5, yellow 6, red 40, and blue 2 “—are often added to make the food look more enticing to you (the consumer, not your cat). But artificial colors just aren’t worth the cancer risk. Yep, food dyes are known carcinogens for animals.”
True! An article by Emily Bayne says, “Can [food dye] be harmful to our pets? Unfortunately, the answer isn't black and white. Several independent studies have investigated food dye safety — and the results are a mixed bag. Studies link four of the most common artificial dyes (Blue #2, Red #40, and Yellow #5 and #6) to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer in humans. But does the same hold true for dogs and cats? Ultimately, we're still not sure — more research is needed to confirm the effects of food dye on dogs and cats. However, studies show that Red #40 and Yellow #5 and #6 can cause hypersensitivity and cell damage in small mammals (namely rodents).”
Amelia Whitcomb, a Literary Arts teacher, describes trying to find out what cat food brand is best a “real quagmire,” saying “I've tried my best to look up top-rated cat foods and nutrition information, but I also am only a teacher, so the cat food has to be affordable, too.” It seems that finding healthy cat food is a struggle for everyone.
Scott goes on to tell us that, “Vegetable fats, while prevalent in many cat food products, are not optimal ingredients for felines. Cats can't effectively convert vegetable fats (i.e. flax and safflower oil) to the fatty acids required for their well-being.”
But is this true? Kind of. An article by Modern Vet, a pet emergency hospital, says, “Vegetable oil is not a good source of protein for cats. Cats are carnivores, meaning their diet should consist of meat and other animal-based foods such as fish, eggs, and poultry. Vegetable oils like canola oil are high in calories, so it’s essential to keep the amount you give your cat in check. For example: if you want to feed your cat one tablespoon (15 grams) per day of vegetable oil, then make sure this amount is spread over several meals throughout the day rather than giving them all at once or having them eat nothing but vegetable oils!” So, while vegetable oil is not a great ingredient for cats, it can be manageable if you spread it out over a couple days.
So, in the end, what pet food brand is really good for your pet? Well, it depends on the cat.
“There's a lot of contradictory information out there, though, about which brands are the best for your cats. Just the other day, I took my cat in for her yearly check up and my vet warned me against using the brand of cat food I was currently using because the parent company is a major company that produces junk food for humans,” Whitcomb said. “However, the brands that my vet recommended, like Purina, are made by Nestle, which doesn't seem much better. I’m constantly looking for something better.”
Long story short, you should do some research before feeding your cat whatever comes their way.