Is natural food truly the best choice for your cat’s diet? Discover the benefits and drawbacks of natural cat food. We’ll walk you through safe food options and even recommend some human foods your cat can enjoy! Learn how to give your cat a balanced, healthy diet while avoiding harmful ingredients.
Is natural food truly the best option for your cat, or is it just a trend? As more pet owners look for ways to improve their cat's diet, natural food has become a popular choice. But does it live up to the hype? In this blog, we’ll explore the world of natural food for cats, including its exact meaning, benefits & ingredients, and share a list of safe foods that you can feel confident feeding your furry friend.
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What is Natural Cat Food?
When we talk about "natural" cat food, it’s not just a label slapped on a package, it actually carries a specific, regulated meaning. Curious about what it takes for cat food to earn that
title?
To be considered “natural” by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (or AAFCO), a pet food must come from only plant, animal, or mineral sources, processed without synthetic chemicals and preservatives. In simple terms, it’s food sourced from nature, whether it’s been heat-treated, purified, or even processed through methods like fermentation or enzymolysis. No chemically synthetic ingredients are allowed, except in small, unavoidable amounts necessary for safe manufacturing.
If you see “natural” on the label of your cat’s kibble, it could refer to a specific ingredient, like “with natural chicken,” or the product as a whole. For the entire food to be labeled as "natural," nearly all of its ingredients must meet AAFCO’s definition, with an exception for vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that are tough to source naturally. Manufacturers must label these products clearly, using terms like “all-natural with added vitamins and minerals,” so pet owners know exactly what’s in their cat’s food.
Benefits of a Natural Diet for Cats
What’s in your cat’s bowl can make a world of difference to their health and happiness! A natural diet, free from artificial additives, doesn’t just fuel your cat’s energy, it can improve everything from digestion to overall wellness.
- Natural ingredients support smoother digestion, leading to better nutrient absorption and healthier-looking stools.
- A natural diet can reduce the likelihood of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues.
- With nutrient-rich food, you may notice a softer, shinier coat and healthier skin. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in natural diets can work wonders for your cat’s appearance.
- A natural, balanced diet gives your cat the fuel they need to stay active and playful
- If your cat struggles with food sensitivities or allergies, a natural diet can help minimize these reactions
Ingredients in Natural Cat Food
Choosing natural cat food means understanding what’s inside each recipe and how it supports your cat’s health. Natural cat food avoids artificial additives and focuses on real ingredients that come straight from plant, animal, or mineral sources. Take a look at what goes into these foods and why each ingredient plays an important role in keeping your cat happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Protein Sources
Since cats are obligate carnivores, they need animal protein to thrive, it’s the main ingredient in any quality cat food. You’ll find proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and beef, along with lamb, rabbit, and duck in natural formulas.
Fruits and Vegetables
While cats don’t require fruits and veggies, a small amount, usually less than 5%, can still be beneficial. Ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, and cranberries are usually included in natural cat food recipes, bringing antioxidants and fiber that can support overall health.
Carbohydrates
Some natural cat foods include grains such as brown rice, barley, or oats as sources of carbohydrates. For cats with grain allergies, digestive issues, or weight concerns, grain-free options might be preferable. In these cases, alternative carbs like sweet potatoes, potatoes, or legumes may be used instead.
Fats
Healthy fats are important for a cat’s overall health, supporting everything from coat shine to brain function. In natural cat foods, these fats often come from the primary protein sources, but some pet foods also include additional healthy fats like fish oil or flaxseed.
Added Nutrients
While natural cat foods aim to be as close to nature as possible, there’s sometimes a need for added vitamins, minerals, probiotics, supplements, and essential amino acids, such as iron, potassium, and taurine, for balanced nutrition. Vitamins A, D, and E are often included to support eye health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Organic Cat Food: How is it Different from Natural Cat Food?
It’s easy to get confused between "organic" and "natural" when choosing cat food, but there’s a difference that can have a big impact on your pet’s health.
First, it’s important to understand that “natural” cat food isn’t the same as “organic.” While “natural” might suggest minimal processing or the absence of artificial ingredients, it doesn’t meet the same rigorous standards as “organic” food. Organic cat food, on the other hand, follows strict rules laid out by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), much like the standards set for organic human food.
For a product to be labeled as organic, various requirements must be met:
- The crops used in the food must be grown without synthetic fertilizers or herbicides, ensuring a clean, pesticide-free source.
- Any animals involved in producing ingredients (such as meat or dairy) must be fed organically grown feed, keeping chemicals and additives out of the food chain.
- The entire manufacturing process is inspected and certified by USDA-accredited companies to guarantee compliance with organic standards.
To display the USDA organic seal, cat food needs to contain at least 95% organic ingredients. If the product has at least 70% organic ingredients, it can say “made with organic ingredients” on the label but won’t carry the official seal.
Human Foods as Natural Alternatives for Cats
As more pet owners look for natural options for their cats, human foods are becoming an exciting alternative to traditional cat food. Believe it or not, your pantry might just hold the key to some tasty, healthy snacks for your feline friend.
What’s even better? Many human foods are not just safe for cats, they can enhance your pet’s diet with essential nutrients, while satisfying their natural cravings. So, next time you’re preparing a meal, consider offering a little something special to your cat. You might just create a new bonding ritual.
Listed below are some expert-recommended, feline-friendly foods you can try:
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Cantaloupe
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
- Pumpkin
- Cheese
- Bread
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Turkey
- Peas
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
But while these foods are safe and beneficial, there are also some common human foods that can be harmful, or even deadly, to cats. So, it’s important to know what to avoid. For example:
- Dairy Products like Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Grapes and Raisins
- Caffeine Products like Tea & Coffee
- Allium Family (Garlic, Onions, Chives, Leeks, Shallots, Scallions)
- Xylitol
- Coconut Milk
- Alcohol
- Seeds
- Raw Meat & Fish
- Cooked Bones
- Raw, Uncooked Bread Dough
Is Natural Cat Food Better?
Natural cat food promises a cleaner, more wholesome option for your feline friend, free from artificial ingredients and harsh chemicals. But does that mean it’s always the best choice?
While natural foods tend to avoid controversial additives, they do come at a higher price. If you're ready to invest in your cat’s health and prefer to take a “better-safe-than-sorry” approach, natural food could be worth considering.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that terms like “natural” or “holistic” don’t guarantee the food will provide all the nutrients your cat needs in the right proportions. Cats are obligate carnivores with specific dietary needs, so the best diet depends on their age, health, and nutritional requirements, not just a "natural" label.
To ensure your cat’s diet is tailored to their unique needs, consult Dr. Tail today for expert guidance in crafting a balanced, health-supporting meal plan. We can help you navigate through all the options and recommend the best food to support your cat’s long-term health and happiness.
