Whether you’re feeding a grain sensitive cat, or you just want to try something new, making your own dry food can be a great option. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a grain free dry cat food recipe that your cat is sure to love.
Grain free is a term used for pet foods that are made without grains, like corn, wheat, or soy. However, there’s no proof that a grain free diet is healthier than a traditional one.
Contents
Ingredients
Grain free dry cat food is a type of pet food that contains no grains, such as corn, wheat, barley, or soy. Some people believe that grain free diets are healthier, especially for cats with food allergies. However, the research is mixed.
The best way to determine if a dry cat food is grain free is to look at its ingredients. A high-quality grain free cat food should have meat as the first ingredient and carbohydrates should be low on the list.
This is because protein-rich foods like chicken, turkey and fish are the best sources of energy for cats. Carbohydrates can be an important part of a healthy diet for cats, but too much carbs can lead to weight gain or nutrient deficiencies.
Some grain free foods also contain plant-based ingredients, such as lettuce, watercress and blackberries. These can be good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. But they’re not as wholesome for your cat as lean, meat-based protein.
Preparation
Many pet owners are turning to grain free diets because they believe it is more natural for cats to eat and reduces the risk of food allergies. A grain free diet can also help a cat that is sensitive to grains or gluten, or who has digestive problems.
However, the key to choosing a quality grain free cat food is knowing what comes first in the ingredients list. If the kibble is high in meat-based proteins and low on carbohydrates, it’s likely a good choice for your cat.
But, if the kibble contains ingredients such as potatoes, tapioca, or lentils instead of meats, it’s not a healthy option.
Carbohydrate-rich foods are often not a healthy addition to a cat’s diet because they can cause GI issues, like diarrhea and constipation. In fact, some carbohydrate-rich diets may actually increase the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy in pets.
Cooking
Grain free dry cat food is a great way to reduce your pet’s exposure to certain ingredients that can cause allergies and intolerances. Choosing the right grain free cat food can be confusing, but there are several key things to look for.
First, be sure to choose a recipe that has meat as the first ingredient, as cats naturally get their nutrition from whole muscle and organ meats (like heart, liver, kidneys, etc.).
Second, check to see if there are any meat meals or byproducts in the recipe, as these can have low nutritional value and can be hard for your cat to digest.
Third, make sure there are no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives in the recipe.
In addition, look for recipes that include a combination of healthy protein sources like chicken, fish, and beef. These proteins will provide your cat with the essential amino acids they need to stay strong and healthy.
Storage
Grain free dry cat food is a great choice for cats that have sensitive skin, intolerances or digestive issues. In these cases, they may have trouble digesting carbohydrates from grains like corn, rice, barley and wheat.
While grain allergies are rare in cats, they are still possible, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you suspect this might be the issue with your cat.
If you decide to transition your cat to a grain free diet, the first step is to stop feeding them their existing dry food. Establish set meal times and a normal hunger response to help them accept the new food.
You should also consider the ingredient list of any food you plan to buy. Typically, cats are obligate carnivores and therefore the first ingredients on the list should be meats or fish. Avoid foods that list carbs as the first or second ingredient (sweet potatoes, tapioca, lentils). These are high calorie dry food that can lead to weight gain and are also high in phosphorus, which is harmful for cats with preexisting kidney disease.
