What is grain free cat food?
Normal cat food often contains grain in the form of corn, rice or wheat. Grain free cat food is, basically, what it says on the tin - it contains no grains whatsoever!
Why go grain-free?
Some cats do develop a nasty grain allergy. If your cat is allergic to grains, it makes sense to switch to a grain free cat food.
If your kitty is doing fine with grain in their diet, there’s no urgent rush to change. But if you can afford the extra cost, there’s no harm in trying a grain free food, which may be better for their long-term health.
Opting for grain free cat food is a good way to closely mimic your cat’s natural diet, as good-quality grain free foods usually contain a higher percentage of protein.
Symptoms of grain allergy in cats
Noticed some unusual symptoms in your kitty, which seem to be intensified after eating a meal? It could be a grain allergy. Look out for the following symptoms, which could indicate a cat grain allergy:
- Itchiness
- Hair loss and bald patches
- Inflamed, sore skin and scabs
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive grooming
- Lip ulcers
- Ear infections
- Cracked paw pads
- Coughing
Do bear in mind that a grain allergy could turn up out of the blue, even if your cat has been eating cat food with grains for years.
If you suspect these symptoms could be down to a grain allergy, you’ll need to switch to a grain free cat food and see if the symptoms ease. If symptoms are severe, we’d also recommend taking your cat to the vet in case an underlying condition is present.
Grain free cat food: our picks
If you do decide to go grain free, make sure you give your vet a call. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s truly a good choice for your cat based on their individual needs and medical concerns and may even recommend an appropriate brand.
Purina
Well-known pet brand Purina has some grain free variations available - including wet, dry and treats. We particularly rate their Beyond range, which boasts real, recognizable ingredients with a vitamin and mineral super boost.
Wellness Pet Food
This pet food brand offers several grain free cat food products which go by the name of CORE. It’s completely free of grains and packed with good sources of protein, whilst still being super tasty for your kitty.
Natures Menu
Natures Menu has a range of grain free wet and dry cat food, meaning there’s something there for every kitty. This brand focuses on natural cat nutrition made from proper, high-quality ingredients.
Lily’s Kitchen
Many of Lily’s Kitchen’s natural recipes are also grain free! This pet food brand believes that pets are part of the family, and that they deserve good food.
Wainwrights
Wainwrights boast complete, grain free varieties at a slightly more affordable price point, making it a good choice for those on a budget. This brand is also hypoallergenic and cuts out any ingredients which may cause food allergies in cats.
That's everything you need to know about grain free cat food!
