Grains and plants in foods

I have been avoiding corn and wheat and soy in our cat foods. However, I am beginning to wonder if the sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, cranberries, oatmeal, barley in the more natural brands aren't just troublesome. It seems like there are even more non-protien items in these.

I have used Natural Balance (reduced calorie, indoor, LID), TOTW, Fromm. tried Wellness and Natures Variety but the cats didn't like them.

Good for you for avoiding the common problematic ingredients.  The other ingredients you mention certainly from the cat's nutritional requirements are not needed.  Cats have NO requirement for carbohydrates of any kind, and potatoes, cranberries, peas, etc. are all carbohydrates in the cat's case (in humans, they are classified as vegetables or fruits).  I think some of the ingredients are a marketing ploy; "natural" is not necessarily better.

I'm not a fan of low calorie cat foods, they are generally full of fillers (and potato/barley are fillers in that they are cheap). This is especially true for dry foods.  Wet foods are the way to go, they are less caloric than dry foods, more moisture (so cat feels fuller).  You should really decrease portion size BUT increase fat by a little.  The cat will fill fuller, more satiated, longer.

You indicate "LID" which I think means limited ingredient.  Is one your cats allergic or have a medical need?

PS:  limit fish, can cause problems because of the high mineral content, especially for male cats.

Well, I don't let my kitties get away with eating what they want. They're like little children - they'd live on junk food if they could. :lol3: To get them eating something you want them to eat just requires some creativity. I use "toppers" to alter the smell of the food: freeze dried meat or liver treats. It can just be crushed into a powder, and sprinkled on top. At first, they may need more than just a dusting across the top, and they may need a little more to finish up. But it does get them used to eating the food, and over time, they need less until you get to the point they don't need it at all.

As Ritz indicated, a wet diet is preferable to dry. Kibble tends to be calorie and carb dense. If you need to feed an all kibble diet, pick one that is nutrient dense and hopefully your cats will eat it. I'm pretty excited about the new grain free lines coming out for Nutro. My cats have done very well on both lines of the Nutro products. I also feed other wet to them for variety of flavors and textures. My cats have like other grain free products I've purchased so I'm interested in seeing how they will receive this new line of food.

I believe that more natural foods are better for all of our furbabies. That said, marketing plays a huge role in how ALL foods, not just pet foods, are perceived by the consumer. Pet food marketing is geared towards the human consumer. After all, the dogs and cats can't buy it for themselves :nod:

Thankfully my cats are not real, real fussy about food. Yes, they get tired of the same flavors and textures... and quickly, but I do not have any unusual issues with them eating. You might try mixing up wet brands to see which they might like and focus on those and reducing the kibble they get daily.

Lovecat, do you think your cats are being Divas/picky or do you think the ingredients you listed are troublesome and are trying to find better quality food?  I don't disagree, but if as LDG said your cats are just picky eaters, then toppers may be the way to go.  Freeze dried meat / liver toppers are great. 

If you haven't seen it yet, I have a thread that discusses similar concerns:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/253487/losing-faith-in-grain-free

I have decided to stop feeding potatoes and peas in favor of occasional whole grain barley and brown rice.

I mainly feed EVO 95% canned foods which have no grains or veggies.  

The cats aren't picky, I am :lol3: I have one cat who is sensitive to rosemary extract which eliminates many brands.

I am just wondering if having 4+ "better" grains is just as bad as having corn.

I do feed wet too, often have the same issue with that having peas, carrots, potatoes, etc. not o mention carageean or guar. I have been doing Tiki Cat for canned.

Also, I think peas give the cats gas!

I love Tiki cat food.

smitten4kittens said:

I love Tiki cat food.

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It looks good, but I've never tasted it.  

It does look perfect for chicken salad though, doesn't it?  I would never really eat it. It makes me laugh when cat food cans have a stamp on the bottom saying "not for human consumption ". Gee, thanks Einstien.