Low-Quality Ingredients Lead to Health

Regardless of where you fall in the debate over carbohydrates, it’s a known fact that high-quality ingredients matter for a healthy cat. Processed ingredients and additives not only don’t offer the same nutrients as whole meats and fish, but also may be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful agents.

Rendered fat is a common additive in pet foods because it easily increases the necessary fat content. However, it is ripe for bacteria and mold growth, so it can be unsafe for your pet to eat. Not only that, but also it doesn’t offer the same health benefits as the whole fats that come from real fish and meat.

Other additives, like artificial colors and flavors, may be considered known carcinogens; caramel color, BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are all considered to be dangerous for both people and pets.

Some of the common health problems caused by low-quality ingredients include:  Kidney disease. Kidney disease (renal failure) is the leading cause of mortality in domestic cats. Your cat’s kidneys work to extract toxins from the blood system including nitrates, which are produced by proteins. Talk with your vet about steps you can take to help prevent kidney disease in your cat and learn the signs of kidney failure, which can include: weight loss/appetite reduction, dry coat, ulcers in the tongue or gums, bad breath, and vomiting or diarrhea.

Obesity. In the US, 58 percent of cats are overweight or obese. To keep your cat’s weight in check, look for a diet that’s highly digestible and includes rich sources of protein, like real meats. Increasing the proportion of canned and raw foods has also been shown to help cats lose weight.

Dental health. A common belief is that dry cat food helps prevent dental decay and disease, but that’s most likely not the case, as cats don’t chew their food in a way that would allow dry kibble to clean them. Instead, the ASPCA recommends that cats should have their teeth brushed regularly. There are also cat chew toys and treats that are specifically designed to clean their teeth.

CAT NEEDS QUALITY PROTEIN