When gazing at our delightful ball of domestic fluff having a snooze on their plush cat bed, it's easy to forget that our cats' ancestors were savage hunters that were adept at tracking and killing their prey. Although evolution altered wild cats' metabolism and diet, domesticated cats today still possess a slow carbohydrate metabolism incredibly similar to their ancestors. As a result, it is presumed that cat food containing an abundance of carbohydrates – a subset which makes up most of the market today – has led to the growing rise of obesity in cats and an increase of heart complications.
Thankfully, pet nutritionists are all too aware of this health crisis and have urged companies to expand their range of low carb cat food. Their efforts have resulted in a wonderful selection of low carb products. We've identified what we believe to be the leading low carb wet cat food and dry cat food on the market in the hope that your feline will profit from their palatableness and healthiness.
The Best Low-Carb Cat Food
1 Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg Grain-Free
- Brand: Tiki Cat
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dehydrated Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Tapioca
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Egg
- Calories: 482 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Egg
- Life Stage: All
Tiki Cat’s grain-free kibble boasts a commendable ratio of 46% animal-based protein. This ‘protein’ isn’t just any old animal debris: the company refuse to follow multinational corporations’ unhealthy tactic of including extracted plant proteins like corn gluten meal and potato protein and instead focus on including limited protein sources.
To maximize the flavor of their Chicken Luau kibble to keep cats coming back for more, the formula is gently baked so the natural flavor and nutrients remain. Countless owners affirm that low carb dry cat food is tasteless and bland, but these people clearly haven’t given their feline a Tiki Cat recipe. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Egg is one of 5 cat food recipes mentioned in our Tiki Cat – Cat Food Review.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dehydrated Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Tapioca, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Whole Flaxseed, Chickpeas, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid), Brewers Dried Yeast, Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Inulin (Prebiotic), Salmon Oil, Pumpkin, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Rosemary Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Citric Acid, Tannic Acid.
2 Crave with Protein from Chicken & Salmon
- Brand: Crave
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Split Peas, Chicken Fat
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
- Calories: 379 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Salmon
- Life Stage: Adult
Say goodbye to dodgy by-product meals forever by trusting in CRAVE’s Chicken and Salmon’s dry cat food. Specifically geared towards indoor adult cats, CRAVE know how hard it is for owners to find quality cat food that won’t break the bank and sell their kibble for a fraction of the price of other premium brands.
The brand are keen to make their food accessible for all indoor cats, even those with food sensitivities, and have accordingly made their kibble grain and soy protein free. Combined with the 40% high protein ratio and superfoods to mimic cats’ ancestral diets, the end product is of such high caliber that it is essential to switch recipes to this commendable formula slowly and steadily so your cat’s digestive system won’t become overwhelmed by the rich amount of nutrients all at once. Crave with Protein from Chicken & Salmon is one of 5 cat food recipes included in our review of Crave Cat Food.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Split Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tapioca, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potato Protein, Salmon Meal, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
3 Wysong Uretic Dry Natural Food for Cats
- Brand: Wysong
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Potato Protein, Brown Rice
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 373 cal/100g
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Wysong believes that felines with ureteral obstructions have suffered enough. Their curated kibble, containing 42% protein and 15% fat, is the optimal amount for felines’ immune and unitary systems. The high amounts of DL-methionine in particular makes Wysong’s product ‘uretic’ due to this amino acids role in naturally acidifying cats’ urine pH. This acidity dissolves crystals and stones in cats’, making for a happy cat.
The prebiotics and probiotics in this formula are essential for ensuring your cat’s gut bacteria play a role in producing nutrients for your colon cells, resulting in a normal digestive system. You’ll be over the moon to see your cat back to their normal self with minimal flare-ups to speak of and receiving the optimal amount of nutrition to keep them healthy for many years.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potato Protein, Brown Rice, Peas, Flaxseeds, Meat Protein Isolate, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Sesame Seeds, Dried Cheese, Dried Whey, DL-Methionine, Salt, Dried Tomato Pomace, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Cranberry Extract, Calcium Propionate (a preservative), Choline Chloride, Coconut Oil, Organic Barley Grass Powder, Dried Blueberry Powder, Dried Kelp, Dried Yogurt, Citric Acid (a preservative), Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Dried Carrots, Apple Pectin, Fish Oil, Yeast Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Rosemary Extract, Inulin, Yeast Culture, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid [source of Vitamin C], Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [source of Vitamin B6], Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Lactis Fermentation Product, Pepper.
4 Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free
- Brand: Nulo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Cod, Whole Peas
- Primary Proteins: Duck, Turkey & Chicken
- Calories: 468 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Duck & Lentils
- Life Stage: Adult
Nulo’s Duck and Lentils recipe has quite rightly been baptised as our premium pick due to the care the company place into creating an all-inclusive kibble. For starters, the small disk shape makes it easier for cats to chew and digest. The grain-free composition likewise helps felines who suffer from allergies.
One major problem nutritionists have remarked upon in recent years is the quick release of energy cats enjoy after eating their kibble, followed by a slump. To alleviate this situation, Nulo include ingredients containing a low amount of glycemic – put differently, ingredients that do not convert carbs very quickly to impact glucose (blood sugar) levels. Not only will this generate a low-release of energy, this low amount of glycemic keeps the blood sugar of cats with diabetes low. Nulo Freestyle Duck & Lentils Recipe is one of 5 cat food recipes mentioned in our review of Nulo Cat Food.
Deboned Duck, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Cod, Whole Peas, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Kelp, Dried Sweet Potato, Dried Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Pyridoxidine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
5 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
- Calories: 443 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue Buffalo’s high-palatability cat food contains all the nutrients your cat needs to prosper. The complexed carbohydrates included in this formula, including sweet potatoes and peas, play a leading role in ensuring your feline has the energy to run amok. Personally, one of our favorite perks is Blue Buffalo’s famous LifeSource Bits that astutely combine vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals together to bolster your cat’s immune system. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is one of 9 recipes included in our detailed review of Blue Buffalo Cat Food.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
6 Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain-Free Cage-Free Chicken
- Brand: Instinct
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Tapioca, Chicken Fat, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 491 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Proudly manufactured in the USA with high-quality ingredients sourced from around the globe, Instinct’s ultimate protein chicken recipe is low in carbohydrates yet high in meat protein. An exemplary 95% of this formula’s protein comes from this first-rate chicken, engendering a huge increase in the healthiness of your cat’s digestive tract.
Instinct take the palatability of their low carb kibble incredibly seriously and prove it by freeze-drying (removing the moisture from) their raw frozen products – eating raw has never been more delicious or convenient! Instinct Ultimate Protein Cage-Free Chicken is one of 5 cat food recipes included in our Nature’s Variety Instinct Cat Food Review.
Chicken, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Whey Protein Concentrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin), Montmorillonite Clay, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide), Taurine, Freeze Dried Chicken, Freeze Dried Chicken Liver, Pumpkinseeds, Freeze Dried Chicken Heart, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
7 Tiki Cat Grill Grain-Free Wet Food
- Brand: Tiki Cat
- First 5 ingredients: Flaked Ahi Tuna, Tuna Consommé, Sunflower Seed Oil
- Primary Proteins: Tuna
- Calories: 58 kcal/can
- Flavor: Tuna, Seafood & Fish
- Life Stage: All
We just can’t quite get enough of Tiki Cat and their innovative approach towards low-carb cat food. Their idea to create a variety pack, with six flavors and twelve cans, is a really delicious way to keep your cats looking forward to the variety of flavors presented to them at dinner time, whilst keeping them on a low-carb, high protein diet.
Available in Sardine Cutlets in Lobster Consommé, Tuna in Crab Surimi Consummé, and four more mouthwatering flavors, these low carb canned cat food meals will spark a hunger in your cat not seen since they were a small kitten craving their next meal. As one ecstatic customer remarked, this is the kind of food your cats plot to kill you over. You better watch out!
Hawaiian Grill:
Flaked Ahi Tuna, Tuna Consommé, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium lactate. Contains less than 1% of the following: Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Thiamine mononitrate, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Vitamin A acetate, Potassium iodide, Copper sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Lanai Luau:
Flaked Ahi Tuna, Tuna Consommé, Flaked Crab surimi (Sea Bream, Crab broth) Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium lactate. Contains less than 1% of the following: Tricalcium phosphate, Choline chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Thiamine mononitrate, Niacin, Calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Vitamin A acetate, Potassium iodide, Copper sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, , Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Tahitian Grill:
Sardine Cutlets, Sardine Consommé. Contains less than 1% of the following: Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Choline chloride, Xanthan gum, Paprika, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine mononitrate, Calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Potassium iodide, Vitamin A acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Copper sulfate, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Makaha Luau:
Mackerel Cutlets, Sardines Cutlets, Calamari Consommé, Calamari, Contains less than 1% of the following: Sunflower Seed Oil, Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Choline chloride, Xanthan gum, Paprika, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine mononitrate, Potassium iodide, Vitamin A acetate, Calcium pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Copper sulfate, Manganese sulfate, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Bora Bora Luau:
Sardine Cutlets, Lobster Consommé, Sunflower Seed Oil. Contains less than 1% of the following: Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum, Choline chloride, Xanthan gum, Paprika, Taurine, Vitamin E supplement, Zinc sulfate, Ferrous sulfate, Niacin, Thiamine mononitrate, Calcium pantothenate, Manganese sulfate, Potassium iodide, Vitamin A acetate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Copper sulfate, Folic acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Hana Luau:
Flaked Ahi Tuna, Tuna Consommé, Flaked Crab, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Tuna Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Acetate, Potassium Iodide, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
8 Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
- Brand: Purina
- First 5 ingredients: Poultry By-Product Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Corn Gluten Meal, Soy Flour, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols
- Primary Proteins: Poultry
- Calories: 592 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: All
Just like humans, cats with diabetes do best on a low-carb diet to help their body manage their blood glucose levels and ensure they get the right balance of nutrition. Which is why Purina’s DM dry cat food is a healthy route to take when it comes to feeding your diabetic puss. The high protein/low carb recipe is satisfying for your kit to eat and is also an excellent source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, to support their heart health. And, as well as supporting your diabetic cat’s nutritional needs, Purina’s DM can also help defend against the forming of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals to maintain a healthy urinary tract. All in a tasty and easy to digest formula. If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our overview of Purina Pro Plan Cat Foods.
Poultry By-Product Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Corn Gluten Meal, Soy Flour, Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols (Form of Vitamin E), Corn Starch, Animal Liver Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Phosphoric Acid, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Powdered Cellulose, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Sodium Selenite. Inactive Ingredients: Disodium Edta, Docusate Sodium, Pcmx, A Monosaccharide Complex (L-Rhamnose, D-Galactose, D-Mannose), and FD&C Blue #1.
9 NUTRO Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food
- Brand: Nutro
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pork Broth, Chicken Broth
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Chicken & Pork
- Calories: 43 kcal/serving
- Flavor: Salmon & Tuna
- Life Stage: Adult
In a working household, it can be incredibly difficult to stop your daily tasks to go outside to the garage to fill up your cat’s food box. With NUTRO’s soft paté recipe, your kitten receives all the correct nutrients straight from a little container.
Featuring real salmon and tuna as the principal ingredients, this high protein content supports your kitty’s overall health. To human nostrils, it stinks for sure. Yet the offensive smell is worth it when you see your cat relishing every moment spent snacking on their low carbohydrate treat.
Take a look at our detailed Nutro Cat Food Review.
Salmon, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Pork Broth, Chicken Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Carrageenan, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Tapioca Starch, Salt, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Copper Sulfate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K Activity).
10 Ketogenic Pet Foods Natural Cat Food
- Brand: Ketogenic Pet Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Natural Flavor
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 550 kcal/100 g
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Although their beef heart and liver formula is designed to satisfy both dogs and cats, this inclusivity does not lessen the curated nature of Ketogenic Pet Foods product – in fact, it points towards the
For diabetic cats in particular, satisfied customers talk endlessly about the remarkable changes in their cats: no longer shedding hair all over their homes, more active, and superior digestive tracts are only a few of the improvements remarked upon.
Chicken, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Natural Flavor, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid [source of Vitamin C], Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid).
Best Low Carb Cat Food Buying Guide & FAQ
What is Low-Carb Cat Food?
Low-carb cat food is formulas that contain high-levels of animal-based protein and a lack of grains and legumes.
Things to Look For When Choosing a Low-Carb Cat Food
Do you notice a high amount of grains on the ingredient list? If you spot any form of corn, wheat, or rice on the ingredient list of low-carb cat foods, this is a definitive sign that your prospective cat food may not be as “low-carb” as advertised. As grains are high in carbohydrates and tough for cats to digest, it’s best to avoid them if your cat needs to lose a few pounds.
Read here our detailed review of the Best Grain Free Cat Food.
Does the food you have your eye on have “supplementary” written on the label? Supplementary cat food – although its contents can be highly nutritious – are a ‘side dish’ for your cat and do not contain a sufficient amount of amino acids and vitamins to comprise a full meal. Accordingly, if you’re trying to switch your cat to a low-carb diet, treating them to a ‘side dish’ is not the best move carb-wise.
Benefits of a Low Carbohydrate Cat Food Diet
Spread-out energy boosts: Low amounts of glycemic in low carbohydrate foods are especially beneficial for diabetic cats due to their ability to be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream easily. Likewise, the protein-boost also helps to preserve their energy levels throughout the day.
Reduced blood sugar: High blood sugar levels may wreak havoc on your cat’s immune system, causing them to develop type two diabetes. A low carb cat food diet results in your cat having less ‘spikes’, thereby reducing the risk of becoming diabetic.
Best Low Carb Cat Food FAQ:
Q: Are carbs really bad for cats?
A: There are several different classifications of carbohydrates – defined as biological molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The primary distinction is between simple and complex carbohydrates: the former being food sources such as fiber and starch whereas the latter is sugar. Healthy cats do not have a hard time digesting complex carbohydrates if they are fed a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Therefore, many carbohydrates aren’t bad for cats: for example, cats require glucose to survive, as many cells in the body harness it as their primary energy source.
Excess carbohydrates, on the other hand, may result in obesity and diabetes mellitus. Once a cat becomes diabetic, a high-protein, low carb diet – just like the ones recommended in our product selection above – is supported. To conclude, carbs aren’t “really bad” for healthy cats, yet diabetic cats and older felines may want to start thinking about switching to a low-carb diet.
Q: How do I calculate carbs in cat food?
A: Companies aren’t required by law to include the percentage of carbohydrates in cat food. As a result, owners are left in the dark. However, if you’re willing to use a bit of maths, you can roughly work out a percentage. Thankfully, it is legislation that companies must include an analysis of the amount of crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in any given pet food. The sum recommended is detailed below:
100 – (Crude Protein + Crude Fat + Crude Fiber + Moisture + Ash)
Although it isn’t a labeling requirement for a company to reveal the maximum value of ash, it is recommended to use an estimate of 3% for canned foods and 6% for dry food if this figure is absent.
Let’s take our top product on the list as our example: Tiki Pets’ Born Carnivore Chicken Luau. In this sought-after cat food, we have a guaranteed analysis as follows:
- Minimum crude protein: 46.0%
- Minimum crude fat: 20.0%
- Maximum crude fiber: 3.0%
- Maximum moisture: 10.0%
- Ash: 2.3%
Therefore, to work out the carb content for this specific example, the sum would be:
100 – (46 + 20 + 3 + 10 + 2.3) = 18.7%
Now, as Tiki Pets’ cat kibble is a dry food formula, converting this result into a ‘dry matter’ result– the weight of the ingredients after removing the moisture – isn’t difficult. As Tiki Pets’ maximum moisture is 10%, we must takeaway 10 from 100 (equaling 90), then divide the result of our initial calculation with the latter. In the case of this formula, the sum would therefore be:
18.7 ÷90 x 100 = 20.7%
Q: Should I feed my cat low carb or no carb (zero carb) food?
A: Cats are carnivores, meaning that they require a low amount of carbohydrates in their diets and acquire their energy and nutrients from animal-based protein. Therefore, they aren’t reliant on carbohydrates to follow a healthy diet. Besides, as a cat grows older, their ability to metabolize protein decreases. Accordingly, feeding your older feline a low carb diet is recommended. However, a no carb diet shouldn’t be taken up without consulting a vet first.
You may also like our review of the best senior cat food.
Our Top Pick
Tiki Cat’s Born Carnivores Chicken Luau Dry Cat Food is nothing short of perfection. Containing no animal by-products, artificial colors, and flavors, the company ingeniously baked their dry kibble lightly so cats profit from the soft crunch of the kibble, yet don’t have a hard time trying to munch their way through rock-hard dry food. Plus, baking the kibble preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of the formula. Suitable for both cats and kittens, your pets will be just as delighted as you to have found a delicious alternative to high carbohydrate kibbles.
Sources:
- Jennifer Coates, DVM, How to Calculate the Carbs in Your Cat’s Food, PetMD
- Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, Feeding the Diabetic Cat, VetStreet
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