Since our precious feline friends are carnivores it is no surprise that cats need a diet that’s highly saturated with protein. With that in mind, it is advisable to look out for low-carb cat food options so you mimic what they’d eat in the wild more accurately.
The thing is, it’s no secret that there are so many options out there when it comes to cat food. It could be tedious to land on a choice that is tasty, nutritious, and pocket-friendly. To make the search a whole lot easier, we have scoured the Internet in search of the best low-carb cat food options.
1. Crave Grain Free Protein Wet Cat Food
Food that is high in protein mimics what your pet’s diet would be if they were out in the wild. That’s what the manufacturers of the Crave Grain Free High Protein Wet Cat Food aim to achieve; an ancestral diet.
This formula happens to be rich in animal fat and void of any grains, soy, wheat, or corn. It comes in two different flavours which are Turkey Pate and salmon Pate, so as you can tell by the names, the first ingredient in the mix is real meat. Furthermore, each pack contains up to two packs of twelve twin-pack trays of both Turkey Pate and Salmon Pate options.
No one needs to tell you twice, these are ingredients your cat will enjoy, so even the pickiest eaters will gobble it down. Even more, each pack is conveniently sized so you have the perfect size for your pet. As such, there will be no leftovers and wasted food once you dish out a serving for your feline friend.
2. Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Wet Cat Food
If a high protein cat diet is what you’re after, then Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Wet Cat Food is a viable option. It is equally one of the best choices if your pet is quite sensitive when it comes to food. The fact that there are no grains in the mix makes it a much safer option for cats who suffer from various digestive issues.
This recipe comes with a blend of top-shelf shredded chicken with the alternative of having wild-caught flaked tuna with pumpkin. Altogether, this is a highly nutritious meal that your pet will thrive on.
It is equally packed with dietary fiber as well as real fish or meat which sits in a tasty savory broth. This combination makes this option enticing on one hand and easy to digest on the other. Topping it all up is the fact that there are a total of ten varieties to pick from so your pet won’t get bored with their new diet.
3. Ketogenic Pet Foods – Chicken Natural Cat Food
Keto for cats, why not? Felines in the wild already live on some semblance of a keto diet, so why not try it out with Ketogenic Pet Foods – Chicken Natural Cat Food?
This grain-free formula is specially formulated to boost your pet’s digestive health and all-around wellbeing. Since your cat and all other cats are carnivorous by nature, this carb-free option is just what the doctor ordered. There are so many problems that come with loading your pet with carbs, such as digestive unrest and weight gain.
Since Ketogenic Pet Foods are packed with healthy protein and fat, they go a long way to boost your pet’s health. Giving them a hand with that is a select blend of micronutrients. This pet food also goes a long way to foster strong bone development, as well as strong teeth and a shiny coat. That only scratches the surface of how beneficial this option is, but with this tasty option on your side, your fur baby is sure to thrive.
4. Dr. Tim’s Chase All Life Stages Premium Dry Cat Food
Just because it comes in the form of kibble doesn’t mean it can’t be just the cat food option to appeal to your cat’s primal needs. Dr. Tim’s Chase’s All Life Stages Premium Dry Cat Food mimics what cats would feast on if they were out in the wild. The formula here is packed with easy-to-digest animal protein as well as a special fiber that does wonders for the gut microbiome.
Every ingredient used here has a role to play, there are no fillers, corn, soy, or wheat and which makes it a viable low carb option. All the ingredients here work together to give your pet a robust boost of energy while keeping most diseases at bay.
The fact that it is a low ash and magnesium protein formula is great for urinary tract health. Also, the addition of their patented BC30 probiotics does a whole lot for your pet’s gastrointestinal health. To top it all off, it is tasty, so no matter how picky your pet is they’ll love it.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Cat Food
This particular food option draws inspiration from the diet of a lynx, with chicken as the first ingredient. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Cat Food has 95% protein content which makes it a great choice for anyone looking to switch their feline friend to a high protein, low carb diet.
Real chicken is the first ingredient here and provides cats with enough protein to boost energy and develop lean muscles. Many pet owners like the fact that this is an all-natural cat food option, so not only is it tasty but it is as healthy as they come. It also has a smooth and almost velvety texture that cats just adore.
Another great aspect is that this formula does not contain and by-product meals, corn, or wheat. There’s also no soy or artificial flavors in the mix. Altogether, this formula will keep any form of digestive issues or aversions.
6. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Cat Food
Here is another dry food option that is low and carbs and full of healthy proteins that will nourish and energize your pet. The Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Cat Food is not just a low-carb option, all the protein used is sourced from animals so your pet can feast on exactly what they would get in the wild. This conveniently sized dry cat food has either chicken or fish as the first ingredient, so you’re sure your fur baby will get all the high-quality protein they need upfront.
Even better is the fact that this is a grain-free option, in place of grain they use low carb superfoods such as pumpkin and flaxseeds. There’s also a kick of salmon oil which is rich in vitamins and minerals. Their ingredients also account for healthy skin, digestion, as well as a shiny coat. What makes it even better is the fact that this option is as tasty as they come, so your cat will enjoy every last bite.
7. Purina Beyond Grain Free Cat Food
Whether it’s their sense of taste or smell, this is one cat food option that will appeal to more than one of your cat’s senses. With Alaskan Cod at the forefront, this wet cat food recipe is as tasty and natural as can be.
The Alaskan cod element in the Purina Beyond Grain Free Cat Food is sourced from actual Alaskan fisheries that are in line with the sustainability standards of the Marine Stewardship Council. With this on the table, every bite that goes into your pet’s mouth is well accounted for and can be traced back to its source.
But that’s not all, this tasty fish is paired with the robust flavor of lentils which is equally nutritious and beneficial for your pet. Since it’s high in protein, it is equally low in carbs and does not contain ingredients like wheat, corn, soy, or any by-product meals.
8. Purebites Mixers Tuna In Water
You may not think this is possible, but Purebites Mixers Tuna In Water Pet Food has only one ingredient. It is completely made of Pure Wild Skipjack Tuna in water, so you’re sure that there are no pesky grains or carbs in the way.
This is also a guarantee that your pet will love this cat food option since it is as natural as they come. It is a fresh and all-natural option, as close to what they would catch if they went out hunting themselves. It is not just tasty and a solid source of protein, but this option is also as healthy as they come.
For one, it is a great source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help with a shiny coat and healthy skin. The fact that it only contains 30 calories per serving makes it a great option for cats everywhere.
9. Instinct Ultimate Natural Dry Cat Food
Let’s start by saying this is a formidable brand when it comes to pet food as a whole, so there is no doubt that Instinct Ultimate Protein Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food belongs on this list. This is the good stuff and it comprises freeze-dried ingredients which give them a longer shelf life.
Further speaking of the ingredients it contains some tasty raw meat as well as wholesome fruits and vegetables. Since the ingredients here are practically raw, that also means that they are minimally processed. So, you can rest assured that all the nutrients are still intact and your pet can get the most out of their meal.
Even more, it is packed with antioxidants, natural flavors, and amino acids as well as some much-needed minerals and vitamins.
10. Pet Craft Supply Cat Treats
Low-carb food options don’t have to be limited to actual meals, your pet deserves some tasty and healthy treats too. That’s why Pet Craft Supply Freeze Dried Cat Treats will make a good addition to your pet’s diet.
This treat is made using only one ingredient and that is some tasty salmon. As such, you could rest assured that there are no fillers, grains, soy, or wheat. It is also great that this is a low-calorie option, so your pet can munch away in between meals without the risk of obesity on the table.
Altogether, each treat contains only 2-4 calories, so it is a great option for oversized cats. Of course, moderation has to be applied, since too much of anything can be detrimental. This tasty and healthy option is a good choice if you want to revolutionize treat time.
Low Carb Cat Foods Buying Guide
Even though we’ve narrowed it down to 10 great cat food options, it is still easy to get lost in it all. Altogether, you need a cat food option that’s not just generically good for cats, it has to be good for your cat in particular.
There’s no one route to knowing how good it is till your pet tries it out, but you can narrow it down by considering some factors. That’s why we’ve come up with this buying guide; it’ll streamline your decision and ensure that you get the most out of the low-carb cat food option you eventually pick.
Ingredients to Look Out for When Buying Low Carb Cat Foods
– Protein
This should go without saying, cats are carnivores and as such thrive on a high-quality protein diet. Think about the way carbohydrates and fat serve as an energy source for humans, well that’s the same way proteins serve as fuel for felines. As such, the first ingredient of any high-quality low-carb food should be a named form of meat. Sure, meat and poultry by-products also add to the protein count, but they should not be the first ingredient since some cats may not take well to them.
In lesser quantities, they may not harm your pet or cause discomfort, but if they are the first ingredient that means they make up a huge part of the food. Altogether, it is important to ensure that your pet receives a good dose of protein from their food, about 25% is the benchmark.
– Fat
When it comes to cat food, there should be at least 20% present. Both fat and protein should be on the high side for it to qualify as high-quality cat food. It doesn’t hurt that the higher the fat content, the tastier the meal. You may be apprehensive of buying cat food with a prominent fat percentage thinking you’ll end up with an obese cat, but that is not the case.
Cats need an ample amount of fat in their diet, in fact, they will probably overeat if they do not get a lot of fat in their diet. The key to getting a cat food option with healthy fat is to ensure that they list a named fat source. For instance, chicken fat is a good source of fat for your pet.
– Carbs (fillers)
If you want to ensure your pet is on a low-carb diet then this is one ingredient to look out for. As mentioned earlier in this article, cats are carnivores and as such, they may not need carbohydrates to lead a healthy life. For the most part, cats have a hard time digesting carbohydrates and you may even trigger some new allergies by adding carbs to their diet.
The thing is, most dry cat food out there contains carbs in the form of grains to bind the kibble together. Corn is one particular filler that is often used in cat foods and to make matters worse, most cats are allergic to it. The more bearable options are carb sources like green peas and potatoes.
– Taurine
Though humans readily produce this amino acid, cats can only get it through the food they eat. As such, it is definitely one of the many ingredients you need to look out for. Without this vital vitamin in their diet, cats are prone to retinal degradation as certain cardiovascular conditions.
Simply check the labels, you should be able to check if your choice of cat food has sufficient taurine for your cat.
– Mixed tocopherols
These days, it is not advisable to use chemical preservatives such as BHA and BTA, Apart from being carcinogenic, they are simply not healthy for ingestion as a whole. The alternative here is mixed tocopherols which are equally a source of Vitamin A and E as well as a healthier form of preservative. The thing is, they are not as efficient as BHA and BTA when it comes to efficiency, so be sure to take a closer look at the label for the shelf life of the cat food option you pick.
Types of Low Carb Cat Food
– Semi-moist food
This is one option you could go for if you’re in the market for some low-carb cat food. They are usually composed of meat, meat by-products, and at most 35% of water. Besides that, they can also contain a handful of other ingredients like grains or cereals.
– Wet food
Low-carb cat food also comes in the form of wet food. It is a great choice for cats since they are mostly not keen on drinking water as a whole. Thankfully, wet cat food contains up to 75% of water. Another great thing about this food option is that most cats prefer it to kibble. Storage is also easy as long as it’s closed, it won’t go bad till the expiry date as long as it is closed. Once opened, this kind of cat food should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
– Dry food
This low-carb food option is quite common and comes in the form of kibble and treats. It is quite a calorie-dense and low in terms of water content, which is about 6-10%. When compared to its wet counterpart, this form of cat food is not easily digestible. Nevertheless, its shelf life is quite impressive even after it’s been opened. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to store them for too long as they may start to lose their potency in terms of vitamins.
Why You Should Buy Low carb Cat Food?
There are many reasons a low-carb diet is more suited for cats and felines as a whole. You see, a cat’s digestive system is quite simple and as such, there are certain nutrients they cannot produce on their own. For instance, there’s taurine which was earlier mentioned. It can only be found in animal protein and is a viable way to boost the reproductive system, vision, and heart function.
Amping up the carb content that’ll end up taking up the space of essential nutrients your cat needs to survive. In addition to this, they often have issues digesting any plant-based food since that is not what they would usually eat in nature. Also, any foods that have a high carb content are not very filling for cats, it basically tricks them into thinking they need to eat some more.
Low-Carb Cat Foods FaQs
What is the best food for a diabetic cat?
The best cat food for a diabetic cat should have a high protein content as well as a low carb content. That is why a healthy canned cat food option is the best way to go since they are already quite high in protein and low in carbs. Dry cat food, on the other hand, is quite starchy which makes it high in carbs. For the most part, the best option will be a specially formulated cat food option or an exclusive canned food diet.
Is there a keto diet for cats?
Felines, and even their canine counterparts, naturally lead a ketogenic diet in nature. Ketogenic food is essentially high in natural protein as well as fat, it is also void of starchy components. There are more than a handful of brands coming up with purely ketogenic diets, such as the Foundation of Ketogenic Pet Foods™.
Are diabetic cats always hungry?
Since diabetic cats don’t produce insulin on their own, they do feel hungry all the time. You see since insulin helps the body transform sugar to energy, that will leave the body without an ample source of energy. As such, this will leave the cat with the nagging desire to eat all the time.
Why is my cat fat and always hungry?
For one, your cat could have roundworms that are taking all their nutrients. On the other hand, it could be something along the lines of diabetes or hyperthyroidism. For something more psychological, it could be that your cat is simply bored or depressed and is ‘eating their feelings.’