Supply chain issues are causing a shortage of cat food on shelves. Most cat food is imported, resulting in delays with overseas shipments. The increased rate of cat adoptions has raised demand significantly. This combination of high demand and shipping challenges is a major factor in the lack of cat food availability. Second, increased demand … Read more
In the U.S., the FDA enforces pet food safety standards similar to human food regulations. Mice are not approved as a food source, restricting their use. Moreover, cats typically favor flavors like chicken, prompting manufacturers to prioritize these popular options instead of mouse-flavored cat food. Mouse-flavored cat food might seem logical, given a cat’s natural … Read more
Pork is rarely used in cat food. This is due to limited pork availability in the market. Much of the meat from the pork industry is used for sausages or other products. While cats can safely eat small amounts of ham, using pork in their diet is not common. This shortage impacts the options for … Read more
Oranges should not be in cat food due to their potential toxicity. They contain citric acid and compounds that can lead to digestive issues, like vomiting and diarrhea. Cats require high-quality food tailored to their dietary needs, and oranges do not provide the nutritional value necessary for good cat health. While small pieces of orange … Read more
{Spearmint extract is a natural herb found in cat food that enhances flavor and aids digestion. It also freshens breath and is safe in moderate amounts. However, excessive spearmint can cause digestive upset in cats. It benefits pet enjoyment while supporting their overall well-being.} However, there are safety concerns associated with spearmint extract in cat … Read more
Tomato paste is in cat food for its health benefits. It provides essential nutrients like vitamins, potassium, and fiber, which support a cat’s health. The ripe flesh is safe and nutritious. However, the stems and leaves contain solanine, which is toxic to cats and should be avoided. Nutritionally, tomato paste can offer antioxidants, such as … Read more
Wheat is present in cat food to supply energy for daily activities. It enhances food processing characteristics. Research by IAMS™ shows that wheat supports a complete and balanced diet, producing a moderate glycemic response that is lower than a rice-based diet, which benefits a cat’s overall health. Conversely, wheat can offer nutritional benefits. It serves … Read more
Urinary prescription cat food promotes urinary health by preventing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. Its specialized formula has lower magnesium levels, which helps dissolve struvite stones and stop new ones from forming. This food requires a veterinary prescription for use. Additionally, this prescription food increases water intake. The higher moisture content encourages cats to drink … Read more
Titanium dioxide is included in urinary cat food mainly as a color enhancer. This additive improves appearance but raises safety concerns. Recent evaluations show potential toxicity to pets. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded it is unsafe as a food additive. Additionally, titanium dioxide is not a necessary nutrient for cats. The nutritional needs … Read more
Wet cat food can taste sweet because it often contains caramel. This adds a deep brown color and enhances flavor without using regular sugar. The caramel also boosts moisture content, giving the food a juicy sheen. These qualities make the food appealing to cats, resembling gravies or fried meats. The benefits of wet cat food … Read more