what to take into account when choosing organic cat food
organic certification
united states the department of agriculture (usda) regulates the use of the term “organic” in food for humans and pets. By law, the USDA must apply the same standard to cat food that it applies to human food. “organic” refers to the way a crop or animal is grown or raised and handled. organic crops must be grown on pesticide-free land for at least three years. the feed itself should not contain toxic and persistent pesticides, artificial flavors, dyes. and preservatives, synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics, genetically modified organisms (gmos) or have been subjected to irradiation.
Organic cattle whose meat is used in pet food must be fed organic feed, free of antibiotics and hormones, and have access to the outdoors. To obtain USDA certification, all of these requirements must be documented and confirmed through USDA inspection. Unless you see “USDA Certified Organic” on the label, it’s hard to be sure the food is truly organic.
When only a portion of the ingredients come from certified organic sources, you’ll also see a percentage on the label, such as “95% usd certified organic.”
other tags
Similarly, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines and regulates the term “natural” for pet food and animal feed. “natural” means that a food or ingredient is derived solely from plant, animal, or mineral sources that have not been produced through a chemical synthesis process. however, some ingredients may be labeled “natural” without actually being good or healthy for your pet. keep an eye out for ingredients known as “fillers” that are inexpensive and have little nutritional value. They are added to keep your pet satisfied with fewer high-quality ingredients by weight. the most common are corn and wheat gluten, grain products, soybeans, animal by-products, and fruit and vegetable pulps. stick to “grain-free” foods for cats with skin allergies, coat problems, or digestive issues.
If you live in the United States, make sure the cat food is labeled “Made in the United States.” standards for pet food production vary widely by country. many foods produced in other countries have been tested and levels of impurities such as heavy metals and even plastic fillers have been found to be unsafe for consumption.
nutrition
It’s also important to watch the nutrition, moisture, and fat content of your cat’s food. cats evolved as hunters, so their natural diet would be primarily carnivorous. they would consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and a nominal amount of carbohydrate. so beware of foods with too many carbohydrates that could contribute to obesity. healthy carbs should come from ingredients like organic pumpkin, sweet potato, or brown rice.
Cats also need more than a dozen other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. the amounts of nutrients needed vary at each stage of life: from kitten to adolescence, during pregnancy and lactation, and as a senior cat. If your pet’s food is well balanced and complete for your cat’s current life stage, no additional supplements will be required.
Which brings us to raw foods. In a recent trend in pet food, raw foods are said to be an optimal choice because heat has not degraded protein and other essential nutrients. however, raw foods also carry an increased risk of salmonella and listeria bacterial infections that can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and eventually infection of the nervous system.
To prevent spoilage and extend shelf life, manufacturers use store brand natural preservatives. Non-synthetic preservatives include Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) or Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate or Tocopherol Acetate).
Like human food ingredient labels, ingredients are listed in order of largest to smallest by weight, including percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. look for foods that list high protein from a specific meat first and if grains are included, whole grains are best because of the nutrients they contain. note that the protein and fat content numbers will be higher in dry foods than in wet foods because percentages for wet foods are reported on a wet basis and contain a high percentage of water, while percentages for dry are reported on a dry basis. you should look for around 8% to 10% minimum protein in wet food or at least 25% in dry food. fat content should be at least 5% in wet foods or 20-30% in dry foods. some cats will despise foods with less protein or fat than recommended. the average cat does better when he eats both wet food and dry food during the week.
probiotics
Many brands add probiotics, which promote healthy gut flora, which in turn reduces inflammation, strengthens the immune system, and perhaps provides other benefits. Domesticated cats don’t eat a wild diet of rodents and other creatures, so their intestines aren’t exposed to the bacteria they would encounter in the wild. so opt for probiotics when you can, especially if your cat has a sensitive tummy or has recently taken antibiotics or other medications.
introduce your cat to new foods
Be careful when transitioning your cat to a new food. don’t buy a lot until you’re sure your cat will eat it. take your time to decide if it is the right food for you and your cat. your cat may have problems with palatability, mouthfeel, or protein sources. some early discomfort subsides after a day or two of transition. If your first choice doesn’t fit, slowly move on to another.
why trust treehugger?
lorraine wilde has had at least one cat in her home for the past 35 years. two of her cats lived to be twenty years old. she has only the highest standards for what she feeds her pets.
lorraine also has a master’s degree in environmental science and strongly believes that consumers can make healthy, informed and environmentally conscious choices to protect their families, their pets and our planet.
