The Truth About Grain-Free Diets for Cats

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Everyone seems to be talking about ‘grain-free’ these days. Whether it’s in relation to our own health or that of our beloved companion animals, everyone who is anyone has an opinion. So, what is the truth about grain-free diets for cats?

Is grain really bad for cats? What about carbohydrates and gluten? Let’s not forget that cats are the quintessential obligate carnivore, so do any or all of these ingredients cause actual harm to our cats?

If we do decide to feed grain-free pet food to our cat, we’re still not out of the woods in terms of controversy. Conduct any internet search on the topic and you’re besieged with queries such as: “does grain-free food hurt cats?

Do grain-free cat diets cause heart disease? Is there a link to DCM? What about diarrhea and the amino acid taurine?” To help you sift through all of these questions, let’s go back to the basics.

What Are Grain-Free Diets?

Grain-free diets are exactly as described. They are foods that don’t contain any grains. The most common grains found in cat food are wheat, barley, rice, corn, and oats.

However, a grain-free diet doesn’t mean that the food is carbohydrate-free. When grains are removed from commercial cat food diets, the carbohydrate content is often instead comprised of ingredients such as potato, tapioca, lentils, peas, yams and even carrots, beans, and cranberries. It’s also not unheard of for a grain-free diet to contain as much, if not more, carbohydrate than its grain-filled counterpart.

How Do We Differentiate Between Grains, Carbohydrates, Cereals, & Gluten?

When it comes to cat food, we often put carbohydrates, grains, cereals, and gluten into the same category.

Generally speaking, the terms grains and cereals can be used interchangeably, with cereals considered to be any grass that is grown for its grain.

Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are collections of molecules containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms that together form compounds we recognise as sugars, starches, and fibers. When these compounds are broken down and metabolised, they release energy in the form of glucose.

This energy is then used as a basic fuel source for every single cellular process in our bodies. Carbohydrates are typically found in fruits, grains/cereals, vegetables, and milk products.

Gluten, on the other hand, is actually a protein, so an entirely different molecular structure to carbohydrate and also with a different function. It helps foods to maintain their shape and is found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale, and oats.

All of these cereals are grains, but not all grains contain gluten. Some gluten-free grains include corn, millet, rice, and sorghum. Confused yet or is everything crystal clear? So, why does all of this matter & how does it relate to the ‘cats/carbohydrates/grain’ controversy?

Are Carbohydrates Good for Cats?

There are multiple text books, academic research papers, articles, videos and even TV programmes that have been produced to discuss the topic of cats and carbohydrates.

I’m going to try to keep it simple:

  1. Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they have an essential dietary requirement to obtain some of their nutrients from animal sources. They cannot be vegetarian or vegan, unless a commercially prepared cat food is supplemented with artificial forms of taurine and other essential micronutrients normally found in animal sources.
  2. Cats do not require carbohydrates in their diet. They are uniquely adapted to be able to use dietary protein to meet all of their energy needs for cellular function and survival.
  3. Although cats don’t have an essential requirement for dietary carbohydrates, they are well able to break them down and metabolise them in order to obtain energy in the form of glucose. Furthermore, by using carbohydrates as a primary energy source, this means that they are able to conserve protein for other vital functions such as carrying oxygen through the blood system; making antibodies to fight infection; building new cells for growth and repairing tissues such as muscle. Proteins form the backbone of every organ, bone, skin, hair and living tissue in the body and cats by their very nature, require more protein from their food than dogs.
  4. Carbohydrates don’t just supply energy. They form secondary important functions in the body, too. One of these is the contribution to gastrointestinal health. Whole grains and in particular fiber are key to this secondary benefit. They help to normalize bowel movements and contribute to a healthy microbiome by providing fuel for the ‘good bacteria’ in the gut. They also help to control glucose levels in the blood which is important for the prevention and management of diabetes and they aid in the feeling of satiety or fullness, which is useful for weight loss. Finally, there is emerging evidence that cereal/grain derived fiber is associated with a healthy cardiovascular system in humans.

When it comes to the topic of cats and carbohydrates, all of the above issues seem to have combined, divided, reformed, and coalesced to create a maelstrom of controversy.

By extension, and in no small part linked to the human controversy surrounding food sensitivities and gluten in particular, this has now also encompassed cats and gluten-containing grains.

Is a Grain Free Diet Good for Cats?

There are several controversies surrounding grain for cats.

Let’s Break Down a Few of the Most Controversial Points Related to Cats, Grains, and Gluten.

Cat Allergies & The Missing Link to Grain and/or Gluten

Do cats have a sensitivity to grains and/or gluten? There is no significant scientific, peer-reviewed research that I can find that supports this theory on a widespread level.

There is certainly no evidence of anything akin to Coeliac disease in our furred friends.  Of the studies that have been conducted the main food allergens that appear to trigger a hyper-sensitive or allergic response in cats are predominantly the proteins found in meat, specifically beef, dairy, and fish.

Chicken is also a potential culprit, but corn was only found in one study to affect 4 out of 56 cats. If a cat does have a true food allergic response to a specific grain, it would most likely be to the protein in that grain (contained within the gluten) plus there would be visible clinical signs such as itchiness, excessive hair loss even to the point of bald patches and inflamed skin.

Also Read: Hair Loss In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

In this case, a food trial with a grain-free diet would be recommended under the close supervision of your local veterinarian, after ruling out other potential causes.

Grain Free Diets & Heart Disease (DCM)

So, what do we know so far? Cats don’t need carbohydrates and can use protein for all their energy needs at a cellular body level, surely then low-carbohydrate and/or grain-free diets are the solution. Right? Wrong.

Now we enter the debate about grain-free diets and DCM, otherwise known as Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

In June 2018, the US Food & Drug Administration started to investigate a potential link between certain diets and DCM in dogs. These diets are now bracketed as ‘BEG’ i.e. boutique companies, exotic ingredients, or grain-free.

The FDA investigation is still on-going, but there does seem to be some evidence that certain BEG diets that have legumes, pulses, or potatoes as their main ingredient source, are linked to the development of this heart condition in dogs and to a lesser extent in cats.

DCM is a condition where the muscle of the heart loses its elasticity, resulting in an enlarged heart. As the heart becomes dilated, it becomes harder for the muscle to do its job of pumping blood around the body efficiently, which in turn can lead to leaking of the heart valves and a back-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen.

Ultimately it can result in congestive heart failure and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Grain-Free Cat Food & Taurine

So where does the taurine link come into all of this? Taurine is an essential nutrient in cat food and taurine deficiency is well-documented as a potential cause of DCM.

However, most dogs being diagnosed with DCM in relation to their consumption of BEG foods, are not deficient in taurine. Furthermore, supplementing commercial diets with taurine could actually do more harm than good given the lack of quality control for nutritional supplements.

So Is Grain Free Food Bad for Cats?

Ultimately, the jury is still out when it comes to taurine and its link to DCM in cats, as most of the focus to date has centred on dogs.

Furthermore, for the vast majority of dogs diagnosed with diet-associated DCM we still don’t know the exact cause.

It is an issue that is undergoing active research both by the FDA and independent veterinary nutritionists and research institutions, so hopefully, we’ll be able to provide more information soon.

Final Thoughts

  1. Grain-free diets are predominantly a marketing tool designed to mirror the rise in human interest in grain-free foods.
  2. Just because a diet is labelled as ‘grain-free’ doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain carbohydrates. In fact, many grain-free diets are higher in carbohydrates than grain containing cat foods.
  3. Cats are well adapted to metabolising carbohydrates, although primarily use protein as their main energy source.
  4. There is no scientific peer-reviewed research to support the theory that cats are widely allergic to grains or indeed gluten.
  5. Most grain-free diets contain one of the more common allergen triggers i.e. chicken, fish or beef.
  6. There does seem to be a link between some grain-free diets and heart disease, but the jury is still out when it comes to the exact cause of diet-associated DCM in dogs, let alone cats.
View Sources
Cats.com uses high-quality, credible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the claims in our articles. This content is regularly reviewed and updated for accuracy. Visit our About Us page to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.
  1. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/07/research-update-new-insight-into-grain-free-cat-diets/

  2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/whats-in-my-cats-food-designer-diets-grain-free-diets

  3. https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/what-is-grain-free-cat-food

  4. https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/grain-free-cat-food-better

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About Dr. Zara Boland, DVM

Irish born Zara is a UK registered clinical vet with a passion for helping people to understand their pets. She does this in any way that she can from hands-on consults to international conference speaking, article writing, TV and radio. Her main areas of clinical interest are animal nutrition and behaviour, but she also has a lifelong fascination with exotic animals. She is the founder of Vet Voice, a specialist veterinary communications agency and has nearly 15 years globally acquired experience within the pet food and pet healthcare industries. She is also involved with a number of different animal charities and the proud pet parent of a Bernese Mountain Dog called Rhumba and a rascally rescue cat called Scamp.

20 thoughts on “The Truth About Grain-Free Diets for Cats”

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  1. henry

    Hello!

    So should i feed my cat grain free or not grain free.

    Animal protein with Grain or with plant baseds ingredients.

    It seems wet foods contain animal protein, the moisture they need and grains or plants.

    kind regards

    Reply
    1. Mallory Crusta

      Hi Henry, feline nutrition is complicated. I would recommend looking for a meat-based diet with high protein content, moderate fat, and not too much plant matter. The food should be subjected to AAFCO feeding trials and formulated for your cat’s life stage.

  2. Dianna

    It always amazes me that there is no mention of one of the worst problems for cats, dogs, and humans is that if its not organic it full of pesticides like glyphosate (ROUNDUP). Just because it doesn’t kill immediately it will slowly as it accumulates, just like in humans it is carcinogenic. Health will slowly deteriorate, doctor bills will increase, vitality will decrease. If you truly love your pet why feed them cheap food? Organic is more expensive most of the time but isn’t your bundle of joy worth it? Isn’t your family worth it? WAKE UP and stop being selfish with your money. You will notice a huge difference in your animals health and vitality which more than makes up for the extra dollars you spend on food. Also good water is very important, not the cheap bottled water, not tap water. Blessings to you all

    Reply
  3. Craig

    If any article refers to the FDA it cannot be trusted. Whoever funds the research determines the “findings”. Strange that as the popularity of grain-free diets increases the “indications” are that they may cause DCM. Is DCM something new that has just been found as grain-free diets became more popular or was DCM around before grain-free diets? Any indication who is funding the FDA “research”?

    Reply
    1. Mallory Crusta

      Craig, DCM was around before grain-free diets. Unfortunately, I don’t know exactly which companies are funding this research, but it is an excellent question.

  4. Jennifer

    One of my cats had licked all his fur out on the lower half of his body. He was excessively bathing. A vet recommended we switch to a grain-free diet and that solved the problem. He eats Hills Science Diet Grain-free for sensitive stomach and skin as his dry food and blue buffalo chicken for wet food. All of his gorgeous fur has grown back. Grain-free may not be the best thing according to this article, but it worked for my boy.

    Reply
  5. Cathy Pagano

    My daughter’s Maine Coon fed on a dry diet developed diabetes at age 10. What I’ve researched shows that all dry foods must contain a certain amount of carbohydrates just to enable the ingredients to form the pellets. Since switching him to a good canned, low carb diet the cat has been able to be weened off insulin entirely. His weight has stabilized at an appropriate level and he’s energetic and playful and now 13 yrs old. I would not recommend dry food for any cat even the ones formulated for diabetics.

    Reply
  6. Meredith

    Hi,
    The last part of your article discussing the studies being done with dogs and grain-free diets confuses me. I thought it was widely known that dogs require a certain amount of grain in their diet, or that their dietary needs are different than cats, at least? So then, why would we be comparing this study to cats, who don’t seem to naturally require grain in their diets? Isn’t that comparing apples to oranges? Thank you

    Reply
    1. All About Cats Editorial

      Hi Meredith,

      That’s a good point, the author was referring to the study since dogs and cats have similar nutritional requirements overall. It’s also true that cats are a bit different as obligate carnivores.

      To quote the final sentence from the article, “jury is still out when it comes to the exact cause of diet-associated DCM in dogs” So we’re still not sure on the exact affect grain free diets has on dogs, and whether or it this also applies to cats.

  7. Shannon

    Hi! My cat has heart issues and I’ve been told to avoid grain-free foods if I can, does your site offer a breakdown of cat wet foods that are not considered grain-free?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  8. Sharron Lynn

    The comment from Dianna on March of 2021, talked about organic food, also saying to buy good water, but what is she referring to ? In the past years, I had boiled my water, but now I have my water delivered. How do we know which is best ? I have had dogs for many years, unable to now, I have two rescued cats.
    Never have I had an overweight pet, now one of my cats, Missy is about fourteen pounds, I have another vet appointment July seven. Not long ago I have put my girls on senior food, both wet and dry, my girls are age eight and ten. The eldest is tiny, at seven pounds. Having the two is difficult to watch Missy eating, also, for a time now she is shedding to an extreme, I brush both every day, but no end to the fur from Missy. Any help ?
    Thank you very much, I love this program.

    Reply
    1. Mallory Crusta

      Hi Sharron, I can’t speak for Dianna, but generally, good water for cats will be clean and pure with an appropriate mineral balance. In general, clean tap or bottled water (not distilled or mineral water) will meet these requirements. Avoid very hard water (you can ask your local supplier for more information) or softened water. Alternatively, you can try CatWater, which is developed to promote the right urinary pH and limit the formation of urinary crystals and infection. https://prf.hn/l/5mdn3kl

  9. Joseph Yu

    I have always suspected that grains has always been part of a cat’s diet, though indirectly…

    As for thousands of years, cats have been hunting and eating mice, which raided the grain storage of human settlements…

    They must have ingested and digested the grains in the digestive system of the mice they swallowed…

    Therefore, I always think that a reasonable amount of dietary fibre and a small amount of carbohydrate in a cat’s diet is fine, if not essential for a cat’s health, even though meat should be the major part of their food consumption…

    Reply