What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Cat Food

Ethoxyquin

This synthetic antioxidant is sometimes used as a preservative in some pet foods and is often derived from petroleum.

Concerns:

• Associated with liver damage in some studies

• Can cause skin problems and allergic reactions

• Often found in lower-quality fish meals

• Regulations on its use vary

What to do: Choose foods preserved with natural antioxidants like vitamin E (tocopherols) or rosemary extract.

BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic preservatives used to prevent fat oxidation.

Concerns:

• Potential carcinogenic effects

• May cause liver and kidney damage

• Linked to metabolic disturbances

• Banned in some countries for pet foods

What to do: Look for foods using natural preservation methods or “preservative-free” labels.

Propyl Gallate

Another synthetic preservative often used in combination with BHA and BHT.

Concerns:

• Potential liver effects

• Can cause stomach irritation

• Combined with other preservatives may increase concerns

Artificial Colors

Many cat foods contain artificial dyes to make the product more appealing to humans.

Concerns:

• No nutritional value for cats

• Some dyes linked to allergic reactions

• Cats don’t care about food color

• Unnecessary expense

What to do: Choose foods without artificial colorings. The color of the food has no impact on your cat’s enjoyment.

Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup

These sweeteners are sometimes added to improve taste.

Concerns:

• Unnecessary sugars in a carnivore’s diet

• Can contribute to obesity

• May lead to diabetes

• No nutritional benefit

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

Used as a flavor enhancer in some foods.

Concerns:

• Controversial ingredient in pet nutrition

• May cause neurological effects in some animals

• Unnecessary for cats who don’t need flavor enhancement

• Can cause reactions in sensitive individuals

Meat By-Products of Unspecified Origin

While by-products aren’t always bad, vague labeling is concerning.

Look for specifics:

• Avoid: “Meat by-products” or “Animal by-products”

• Better: “Chicken by-products” or “Beef by-products”

• Best: Named meat sources as primary ingredients

Concerns with vague labeling:

• Unknown species and quality

• Could include diseased animals

• May include parts not fit for human consumption

Vague Ingredient Labels

Warning signs:

• “Meat meal” without specifying the animal

• “Animal fat” without source

• “Digest” without specification

• Multiple unnamed ingredients

What to look for: Clear specification of species (chicken, turkey, salmon) rather than generic terms.

Excessive Plant Matter

Signs your cat food may be too plant-based:

• Grains or legumes as first ingredients

• Multiple plant sources listed before animal proteins

• Protein claims based primarily on plant sources

Filler Ingredients

Common fillers that add bulk without nutrition:

• Corn cobs

• Peanut hulls

• Straw

• Various hulls and husks

What to Look For Instead

Quality protein sources:

• Named whole meats (chicken, turkey, duck)

• Named meat meals (chicken meal, turkey meal)

• Fish like salmon, sardines, or mackerel

Healthy fats:

• Chicken fat

• Fish oil (for omega-3s)

• Egg

Limited carbs:

• Small amounts of brown rice

• Sweet potato in limited quantities

• Vegetables as minor components

Preservatives

Prefer:

• Mixed tocopherols (vitamin E)

• Rosemary extract

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

• Natural preservation

For Cats with Allergies

Ingredients commonly triggering allergies:

• Chicken (most common)

• Beef

• Fish

• Corn

• Dairy products

• Wheat

What to do: Consider limited-ingredient diets with novel protein sources if allergies are suspected.

For Cats with Health Conditions

Kidney disease: Avoid excessive phosphorus and protein (follow veterinary guidance)

Urinary issues: Avoid foods that may make urine more alkaline

Obesity: Avoid high-calorie, high-fat ingredients

For Kittens

Particular concerns:

• Adequate protein for growth

• DHA for brain development

• Proper calcium and phosphorus balance