As loving cat owners, we all want the best for our furry companions. Regular vet checkups and exercise are important, but so is understanding what goes into your cat’s food every day.
That being said, navigating the maze of cat food labels can be daunting. What does “crude protein” mean? Are “animal by-products” okay as an ingredient? Learning how to read pet food ingredients makes it much easier to compare products and choose the nutrition that best suits your cat’s needs.
Understand the Ingredients List
The first thing to look for on any pet food label is the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed by weight, from the heaviest to the lightest, so the first few ingredients will tell you a lot about the food's overall nutritional value.
High-quality protein should feature prominently. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet rich in meat to thrive. Look for cat food with turkey, chicken, salmon or duck, rather than vague terms like “meat meal” or “poultry by-product.”
For example, ACANA Wild Prairie lists free-run chicken and turkey among its top ingredients, so you know those ingredients are primary protein sources.
Remember too that the best food for cats contains a range of natural vitamins and minerals, which come from fresh ingredients. In ACANA Bountiful Catch, which is a cat food with mackerel, herring and hake, you’ll also note a range of fruits and vegetables for a well-rounded whole-food diet.
Protein and Fat Content in Cat Food
Healthy adult cats need both fat and protein (min 26% protein on dry matter basis) in their diet, so pay attention to the percentages listed in the ‘guaranteed analysis’ on the label.
The crude protein figure shows the estimated amount of protein in the food, but the source matters too. Look for a strong protein percentage that comes from named animal ingredients such as chicken, turkey, fish or eggs, rather than vague animal by-products or heavy reliance on plant proteins.
When comparing foods, look at protein and fat together, not in isolation.
Carbohydrates and Omega Fatty Acids for Cats
Cats have limited carbohydrate requirements, so it’s worth looking at how heavily ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy or other starches feature in a formula. Grain-free options can be useful for some cats, but grain-free alone doesn’t make a food nutritionally superior, as there are plenty of fillers out there that aren’t grains, like potato or tapioca.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also a must, supporting healthy skin and coat condition. Fish like salmon and herring contain these beneficial fats, which is one reason fish-based recipes such as ACANA Bountiful Catch and ORIJEN Six Fish are so popular.
Fillers and Additives in Cat Food
In our opinion, quality cat food shouldn’t contains fillers or additives. If you’re specifically looking for cat food without additives, just check the label to be sure.
ACANA and ORIJEN recipes are made without artificial colours, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives, keeping the focus on animal ingredients, fruits, vegetables and botanicals.
Cat Life Stages and Special Diet Considerations
Another important factor when reading cat food labels is whether the food is appropriate for your cat’s life stage. Kitten, adult and senior cat food ingredients and nutrient levels can differ because cats need different things as they grow and age.
For kittens, ACANA First Feast and ORIJEN Kitten are formulated for growth, with animal protein and fat to support development and energy needs.
Adult and senior cats are often less active. ACANA Indoor Entrée and ORIJEN Guardian 8 are two great cat foods for indoor cats, containing the right balance of protein and fat for cats with lower activity levels.
The Benefits of Wet Cat Food
Unlike dogs, cats have a naturally low thirst drive, which means they tend to drink less over the course of the day. This makes them more prone to dehydration and at higher risk of urinary issues and associated health problems.
With its high moisture content, wet food provides an additional source of hydration that cats are more willing to consume. ACANA and ORIJEN wet cat foods also contain taurine, which is an essential amino acid that cats can’t produce in sufficient amounts on their own. For a balanced diet, offer your cat a mix of wet food and kibble, so they get the benefits of both.
So, What Is The Best Food For Cats?
When all is said and done, the best food for cats is one that strikes the balance between the flavours they love, and ingredients that support their health and future wellbeing.
With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, ACANA and ORIJEN offer recipes crafted to provide balanced, high-quality nutrition.
Browse our cat food collection to explore the full range.
