Guaranteed Analysis: Taste Of The Wild Vs Crave
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on adry matter basis.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Natural Adult Pt
A healthy, holistic recipe featuring chicken as the main ingredient, this indoor cat formula also contains a blend of natural fibers to prevent hairballs and support regular digestion. Contains no grain, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Note that there is also a version of this recipe for mature indoor cats.
Best Vegan Dog Food Brands
Wild Earth and V-Dog are the best vegan dog food brands on the market in 2020. Their food is packed full of high-protein ingredients and superfoods. Although your pup wont be getting any meat, they will be fully nourished and energized.
Some manufactures tout their specialized formulas based on dog breed. For instance, a high-energy farm dog who corrals livestock all day may need a much higher protein content food than an American Bulldog who spends the majority of his days laying on the couch. If you own a dog who is prone to specific diseases, periodontal illness, or congenital conditions, you will want to research specific ingredients to see how they may affect your dog by feeding them daily and make a choice on which brand and type of food to feed them.
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What About Vegan And Vegetarian Cat Food
Its understandable to have misgivings about the impact of the livestock industry and the amount of meat used to produce pet food. While we dont recommend any vegan foods, you can learn more about them in this article.
Many cats seem to do well on vegan food. A combination of plant ingredients and synthetic additives are capable of, at least according to our current understanding, recreating the mix of nutrients your carnivore requires. But it may be foolish to believe that we can recreate a perfect facsimile of the nutritional profile found in cats prey. Doing so may lead to unexpected nutritional deficiencies or overloads.
The Best Budget Adult Wet Cat Food
Wet cat food doesn’t have to cost a premium to be nutritionally complete and balanced. The budget wet cat foods we recommend are significantly higher in protein than the 26% AAFCO minimum recommendation for healthy adult cats without kidney problems.
Both the percentage of protein a cat food contains and the sources of that protein are important, said Swanson. Animal-based proteins typically provide the 10 essential amino acids and levels of taurine a cat’s diet requires. Other animal- or plant-based proteins are sometimes added to meet nutritional needs.
Like pricier wet foods, these budget options also contain 78% to 82% moisture which helps to keep a cat feeling full for longer while providing them with an additional source of hydration. Whether your cat prefers to eat only wet food or you feed it as part of a diet mixed with kibble, these recipes are a reliable option.
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Blue Buffalo Cat Food Reviews Get That Grain
Updated: March 9, 2021 by Kristen Chapple
A few years ago, I became aware of how much my diet relied on unnatural foods that my body was never meant to digest. For my own health, I have tried to prioritize organic, healthy, natural foods that mean I dont just survive but thrive!
Needless to say, I want the same thing for my beloved cats. As natural carnivores, I realized that my cats were probably not getting enough meat-based protein from the food I was giving them.
Since I dont have the time to make my own pet food from scratch , I started looking for cat food brands that prioritize foods that my cats would naturally eat in the wild. That is when I discovered Blue Buffalo cat food. The brand was founded by the Bishop family in 2002 with the express purpose of developing affordable pet food that prioritizes animal-based proteins, with added vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Blue Buffalo is the number one natural pet food brand in the United States, and their philosophy of natural, instinctive food aligns with my own. Nevertheless, their purpose is to sell pet food, and sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between genuine nutritional value and marketing hype.
Hopefully, this will give you all the information you need to choose the right Blue Buffalo cat food for your feline friend.
We Spoke To The Following Experts In Fall 2020 And Winter :
Valerie J. Parker, DVM, DACVIM, DACVN, associate professor, department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Parker is a board certified veterinary nutritionist. She earned her veterinary degree at Tufts University and completed two residencies, one in small animal internal medicine at Iowa State University and the other in clinical nutrition at Tufts University. Her interests include nutrition management of chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease, and endocrine and metabolic disease in pets. We spoke to Parker in a phone interview in September 2020.
Yuki Okada, DVM, CVA, PhD, ACVN Resident, Veterinary Nutrition Specialty Service, San Rafael, California
Okada received a veterinary degree from Michigan State University and has a PhD in veterinary biochemistry from Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University in Japan. Okada is completing a residency with the American College of Veterinary Nutrition to become a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. We consulted Okada via email in September 2020.
Kelly Swanson, PhD, professor of animal and nutritional sciences at University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
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Crave Pet Food Ingredients Vs Acana Pet Food Ingredients
Here are some of the controversial ingredients used only by Crave.
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a synthetic version of vitamin K that has been linked to many health concerns. Research has suggested possible toxic reactions in liver cells and red blood cells among other serious problems. In fact, one large chemical supplier warns, “The substance is toxic to kidneys, lungs, liver, mucous membranes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.”
Top 3 Low Carb Dry Cat Food
1. BLUE Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
If you are on a hunt for a dry cat food that is packed with protein, grain-free, and low in carbs, then BLUE Buffalos Wilderness Dry Cat food might be your best bet.
This kibble is made with LifeSource Bits that are cold-formed. By minimizing the exposure of the ingredients to heat during its manufacturing process, you can be assured that the potency of the ingredients is retained. Not just that, this also comes with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help strengthen your pet pals immune system.
PROS:
- Cats, including the picky eaters, seem to love this kibbles taste.
- Made of wholesome ingredients, your cats are in for a high-quality treat.
- Cats activity levels increase, thanks to this high protein cat food.
- Vomiting and food allergies are at a minimum.
- Cat fur becomes visibly shinier and softer. Less shedding can also be expected.
- Different sizes are available, including 2.5 lbs., 6 lbs., and 12 lbs.
CONS:
- A few think that this cat food is somewhat pricey.
- This might cause cats to gain weight, so make sure to monitor your cats food intake.
2. CRAVE Dry Cat Food
Next on our list of the best low carb dry cat food is the high-protein, grain-free kibble manufactured by CRAVE. Whatever your finicky cats preference is when it comes to taste, he/she will surely find one in CRAVEs selection of dry cat food.
PROS:
CONS:
- It is a bit expensive.
3. Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Cat Food
PROS:
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Guaranteed Analysis: Crave Vs Sheba
According to AAFCO, all pet food labels must provide a guaranteed analysis of nutrient content. The analysis must provide guaranteed minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture.
All percentages used in this comparison are averages reported on adry matter basis.
How To Transition Your Indoor Cat To New Food
Making adjustments to the food your indoor cat eats is important for their health and wellness. Its great to switch them to an indoor cat food, but be cautious about suddenly presenting them with an all-new diet. Cats are suspicious of changeplus, sudden dietary changes can upset your cats stomach. The experts recommend shifting them to the new food slowly over the course of seven to 10 days. Start by mixing 25 percent of the new food into your cats current diet, then slowly increase the amount of new food in the mix as your kitty adjusts.
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We Gave Preference To Moisture
Our cats ancestors were desert dwellers. They lived in arid environments where fresh prey was often the best source of moisture. A mouse is about 70% water and a fine source of hydration for a desert cat hours away from the nearest watering hole.
Because fresh water was scarce, early wild cats evolved to have low thirst drives and a natural inclination to get their water from the moisture-rich bodies of their prey. This means that they typically dont drink enough water to compensate for moisture-depleted dry food.
When Can One Say That A Cat Food Is Low In Carbohydrates
Considering cats carnivore connection and their dietary macronutrient need , most state that a low carb diet plan would have a maximum of 10% carbs.
Now, here is the tricky part. Pet food manufacturers are not required to include the carb information of a particular product in their labels. So, deciphering how much carbs a particular pet food contains would need a little math. Theres no need to panic though.
You may find the process a bit complicated at first, but after a few tries, you would soon realize how simple it is. If, however, you wish there is an easier way, here is a carb calculator from ScheyderWeb Design, which will make counting carbs a whole lot easier.
Quick Guide in Counting Carb Content
Calculating the carbohydrate content of your felines food involves five steps. The first two steps will ask you to calculate the carbohydrates on a wet matter basis. The last three steps would require you to calculate the carbs on a dry matter basis.
Before we discuss this in detail, take note that on the labels, you would either find the words Guaranteed Analysis or Nutritional Analysis.
What is the difference? The former would show the minimum and maximum percentages of each element, while the latter will simply give the average percentages. It is best to base your calculations on the cat foods Guaranteed Analysis to get more accurate results.
Going back to counting the carbs, when calculating it on the wet matter basis, here is what you need to do:
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What Are Aafco Standards
Since its establishment in 1906, the nonprofit Association of American Feed Control Officials has set nutritional guidelines for pet food in the United States. AAFCO is not a regulatory agency, but the regulatory FDA is an AAFCO member with a non-voting advisory role. AAFCO does not test, approve, or certify pet food brands. Instead, it defines the ingredient, labeling, and testing standards that establish whether a pet food is nutritionally complete for animals at different life stages.
A cat food that meets AAFCO’s minimum standards is considered complete and balanced at one of two life stages: growth and reproduction, which includes kittens and pregnant or lactating females, or adult maintenance, which is intended for cats over a year of age.
To meet the minimum AAFCO standard, an adult cat food must contain at least 26% protein, 9% fat, and essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Food for kittens up to a year of age and pregnant or lactating adults must have a minimum of 30% protein, 9% fat, and higher levels of vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus than adult maintenance foods.
The Best Dry Cat Food In 2022
Fiercely independent yet loving and loyal, cats are undoubtedly some of the best animal companions one could ask for. But no matter how self-sufficient, our feline friends need all the help they can get when it comes to their diet. To remain healthy, fit and happy, cats need proper nutrition, one that is not only appetizing but also complete and balanced, specifically crafted to support their particular nutritional needs. But with so many brands and recipes to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, youre in the right place as our panel of cat experts and lovers has compiled a list of some of the best dry cat foods currently on the market to help point you in the right direction.
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Reasons To Give Your Cats High Protein Low Carb Cat Food
Yes, the battle on whether carbs should be included on a cats diet is still ongoing. Regardless, we cannot disregard what holistic vets and users say about the benefits of high protein, low carb food on cats health. Here are just a few reasons why considering to give your cats this type of diet is best:
It is a Biological Necessity
Born predators, cats need for a substantial amount of animal protein in their diet is in their DNA.
Carbohydrates will only account for 10% in a wild cats diet. Protein, on the other hand, is a requirement for them to achieve optimal gut health. A building block in cats tissues and organs, protein also helps repair and build lean muscle, fur, skin, and tendons in cats.
The Best Food Choice for Diabetic Cats
Talk to your vet about your diabetic cats condition, and he or she would more often than not recommend your cat to eat a high protein, low carb diet.
Intake of carbohydrate-rich cat food would often lead to a sudden spike on a cats blood sugar levels. Low carbohydrates do a great job of dampening this response. Cat food with less than 10% carb content is usually recommended. An even better choice will be foods with less than 5% carbs.
Helps Cats with Weight Issues Attain Their Ideal Weight Safely
Making sure that your cats are able to eat a complete and balanced diet is essential. A complete and balanced diet, simply put, would consist of high protein, moderate levels of fat, and low amounts of carbohydrates.
Worst Cat Foods 2021 How To Choose A Quality Food
Worst cat foods, sounds really bad right? Whether you buy cat food at the grocery store or at a pet store, you may be buying something that’s actually bad for your pet. Even some of the healthy food options are complete garbage and end up doing more harm than good.
Ask yourself the following:
Would I feed my kids or myself candy and potato chips at every meal? If not, why do the same to your cat? Do I know why carrageenan is so bad? Why not pick a food with preservatives?
We’ve compiled a thorough guide to help you make wise decisions. Learn what you should feed your fur baby. Understand the key ingredients that ensure you’ve made the right choice.
You love what you see? Purrfect! Rest assured that I put these products on the list specifically due to their genuine quality and not for other reasons. I would just like to be transparent with you and inform you that FelineLiving may obtain a share of sales or other monetary compensation from the links on this page. I hope your furry friends will love these reviewed products and that it will spark joy in each pair of feline eyes!
Mary Nielsen
Here at FelineLiving.Net we have a dedicated mission to provide cat owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the best care and nutrition to their cat.
FelineLiving.Net is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!
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What Types Of Cat Food Does Blue Buffalo Offer
The current product lines for cat offered by Blue Buffalo include:
- Blue Freedom a line of grain-free products.
- Blue Wilderness meat-rich, high-protein formulas.
- Blue True Solutions natural formulas designed to support specific needs such as digestive care, weight control, and skin and urinary health.
- Blue Kitten Recipes meat-first recipes specifically formulated for kittens .
Crave Dog Food Vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food
| Dry Dog Food |
| 7.4% |
Crude Protein Comparison For Dog Food
Protein is an extremely important part of your dog’s diet. Without sufficient protein, dogs can develop a wide-range of serious health problems.
When you look at the average percentages of crude protein for dry dog food, it’s clear that Crave provides significantly more protein. On average, Crave guarantees about 8.27% more protein than Blue Buffalo. Similarly, Crave wet dog foods provide significantly more protein than Blue Buffalo wet foods.
Crude Fat Comparison For Dog Food
Fats are an absolutely vital component of a balanced canine diet. Not only do fats provide energy, but they also serve important roles in the normal development and function of your dog’s body. For example, fats help dogs produce prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation among many other significant functions.
According to our data, Crave guarantees 3.55% more fat than Blue Buffalo. Although this difference is relatively small, it’s still a notable difference. For wet dog foods, Crave and Blue Buffalo provide roughly the same amount of fat.
There is a small difference between the fiber content of Blue Buffalo and Crave. We can see that Blue Buffalo guarantees about 2.76% more fiber than Crave. In addition, Blue Buffalo wet dog foods also provide more fiber than Crave wet foods.
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