Cat food ingredient glossary
It can be difficult and overwhelming to understand cat food ingredient lists, online or in a shop. If you're a new cat owner you may not understand why some ingredients are in the food (since cats have a very different diet to us!) and even if you've had a cat before, you will want to feel comfortable that the food you are buying is full of nutritious ingredients that add to your cat's overall health and wellbeing.
We've put together an ingredient glossary explaining the purpose of every ingredient in our complete dry food and how it benefits your cat.
Main ingredients:
Beet Pulp: a source of dietary fibre, energy, and helps regulate digestion and reduce hairballs in cats.
Cellulose: a fibre source for bulk and digestive regulation in cat food, indigestible by cats.
Chickpeas: a source of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, iron, phosphorus, and thiamine in cat food.
Chondroitin sulphate: a joint health supplement, also beneficial for heart and urinary tract health.
Glucosamine: a joint health supplement for ageing cats or those with joint conditions, that supports joint health and mobility. It is a naturally occurring molecule that is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy cartilage.
Hydrolysed liver gravy: flavour enhancer and a nutritious source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, made easier to digest with the hydrolysis process.
Lentils: a nutritious source of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals in cat food, easy to digest and absorb.
Mannanoligosaccharides: prebiotics to support digestive health, promote beneficial bacteria, regulate digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and support the immune system.
Methylsulfonylmethane: A source of sulphur for joint and skin health, and claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Omega-3 Supplement: essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, joint mobility, and immune system function, and with anti-inflammatory benefits for heart and eye health.
Peas: a source of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and moisture in cat food.
Potatoes: a source of energy and fibre for digestive health, and a low-allergen option for cats with sensitive stomachs, but not a primary source of protein.
Poultry: a great source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for a cat's overall health and happiness.
Salmon Oil: a source of Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin, shiny coat, joint health, and immune system function.
Salmon: a protein and omega-3 rich ingredient that supports a cat's skin, fur, and joints, and provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B12, B6, and D, and potassium, magnesium, and selenium.
Tuna: a tasty and nutritious source of high-quality protein, omega-3s, and essential vitamins and minerals.
White fish: a great source of protein, essential fatty acids, and taurine, important for a cat's heart and vision health.
Minerals
Dried Cranberry: antioxidant, fibre, and natural sugars, supports urinary tract health and aids digestion. Read more here.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): prebiotic fibre that serves as food source for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting digestive health. They are made up of short chains of fructose molecules and serve as a food source for the beneficial bacteria in a cat's gut, helping to promote digestive health.
Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS): prebiotic ingredient promoting digestive health by serving as food source for beneficial gut bacteria. MOS can help support a healthy gut microbiome and improve nutrient absorption, reducing digestive upset and promoting overall wellness in cats.
Vitamin A: supports vision, skin, immune health.
Vitamin D3: essential nutrient for calcium/phosphorus absorption and metabolism, important for bones, teeth, muscles, and immune health.
Vitamin E: Antioxidant for skin/coat health, immune system boost, and cellular damage prevention.
Yucca Extract: reduces faecal/urine odour, contains anti-inflammatory/antioxidant compounds for joint/digestive health. Read more here.
Provitamins:
L-Carnitine: supports healthy fat metabolism and heart function and maintains optimal weight. Read more here.
Taurine: essential amino acid for heart function, vision, reproduction, digestion, and fat and vitamin absorption. Read more here.
Trace Elements:
Copper (Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate): supports immune system, red blood cells, collagen, bones, joints and connective tissues.
Iodine (Potassium Iodide): supports thyroid gland and regulates metabolism and skin/fur health. It is an essential micronutrient that must be obtained from the diet, as cats cannot produce it on their own.
Iron (Iron (II) Sulphate Monohydrate): supports haemoglobin production, growth and development. This is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Cats, especially growing kittens, need a sufficient supply of iron to support their growth and development.
Manganese (Manganous Sulphate Monohydrate): supports carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, bones, connective tissue, and immune system.
Selenium (Sodium Selenite): supports immune system and thyroid function.
Zinc (Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate): supports immune system, skin and coat health, eye and reproductive function, protein metabolism, and wound healing.
Amino Acids:
Lysine: essential amino acid supporting growth, metabolism, immune system, skin and coat health, and may prevent certain infections.
Methionine : essential amino acid for growth, tissue repair, skin and fur health, and waste elimination. A lack of methionine can lead to a variety of health problems for cats, including skin and coat issues, poor growth, and liver and kidney problems.
Acidity Regulators:
Sodium Bisulphate: improves palatability, adding flavour enhancement while it helps acidify urine. It does this without affecting the food's calcium-to-phosphorous ratio.
As always, if you have specific questions about the individual health needs of your cat we recommend you chat to a vet.
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