In recent years, we’ve become increasingly mindful about the food we’re eating. What ingredients does our food actually contain and what are these ingredients doing to our bodies? As us humans aim to steer clear of unwanted nasties, the same should be said for our furry companions. That means uncovering the best food for cats to help maintain healthy weight and teeth – and the complete surrender of the s word: sugar.

It’s a word that we all know (and love) – and it features heavily on the side of our cat’s food. Despite that, excessive sugar is a big no-no for our cats’ diets. And the real kicker? Our feline friends can’t actually taste sugar. We were shocked, too! So where us humans can use ‘having a sweet tooth’ as an excuse for our greedy habits, our pets don’t get an ounce of enjoyment from a sugary meal. It’s simply empty calories.

If sugar is bad for cats, why does some cat food contain sugar?

If the addition of sugar in our cat’s food is for neither taste nor health, you might find yourself asking ‘well, what’s the point?’. In short, sugar is added to wet cat food (i.e. pouches) in the form of caramel so that it gives the food its darker, gravy-like colour. Surprisingly, this isn’t for the benefit of our feline friends (let’s be honest, a hungry kitty wouldn’t turn their nose up at any colour). The addition of sugar is actually to make the food look more appealing for the human serving it up (i.e. me and you). You wouldn’t order a tasteless, harmful meal in a restaurant because the waiter likes the look if it – so why would you do the same to your cat?

What negative effects does sugar have on cat health?

With excessive sugar consumption – and more than their fair share of cat treats – you run the risk of having an overweight cat (or even an obese cat) on your hands. If they’re not an ideal cat weight, this can lead to serious health concerns such as stress on joints, potential breathing problems, and feline diabetes. If your cat seems to be drinking excessive amounts of water and/or urinating more frequently (i.e. key symptoms of diabetes in cats), you should vocalise your concerns with your vet. Beyond weight issues, a sugar-filled diet can also have an impact on your cat’s teeth. Dental problems are much harder to spot (especially as they can’t simply tell us how they’re feeling), so it’s important to routinely take care of your cat’s teeth. Adding sugar (unnecessarily) to your cat’s diet is not the way to do this!

Should I opt for a sugar free cat food instead?

If you want to avoid the health and dental risks associated with sugar, the best cat food that you can choose is one that is completely sugar free. That doesn’t mean you have to substitute wet pouches for dry cat food! With the high quality options that Purr & Miaow offer, your kitty can dine on their favourite, wet meals with ease. Their pouches are also free from grain, which means felines with sensitive stomachs can chow down too – grain free food is often the best diet for cats, after all.

Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.