Is it true that cat food contains sugar?

Yes there is sugar in cat food. Here is an interesting fact: ALL cat foods contain sugar, but not all contain added sugar and not all in the same amount. There are many varieties available that are formulated without added sugars but can still contain sugars through various ingredients. Sugars can still be present in the form of carbohydrates found naturally in certain ingredients like grains, vegetables, and fruits. For example, ingredients such as corn, peas, potatoes, and fruits like cranberries may contain natural sugars. These sugars may not typically be added, but are part of the overall carbohydrate content of the ingredients. Even though these natural sugars are present, they might not be listed as sugar on the ingredients list.

Small amounts of sugar in the form of glycogen, a form of stored glucose, may also be present in meat and muscle tissue. Glycogen serves as an energy reserve for the muscles and is broken down into glucose when needed. The amount of glycogen in meat varies depending on factors such as the animal’s diet, breed, and other physiological factors. However, the overall sugar content in meat is minimal compared to other food sources like fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Can cats taste sugar?

Cats cannot taste sugar as such. Due to their genes, they do not develop taste receptors for sweetness – unlike humans – which is why they are unable to perceive sweetness.⁴ While cats themselves do not have taste receptors specifically tuned to detect sweetness, they can still be attracted to certain flavors or ingredients that are associated with sweetness.

Why is sugar added in some cat foods?

When sugars or sweeteners are added to cat food, they can help balance or counteract any bitter flavors that may be present in certain ingredients. This can make the overall taste of the food more appealing to cats, even though they may not perceive sweetness in the same way humans do.

Some cat foods with sugars or sweeteners may have a more pleasing texture that cats enjoy. For example, wet cat foods with gravy or sauces may contain sugars or sweeteners to enhance texture and palatability. If sugar is heated in the food, it forms a brown color and roasted flavors. Without sugar, those cat foods would be much lighter or white. Some foods are fortified with carbohydrates in the form of starch to thicken the sauce. In dry food, sugar naturally occurs through the high amount of grains used. The amount is somewhere under 1% per 100g dry mass.¹

While cats may not taste sweetness, the inclusion of sugars or sweeteners in cat food can still have an effect on the overall taste perception. Sugars or sweeteners can provide a masking effect by creating a contrasting taste profile – or changing the taste profile of other ingredients – that helps to offset or diminish the perception of for example bitterness. It provides a contrasting flavor profile that may make the overall taste experience more pleasant.

Is sugar in cat food bad for my cat?

Sugar is not considered a necessary or beneficial component of a cat’s diet. In fact, excessive sugar consumption can be detrimental to a cat’s health. Here are a few reasons why sugar in cat food is bad:

Sugar destroys important amino acids

When sugar get heated it turns brown, this is called the Maillard reaction. It is a chemical reaction that occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars in the presence of heat. It’s named after French chemist Louis-Camille Maillard, who first described it in the early 20th century. This reaction is responsible for the browning and flavor changes that occur when foods are cooked. This can lead to changes in the composition of those amino acids and thus in the nutritional value of the proteins in the feed. In particular, the proportion of metabolically usable lysine in some foods may be reduced.² Lysine contributes to muscle building, good immune defense, and healthy growth.

Furthermore, there can also be a reduction in the bioavailability of taurine in the food, as the Maillard reaction promotes a gut flora that facilitates the degradation of taurine and decreases the recycling of taurine via the enterohepatic pathway (intestinal-liver circulation).³ Taurine is a very important, vital amino acid for your cat.

Sugar does not cause caries. But it’s still bad for your cat’s teeth and dental hygiene.

First we have to clear up a rumor: Cats do not get dental caries like humans. Their oral environment differ from humans, and they do not develop cavities in the same way. The structure and composition of cat teeth play a significant role in their resistance to dental caries. The enamel of cat teeth is denser and more resistant to acid erosion compared to human enamel. They can suffer from FORL (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion), a painful and common condition often mistaken for caries or referred to as cat caries. However, this disease is not caused by sugar but rather is an autoimmune condition.

But cats can suffer from other dental issues such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth resorption. These conditions can be influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, and oral hygiene practices. The bacteria in a cat’s mouth can feed on sugars, producing acids that can lead to other dental problems.

While sugar may not be directly responsible it is a potential risk associated with oral health. It’s more pertinent to emphasize that sugars in a cat’s diet can contribute to dental problems like plaque formation and gingivitis rather than dental caries.

Cats can not use sugar or other carbohydrates

We humans know carbohydrates and sugar mainly as sources of energy. For cats, however, things are different: Cats’ bodies, and therefore their digestion, are adapted to completely different eating habits. They obtain energy from animal proteins. They do not need to consume carbohydrates through cat food. Dry food is particularly bad because it requires additional carbohydrates in order to be baked into shape. We are talking about up to 50% carbohydrates here!⁵

Cats have a limited ability to digest sugar and other carbohydrates

While they can absorb glucose (a simple sugar) slowly, the processing of highly sugary food results in an increase in blood sugar levels and sugar content in the urine. Compared to dogs, this digestive process is much slower in cats. Interestingly, cats have low activity of the enzymes needed to digest starch and certain sugars, which limits their ability to effectively utilize carbohydrates.⁷

Like all mammals, the cat brain is powered by glucose. However, cats also derive glucose from protein. Therefore, all dietary components that can be broken down into glucose, sucrose, fructose, or lactose are unnecessary and, in the worst case, harmful. Most cat lovers know that lactose can cause diarrhea. But too much sugar, namely 36% of the dry mass, can also cause diarrhea in a cat. Fortunately, no commercially available cat food contains this much sugar.

What few know:

Her digestion adapts to her diet. This means that if a cat consumes more carbohydrates, her body will extract glucose from these, not just from proteins. However, this requires that the cat receives a minimum amount of protein. Although cats can use starch as a source of metabolizable energy, their ability to down-regulate protein utilization is limited.⁶

Incidentally, cats have no amylase in their saliva, which is the enzyme that in humans pre-digests bread in the mouth to such an extent that we can taste the sweetness of the sugar in it. In cats, it is mainly found in the small intestine.⁶

Does sugar cause diabetes or obesity in cats?

The causes of both diabetes mellitus and obesity in cats are not fully understood, but the increased blood sugar in the blood mentioned above is something that no cat needs. So why take the risk? If we look at the natural prey of cats and their wild ancestors, it quickly becomes clear that this consists mainly of small animals, i.e. meat.

While we know that humans can develop obesity if they consume too much sugar regularly, there is not enough scientific research on the consequences of long-term high-carbohydrate or high-sugar wet or dry cat food.⁷

Cancer risk due to sugar in cat food

The Maillard reaction mentioned above produces by-products such as hydroxymethylfurfural. Studies have predominantly reported negative effects on human health, for example, HMF is harmful to mucous membranes, skin, and respiratory tract, can cause mutations, damage chromosomes, and cause cancer in humans and animals.⁸ The average intake of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in commercial cat food is 38 times higher than in adult humans.⁹

With all the risks, why are sugar and carbohydrates still present in cat food?

Firstly carbohydrates and sugar are cheaper than animal protein, which is how pet food manufacturers maximize their profits. Secondly, sugar is used to supplement cheep food to smell and look better to us humans. It is up to each individual to decide whether a low price, high availability, and roasted aromas justify the risks mentioned.

High-quality cat food contains no sugar

Our advice as cat lovers is that if your pet doesn’t need something essential for survival, it shouldn’t be in their food because we don’t think it’s worth the risk. Pets are dependent on their owners because they only eat what they are fed. That’s why investing in high-quality cat food without sugar is an easy decision.

You can check our Product Tests and Cat Food Reviews to find the best – sugar free – meal for your cat

We hope this article has answered your burning questions about sugar in cat food. Do you know someone who would benefit from this article? Then feel free to share it now.

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Protein: Mighty building blocks for your cat’s body

Protein is your cat’s best friend! Cats require a high-protein diet as it is essential for maintaining muscle mass, hair growth, and many vital body functions. Animal-based protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and beef are recommended because they contain complete amino acid profiles that cats need. Look for high-quality protein sources in your cat’s food, and avoid meat by-products and fillers.

Taurine: A vital amino acid for your cat’s heart and vision

This is the secret weapon your cat’s heart and eyes need. The amino acid taurine is crucial for your cat’s heart function, vision, and overall health, and is found primarily in meat and fish. Cats cannot produce enough taurine on their own, which means they must obtain it through their diet. Insufficient taurine intake can lead to severe health problems such as dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration. Make sure your cat’s food contains a sufficient amount of taurine to prevent these health issues. Most commercial cat foods are fortified with taurine, but always check the label to ensure it is included.

Fatty acids: Essential for a healthy coat and skin

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining your cat’s skin and coat health. These nutrients also support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Cats cannot produce essential fatty acids on their own, so they must be provided through their feed. Fish oil, salmon, and flaxseed are excellent sources of omega-3, while animal fats and vegetable oils are rich in omega-6. Look for cat food with a balanced ratio of these fatty acids to ensure your cat receives the appropriate amounts of nutrients.

Vitamins and minerals: Health-boosting dream team

Vitamins and minerals play essential roles in your cat’s health, including bone development, immune function, and metabolism regulation. Cats require specific vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Some of these nutrients are found naturally in animal-based sources, while others may need to be added to their diet. High-quality commercial cat foods are usually formulated to meet these vitamin and mineral requirements, but it is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure your cat’s dietary needs are being met.

Water: The most vital nutrient of all

Proper hydration is essential for your cat’s overall health, as it aids in digestion, circulation, and waste elimination. Cats have a low thirst drive and may not drink enough water on their own, so it’s crucial to encourage water intake. Providing fresh, clean water daily is a must, and you can also consider using water fountains and multiple sources of water in different places. The best way to ensure your cat gets enough water is to offer wet food to increase their water consumption. Dehydration can lead to severe health problems, so keep an eye on your cat’s water habits and help them stay well-hydrated.

Conclusion

Ensuring your cat receives the essential nutrients they need is crucial for its overall health and well-being. By providing a top-notch, balanced diet that includes protein, taurine, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and water, you’ll help your feline friend thrive. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat, considering factors such as age, weight, and health status. With the right care and nutrition, you can your furry companion can enjoy many happy, healthy years together with your furry companion.

If you liked our simplified take on nutrients, let your less furry friends know and share this article with them!

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Declarations on cat food labels

When assessing the quality of cat food, pay attention to the type of declaration used by the manufacturer: open, semi-open, or closed.

Open declaration

An open declaration, which lists all ingredients and their percentages, is the most transparent and trustworthy. With an open declaration, you can easily determine the specific animal parts that have been utilized in your cat food, as not all parts of an animal hold equal nutritional value.

Example: 67 % chicken (consisting of muscle meat min. 21 %, hearts min. 10 %, meaty necks, stomachs, livers), 28 % chicken broth, 4 % carrots, 0.8 % minerals, 0.2 % salmon oil.

Semi-open declaration

A semi-open declaration, which doesn’t specify the amount of each component, may sound better than it actually is.
Example: Chicken (56%, chicken meat, chicken stomachs, chicken liver), meat broth, rabbit (14%), pumpkin (4%), minerals, linseed oil, seaweed meal.

Closed declaration

Lastly, a closed declaration makes it impossible to know the actual content of the cat food and is often chosen by manufacturers who want to disguise their ingredients. The examples are from cat foods available in Germany.

Example: Meat and animal by-products (38%, including 4% lamb), vegetable by-products (0.5% beet pulp), minerals, oils, and fats (0.1% fish oil, 0.05% sunflower oil).

Consider the price per kilo

High-quality cat food typically costs more due to its meat content. To make an informed decision, compare prices on a per kilo basis, considering both the package size and quantity discounts. Premium cat foods may be more cost-effective in the long run, as your cat will require smaller portions to obtain the necessary nutrients.

Check the recommended amount of feed

The amount of feed declared by the manufacturer should also be taken into consideration. A lower recommended amount usually signifies higher quality, as the cat is better able to utilize the nutrients and requires less food. On the other hand, if a manufacturer recommends a larger portion, it may indicate that the components are low-quality, and your cat will need more to meet its nutritional needs.

Investigate the method of production

The way cat food is produced can impact its quality and nutritional value. Common industrial processes involve grinding all ingredients together, cooking them, and portioning them into different packaging sizes. This method can lead to a loss of natural nutrients. Alternatively, small-batch or hand-prepared cat food, where ingredients are cooked separately, often offers higher quality and better nutritional value.

In conclusion, choosing high-quality cat food is crucial for your cat’s health and well-being. Always consider the type of declaration, price per kilo, recommended feed amount, and method of production when selecting the best food for your feline companion. By investing in your cat’s diet, you take an essential step towards ensuring its long-term health and happiness. Armed with this beginner’s overview, you can now make more informed choices when navigating the world of cat food labels.

This article was produced in friendly cooperation with Dynasty of Pets.

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