It’s a common concern for cat owners transitioning their pets to a healthier diet, especially when moving from dry kibble to wet, canned cat food. While many cat owners are aware of the issues with grains in cat food, the carbohydrate content in even grain-free canned options can be surprisingly high. Understanding carbohydrates in Can Cat Food is crucial because cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on a diet primarily composed of protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates.
Many pet food manufacturers have responded to the demand for grain-free cat food by removing grains from their recipes. However, this doesn’t automatically mean these foods are low in carbohydrates. Often, grains are simply replaced with other carbohydrate sources, such as potatoes, peas, and other vegetables. While these ingredients might sound healthier to humans, they are still sources of carbohydrates that cats don’t require in large amounts. It’s important to remember that even “grain-free” doesn’t necessarily equate to “low-carb” when it comes to can cat food.
To truly understand the carbohydrate content of your chosen can cat food, you need to look beyond the ingredient list and delve into the nutritional information provided on the label. Unfortunately, pet food labels are not required to list carbohydrates directly. This means you need to do a little calculation to figure it out yourself. The good news is that it’s a straightforward process that can empower you to make more informed decisions about your cat’s diet.
The calculation involves understanding the difference between “wet matter” and “dry matter” basis. Pet food labels list percentages by weight, which includes the moisture content. To get a clearer picture of the actual nutrient composition without water, we need to convert to a dry matter basis. Here’s how you can calculate the carbohydrate percentage in can cat food:
- Add up the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and ash listed on the can cat food label.
- Subtract this sum from 100. The result is the carbohydrate percentage on a wet matter basis.
- To convert to a dry matter basis, you need to know the moisture percentage. Subtract the moisture percentage from 100 to find the dry matter percentage.
- Divide the wet matter carbohydrate percentage by the dry matter percentage (expressed as a decimal). This gives you the carbohydrate percentage on a dry matter basis.
Let’s look at some examples to illustrate this process, using the examples from the original article:
Example 1: Generic Can Cat Food
- Crude protein – min 9.5%
- Crude fat – min 5.0%
- Crude fiber – min 0.8%
- Moisture – max 75%
- Ash – max 2.0%
Adding these percentages: 9.5 + 5.0 + 0.8 + 75 + 2.0 = 92.3%
Wet matter carbs: 100 – 92.3 = 7.7%
Dry matter: 100 – 75 = 25% or 0.25
Dry matter carbs: 7.7% / 0.25 = 30.8%
This generic can cat food has a high carbohydrate content of almost 31% on a dry matter basis, which is not ideal for cats.
Example 2: Wellness® Turkey and Salmon Canned Cat Food
- Crude protein – min 10%
- Crude fat – min 6%
- Crude fiber – min 1%
- Moisture – max 78%
- Ash – max 1.8%
Adding these percentages: 10 + 6 + 1 + 78 + 1.8 = 96.8%
Wet matter carbs: 100 – 96.8 = 3.2%
Dry matter: 100 – 78 = 22% or 0.22
Dry matter carbs: 3.2% / 0.22 = 14.5%
Wellness® Turkey and Salmon can cat food has a much lower carbohydrate content of 14.5% on a dry matter basis, making it a better choice than the generic option.
Example 3: Evo® 95% Chicken & Turkey Canned Cat Food
- Crude protein – min 9%
- Crude fat – min 10%
- Crude fiber – min 1%
- Moisture – max 78%
- Ash – max 1.91%
Adding these percentages: 9 + 10 + 1 + 78 + 1.91 = 99.91%
Wet matter carbs: 100 – 99.91 = 0.09%
Dry matter: 100 – 78 = 22% or 0.22
Dry matter carbs: 0.09% / 0.22 = 0.4%
Evo® 95% Chicken & Turkey can cat food has an extremely low carbohydrate content of only 0.4% on a dry matter basis, making it an excellent choice for a low-carb feline diet.
Choosing low carbohydrate can cat food is beneficial for several reasons. A diet high in carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and even diabetes in cats. Cats are not efficient at processing carbohydrates, and excess carbs can be converted into fat. Furthermore, a high-carbohydrate diet is not biologically appropriate for obligate carnivores. A diet rich in protein and moderate in fat, with minimal carbohydrates, mirrors a cat’s natural prey diet and supports optimal health.
When selecting can cat food, prioritize options with lower carbohydrate content. Aim for can cat foods that are not only grain-free but also low in other starchy vegetables and fillers. By taking the time to calculate the carbohydrate content, you can make informed choices and ensure you are providing your feline companion with a diet that supports their long-term health and well-being. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice for your cat.
