Pet food companies use the cheapest ingredients they can find. Whether it comes from dead diseased animals, road kill, or euthanized pets from shelters. These ingredients are not suitable for human consumption. If you won't eat it, why should your cat! Most pet foods contain 4-D ingredients. 4-D is meat and by-products that have been derived from animals that were rejected by food inspectors who classified the animals as not fit for human consumption because they were “Dead, Dying, Disabled or Diseased” at the time of inspection. Any chemicals that existed within that animal, would still be in it when dead. Meat by-products are nothing more than slaughterhouse waste; waste that’s been banned for use in human food and then sold to the pet food industry. It’s what’s left over after the slaughter and classified as inedible waste, unfit for human consumption.
4-Ds: Road kill, slaughter house rejects, animals that die on their way to meat packing plants - all are acceptable ingredients for pet food under the "4D" rule. Steroids, growth hormones and chemicals used to treat cattle including insecticide patches end up mixed into the final product. Meat from grocery stores past its due date is also added to the mix, as are the Styrofoam trays and plastic wrap they were packed in.
4-Ds: Road kill, slaughter house rejects, animals that die on their way to meat packing plants - all are acceptable ingredients for pet food under the "4D" rule. Steroids, growth hormones and chemicals used to treat cattle including insecticide patches end up mixed into the final product. Meat from grocery stores past its due date is also added to the mix, as are the Styrofoam trays and plastic wrap they were packed in.
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In dry foods, the ingredients are cooked twice. First during rendering and again in the extruder. Problems are much more common than with canned or homemade foods. Altered proteins may contribute to food intolerances, food allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. High-heat processing of pet food – especially kibble – creates potent carcinogens like acrylamide and heterocyclic amine. Needless to say, these cancer-causing by-products of processing won’t be listed on any pet food ingredient list. But they are extremely dangerous, even in small amounts, when fed day in and day out. |
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There’s a connection between these carcinogens and the rising rates of cancer in today’s pets. Proteins, Fats, Antioxidants, Enzymes, Minerals, Vitamins, and Beneficial Bacteria are all damaged or destroyed during the heating process. Grains and legumes contain mold and even through extrusion, it does not remove or kill the mold. Mold can cause cancer and/or organ failure.
Do you really want to feed your cat this? Learn to read ingredients. Feeding these foods listed will shorten the life of your cat, cause many horrible diseases like allergies, autoimmune disease, cancer, seizures, diabetes, arthritis/joint issues, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, liver disease, obesity, skin and coat disorders, and/or urinary tract disorders and you will be spending hard earned dollars on trying to save your cat.
To learn more about kibble and how bad it really is...click "Kibble~The Silent Killer.
Below is a list of some of the popular or inexpensive brands that contain harmful, unnecessary and outright dangerous ingredients which are highlighted in red. Not all bad ingredients are in red. (Read at bottom of this page for more). This is not a complete list; unfortunately there are many more brands on the market. Each manufacturer’s website should offer a complete ingredient listing and nutritional value analysis of their products. If a specific brand of food is not listed here, it does not mean it is bad or good. Just check the brand’s website and read the ingredients. Also avoid all salmon products. Heavily contaminated with mercury as well.
To learn more about kibble and how bad it really is...click "Kibble~The Silent Killer.
Below is a list of some of the popular or inexpensive brands that contain harmful, unnecessary and outright dangerous ingredients which are highlighted in red. Not all bad ingredients are in red. (Read at bottom of this page for more). This is not a complete list; unfortunately there are many more brands on the market. Each manufacturer’s website should offer a complete ingredient listing and nutritional value analysis of their products. If a specific brand of food is not listed here, it does not mean it is bad or good. Just check the brand’s website and read the ingredients. Also avoid all salmon products. Heavily contaminated with mercury as well.
Feeding your pet the same food everyday of its life, will cause many issues. (Liver and kidney failure, diabetes, arthritis and many other illnesses.) These pet foods are lacking certain nutrients. Also many of the ingredients are sourced from China. DO NOT FEED YOUR PETS PRODUCTS FROM CHINA! (Includes treats etc.)
Buy grain-free to help eliminate allergic reactions. The salmon or fish content in pet foods are also from farmed factories. Remember, the top 5 ingredients are some of the most important. If they are not good, then you shouldn't feed your pet that. Also you should change your pet's food every 3 months to avoid any allergies or food intolerances.
Buy grain-free to help eliminate allergic reactions. The salmon or fish content in pet foods are also from farmed factories. Remember, the top 5 ingredients are some of the most important. If they are not good, then you shouldn't feed your pet that. Also you should change your pet's food every 3 months to avoid any allergies or food intolerances.
Remember also, many other ingredients not listed that are most likely in your pets food are contaminants like: pesticides, glues, sawdust, chemicals of all kinds.
These Foods offer no nutritional value. In wet foods, the water-soluble B-vitamin thiamine can be almost completely lost due to its reactivity with heat, moisture, sulfites, elevated pH and the thiaminase enzymes found in fish and organ meats.
The best diet you can feed your cat is a raw diet. Cats are carnivores and enjoy eating meats. Sometimes cats may have certain health issues that won't allow raw diets but most of the time, raw is your best diet. Look into a home cooked diet if you have a cat with medical issues that may not allow raw. Make sure in a home cooked diet that you add the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Veterinarians were not taught about good nutrition in college. So do your homework. Find a good holistic vet or animal nutritionist that is educated in nutrition.
Whatever you do, remember, this is your furry family member. It is your responsibility as a pet parent to give the best foods you can provide to extend his/her quality of life. Which means less visits to the vet.
These Foods offer no nutritional value. In wet foods, the water-soluble B-vitamin thiamine can be almost completely lost due to its reactivity with heat, moisture, sulfites, elevated pH and the thiaminase enzymes found in fish and organ meats.
The best diet you can feed your cat is a raw diet. Cats are carnivores and enjoy eating meats. Sometimes cats may have certain health issues that won't allow raw diets but most of the time, raw is your best diet. Look into a home cooked diet if you have a cat with medical issues that may not allow raw. Make sure in a home cooked diet that you add the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Veterinarians were not taught about good nutrition in college. So do your homework. Find a good holistic vet or animal nutritionist that is educated in nutrition.
Whatever you do, remember, this is your furry family member. It is your responsibility as a pet parent to give the best foods you can provide to extend his/her quality of life. Which means less visits to the vet.
I hope you have gained some knowledge into the pet food industry here on this site and will look further into changing your pet's diet ASAP! When changing from a commercial pet food to a raw or homemade diet, you will need to add in quality supplements and herbs to build the immune system.
It is imperative that you do this or you may continue to deal with allergies and other illnesses from the built up toxins in your pet. Please do your research or speak with a holistic vet before changing anything especially with a pet with a chronic disease.
It is imperative that you do this or you may continue to deal with allergies and other illnesses from the built up toxins in your pet. Please do your research or speak with a holistic vet before changing anything especially with a pet with a chronic disease.
FYI-Most ALL vitamins included in commercial pet foods are synthetic vitamins. The body does not recognize these and they are of little use to your pet for nutritional purposes.
Synthetic vitamins, the kind found in premixes that doesn't occur anywhere in nature. Synthetic vitamins are chemicals and the body recognizes them as chemicals, just like it does any other drug.
Synthetic vitamins, the kind found in premixes that doesn't occur anywhere in nature. Synthetic vitamins are chemicals and the body recognizes them as chemicals, just like it does any other drug.
Be aware of the difference between synthetic and natural vitamins. Synthetic supplements are manufactured with unnatural ingredients and chemicals. They are made to mimic natural vitamins but not everyone is convinced of their efficacy.
The Best Dishes to Use to Feed Your Cat
Use ceramic, glass, or high quality stainless steel bowls to feed your cat, and make sure they’re heavy enough that they won’t tip or spill while he’s eating. Don’t use plastic bowls. They contain BPA as well as plastic is a breeding ground for germs, and it can retain the smell of cleaning products and previous meals, which may discourage your cat from eating.
Do not use strong detergents or bleach to clean your cat’s food and water dishes, as these products can be toxic. Instead, wash bowls between feedings with a mild dishwashing detergent, and always rinse thoroughly.
Use ceramic, glass, or high quality stainless steel bowls to feed your cat, and make sure they’re heavy enough that they won’t tip or spill while he’s eating. Don’t use plastic bowls. They contain BPA as well as plastic is a breeding ground for germs, and it can retain the smell of cleaning products and previous meals, which may discourage your cat from eating.
Do not use strong detergents or bleach to clean your cat’s food and water dishes, as these products can be toxic. Instead, wash bowls between feedings with a mild dishwashing detergent, and always rinse thoroughly.
To name a few:
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Potato (carcinogenic)
Potato starch Pea fiber Corn (GMO/BT(Bacillus thuringiensis), Wheat (commercial wheat is doused with cancer-causing glyphosate herbicide right before harvest) Barley Rye Sorghum Fish meal Animal digest White and brown rice (GMO, arsenic, glyphosate) Soy (GMO) Meat By-Products Rice (any kind) Meat Meal (any kind) Animal Fat Caramel Color Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Citric Acid (contains corn) Hydrochloric Acid Grains (allergies and joint inflammation) |
Brewers rice
Salt Sugars (dextrose) Brewers yeast Rosemary extract Beet pulp (glyphosate) Natural flavorings Carrageenan Xanthan gum Propylene glycol Sodium bisulfate Food dye colorings BHT BHA Ethoxyquin Menadione Onion Powder High Fructose Corn Syrup Dried Egg Product Rosemary Extract Vegetable Oil Animal Digest Garlic (daily) |
Fancy Feast Grilled Chicken Feast In Gravy
Ingredients:
Chicken broth, chicken, liver, wheat gluten, meat by-products, corn starch-modified, artificial and natural flavors, salt, calcium phosphate, soy protein concentrate, added color, potassium chloride, taurine, magnesium sulfate, choline chloride, thiamine mononitrate, Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, niacin, calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, biotin, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, potassium iodide. |
Friskies Wet Cat Food Classic Paté Classic Seafood Entrée
Ingredients:
Fish, poultry by-products, water sufficient for processing, meat by-products, liver, rice, shrimp, artificial and natural flavors, added color (Red 3 and other color), guar gum, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, salt, carrageenan, magnesium sulfate, choline chloride, taurine, Vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, niacin, sodium nitrite (to promote color retention), calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, biotin, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, potassium iodide. |
Pro Plan Cat Extra Care Urinary Tract Chicken Entree In Gravy Canned Cat Food
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, meat by-products, chicken, wheat gluten, corn starch-modified, natural and artificial flavors, soy flour, potassium chloride, taurine, tricalcium phosphate, salt, caramel color, Vitamin E supplement, thiamine monoitrate(Vitamin B-1), Vitamin A supplement, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride(Vitamin B-6), niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement(Vitamin B-2), copper sulfate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex(Source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, cobalt carbonate, potassium iodide, biotin. |
Pro Plan Salmon & Rice Entree Canned Cat Food
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, salmon, wheat gluten, liver, meat by-products, rice, chicken, corn starch-modified, natural and artificial flavors, tricalcium phosphate, salt, soy protein concentrate, potassium chloride, titanium dioxide color, taurine, choline chloride, Vitamin E supplement, iron oxide color, zinc sulfate, thiamin mononitrate(Vitamin B-1), Vitamin A supplement, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, pyidoxine hydrochloride(Vitamin B-6), niacin, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplent(Vitamin B-2), copper sulfate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex(Source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, cobalt carbonate, potassium iodide, biotin. |
Purina Veterinary Diets UR St/Ox URinary Feline Formula Canned
Ingredients:
Meat by-products, liver, chicken, water sufficient for processing, poultry by-products, brewers rice, calcium gluconate, oat fiber, guar gum, sodium bisulfate, potassium chloride, caramel color, carrageenan, salt, taurine, Vitamin E supplement, calcium phosphate, zinc sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, copper sulfate, niacin, Vitamin B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Vitamin D-3 supplement, folic acid, potassium iodide, biotin. |
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline Bladder Health with Chicken Canned Food
Ingredients:
Pork By-Products, Water, Pork Liver, Chicken, Rice, Corn Starch, Oat Fiber, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Fish Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Fish Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Glucose, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cysteine, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Egg Yolk, Glycine, Vitamin E Supplement, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Beta-Carotene, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate. |
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Urinary SO in Gel Canned Cat Food
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, chicken, chicken liver, pork liver, pork by-products, corn flour, fish oil, powdered cellulose, dried egg product, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, guar gum, calcium sulfate, salt, natural flavors, carrageenan, taurine, choline chloride, Vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], Trace Minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, iron sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L). |
Royal Canin Babycat Instinctive Canned Cat Food
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, chicken, chicken liver, pork by-products, powdered cellulose, wheat gluten, rice flour, cornstarch, natural flavors, fish oil, calcium caseinate, mannanoligosaccharides, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, calcium carbonate, carrageenan, fructo-oligosaccharides, guar gum, taurine, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins (DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), niacin supplement, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement), choline chloride, magnesium oxide, trace minerals (zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), marigold extract (tagetes erecta L), L-carnitine. |
Sheba Premium Cuts in Gravy
Mixed Grill Ingredients:
Poultry Broth, Chicken, Turkey, Beef Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken Liver, Natural Flavor, Starch, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Copper Sulfate), Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tetra Potassium Pyrophosphate, Added Color, Salt, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Vitamin E Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex [Source of Vitamin K Activity]), Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, DL-Methionine. |
Great Choice Gourmet Cuisine in a Delicate Sauce
Ingredients for Shredded Salmon Fare:
Fish Broth, Salmon, Liver, Chicken, Meat by-Products, Wheat Gluten, Spinach, Potato Starch, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Soy Protein Concentrate, Guar Gum, Salt, added color (FD&C Red #3 and other artificial color), Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phophate, Corn Starch, Carrageenan, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteiniate, Potassium Iodide, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine, Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid. |
Purina DM Feline - Savory Selects 
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, chicken, liver, wheat gluten, meat by-products, corn starch-modified, soy flour, artificial and natural flavors, calcium phosphate, potassium chloride, taurine, choline chloride, salt, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, added color, zinc sulfate, calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), pyridoxine hydrochhloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, biotin, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, potassium iodide. |
Purina Feline UR rx diet
Ingredients:
Meat by-products, water sufficient for processing, liver, chicken, poultry by-products, rice, calcium gluconate, oat fiber, guar gum, sodium bisulfate, potassium chloride, caramel color, carrageenan, salt, taurine, Vitamin E supplement, calcium phosphate, zinc sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, copper sulfate, niacin, Vitamin B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement, calcium pantothenate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), Vitamin D-3 supplement, folic acid, potassium iodide, biotin. |
Meow Mix Tender Favorites Real Chicken and Beef in Gravy Cat Food Cup
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Special Kitty: Salmon Dinner
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Whiskas Purrfectly CHICKEN Chicken Entree in Natural Juices Cat Food Pouches
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9Lives Tuna Select Flaked Tuna in Sauce Canned Cat Food by Del Monte
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Whiskas Seafood Selection with Tuna in Sauce By Kal Kan Foods
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Hi-Tor Neo Diet For Cats
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Iams Veterinary Formula Intestinal Low-Residue Canned Cat Food
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Evolution Canned Vegan Cat Food (NO Meat Included)
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