Cat Nutrition Myths Debunked: Truths Your Vet Wants You to Know 🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

From “breed-specific” kibble to grain-free claims and glossy kitten food bags, the pet food industry is loaded with marketing buzzwords — not real biology.

This article debunks the biggest myths about feline nutrition and highlights the truths that matter most for raising a healthy cat, straight from a veterinarian’s perspective. 🐾

🚫 LIE #1: “Cats need grain-free food.”

The truth: Cats don’t need grains — but many “grain-free” foods just swap grains for peas, lentils, or potatoes, which are still carbs and still unnecessary.

➡️ High-starch “grain-free” diets are linked to obesity, gut issues, and even urinary tract disorders^[1].

🚫 LIE #2: “Kitten food is specially formulated.”

The truth: Most “kitten food” is just higher-calorie kibble — often still full of fillers.   You don’t need a kitten label — you need a food labeled for “all life stages” with high protein, high fat, and real meat.

➡️ Brands like Ziwi and Feline Natural are all-life-stage approved with no fluff.

🚫 LIE #3: “Dry food cleans your cat’s teeth.”

The truth: It doesn’t. In fact, many dental issues are caused or worsened by dry food diets. 

• Most cats barely chew kibble — they swallow it whole 
• Starch residue sticks to teeth and feeds the mouth bacteria 
• Freeze-dried meat treats or raw bones are better dental tools

🚫 LIE #4: “Vet-recommended = healthiest”

The truth: Many vet-endorsed brands are backed by corporate partnerships and use marketing terms like “science-based” to cover up low meat content, high filler, and artificial additives.

➡️ A vet-written label isn’t a guarantee of quality — look at the ingredients.

✅ Truths You Can Trust

✔️ Cats are obligate carnivores

• They need protein and fat from animal sources
  
• They do not need carbs — at all

✔️ Moisture matters 

• Dry food is 10% water; raw prey is 70–75% 
• Hydration supports kidneys, digestion, and urinary tract health

✔️ Simple, whole-ingredient diets are best 

• Look for named proteins, organs, bone, and fat 
• Short ingredient lists win — no mystery “meals” or “flavors”

🛒 Want to Feed What Actually Works?

• 🥇 Ziwi Air-Dried Raw (NZ meat, organs, no fillers) 
• 🥇 Feline Natural Freeze-Dried or Canned (high moisture, clean meat) 
• 🥇 Raw (homemade or brands like Big Dog or Balanced Life — balanced with calcium & taurine)

💡 Transition slowly using bone broth, raw goat milk, or freeze-dried toppers.

💬 From Dr. Duncan Houston

“Pet food marketing exists to sell bags — not to educate. If your cat’s food contains more starch than meat, it’s not species-appropriate. Meat, moisture, and simplicity are what matter.”

👉 Up next: How to Know If Your Kitten’s Diet Is Actually Working