5 Nutrition Myths About Cats
23.04.2026 - Reading time: 3 minutes
Of-course you want to provide your cat with the best diet possible so they can have a happy and healthy life. But time and again, claims and opinions surface where it's not entirely clear whether they're actually true. We're debunking them now: the 5 biggest cat nutrition myths.
Myth #1 Grain is Harmful to Cats
First and foremost: Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, which have evolved the ability to digest grains, seeds and grains are simply not part of a cat’s natural diet. Most cats are unaffected by a certain amount of grain, but others react with adverse effects – for example, if they are sensitive to the gluten found in many grains. However, if a cat were fed exclusively muscle meat, this could damage its kidney function in the long run. Therefore, a certain amount of plant-based ingredients, such as fiber from grains, must be added to canned cat food.
Grain is not inherently harmful. It depends on the amount in the cat food.
The causes of allergies are varied; they cannot be eliminated by a grain-free diet!
Myth #2 Industrial Production Destroys Important Nutrients
No, if the feed and the manufacturing are of good quality, certainly not.
Really good cat food even has important nutrients added. For example, taurine, which is vital for cats – good for their eyes, metabolism, brain, and heart. When buying cat food, always pay attention to the fine print, i.e., the ingredients listed on the packaging.
For example, pay attention to added sugar. Too much sugar can lead to illnesses such as obesity and diabetes.
Incidentally, the idea that canned food is full of preservatives is also a misconception. Canned food, in particular, doesn’t need any – the canning process itself is a form of physical preservation without additives.
Myth #3 Dry Cat Food Causes Urinary Stones
It’s a fact that cats are frequently affected by urinary stones. However, these can stem from several causes, such as insufficient fluid intake, an imbalanced urine pH, bacterial growth in the bladder, or nutrient overload in the food. Obesity and lack of exercise can also be contributing factors. Dry food can exacerbate the problem, especially if it’s of poor quality, but it’s not the sole cause!
Wet food alone is not enough to ensure adequate hydration. Your cat must always have access to clean drinking water.
Myth #4 Cat Food Contains Attractants - Especially The Cheaper Kind
Well, that’s possible, and it actually depends on the quality of the food.
Again, check the ingredient list. However, it’s difficult to say exactly what attractants are, as there’s no fixed definition. According to feed regulations, though, no unauthorised substances may be added. So you can be absolutely certain that there are no addictive chemicals in it, because those are definitely not permitted!
However, flavourings are often used to enhance the taste and make the food more appealing. The food is meant to “attract” the animal, so to speak.
As I said, it’s a question of quality. High-quality food certainly doesn’t need any additives or flavourings.
Myth #5 Cats Need Variety
No! That’s pure anthropomorphism.
It’s true that some cats can be picky eaters. However, the opposite is often the case: frequent changes in food can be harmful and cause digestive problems. More important than taste and variety is the nutritional content of the food. Offer your cats a balanced diet tailored to their breed, age, and energy needs. They will thank you with long-lasting good health!
