Ah, sugar. We love it in our tea, cakes, and the occasional midnight snack (no judgement here!). But did you know that sugar has made its way into some of the most unexpected places, like your cat's food? You might be wondering, “Is sugar safe for cats?” or “Is sugar bad for cats?” Well, let’s dive deep into this sugary dilemma and uncover the truth.

In this blog, we're going to explore why some cat food brands add sugar, the science behind why it’s not required, and healthier alternatives. And, of course, we'll show you why Scrumbles cat food is the purr-fect choice if you’re looking to keep things naturally sweet.

WHY IS SUGAR ADDED TO CAT FOOD?

First things first, let's clear up the confusion. Cats aren't exactly queuing up outside the bakery for a sugar rush. They are obligate carnivores, which means their diet should consist primarily of meat. However, you might be surprised to learn that some cat food companies sneak sugar into their recipes. But why?

• PALATABILITY: MAKING FOOD MORE TEMPTING

• COLOUR AND APPEARANCE

Believe it or not, some brands add sugar to cat food to give it a more attractive, caramelised colour. This is done mainly to make the food look more appealing to you, the pet owner. 

• PRESERVATIVE PROPERTIES

Sugar can act as a mild preservative by helping to inhibit bacterial growth in cat food. While this might seem like a practical reason, there are far better ways to preserve food that don’t involve pumping in unnecessary sugars.

IS SUGAR SAFE FOR CATS?

• NO SWEET TASTE BUDS

• DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ISSUES

• BLOOD SUGAR SPIKES AND DIABETES

• OBESITY

WHAT ARE THE HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES?

Since sugar isn’t required (or even welcomed) in your cat’s diet, what’s the alternative? Good news—there are plenty of healthier options that can keep your kitty purring without compromising on taste.

1. HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN SOURCES

Cats are meat-eaters by nature, so it’s no surprise that high-quality protein is the best way to go. Look for cat foods that list fish, or poultry as the primary ingredient. This provides the essential amino acids your cat needs to thrive, also, higher meat content actually makes the food taste better so no need for added sugar. After all, nothing beats the real thing, right? 

It’s important to prioritise quality over quantity—high-quality proteins are easily digestible and packed with the nutrients your cat needs, whereas low-quality proteins, often found in the form of meat by-products or fillers, offer less nutritional value and can be harder to digest.

2. ANIMAL FATS AND FISH OILS

Animal fats and fish oils not only provide a flavour boost but are also packed with nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These help with skin and coat health, brain function, and overall well-being. Plus, it keeps your cat’s food naturally tasty without resorting to sugar.

3. NATURAL PALATANTS

Natural palatants are flavour enhancers made from real meat and animal products, and they’re a fantastic way to improve the taste of cat food without adding sugar. These can include things like liver or chicken broth, which cats find irresistible. Think of it as the cat equivalent of a rich, savoury gravy—no sugar needed!

4. FIBRE-RICH INGREDIENTS

Adding fibre-rich ingredients like alfalfa or carrots can help improve your cat’s digestion and provide a bit of natural sweetness (though, again, your cat won’t actually taste it!). These ingredients also have the added benefit of helping with hairballs—talk about a win-win!

WHY SCRUMBLES CAT FOOD IS THE BEST CHOICE

Now that we’ve uncovered the truth about sugar in cat food, you’re probably wondering where to find a brand that puts your cat’s health first. Enter Scrumbles! We’re all about using high-quality, natural ingredients that nourish your cat from the inside out—without any of that unnecessary sugar.

ALL NATURAL, NO NONSENSE

We know that what you put in your pet's bowl matters. That’s why our cat food is free from added sugars, artificial flavours, and unnecessary fillers. We use high-quality protein sources like chicken and salmon to ensure your cat gets the nutrients they need without any of the junk they don’t.

KIND TO TUMMIES

Despite their occasionally nonchelant natures, cats can be delicate little creatures, especially when it comes to their tummies. Our recipes are specially formulated with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to support gut health, making it the perfect choice for even the fussiest of eaters. And trust us, your cat's digestive system will thank you!

THE SCRUMBLES DIFFERENCE

We’re not just about great-tasting cat food—we’re about creating a healthier, happier lifestyle for your feline friend. By avoiding added sugars and using only natural ingredients, we ensure that every meal is packed with the nutrition your cat needs to thrive.

WE DO NOT ADD SUAGR

We do not add sugar to any of our food because our recipes are rich in meat making them naturally delicious and nutritious without the need for added sweetness.

WRAPPING IT UP

So, is sugar bad for cats? Absolutely. While some brands might sneak it in for a bit of extra flavour or colour, the reality is that your cat simply doesn’t need it. In fact, sugar can do more harm than good when it comes to your cat’s health, affecting their blood sugar levels and potentially leading to diabetes.

Plus, what's the point of adding sugar when there's irresistibly tasty and sugar-free alternatives out there like, well, us! And who knows? They might just thank you with an extra cuddle… or at the very least, fewer hairballs. 

Check out our full range of cat food options and make the switch today!
Any questions? If you want to learn more about what we put in our cat food (and what we don’t put in), don’t hesitate to contact us.

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