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Our Recommendation
Cats are obligate carnivores. That means that they have to eat meat in order to get the nutrients that they need. For cats, this means a high protein diet, and taurine – a substance that is only found naturally in meat.
For many people, the decision to move to a vegetarian or vegan diet has been made for environmental or ethical reasons. Concerns about animal cruelty, and the impact that the meat industry has on the planet. So there has been a movement by some pet food manufacturers to provide a vegetarian alternative to regular pet food.
Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Complete Balanced Dinner is one of those foods. It is suitable for both cats and dogs and calls itself a complete balanced dinner. It can be fed either as a side dish or kibble topper, but can also be given as the main food.
The recipe is primarily starchy foods, the first three ingredients are potato, sweet potato, and brown rice. That means that most of the calories in this food are coming from carbohydrates which your cat’s body will break down into sugar. There are also blueberries, cranberries, and vegetables in the mix.
There is a good selection of added vitamins and minerals, including taurine which is vital to a cats diet. However, the recipe is quite low in protein (just 7%) which is what your cat really needs. Typically wet foods contain 10% and above of protein, which comes from meat that naturally includes taurine.
There may be situations where it is suitable to feed this food as a side dish or kibble topper, but it would not make a good choice as a complete food for cats.
While we may have our own thoughts about a vegetarian diet, it’s important to understand that cats are meant to eat meat. By choosing to feed them purely vegetarian meals you could be putting their long-term health at risk.
Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner Canned Dog & Cat Food
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Water Sufficient for Processing,Brown Rice, Carrots, Olive Oil, Peas, Fresh Blueberries, Fresh Cranberries, Dried Eggs, Dried Brewers Yeast, Guar Gum, Taurine, Vitamins {Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Calcsweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Water Sufficient for Processing,Brown Rice, Carrots, Olive Oil, Peas, Fresh Blueberries, Fresh Cranberries, Dried Eggs, Dried Brewers Yeast, Guar Gum, Taurine, Vitamins {Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D2 Supplement}, Minerals {Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Selenium Yeast, Potassium Iodide}Ium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement (Source of Vitamin B2), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D2 Supplement}, Minerals {Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Selenium Yeast, Potassium Iodide}.
Nutritional Analysis
Pet food ingredients, nutritional values, and the way they are labeled for consumers are monitored by several organizations in the United States including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the NGO, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
- CRUDE PROTEIN 7.0% min
- CRUDE FAT 2.0% min
- CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
- MOISTURE 76.0% max
- CALCIUM 0.25% min
- PHOSPHOROUS 0.2% min
Feeding Amounts
If you wish to change to Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner, you should make the transition slowly in order to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach. To do this, start by adding a small amount of Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner to your existing food. Gradually increase the amount until you are only feeding Evanger’s
Weight Adult Daily Feeding (cup)
10 LBS 1/2 – 3/4
20 LBS 3/4 – 1 1/2
30 LBS 1 1/2 – 2
Read More: How To Find The Best Cat Food
The Bottom Line
We can’t recommend putting your cat on a vegetarian diet. As obligate carnivores, cats need meat in their diet and eating a plant-based diet could lead to long-term health problems for your pet. If the meat industry gives you cause for concern, it would be better to choose a food made by a company who addresses these concerns in a different way, such as Honest Kitchen’s Grace.
If you choose to use Evanger’s Low Fat Vegetarian Dinner as a side dish or kibble topper, there should be additional sources of protein and taurine. However, if you are drawn to the ‘low fat’ label of this food and are considering it for pet weight loss, it is high in carbohydrate which can lead to feline obesity.
Continue reading:
Top 7 Best Low Carb Cat Food Options for Diabetic Cats
Best Low Phosphorus Cat Food Options for Chronic Kidney Disease
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