The Nutritional Profile of Cat Food
Cat food is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of cats, which are obligate carnivores. Cats require a high amount of protein and moderate amounts of fat in their diet, with minimal carbohydrates.
Dry cat food typically contains 26-40% protein, while wet cat food contains around 40-55% protein. The protein is from animal sources like chicken, fish, turkey, and eggs. Fat makes up 20-35% of dry food and 35-45% of wet food. Carbs from vegetables and grains account for under 20% of most cat foods. The protein and fat content provide the calories cats need, as they cannot efficiently digest carbs [1].
Cat food contains added vitamins and minerals like taurine, vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, iodine, and selenium. Taurine is especially crucial for cat health. Wet and dry foods have similar vitamin profiles but differ in moisture content. Dry food contains under 12% moisture while wet food contains around 75% moisture [2].
Protein Content of Cat Food vs Human Food
Cat food tends to contain significantly more protein than most human foods. Dry cat food averages about 35% protein, while canned cat food contains approximately 45% protein (1). In contrast, foods like chicken breast, beef, fish, eggs, and milk contain anywhere from about 15-25% protein.
This is because cats require a much higher proportion of protein in their diet compared to humans. While adult humans require around 15% of calories from protein, adult cats require 25-35% protein to stay healthy (2). Kittens need even higher protein levels upwards of 40%.
However, the quality of the protein sources in cat food is often poorer than the lean meats and dairy products that make up human diets. Many cat foods rely on by-products, artificial amino acids, and plant proteins rather than whole food sources (3).
So while cat food may be higher in total protein by weight, the bioavailability and amino acid balance of those proteins may be inferior for human nutritional needs.
(1) https://researchoutreach.org/articles/impact-dietary-protein-cat-health-wellbeing/
(2) https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/do-cats-need-high-protein-cat-food
(3) https://www.untamedcatfood.com/blogs/nutrition/human-grade-cat-food
Potential Risks and Dangers
While cat food contains protein, it also poses several risks and dangers to human health if consumed regularly.
One major risk is bacterial contamination. Cat foods, especially wet varieties, can become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria during manufacturing, storage, or handling. These bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses in humans if ingested (https://www.livescience.com/32515-will-eating-pet-food-kill-me.html).
Another concern is the high fat content in cat food. Many cat foods contain higher levels of fat and calories than human foods since cats have different nutritional needs. The excess fat and calories could contribute to weight gain and associated health issues if large amounts are eaten over time (https://scrumbles.co.uk/blogs/nutrition/can-humans-eat-cat-food).
Finally, vitamin and mineral toxicities pose risks with long-term cat food consumption. Cat foods are formulated to meet a cat’s nutritional requirements, which differ from humans. Excessive amounts of some vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus over long periods can potentially cause toxicity symptoms in humans (https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-for-a-human-to-eat-cat-food).
While an occasional bite won’t harm most people, the potential bacterial contamination, high fat and calorie content, and risk of vitamin/mineral toxicities make regular cat food consumption inadvisable for humans.
Lack of Nutrients Needed for Humans
Though cat food may contain sufficient protein, fats and calories to sustain human life, it lacks many of the vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals needed for optimal human health and wellbeing (https://twocrazycatladies.com/cat-food/key-nutrient-missing-in-cat-food/). Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on an animal-based diet. However, the human diet requires a much wider variety of foods and nutrients.
In particular, cat food does not provide adequate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and bowel movements in humans. The lack of fiber in cat food can lead to gastrointestinal issues over time. Fruits and vegetables also supply key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support immune function, cell health and disease prevention.
Additionally, cat food does not contain adequate amounts of nutrients like vitamin C, folate, magnesium and calcium which are readily available in plant foods. Relying solely on cat food would lead to deficiencies in these and other essential vitamins and minerals required for human health (https://www.quora.com/Why-do-humans-need-all-sorts-of-vitamins-and-minerals-from-food-but-cats-can-survive-on-kibble-alone).
In summary, while cat food may provide enough protein, it cannot fully meet the nutritional needs of humans without supplementation from a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and other whole foods.
Ethical Concerns
There are significant ethical issues that arise from humans eating cat food, especially on a regular basis. Cat food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats and is meant solely for feline consumption. When people eat cat food instead of food intended for humans, it removes essential pet supplies from homes and disregards the purpose the food was manufactured for. According to some ethicists, this can be considered unethical as it takes critical resources away from pets who rely on cat food for their well-being (1).
Additionally, promoting the idea that cat food is suitable for humans can further the belief that animals and humans are interchangeable. Philosopher Julia Wise argues this assumption reduces animals to just being “producers of meat” rather than sentient individuals (2). Eating cat food could reinforce attitudes that it’s acceptable to view pets as resources for humans to use, rather than living beings deserving of moral consideration. This has implications for how animals are treated more broadly.
Overall, the ethics of consuming pet food are complex, but most experts advise against the practice given the moral issues around displacing care for pets and promoting problematic assumptions. There are healthier and more ethical alternatives tailored for human nutrition requirements.
The Appeal of Cat Food for Some People
Some individuals perceive cat food as having high protein content and turn to it as a protein source. While cat food does contain a high percentage of protein compared to human foods, the quality and digestibility of that protein may be lower for humans (1). The curiosity to try novel foods and the “forbidden fruit” effect also leads some to try cat food simply for the experience.
Unfortunately, poverty and lack of access to wholesome food is another key reason people may consume pet foods out of desperation. With the rising costs of quality nutrition, cat food presents an inexpensive option when funds are extremely limited (2). However, the nutritional deficits and potential health risks make it an unsuitable long-term food source for people.
(1) https://scrumbles.co.uk/blogs/nutrition/can-humans-eat-cat-food
(2) https://www.abc4.com/news/some-seniors-on-social-security-eat-cat-food-to-survive/
Expert Opinions Against Eating Cat Food
Many health and nutrition experts advise against eating cat food. According to veterinarian Dr. Justine Lee, “cat food does not contain the vital nutrients that humans need” (Source). She explains that cats have very different nutritional needs than humans due to their status as obligate carnivores. Cat food lacks fiber, vitamins C and E, and healthy polyunsaturated fats that are essential for human health.
Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner states that “in general, [cat food] doesn’t constitute a healthy human diet” (Source). She advises avoiding cat food due to the high protein, high fat, low fiber, and low carbohydrate formulation tailored for cats.
According to veterinarian Dr. Danielle Bernal, eating cat food can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies and is “definitely not recommended” for humans (Source). The Association of American Feed Control Officials, which regulates animal feed, also clearly states that pet food is not formulated to meet human nutritional needs.
Healthy and Safe Alternatives to Cat Food
For those seeking an inexpensive way to increase protein intake, there are many healthy and safe alternatives to eating cat food that will provide adequate nutrition without the risks.
Foods like beans, lentils, eggs, and dairy products offer excellent sources of protein. Beans and lentils are packed with fiber and nutrients. Options like black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils can easily be incorporated into meals and snacks throughout the day. Eggs are an affordable protein source that can be prepared in many versatile ways. Low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese can also boost protein intake.
Creating meal plans built around these protein-rich foods is recommended. Meal prepping beans, eggs, Greek yogurt, and other items at the start of the week can make it easy to have nutritious high-protein meals and snacks on hand. There are many meal planning guides available with tips for preparing plant-based and affordable high-protein foods.
For those needing assistance affording groceries, food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC may be able to help provide healthy protein-packed foods. Food banks and pantries are another option.
With a bit of planning and preparation, healthy plant-based proteins can be accessible and affordable, offering an optimal alternative to relying on cat food for one’s protein needs.
Signs That Cat Food Consumption is Problematic
Consuming cat food long-term can lead to malnutrition in humans due to the lack of proper nutrients. Cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats, which have different requirements than humans.
Some common signs of malnutrition from eating cat food include:
- Dry, scaly skin
- Hair loss and balding patches
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Severe weight loss and emaciation
- Runny stool or constipation
- Lack of appetite
- Cessation of grooming behaviors
These symptoms can develop over time as nutritional deficiencies take hold. According to WikiHow, appearance of bald spots is one of the first noticeable signs that a nutritional deficiency may be present (source).
If you suspect malnutrition from consuming cat food, it’s important to see a doctor. Blood tests can check for anemia, low protein levels, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Treatment may involve vitamin supplements, changes in diet, and treatment of any medical complications.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience fainting, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, or any other concerning symptom that may be tied to malnutrition. The longer nutrient deficiencies persist, the higher the risk of permanent health effects.
The Bottom Line
While it may seem like an appealing quick fix on the surface, eating cat food for extra protein is an extremely risky choice. There are significant nutritional deficiencies compared to a balanced human diet, and real dangers from excess vitamin A, parasites, bacteria, and toxins. Focusing instead on eating lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and dairy products can provide all the protein needed in a much healthier and more ethical way.
If you are seriously considering eating pet food as a major protein source, or find yourself doing so already, please seek help. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about creating a nutritious diet plan that keeps you nourished and satisfied without any potentially harmful short-cuts. There are many support systems available to help get your nutrition back on track in a safe and sustainable way.