Common Cat Food Attractants: A Comprehensive List
Attractants, as the name suggests, are substances designed to entice cats to eat. Adding these to cat food can significantly boost their appetite, making them more inclined to try new foods. However, some attractants can have adverse effects on a cat's health, so pet owners must be cautious when selecting them.
Safe and Natural Attractants in Cat Food
1. Animal Liver: Chicken liver, duck liver, and other animal livers are not only naturally appealing to cats but also packed with essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and the Bcomplex vitamins, which are highly beneficial for their health.
2. Animal Fats: A touch of fat, such as chicken, beef, or pork oil, can enhance the taste and palatability of cat food. These fats also provide necessary fats and unsaturated fatty acids, contributing to the cat's coat health and shine.
3. Brewers' Yeast/Yeast Extract: This natural attractant, derived from hops, not only tantalizes the cat's taste buds but also supplies protein and vitamins that aid in digestion, growth, and immunity.
4. Natural Plant Extracts: Herbs like rosemary, citric acid, and cinnamon offer a natural allure and come with added benefits like antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties.
Unsafe or Controversial Attractants
1. Monosodium Phosphate: Known for its potent attractant properties, this ingredient is often found in lowerquality cat foods. While it enhances flavor, it can lead to dependency and potential health issues if fed longterm.
2. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): The primary component of MSG, it acts as a flavor enhancer and is a common organic compound used as an attractant. Overheating can convert it into monosodium Lglutamate, which may have adverse effects on cats.
3. LCysteine Hydrochloride: This slightly acidic compound has both attractant and antioxidant properties. Some cats may be sensitive to it, experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
4. Animal Hydrolyzed Protein: This attractant breaks down meat into smaller molecules to enhance the meaty flavor and palatability. Although relatively safe, it's best to avoid it.
5. Artificial Flavors and Colors: These include meat flavors, seasonings, pet flavor complexes, and flavor enhancers. Longterm consumption can lead to addiction and health issues, so they are generally not recommended.
Besides the mentioned attractants, it's advisable to steer clear of cat foods containing chemicals like nitrites, sodium nitrate, carrageenan, guar gum, vitamin K3, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and TBHQ (tertbutylhydroquinone).
When choosing cat food, opt for products that use natural, safe attractants. Avoid or minimize foods with potentially harmful ingredients, and always pay attention to your pet's individual reactions to ensure their healthy growth and wellbeing.
