Can Cats Be Fed a Vegetarian Diet?

Posted by Jennifer Copley Jun 25, 2009

Cats are pure carnivores, so a vegetarian diet does not even come close to meeting their nutritional requirements. Cats that don’t receive sufficient high-quality protein are at risk for developing a variety of severe medical problems in the long run.

Free Range Cat and Dog Foods

For those who are concerned about cruel agricultural practices, there are commercially available cat foods and dog foods that use only free-range meats. While this doesn’t eliminate the need to kill animals, it does increase the likelihood that they will have more natural, enjoyable lives than those confined to small cages.

Not all companies that use "free range" or similar labels actually provide access to outdoor space for their animals. For example, some farmers who use "free running," "free roaming," or "cage-free" labels just let chickens roam around in crowded sheds or cram them into small outdoor spaces. Those who are serious about obtaining more humane pet food may wish to contact the pet food producer and/or their meat supplier to find out more about the farming practices used.

For further information on cat nutrition, see:

• Dry Food, Wet Food, and Raw Diets for Cats
• High-Carb Diets Cause Health Problems in Cats
• High Protein Diets for Cats
• Cat Nutrition and Home-Made Food
• What to Feed a Kitten
• Hypoallergenic Diets for Pets
• Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
• Essential Fatty Acids for Cats and Dogs