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Cats and a vegetarian diet
While it may seem absurd to feed a cat a vegetarian diet after all we've reported here about the importance of meat protein and the unimportance of grains in a cat's diet, there are some arguments for a vegetarian diet, as long as it's properly balanced and meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.

Cats also don't naturally like grains and plants. Even so, some vegetarian pet owners want their cat to have a meat-free diet. Evolution makes both wet (*est. $1.75 for a 13-ounce can) and dry (*Est. $30 for a 10-pound bag) vegan cat foods, and Evanger's offers a Vegetarian Dinner variety (*est. $1.40 for a 13.2-ounce can). Vegepet sells a variety of food supplements and other products for those who want to make vegan cat foods at home.
If you're considering a vegetarian diet for a dog or cat, make sure all the required nutrients are present, and then watch your pet carefully for changes in energy, coat luster, eye clarity, stool texture and overall affect. Cat Food Prices
Important Features: Cat Food
The following is what reviews say to look for when purchasing cat food; the brands listed in Consumer Search Fast Answers meet most, if not all, of these criteria.
Look for more meat in the list of ingredients and less by-product, grain and vegetable products. C.J. Puotinen, a natural health and nutrition expert and author of several books on pet care, says "Any commercial pet food where the major ingredient is grain is bad. Mother Nature doesn't feed dogs and cats that way; why should you?" Choose foods without dyes or artificial preservatives. The preservatives may be hard on your cat's internal organs. Dyes can stain carpets and upholstery. Premium foods seldom contain dyes and artificial preservatives, but many supermarket brands do.
Balance canned food and dry food. Canned cat food has an advantage in that it contains a high percentage of water -- which reviews say matches the water content wild cats would get from a natural carnivorous diet. Wet food ensures better hydration, since cats will need to drink less water throughout the day. Dry food is easier on owners and their wallets, but many experts urge moderation in their use. If using a dry food, look for one that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and make sure your cat has plenty of water.
Read the label. Given the absence of rigorous comparison testing, the food's ingredient list and nutritional data is the best guide to quality. The best products avoid the use of grains like corn or wheat, soy and animal by-products. If cost, availability or your cat's preferences are an issue, try to stick with a food that minimizes such ingredients and lists them further down the ingredient list.
Pet food safety is a growing concern. Last year's recalls of cat foods because of tainted wheat and rice glutens have spotlighted some major issues regarding pet foods and their ingredients. While the majority of foods -- and all of the foods listed in Consumer Search Fast Answers -- have been deemed to be safe, this is an ongoing issue. The FDA and ASPCA websites set up to address pet food safety are a good place to start. Savvy pet owners feed their cats what's healthy and don't allow themselves to be trained by their pets to deliver kitty junk food on demand. Cat experts largely agree: Finicky eaters aren't born, they are created by their owners.