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Venturing beyond traditional protein sources for feline diets, venison emerges as a novel and nutrient-rich option and your cat might be one who craves venison cat food. Revered for its lean quality, venison offers not only a unique taste but also a plethora of health benefits that can cater to specific dietary needs or preferences of our feline companions. So, let’s get wild and hunt down the best venison cat foods, unpacking their nutritional offerings and highlighting the top choices to consider for your beloved kitty.
What Are The Benefits of Venison-Based Foods for Cats?
Venison-based foods offer a range of benefits for cats, making them a valuable consideration for many pet parents:
Novel Protein Source:
Venison is often used as a novel protein, especially for cats that have developed allergies or sensitivities to more common protein sources such as chicken or beef. Introducing a new protein can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Lean Meat:
Venison is known for being a lean meat, which means it’s low in fat. This can be beneficial for cats needing to manage their weight or those with specific dietary fat restrictions.
Rich in Essential Nutrients:
Venison provides essential amino acids crucial for muscle growth and maintenance. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, and minerals like zinc and iron, which are vital for various bodily functions.
Hypoallergenic Properties:
Due to its novelty as a protein source in many cat diets, venison can be less likely to trigger allergic reactions, making it a preferred choice for cats with known food allergies.
Highly Palatable:
Many cats enjoy the unique taste of venison, which can be beneficial for picky eaters or those needing a change in their diet to stimulate appetite.
Natural Source of Omega Fatty Acids:
Venison contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Less Exposure to Antibiotics and Hormones:
Wild-caught or responsibly farmed venison is often raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones, which some pet owners prefer for health and ethical reasons.
Digestibility:
Venison can be easier for some cats to digest, especially those with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues.
When considering venison-based foods for your cat, it’s essential to ensure that the product is high quality and free from harmful additives or excessive fillers. As always, consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet to ensure it aligns with their health and nutritional needs.
The 7 Best Venison Cat Foods
#1 – Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets Venison, Complete & Balanced Scoop & Serve Healthy Grain Free Raw Cat Food, Crafted in The USA (14 oz)
Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets Venison is a complete and balanced raw cat food made with grass-fed venison and organic fruits and vegetables. It is free of corn, wheat, soy, lentils, and legumes, and contains no synthetic vitamins or minerals, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This freeze-dried cat food is convenient and delicious, offering maximum nutrient absorption for optimal health benefits.
Best For: Cats on a raw food diet.
#2 – ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free & Limited Ingredient with Superfoods (Venison, 14 oz)
The ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food is an all-natural, high protein, grain-free, and limited-ingredient cat food. It features a novel protein diet with authentic whole-prey ratios, including 96% free-range venison, organs, bone, and New Zealand green mussels. This cat food is ideal for cats with food sensitivities as it is grain-free and low in carbohydrates, and it also contains superfoods like cold-washed green tripe, organic kelp, and New Zealand green mussels to support digestion, healthy weight, reduced shedding, and joint health.
Best For: Cats with food sensitivities and those in need of a high-protein diet.
#3 – ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free, Limited Ingredient, with Superfoods (Venison, Case of 12, 6.5oz Cans)
ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food is a high-quality, all-natural cat food option. It is made with real meat, is high in protein, and does not contain any grains or unnecessary fillers. It also includes healthy superfoods to promote your cat’s overall health and well-being.
#4 – Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Green Pea & Venison | Grain-Free Dry Adult Cat Food | 8-lb. Bag
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Green Pea & Venison is a grain-free dry adult cat food formulated with a single animal protein source and a simplified list of premium ingredients. It is designed to support strong muscles and digestive health in cats and is suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies. Natural Balance ensures safety and transparency through its ‘Feed with Confidence’ program, testing every batch of food for quality assurance.
Best For: Cats with sensitive stomachs, irritable skin, or allergies.
#5 – Taste Of The Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food With Roasted Venison & Smoke-Flavored Salmon 14lb
The Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a high-protein cat food that supports bone and joint health, as well as overall body condition. It contains nutrient-rich fruits, superfoods, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. This product is best for those looking for cat food that supports healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health and wellness.
Best For: Healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health and wellness.
#6 – Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Salmon & Venison in Gravy 5.5oz
The Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe with Salmon & Venison in Gravy is a canned cat food that features a combination of animal proteins to support bone, joint, and body condition health. This nutrient-rich formula includes vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables like peas, blueberries, and raspberries. The product is made in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted sources.
Best For: Best ingredient sourcing.
#7 – Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Beef & Venison Pate Cat Food – Premium Wet Cat Food – Beef Recipe – Case of (12) 5.5 oz Cans
The Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Beef & Venison Pate Cat Food is a premium wet cat food that comes in a case of twelve 5.5 oz cans. It contains finely minced beef and venison cooked in beef broth, providing a complete and balanced recipe for cats. Fromm Family Foods is a family-owned pet food company that has been dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals since 1904.
Best For: Cats of all breeds and ages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venison Cat Foods
1. Why is venison considered a novel protein for cats?
Venison is termed a “novel protein” because it’s less commonly used in cat foods compared to proteins like chicken or beef. Due to its rarity in most commercial diets, many cats haven’t been exposed to it, reducing the chance of sensitivities or allergies.
2. Is venison cat food suitable for cats with allergies?
Yes, venison can be a great option for cats with food allergies or sensitivities because of its status as a novel protein. It’s often recommended by veterinarians for cats that show adverse reactions to more traditional protein sources.
RELATED: 9 Best Cat Foods for Allergies
3. Can venison cat food help with weight management?
Venison is a lean meat, meaning it has a lower fat content compared to other meats. This can be beneficial for cats needing a reduced-calorie diet or those managing their weight, but overall caloric intake and activity level are key factors in weight management.
4. Is venison cat food more expensive than other types?
Due to its specialty status and the costs associated with farming or sourcing wild venison, venison-based cat foods can sometimes be more expensive than standard chicken or beef-based foods.
5. How do I transition my cat to a venison-based diet?
Switch diets gradually over 7-10 days, mixing the venison-based food with their current diet, increasing the proportion of the new food daily. This helps prevent digestive upset and eases the transition.
6. Can kittens eat venison cat food?
Yes, but it’s essential to choose venison cat food formulated specifically for kittens. Kittens have distinct nutritional requirements, so always ensure they get a diet tailored to their developmental stage.
7. Are there any risks associated with feeding my cat venison?
Like any protein, there’s a risk of contamination or allergies. Always ensure you’re buying from a reputable brand that follows strict quality control measures. Additionally, some venison cat foods might mix in other proteins, so read labels carefully.
8. Is wild-caught venison better than farm-raised for cat food?
Both have their merits. Wild-caught venison is often leaner and free from antibiotics and growth hormones. However, farm-raised venison can be more consistent in quality and less likely to have parasites or contaminants from the wild.
9. Do venison cat foods have all the essential nutrients my cat needs?
A high-quality venison cat food should be formulated to provide all the essential nutrients a cat requires. However, it’s essential to choose a product that’s labeled “complete and balanced” and consult your veterinarian to ensure nutritional adequacy.
10. Are there venison-only cat foods, or do they mix with other proteins?
Both options exist. Some cat foods feature venison as the sole protein source, while others combine venison with other proteins. It’s always a good idea to read ingredient labels closely to understand the composition.
Conclusion: Best Venison Cat Foods
Incorporating venison into your cat’s diet can offer a delightful twist on their regular meals, bringing with it a new taste experience and a host of nutritional advantages. While venison cat foods might not be as ubiquitous as other protein-based options, their benefits, especially for cats with allergies or sensitivities, are hard to ignore. Always remember to transition your cat’s diet gradually and, if unsure, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that any new food meets their specific nutritional needs and health concerns. Whether for its hypoallergenic properties or simply to introduce a gourmet twist, venison cat food can be a splendid addition to your cat’s menu.