Can Cats Eat Carbs? The Truth About Feline Nutrition

Written by Dr. Hannah Godfrey, PhD, Animal Nutrition

If you've spent any time browsing pet nutrition forums or social media, you've likely encountered the claim that cats shouldn't eat carbs.

As a fresh pet food company committed to science-based nutrition, Tom&Sawyer® knows this topic deserves a clear, evidence-based explanation. Our cat meals* are thoughtfully formulated with this science in mind.

The truth about cats and carbohydrates is far more nuanced than many online myths suggest, and understanding the real science can help you make better decisions for your feline fur-iend.

What It Means That Cats Are Obligate Carnivores

Cats evolved as hunters and rely heavily on protein and fat to meet their nutritional needs^1,2. Their natural prey, like mice and small birds, contains very little carbohydrate.

This evolutionary background has shaped some unique metabolic characteristics in our feline companions^3,4:

• Little to no salivary amylase (an enzyme that starts carbohydrate digestion)
• Lower digestive enzyme activity for breaking down starches compared to dogs or humans
• Heavy reliance on gluconeogenesis (making glucose from protein instead of carbs)

These metabolic differences often get misinterpreted as proof that cats cannot or should not digest carbohydrates.

However, being an obligate carnivore means cats require certain nutrients found primarily in animal tissue, not that they're incapable of utilizing other nutrient sources when properly prepared.

Can Cats Digest Carbohydrates?

Here's where science challenges common assumptions.

While cats have evolved to thrive on prey-based diets, research shows that healthy adult cats can actually digest and metabolize cooked carbohydrates very efficiently, especially when those carbohydrates come from high-quality sources^5,6.

Studies examining feline carbohydrate metabolism demonstrate that cats effectively digest gently cooked starches from ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and oats ^5,6. The key factors are the quality of the carbohydrate source and how it's prepared.

Gentle cooking significantly improves digestibility by breaking down complex starches into more accessible forms.

The difference between raw and cooked carbohydrates matters tremendously for cats. While raw starches may pass through largely undigested, properly cooked carbohydrate sources are broken down and utilized effectively by feline digestive systems.

This is why preparation methods are just as important as ingredient selection when formulating cat food with low carbs or moderate carbohydrate levels. For felines with sensitivities, our highly digestible Wild West Kangaroo* recipe demonstrates how quality preparation supports optimal nutrient absorption.

Do Cats Need Carbs in Their Diet?

The straightforward answer is no—unlike protein and fat, carbohydrates are not considered an essential nutrient for cats.

But this doesn't mean carbohydrates are harmful or should be completely avoided.

Understanding carbohydrate types helps clarify their role in feline nutrition. When we discuss carbohydrates in cat meals, we're typically referring to starches, though the category also includes sugars and fibers.

Sugars appear in minimal amounts, perhaps from small quantities of fruits when included. Fibers, while technically carbohydrates, are often discussed separately because they're indigestible but provide important benefits for gut health and the microbiome.

Quality carbohydrates in balanced amounts can provide several benefits for cats^4,7:

• Efficient energy source for daily activities
• Moderate calorie density helpful for weight management
• Digestible fibers that support gut health and beneficial bacteria
• Improved texture and palatability in Gently-Cooked meals

When properly formulated, cat food with low carbs or moderate carbohydrate levels from whole-food sources like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or oats are generally well tolerated by most cats and can be part of a balanced fresh diet.

The Truth About Carbs and Cat Obesity

This is where scientific evidence really diverges from popular belief, and where mythology often overtakes facts.

Many pet parents assume that high-carb diets lead to obesity in cats, but research tells a different story.

Studies comparing diets with varying macronutrient compositions reveal that fat, not carbohydrate, is the macronutrient most likely to drive overeating in cats^8,9. Research shows that cats tend to consume more total calories when their meals are higher in fat^8,9.

This makes sense because fat is extremely energy-dense and highly palatable, making overconsumption easy even for cats with normal appetite regulation.

When examining the relationship between dietary carbohydrates and weight gain, the evidence is clear. High-carbohydrate diets don't consistently cause weight gain in cats.

When feline studies allow free-feeding, high-fat diets lead to larger increases in calorie intake, body weight, and body fat accumulation. Meanwhile, higher-carbohydrate diets typically result in lower overall calorie intake, not higher8,9.

There's also the question of diabetes and insulin sensitivity. Even at carbohydrate levels higher than typically found in commercial cat meals, research shows that cats maintain normal insulin sensitivity^4,10.

Carbohydrates don't trigger the β-cell exhaustion that was once a theoretical concern, as newer scientific data no longer supports this worry.

The evidence-based bottom line is clear: carbohydrates in reasonable amounts are not proven to cause obesity or diabetes in cats.

Excess calories, particularly from fat, are more likely culprits when weight problems develop. This is why finding cat food high in protein and balanced in both fat and carbohydrates often represents the optimal approach rather than seeking cat food with no carbs entirely.

For cats prone to weight gain, our Chicken Cacciatore* offers a reduced-calorie option with thoughtfully balanced macronutrients.

Benefits of Carbohydrates in Gently-Cooked Fresh Meals

Fresh, Gently-Cooked meals use whole-food carbohydrate sources that are more digestible and less processed than those in conventional pet foods. This preparation method and ingredient quality create several advantages for feline nutrition.

Lower calorie density is one significant benefit. When carbohydrates from quality sources are included thoughtfully, they help reduce the risk of accidental overfeeding since they're less energy-dense than fat.

This makes portion control more forgiving for pet parents.

Improved stool quality often results from the natural fibers present in whole-food carbohydrate sources, combined with the gentle cooking process that enhances overall digestibility. Many pet parents notice their cats have more consistent, well-formed stools when eating fresh, balanced meals.

Enhanced satiety is another advantage. Some cooked carbohydrate sources help cats feel fuller and more satisfied after meals, which can support healthy eating patterns and weight management.

Better nutrient balance becomes possible when incorporating quality carbohydrates, allowing nutritionists more flexibility to optimize amino acid and fatty acid profiles, which are absolutely critical for carnivores like cats.

How Much Carbohydrate Should Be in Cat Food

There is no official minimum or maximum carbohydrate requirement established for cats. What matters most isn't hitting a specific number but rather focusing on several quality factors:

• Quality of sources: Whole-food starches and fibers beat highly processed alternatives
• Digestibility: Gentle cooking breaks down starches while preserving nutrients
• Nutritional balance: High-quality animal proteins and healthy fats must be included
• Appropriate calories: Match your cat's life stage, activity level, and body condition

Rather than seeking cat food with no carbs as an absolute rule, focus on meals that demonstrate thoughtful formulation with quality ingredients across all macronutrients. The whole recipe matters more than fixating on a single nutrient in isolation.

Tom&Sawyer® Approach to Feline Nutrition*

At Tom&Sawyer®, our meals are formulated by our lead nutritionist, Dr. Hannah Godfrey, PhD, Animal Nutrition, with science-backed precision and feline physiology in mind.

We offer three paws-itively delicious recipes designed to meet different nutritional needs while maintaining the quality and balance cats require.

Our Bento Box recipe is a high-protein, lower-carbohydrate meal purr-fect for healthy, energetic adult cats. Formulated for all life stages, this recipe ensures even kittens can thrive on nutritionally complete, fresh meals.

Wild West Kangaroo provides a novel protein source in a highly digestible meal designed for felines with sensitivities who need gentle nutrition.

For cats prone to weight gain or healthy seniors who need fewer calories, our Chicken Cacciatore offers a reduced-calorie option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Each Tom&Sawyer® recipe is prepared in a federally inspected Human Grade facility with restaurant-quality ingredients. Our Gently-Cooked preparation method preserves nutrients while ensuring safety and optimal digestibility.

Every meal contains only real, recognizable ingredients and is naturally supplemented with no more than 3% vitamins and minerals, allowing the nutritional benefits from whole-food ingredients to shine.

Supporting Your Cat's Health With Tom&Sawyer*

Understanding the science behind feline nutrition helps you make informed decisions for your kitty's wellbeing. Here are the key takeaways:

• Cats tolerate carbs well: Most cats digest quality, cooked carbohydrates efficiently
• Carbs don't cause obesity: Total calories and dietary fat play bigger roles in weight management
• Balance matters most: High-quality proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbs work together
• Whole recipe focus: Individual nutrients mean less than overall formulation quality

A scientifically formulated diet served in appropriate portions is the key to keeping cats healthy at every life stage.

Tom&Sawyer® created our own higher standard for pet foods because of our love of pets. As such, every meal is prepared to Human Grade standards in an inspected facility, giving your feline fur-iend access to safety and quality standards that exceed conventional pet food.

Our 100% Human Grade ingredients include only real, recognizable components you'd find in your own kitchen. We use Non-GMO and antibiotic-free ingredients to support long-term wellness, and our Gently-Cooked preparation method ensures optimal safety and digestibility without cooking nutrients out.

Switching to Tom&Sawyer® means giving your cat more than just a meal. It's a fresh, scientifically balanced diet that supports energy, digestion, and lifelong vitality—because when you feed them like family, they thrive like one.

Join Sawyer's Pack today and discover how Human Grade, Gently-Cooked nutrition can support happier, healthier, longer lives™ for your beloved feline companion.

*cat meals are currently available in Canada only.

Resources

1. Plantinga, E. A., Bosch, G. & Hendriks, W. H. Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats. Br. J. Nutr. 106, S35–S48 (2011).
2. Bradshaw, J. W. S. The Evolutionary Basis for the Feeding Behavior of Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus). J. Nutr. 136, 1927S-1931S (2006).
3. Kienzle, E. Carbohydrate metabolism of the cat 1. Activity of amylase in the gastrointestinal tract of the cat1. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 69, 92–101 (1993).
4. Verbrugghe, A. & Hesta, M. Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? Vet. Sci. 4, 55 (2017).
5. de-Oliveira, L. D. et al. Effects of six carbohydrate sources on diet digestibility and postprandial glucose and insulin responses in cats. J. Anim. Sci. 86, 2237–2246 (2008).
6. Asaro, N. J., Berendt, K. D., Zijlstra, R. T., Brewer, J. & Shoveller, A. K. Carbohydrate level and source have minimal effects on feline energy and macronutrient metabolism. J. Anim. Sci. 96, 5052–5063 (2018).
7. Lee, A. H. et al. Dietary enrichment of resistant starches or fibers differentially alter the feline fecal microbiome and metabolite profile. Anim. Microbiome 4, 61 (2022).
8. Godfrey, H., Ellis, J. & Verbrugghe, A. A meta-analysis: Dietary carbohydrates do not increase body fat or fasted insulin and glucose in cats. J Anim Sci (2024).
9. Nguyen, P. G. et al. Effects of dietary fat and energy on body weight and composition after gonadectomy in cats. Am. J. Vet. Res. 65, 1708–1713 (2004).
10. Verbrugghe, A., Hesta, M., Daminet, S. & Janssens, G. P. J. Nutritional Modulation of Insulin Resistance in the True Carnivorous Cat: A Review. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 52, 172–182 (2012).