What you need to know about the meat or fish content in cat kibble
Did you know that the meat or fish content stated on some cat food packaging can be very different from what your cat actually eats? In kibble made with fresh meat, up to 75% of the moisture is lost during production – meaning that the final kibble contains far less meat and animal protein than you might expect. Opti Life kibble, on the other hand, contains plenty of fish or meat in the finished product and is fully transparent about its composition.
Your cat doesn’t eat meat or fish just because she enjoys the taste – it’s a biological necessity. Cats can’t produce certain essential amino acids and vitamins themselves, so they rely on meat or fish from animals that are rich in these nutrients. That’s why cats are known as true carnivores. The amount of animal protein in their food is therefore crucial. But did you know that the meat percentage shown on packaging for kibble made with fresh meat can differ greatly from what your cat actually consumes?
How much meat is really in your cat’s kibble?
Packaging often proudly displays the percentage of fresh meat included. But fresh meat contains around 75% water. During the production process, most of this water is removed, leaving only about 8% moisture. On average, only about a quarter of the original amount of fresh meat remains at the end of the process. So, if the label on your cat’s kibble lists 50% fresh chicken, that doesn’t mean there’s much chicken left in the finished product. Here’s how it works.
Ingredients listed by weight
According to EU regulations, all dry and wet pet food packaging must list the ingredient categories (or preferably the specific ingredients) used in the recipe. These must appear in order of weight – the ingredient used in the largest quantity appears first. Unfortunately, this list refers to the ingredients before processing, not to what remains in the finished kibble. And that makes a big difference: from the 50% fresh chicken proudly mentioned on the label, only about a quarter actually remains in the final kibble!
Stating a high percentage of fresh meat on the packaging can therefore make consumers believe there’s much more meat in the finished kibble than there actually is. A lack of animal protein, however, can have several negative effects on your cat:
- Your cat may need to eat more of this type of kibble to meet her nutritional needs for animal protein, which can lead to weight gain.
- On the other hand, if portions are restricted to prevent weight gain, too little protein can cause deficiencies – leading to problems such as a dull coat or muscle loss.
- A third concern is urinary tract health. Animal proteins help acidify urine, which prevents urinary issues. When a kibble contains too little meat and too many plant-based proteins and carbohydrates, the urine becomes too alkaline, increasing the risk of urinary problems.
It’s therefore essential to understand that the amount of animal protein in cat kibble is vital for your cat’s health. Choosing food with a high meat or fish content – and with transparent ingredient information – ensures your cat gets the nutrients she needs to stay healthy and full of life.
Opti Life is deliberately made with dried chicken or dried salmon
Ideally, you and your cat shouldn’t have to worry about this at all. That’s why Opti Life is fully transparent about what goes into its kibble. You won’t find vague terms like ‘poultry’ or ‘fish’ on our packaging – we clearly state ‘chicken’ or ‘salmon’. The meat percentage shown on Opti Life packaging genuinely matches what’s in the kibble, since almost no moisture is lost during production from the dried chicken or salmon. This also means the kibble stays fresh for longer, retains its delicious flavour, and guarantees a high concentration of the right nutrients. Did you know that Opti Life Adult Chicken contains no less than 40% protein – with 90% coming from animal sources? Compared to other brands that often have lower overall protein levels and provide no clear information about the share of animal protein, this demonstrates how Opti Life stands out in quality. All this has positive effects on your cat’s health, condition and digestion.
You’ll see the difference, and she’ll taste it!
More questions about meat?
We hope this has helped you understand what goes into your cat’s kibble and how the so-called ‘fresh meat’ percentages really work. If you have any further questions on the subject, feel free to get in touch – our experts will gladly provide answers.
93% of cats who tried Opti Life are convinced!
Annick and Turbo
“For Turbo, every Opti Life meal is a big party. Our adorable kitten grew into a strong, handsome tomcat thanks to the healthy Opti Life kibble. Spoiling your cat with a tasty bite, isn’t that the best thing there is?”
Jens and Rosa
“From the very first time we mixed Opti Life with Rosa’s old food, she picked out the new kibble right away. She used to have frequent diarrhoea. Ever since she’s been on Opti Life, it never happens anymore. She digests the food so easily. Happy cat, happy owner.”
Julie and Sushi
“My little diva Sushi had been struggling with skin rashes and bald spots for a while. Thanks to the delicious Opti Life Sensitive kibble, which she clearly enjoys every single day, her issues disappeared like snow in the sun.”