I had an interesting conversation with an ex-Hills rep recently who had advocated the Hills counterpart diets for many years. I asked him a very simple question – should obligate carnivore cats have grain in their diet.

His response was along the lines of how he had often wondered that, and then recalled overhearing some clever Hills scientists in the work canteen about how the best diet for a (diabetic) cat was very similar to that of a mouse.

It’s funny how we so easily overlook the basics.

Hi David,
There are many vets and vet nutritionists who would disagree with you on this about Royal Canin or Hills for that matter. Ive directly had several conversations with my vet as to why they only stock those foods for controlled diets. If you are legitimately getting independent testing done out of your own pocket, please publish the actual test reports. I’d be happy to show my Vet and see where she stands on it.

Hi Kar,

Given the main ingredients in Royal Canin Anallergenic are maize starch and feather hydrolysate you have to wonder how beneficial it is to your carnivorous cat!

There’s info on the following guide to hypoallergenic diets, although it’s in respect to dogs. For a cat, avoid grains and high-carbohydrate ingredients as much as possible, and keep moistureless dry food to a minimum if possible. Air/Freeze dried foods are good options for cats with dietary sensitivities, so brands like Frontier Pets, Healthy Active Pet, ZiwiPeak, Raw Meow, or even dry foods like Orijen (tends to be hard to get hold of), Taste of the Wild, ACANA etc (although all dry foods will contain carbohydrate ingredients)

Is there any substitution for RC Anallergenic? Thanks

Thanks for the feedback Jamie! Yes, you have to wonder how beneficial these “dental” diets are. Simply looking at the ingredients and considering if they sound appropriate for a carnivore makes you wonder why our vets so highly recommend these products!

I have read about all the brands that I feed my cats, and Royal Canin is the main one that Vets have recommended since I started having cats 5yrs ago. But 2 out of my 3 cats are starting to get sick of the Dental diet. So I thought it is the perfect time to change!

But I want the best for my cats, so I wanted to read more to be able to make the right decision for them.

The articles in this website have been very helpful, and I have just started ordering the other brands that are the best in America. Hopefully my cats would like them!!

I’ve also noticed that they change the kibble size – making the kibbles bigger for breeds which are known for “wolfing” their food, forcing them to slow down with the bigger kibble.

But that may be the only difference.

Thankyou for the honesty.

Hi Stacey, I wouldn’t want you to waste a food you already have, and in any case variety is a good thing. I think the best thing is understanding what’s in the cat foods you’re feeding, particularly Royal Canin Indoor, then making a decision whether to buy it in the future.

Your reviews are absolutely useful! I’m thinking to change to Grain Free dry food, but my cat just lovin Royal Canin… The previous owner has feed him with Royal for at least 1-2 years. I have apprx 1.5kg Royal Canin Indoor left. Can I mix them with other brand Grain Free dry food? I will pick 1 from your top 10 list. I’m thinking to give my cat half Royal Canin Indoor + half Grain Free dry food + ZIWI wet food. Is that ok? I don’t want to waste Royal Canin and want my cat to reduce grain intake ASAP. Thank you.