3 Best Cat Foods Without Carrageenan for Easy Digestion

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Carrageenan is a seaweed thickener used in many wet cat foods. It has no nutrition value, and can irritate digestion.

Some carrageenan degrades with digestion and is inflammatory. This ingredient is linked with irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and other inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Whilst the jury is out on how much carrageenan is harmful in cat food, it’s worth avoiding for peace of mind.

In this guide I’ve delved into the popular cat food range to tease out the best cat foods without carrageenan.

If you want what’s best, my top pick is below…

My Top Pick: Tiki Cat After Dark

With no carrageenan or gums, Tiki Cat After Dark is a top choice for easy digestion.

It’s also high in animal-protein and comes in a pleasing shredded texture. One of our favourites.

Tiki Cat After Dark

In the rest of this article I’ll run through my top picks and a buying guide on choosing high protein cat food.

Then I’ll go through frequently asked questions on this topic.

If you want to find what is absolutely the best for your cat, then read on…

Why trust this article?

As a dietitian, I am experienced in health and nutrition research. I’ve got the tools and know-how to tease apart the science. The foods I’ve recommended are heavily scrutinised down to the ingredient list and where possible, tested.

This article is based on reviewing the scientific literature to provide recommendations for food.

>> Learn More on our About Page

3 Best Cat Foods Without Carrageenan

The following choices are from my own product database, where I’ve entered nutrition, ingredient and pricing data.

The database also includes results from personal testing with my own cats and kittens. Where possible, I prefer recommending products I’ve personally tested to know what the quality is like.

However, if I notice something that is favourable I’ll suggest that in place (but will let you know that I haven’t tested it).

Best Canned Cat Food Without Carrageenan and Guar Gum

Tiki Cat After Dark

Tiki Cat After Dark is free of gums, gluten, carrageenan and peas. That makes it a great choice for easy digestion.

It’s also suited to all life stages, making it a versatile options for any cat. What’s more is it zero carb, which is great for diabetes.

The hefty price tag is the main downside here. This range contains chicken, which might not suit some.

>> Our review of Tiki Cat After Dark

A photo showing a can of Tiki Cat After Dark cat food
Tiki Cat After Dark

Pros

  • Carrageenan-free
  • No added gums for easy digestion
  • Complete meal for all life stages
  • Authentic shredded texture

Cons

  • Pricey
  • All contain chicken
  • Made in Thailand

Tiki Cat After Dark Ingredients

Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, chicken heart, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, salt, taurine, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), vitamin E supplement, tuna oil, niacin (vitamin B3), zinc oxide, vitamin A supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, copper amino acid chelate, manganous oxide, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, potassium iodide, vitamin D3 supplement

A packed circles chart showing the estimated amount of each ingredient by weight in Tiki Cat After Dark
A pie-chart showing the dry basis nutrition for Tiki Cat After Dark
A pie-chart showing the ad fed nutrition for Tiki Cat After Dark
Key FeatureNote
TypeWet (shreds)
LifestageAll
Energy (kcal/kg)751
Made inThailand
Cost per ounce* (market ave)$0.62 ($0.48)
A table of key features for Tiki Cat After Dark *Last analyzed March 2023 (may not reflect current prices)
A video showing us testing Tiki Cat After Dark with a friendly cat tester

Best Budget Cat Food Without Carrageenan

Fancy Feast Classic

It’s hard to find budget cat food without carrageenan, but Fancy Feast is an exception.

Thankfully, I haven’t seen any carrageenan in their wide range.

It’s low carb, low in fillers, and cats love it. Most options suit adults, but there’s some for kittens and/or all life stages.

The quality of this product might put off some, with added gums and by-products in the tin.

>> Our review of Fancy Feast

Fancy Feast classic cat food
Fancy Feast Classic

Pros

  • Carrageenan free
  • Huge variety
  • Complete nutrition for adult cats
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Uses meat by-products
  • Does use gums
  • Smelly
  • Mixed quality from tin to tin

Fancy Feast Classic Ingredients

Chicken Broth, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Fish, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Guar Gum, Salt, Taurine, Vitamins [Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement]

A packed circles chart showing the estimated amount of each ingredient by weight in Fancy Feast classic
A pie-chart showing the dry basis nutrition for Fancy Feast classic
A pie-chart showing the as fed basis nutrition for Fancy Feast classic
Key FeatureNote
TypeWet (pate)
LifestageAdult
Energy (kcal/kg)1,129
Made inUSA
Cost per ounce* (market ave)$0.28 ($0.48)
A table of key features for Fancy Feast Classic *Last analyzed March 2023 (may not reflect current prices)

Best Cat Food Without Carrageenan for Picky Eaters

Wellness Core Tiny Tasters

Wellness Core Tiny Tasters can help if your cat is a picky eater. It comes in a delectable pate pouch that our cats couldn’t resist.

It’s a complete meal for adults and packed with juicy protein. There’s not much not to like here.

The cost is a little high though.

>> Our review of Wellness Core

Wellness Core Tiny Tasters
Wellness Core Tiny Tasters

Pros

  • High protein for taste
  • Easy serve pouch
  • Complete meal for adults
  • No added carrageenan or grains

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Lacks flavor variety
  • Made in Thailand

Wellness Core Tiny Tasters Ingredients

Duck, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Natural Flavors, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Locust Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Carbonate, Taurine, Xanthan Gum, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Magnesium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide

A packed circles chart showing the ingredient weighting of Wellness Core Tiny Tasters
A pie chart showing the dry matter basis nutrition of Wellness Core Tiny Tasters
A pie chart showing the as fed nutrition of Wellness Core Tiny Tasters
Key FeatureNote
TypeWet (pate)
LifestageAll
Energy (kcal/kg)1,100
Made inThailand
Cost per ounce* (market ave)$1.00 ($0.48)
A table of key features for Wellness Core Tiny Tasters *Last analyzed March 2023 (may not reflect current prices)
Our cat Felicia trying Wellness Core Tiny Tasters
Our cat Felicia trying Wellness Core Tiny Tasters

What is Carrageenan?

Carrageenan is a thickener.

It’s mainly used in wet cat foods (usually gravy based). You won’t usually find carrageenan in dry cat food, because it’s a thickener.

Carrageenan is made from red seaweed products (also called Irish Moss). Whilst it’s technically ‘natural’, it’s still linked with harm.

Carrageenan in Cat Food

Carrageenan is found in many wet cat foods.

The reason is to thicken cat food for a desirable texture. Gravy and pate based cat foods tend to use carrageenan more often.

Some brands tend to use carrageenan more often than others. For example, Blue Buffalo use carrageenan a lot, whilst Hill’s Science Diet don’t seem to use it.

Why Is Carrageenan Bad for Cats?

Degraded carrageenan may cause inflammatory conditions including:

  • Colitis
  • Arthritis
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Colon cancer

Some carrageenan degrades with digestion. Degraded carrageenan is used to test models of inflammation.

The amount of carrageenan used to cause digestive disorders is much higher than found in cat food (less than 1%). Carrageenan is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Tolerance studies exist for rats and dogs, but none for cats. A safety panel suggest 750mg/kg wet feed is safe for cats (extrapolated from dog safety research).

Problem?

You won’t get information on how much carrageenan is in your cat food. Although it’s likely very small, the grey area is a problem.

How to Identify Carrageenan in Cat Food?

Here’s how to find out if carrageenan is in your cat food.

Check the Ingredients List

By law, cat food has to include an ingredients list. It’s usually on the back or side.

As carrageenan is a minor ingredient, it will usually be down the list so check carefully.

Cat food ingredient list
Check the ingredients list for carrageenan (usually near the bottom)

Check Ingredients Online

Buying online?

Some retailers don’t put out ingredients list, but others do.

Hit control + F (command + F for mac users) to see if there’s any carrageenan in your chosen food. Make sure you get the spelling right.

Here’s an example on Chewy:

Checking for carrageenan in cat food online
Use control + F online (command + F for mac) to check for carrageenan in cat food

Check Other Names for Carrageenan in Cat Food

Be careful.

Some countries use numbers for additives, including carrageenan. In Australia, for instance, carrageenan is E407.

Words like ‘gelling agents’ or ‘stabilizer’ can include gums and carrageenan. If you see these terms, it’s best to stay on the safe side.

Here’s a longer list of names for carrageenan to watch for:

  • E407
  • Irish moss
  • Algin
  • Seaweed extract
  • Polysaccharide
  • Red seaweed extract
  • Carageenan gum
  • Chondrus
  • Carrageenin
  • Thickeners
  • Gelling agents
  • Vegetable gum

Resources:

A cat food ingredient list which includes gelling agents, a possible source of carrageenan
Gelling agents may include carrageenan

How to Find the Best Cat Food Without Carrageenan?

Make sure you choose cat food that meets your cats dietary needs. Check for a statement of nutritional adequacy on the label.

This shows your cat food meets AAFCO’s nutrition guidelines for:

  • Growth: Kittens (up to 1 years)
  • Maintenance: Adult cats (1-7 years)
  • All life stages: Kittens or adults
  • Supplemental: Occasional feeding only (not complete)

AAFCO don’t set nutrition guidelines for senior cats. Find guidelines at American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) website.

Most cat foods suitable for all life stages are better choices for older cats.

Choose High Protein Cat Food

Protein is the most important nutrient for cats and their preferred food source as carnivores.

The nutrient is high in animal foods like chicken, fish, turkey, and beef. You’ll want to make sure you choose foods high in these ingredients.

Grain-based protein (e.g. wheat gluten) is lower quality. This type of protein has fewer essential amino acids, which are what cats need to use to fuel muscle strength.

As a general rule, aim for 40% protein on a dry basis. Use a calculator to check.

Learn more:

A statement of nutritional adequacy on a cat food
Check the statement of nutritional adequacy to find a complete cat food

Can Carrageenan Be Avoided in Cat Food?

Yes, you can avoid carrageenan in cat food.

Whilst the thickener is widely used there’s enough options to choose from that are carrageenan free.

Remember, that dry cat food doesn’t contain carragennan, so that’s fine to use.

Which Cat Foods Use Carrageenan?

From my research:

  • Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy
  • Fussie Cat Premium
  • Friskies
  • Merrick Purrfect Bistro
  • 9 Lives Hearty Cuts
  • Blue Buffalo Freedom
  • Natural Balance
  • Royal Canin Kitten

This list isn’t exhaustive and only includes cat foods I’ve research and/or tested.

It may not reflect all products from the brand or future changes.

What Cat Food Does Not Have Carrageenan in It?

Based on my research, the following cat food doesn’t have carrageenan:

  • Tiki Cat After Dark
  • Ziwi Peak
  • Feline Natural
  • Fancy Feast Classic
  • Wellness Core
  • Hill’s Science Diet
  • Sheba Perfect Portions
  • Purina Pro Plan
  • Purina One
  • Tiny Tiger
  • Hound & Gatos

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

Carrageenan is a thickener that is used in sauces and liquid foods to create a more desirable texture that’s less runny.

Most likely.

Whiskas contains ‘gelling agents’, which may contain carrageenan.

It’s a cheaper cat food (most have carrageenan). A location specific brand, so double check.

Yes.

Products with carrageenan:

  • Royal Canin Kitten
  • Royal Canin Adult Instinctive
  • Royal Canin Indoor

Another location specific brand, so double check where you live.

It’s not well known whether carrageenan is truly safe in cat food.

The amount of carrageenan used to cause digestive disorders is much higher than found in cat food (less than 1%). Carrageenan is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Tolerance studies exist for rats and dogs, but none for cats. A safety panel suggest 750mg/kg wet feed is safe for cats (extrapolated from dog safety research).

However, there is no direct research into cat food.

Degraded carrageenan is linked with inflammatory conditions including:

  • Colitis
  • Arthritis
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Colon cancer

No, it doesn’t appear so.

Carrageenan isn’t in the following Purina Pro Plan products:

  • Purina Pro Plan Senior Adult 7+ Seafood Favorites Pate Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Turkey Favorites Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Adult White Meat Chicken & Vegetable Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Adult Seafood Stew Entree in Sauce Canned Cat Food
  • Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Classic Salmon & Tuna Entree Canned Cat Food

Please check each product as future product mixes may change.

Purina have one line of cat food that does contain carrageenan, which is Friskies.

Yes, I have found carrageenan in Friskies wet canned cat food.

Friskies products with carrageenan:

  • Friskies Pate (all flavors)
  • Friskies Farm Favorites

Friskies Shreds is carrageenan free as of the writing of this article.

The best way to avoid carrageenan is to check the ingredients list carefully.

If you’re unsure about an ingredient, check online to see if it may contain carrageenan. In some cases it’s best to err on the side of caution with vague ingredients (e.g. vegetable gum, gelling agents).

No, chicken doesn’t have carrageenan.

No, carrageenan is still legal to use in Australia.

A lot of processed milks have carrageenan.

Many “kitten milk” products contain carrageenan and other vegetable gums. This gives consumers an attractive looking texture.

Carrageenan is a thickener that stops food from being runny and watery. It’s used in a lot of human products including milkshake and ice-cream.

It’s even used for other purposes including toothpaste and shampoo. Gravy based and pate cat food often uses it to help get a desirable texture.

Apparently not.

I went through a range of Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet cat foods. None had carrageenan.

This doesn’t guarantee every single product is carrageenan free. Always double check.

No.

I’ve checked a range of Sheba wet cat foods, and none contained carrageen.

Includes Perfect Portions Pate, Cuts in Gravy and Bistro.

Conclusion

Carrageenan is a thickener used in wet cat food linked to cancer and irritable bowel disease.

Whether the small amount is harmful isn’t clear, but avoiding it is good for peace of mind.

Dry cat food doesn’t contain carrageenan, but it’s common in gravy based wet foods. Check the ingredients carefully.

>> Our best cat food without carrageenan is Tiki Cat After Dark

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AUTHOR

I'm qualified dietitian that's turned their attention to cat nutrition. My goal is to help tease out the science on how best to feed your cat.