Pet parents who spend some time in the grocery store aisle reading the ingredient list in cat foods will be familiar with agar-agar. So, if you have some in your kitchen, you may be wondering: Can cats have agar agar? Is it safe to give agar agar to cats?
As responsible cat owners, we strive to ensure any harmful or unnecessary fillers stay far from the food dish. So, in this blog post, we’ll discuss the origin and safety of agar-agar in cat foods to help you make an informed decision on whether this food additive is safe or not.
What is Agar Agar?
Agar-agar is a processed ingredient that is derived from red or purple seaweed. It was discovered in the 1600s in Japan, and most of its production still takes place in Japan. The seaweed is usually processed at an industrial scale in factories. It undergoes several steps, including heating and washing, before the final product is produced. The most common form of agar-agar is powdered form, similar to flour, which can then be dehydrated with water to produce a gelatin-like substance. It is also sold in strand form, flake, bar, etc.
It has a lot of uses, including as an ingredient in desserts (jellies, puddings, and custards), as an appetite suppressant, as a vegan alternative for gelatin, and as a thickening agent for soups. It is also used in the microbiological field as a culture media to observe the growth of bacteria and diagnose infections.
Lastly, despite being made from seaweed, agar-agar transforms into a neutral product with minimal smell or taste. Its little or no smell and taste are the major factors that make it popular to be mixed with other foods. Those consuming it are unlikely to notice its presence.
What Are The Benefits of Agar Agar?
- You can use agar agar to make homemade treats or wet food for your cat. Just boil some agar agar with water and mix it with meat, vegetables or other ingredients. The result will be a firm but soft snack that your cat will surely love.
- One common benefit of agar-agar is that it is hypoallergenic. This means that it does not cause allergic reactions and is, therefore, suitable for cats with food intolerances.
- Agar-agar is low in calories and fat-free and can be used for overweight cats. Agar agar is also a great source of Fiber, Manganese, Magnesium, Folate and Iron.
Possible Risks of Agar Agar
Here are some disadvantages of agar-agar that need to be considered:
- Agar-agar can lead to blockages if the dosage is high. Therefore, you should always stick to the recommended amount and offer your cat more water.
- Not all pets react positively to the presence of agar-agar in foods, and some cats may experience mild side effects or symptoms. The common effect is an upset stomach or other digestion-related issues like diarrhea. If you notice that your cat is sensitive to agar-agar, discontinue its use immediately.
- Cat parents should avoid agar-agar for underweight cats and those with easily obstructed bowels.
Is Agar-agar Safe For Cats?
Agar-agar is not bad for cats. It is safe for them. It is commonly used in canned cat foods at a very small inclusion rate (less than 0.4%).
Agar-agar is approved for use in pet food recipes by the relevant health authorities in the USA and the EU. Also, the quantity of Agar-agar found in most pet food recipes is extremely small. These two factors combined mean that it is unlikely that Agar-agar is bad for cats to consume.
Agar Agar in Cat Food
In canned cat foods, agar-agar produces a desirable gel consistency, so it is less common in dry cat food brands.
Alternatives To Agar Agar In Cat Food
So, if agar-agar is not bad or toxic, the question becomes: Is there a better option?
Pet food manufacturers are constantly exploring different options to maintain palatability and stability without compromising feline health. Here are other alternatives to consider:
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants. The fenugreek seeds act as a natural binder, replacing inexpensive commercial gum binders. The seeds are rich in many vitamins and minerals, thereby providing lots of health benefits. They lower blood sugar, making them a recommended food ingredient for diabetics. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which helps in digestion.
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed meal offers both texturizing properties and nutritional benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein. Flaxseed meal supports overall feline health and helps to maintain food stability. It is a popular choice among pet food manufacturers due to its ability to bind ingredients together and improve palatability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Agar Agar Natural?
Yes, agar-agar is completely natural. It is also a vegetable alternative to gelatin.
Does Agar Agar Go Bad?
Agar-agar has a long shelf life. So, it won’t go bad if it is properly stored in a cool and dry environment. However, if you store it in a hot and humid environment, it can catch some bad smells and flavors.
Is agar-agar the same as carrageenan?
Agar-agar is different from carrageenan. They are different products that are used for different types of foods. Agar-agar is commonly used as a vegetarian alternative for gelatin in jelly, processed cheese, sweets, glazes, icings, etc. In contrast, carrageenan is a polysaccharide that is used in soy milk, processed meat, pates, beer, sauces, ice cream, desserts, and more. The similarities are that they come from the same source, red algae, and their ability to form a gel.
Is agar-agar okay for kittens?
Agar-agar is not okay for kittens. Small kittens have a very sensitive stomach that cannot handle agar-agar. Just like carrageenan, agar-agar can cause health problems in your cat’s gastrointestinal tract, thereby causing inflammation. So, it is advisable to avoid feeding agar-agar to kittens.
Final Thoughts
Agar-agar is a harmless food additive used in many forms worldwide, especially canned cat food. It undergoes commercial processing and is used in small amounts. It also produces a palatable consistency in wet cat foods and replaces non-vegan gelatins. It is important to note that there have been no pet food recalls due to agar-agar.