Pills are organised by the four-level processing ladder: Whole, Processed, Heavily Processed, and Synthetic, plus a separate Labelling Transparency band. Each pill represents a distinct ingredient or labelling concern.
Whole
No Considerations
Products with no pills show no considerations. The ingredient list is straightforward: named proteins, named fats, whole grains, vegetables, and supplements. No synthetic additives, no vague categories. Not all products in this state are "better" (it depends on your cat's needs), but the label is transparent.
Processed Level
Animal Digest
Fermented or hydrolysed animal proteins used as palatants and flavour sprays. The process breaks down muscle and organ tissue into amino acids and peptides, which taste intensely meaty to cats. Not inherently harmful, but a processing step worth knowing. Different from synthetic palatants like pyrophosphates.
Caramel Colour
Heat-treated sugar used to tint kibble or pouches brown. Naturally derived (burned sugar), but processed specifically for appearance rather than nutrition. Cats don't perceive colour the way humans do. Gets its own Processed-level pill because the processing concern is distinct from synthetic dyes.
Heavily Processed Level
Thickeners & Gums
Carrageenan, guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, and similar compounds bind moisture and create texture in wet foods. Some research (particularly on carrageenan) suggests potential gut inflammation at high doses. Most veterinarians consider guar gum and locust bean gum benign. This pill flags any thickener so you can research the specific one.
Plant Protein
Concentrated or isolated plant proteins (pea protein isolate, potato protein, corn gluten meal) used to boost total protein percentage. Distinct from whole plants like peas. Isolation removes fibre and nutrients, leaving mostly protein. For obligate carnivores, plant protein doesn't satisfy the same biological need as animal protein.
Grains
Wheat, corn, oats, rice, barley, and grain-based flours. Not inherently problematic (many cats digest grains fine), but they're carbohydrate-heavy compared to the feline ancestral diet (primarily meat). This pill flags their presence for owners choosing grain-inclusive, grain-free, or low-carb diets.
Starches
Corn starch, potato starch, and similar refined carbohydrates used as binders and texture agents. Higher processing than whole grains, and less nutritional value. Often present in wet foods and kibble as cost-effective filler. This pill highlights starches separately from whole grains.
Legumes
Peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and soy. Like grains, legumes are carbohydrate-rich and less aligned with the feline ancestral diet. Some debate exists around legume presence in cat food, particularly regarding taurine and heart health. This pill flags them so you can make an informed choice.
Synthetic Level
Synthetic Preservatives
BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, sodium nitrite, propyl gallate, and menadione (synthetic vitamin K3). Extend shelf life and prevent oxidation. Some studies link BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin to liver and kidney damage at high doses. Menadione is banned for human use in many jurisdictions but permitted in pet food. This pill flags their presence.
Synthetic Colours
Disclosed synthetic dyes (FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) and mineral colourants (iron oxide, titanium dioxide). Used to appeal to owners, not cats. Cats perceive colour differently. The concern is synthetic chemical additives. This pill only fires when the brand explicitly names the dye (transparency).
Synthetic Flavours
Disclosed synthetic palatants and pyrophosphates sprayed on kibble. Pyrophosphates are most common and sometimes called "cat crack" for their effect on palatability. Different from animal digest (naturally derived, fermented) and natural flavours (undisclosed source). This pill fires only on named synthetics.
Added Sugars
Sucrose, dextrose, corn syrup, and similar sweeteners added to kibble or wet food. Cats lack sweet taste receptors and don't need added sugar nutritionally. The concerns are cavity risk and unnecessary carbohydrate load. Some brands add sugars to boost palatability or mask undesirable flavours.
Labelling Transparency
Collective Labelling
The brand didn't disclose the specific source. Examples: "meat by-products" instead of "beef by-products"; "poultry meal" instead of "chicken meal"; generic "Flavours" without specifying the source. This pill signals that the ingredient is real, but the label is vague. For some products, vagueness is acceptable; for others, it's a transparency concern.
Using This Glossary
Each pill represents a distinct concern. A product can have multiple pills. For example, a pouch with gelling agents, chicken meal, and added sugars would show Thickeners & Gums and Added Sugars, both on the Heavily Processed level, alongside Collective Labelling on the Labelling Transparency band. Read them as a set to understand the full ingredient picture.
Not all pills indicate a problem. Grains and starches are fine for many cats. Some owners prefer products with thickeners for texture. The pills are neutral signals; you decide how to weight them based on your cat's health, age, and dietary needs.
Without limiting our Terms, ingredients and product information listed here require independent verification. Information on this page is sourced from publicly available sources and while we take reasonable care to verify accuracy, we do not warrant that it is complete, current, or error-free. Nothing on kibbleguide.com.au constitutes veterinary or nutritional advice. Consult a qualified veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet. See our Terms of Use for full details.