Photo courtesy of Hill’s Science Diet

When it comes to feeding options for our cats, not only can the choices available be dizzying, but the opinions as to what brand or type of food to feed them dizzying as well and conversations can often reach pitch levels that rival a political debate. Well, I don’t like to debate politics and I also don’t like to tell people what they should, or should not feed their cats, as I realize that we all have our own personal reasons – be they holistic, scientific, financial, or specific dietary needs and I try to respect that.

What I can do, however, is offer information so that you can make an informed decision on your own as to what best suits your cat’s needs and so when Hills Science Diet reached out to me and asked if I would like participate in their Hill’s Science Diet Blogger Outreach Campaign, with the first topic being Hill’s Science Diet Grain-Free Cat Food, I agreed because I felt most of us have probably heard of grain-free foods, but did we really understand what grain-free food was and is it necessarily the best option for your cat?

Grain-free is a feeding option for those who have cats with allergies or sensitivity to grains that can result in itchy, dry skin, and upset stomachs or for pet parents who just have a personal preference to feed their cats grain-free food. Grain-free does not mean carb-free or that the food is high in protein – in fact, grains are often replaced with high carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes. Grain-free also does not imply the best quality of food for your cat – not all brands are created equal and the most important aspect to consider is the precise balance of nutrients your cat needs for optimal health without any grain.

So how do you decipher all the grain-free choices without the cat suffering? Some cat foods might contain excesses or deficiencies of specific nutrients and many foods labeled as “all-natural” can be deceiving to pet parents who just assume that this type of food must be the best choice for their beloved kitty, not realizing that in many cases, all-natural might just mean that there is a lack of artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Hill’s has been in the pet food business for over 70 years with all foods processed in their own U.S. facilities and understands the worries and concerns the pet parent has and they have eliminated the confusion with the introduction of their new Hill’s Science Diet Grain-Free cat food that offers the precise balance of nutrients your cat needs for optimal health without any grains. It’s made with real chicken and has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is carefully balanced with the following important nutrients to help ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life:

   Prebiotic fibers from beet pulp for healthy digestion.

   Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support a healthy and shiny coat.

   Vitamins E + C to support your cat’s immune system.

   Phosphorus to maintain healthy kidneys.

   Taurine to help promote healthy vision.

To ensure your cat have a beautiful coat and be happy and healthy like Peanut and Mia here, it is imperative you feed them a well-balanced cat food suitable for their age and dietary needs.

So, there you have it. Another great option for your cat, but instead of just reading about it, Hill’s has generously allowed me to give away sample bags (10 pounds each) to four (4) lucky readers who would like to try the Grain-Free food out for their own kitty! Or, if you wish, you can request a specific shelter or rescue on your behalf that you would like to have the food donated to. All you need to do is leave a comment by midnight, EST, September 30th, as to why you would like to try the food out for your kitty or what shelter you would like to donate it to, if that is your choice. The contest is limited to the U.S. and Canada and you must leave your email address in the contact form or within the text of your comment to be eligible so that I can contact you for shipping details.

And as a side note, please be aware that Hill’s Grain-Free food is recommended for adult cats 1 – 6 years of age with grain sensitivities. Kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, mature cats, or cats with other dietary issues should switch to an appropriate Science Diet formula.

“While my cats personally have been eating the Hill’s brand for years without compensation, this post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats, but Zee & Zoey’s Chronicle Connection only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.”