Ashes in my cat's food: what is it?

Diet plays a crucial role in the health of our cats. And as adoptive parents, we want the best for our little protégés. But it's not always easy to read and decipher the labels of cat food and pâté. Because the health and well-being of your little cat are essential, we couldn't leave you in the pâté. We're going to tell you everything so that you can FINALLY make an informed choice!

A natural compound, brewer's yeast is praised for its many health benefits. And this applies not only to humans but also... to cats! Yes, brewer's yeast is also very beneficial for your cat. Very rich in B vitamins, it helps your whiskered friend maintain a healthy coat and is especially useful in fighting digestive disorders. What exactly is brewer's yeast for my cat? If you skipped biology classes in middle school, here is a quick reminder of what brewer's yeast is: it is a living microorganism, a microscopic unicellular fungus belonging to the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which naturally exists in the air, on plants, and on certain fruits and vegetables. It is notably used to ferment beer. Brewers rely on this yeast in the fermentation process of their brews. Although useful for producing alcoholic beverages, brewer's yeast mainly has very interesting health properties: it is a source of minerals and trace elements (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, etc.). And above all, it is very rich in B vitamins, essential nutrients for the health of cats (and also for us humans). Available in flakes or powder to sprinkle, in capsules or tablets to ingest, brewer's yeast comes in various forms. At Ziggy, we chose to directly include brewer's yeast in our kibbles and pâtés for cats so that all our little companions can benefit from it. Example of the composition of our kibble and pâté for sterilized adult cats with ASC chicken and salmon. What are the benefits of brewer's yeast for my cat? Brewer's yeast has several beneficial effects on a cat's health. As mentioned above, its main advantage is its richness in B vitamins, particularly vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B3 (niacin). Vitamin B1 is essential for the proper functioning of a cat's body. This water-soluble vitamin concentrates in the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain. Like dogs, cats cannot synthesize thiamine. They must therefore obtain it from their diet. Brewer's yeast is a source of vitamin B1, but it can also be found in meat (chicken, pork), egg yolk, and organ meats. However, these animal-based sources must be of good quality, which is not always the case in industrial cat foods that use reconstituted meat (a mix of animal and plant proteins) or low-quality meat parts without much nutritional value. A deficiency in thiamine can have serious health consequences for cats: it can cause beriberi, a disease also found in humans that manifests with muscle weakness and neurological disorders (head ventroflexion, seizures). Cats are even more prone to thiamine deficiency than dogs, requiring four times more thiamine to stay healthy! Note that the flesh of some fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine. Regular consumption of raw fish can also cause a thiamine deficiency. Another essential vitamin found in brewer's yeast is vitamin B3 (niacin). It is also called vitamin PP for “Pellagra Preventive” because a deficiency causes pellagra in humans (apathy, gastrointestinal problems). In cats, it can lead to weight loss, weakness, anorexia, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea. Vitamin B3 supports the proper functioning of the digestive system but also skin health and the quality of the cat's coat. It helps your cat have a beautiful shiny coat rather than greasy or dull fur. Niacin is mainly found in brewer's yeast but also, like thiamine, in meat and especially organ meats. At Ziggy, our products contain brewer's yeast and high-quality organ meats to guarantee our little companions a sufficient and balanced intake of B vitamins. We do not use reconstituted meat, mechanically separated meat (MSM), or any kind of animal "waste" (carcasses, skin, feathers, bones). Finally, minerals and trace elements ensure the growth and maintenance of hard and soft tissues in cats. An important note: brewer's yeast improves the palatability of kibbles and pâtés, making them tastier for cats. A good point for picky cats who often turn their noses up at their bowls! Brewer's yeast for my cat: daily or as a course? Brewer's yeast can be given daily to cats but in small amounts. Excess can cause diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, the dosage must be precise! This is the case for our Ziggy pâtés and kibbles, whose recipes were formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a veterinary expert in feline nutrition. Our Ziggy products: perfectly dosed brewer's yeast + quality animal proteins = 😻 Brewer's yeast can also be consumed as a supplement for several weeks. In this case, ask your veterinarian's advice—especially if your cat has a medical condition (kidney failure, diabetes). They will advise you on the form (tablets, flakes, powder) and the right amount to give your little cat. Note that brewer's yeast must be specially made for cats. Do not give brewer's yeast bought in supermarkets. And for kittens? Our baby cats can definitely consume brewer's yeast as long as they are fully weaned!

When looking at the composition of a pâté or a packet of kibble, we can often see the mention “animal by-products”. But what are these by-products? Are they good for my cat? We explain everything in this article.