Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to survive. Chicken and turkey are two lean protein options that can be part of a balanced feline diet. But is one better than the other for cats? There are a few factors to consider when choosing between chicken vs. turkey for your feline companion.
Nutritional Value
Both chicken and turkey provide complete protein with all the essential amino acids cats need. They are good sources of important vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus. On the whole, the nutritional value of the two meats is fairly similar.
Here is a comparison of the basic nutritional value of chicken and turkey (per 3 oz cooked, skinless):
| Nutrient | Chicken | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 135 |
| Protein | 26g | 25g |
| Fat | 3g | 3g |
| Sodium | 70mg | 65mg |
Chicken and turkey contain similar amounts of protein and fat when portion sizes are equal. Turkey contains slightly fewer calories and less sodium compared to chicken.
Composition
The meat composition differs slightly between chicken and turkey:
- Chicken is about 70% white meat and 30% dark meat when the entire bird is used.
- Turkey is roughly 55% white meat and 45% dark meat when the entire bird is used.
Dark meat contains more fat, zinc, B vitamins, and iron compared to white meat. The higher dark meat content means turkey provides a bit more of these nutrients.
For cats, this difference is unlikely to impact nutrition. But it may affect taste and texture preferences in some picky felines.
Moisture Content
Fresh turkey contains a bit more moisture than fresh chicken:
- Chicken is about 70% moisture.
- Turkey is around 74% moisture.
Higher moisture means turkey tends to be somewhat softer in texture. The extra fluid content also makes turkey more prone to spoilage. Fresh turkey needs to be properly stored and consumed quicker than fresh chicken.
For cats new to eating turkey, the softer texture might be more palatable. But moisture content isn’t a major issue for cats as long as they have access to clean drinking water.
Feline Taste Preferences
Many cats enjoy the flavor of both chicken and turkey when introduced as kitten. But some felines develop a strong taste preference for one type of poultry meat over the other:
- Chicken has a milder flavor compared to turkey.
- Turkey has a more robust, gamey taste.
If your cat seems to always devour chicken meals while snubbing turkey-based foods, that is a sign they simply prefer the milder taste of chicken.
Allergies
Chicken and turkey allergies are uncommon in cats but can occasionally develop. Signs of an allergy include:
- Itchy skin or ears
- Excessive grooming
- Hair loss
- Red, scabbed skin
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sneezing or watery eyes
If you suspect your cat has a poultry allergy, it’s best to avoid both chicken and turkey until you can have your vet perform an allergy test or elimination diet trial.
In rare cases, a cat may be allergic to just one type of poultry but able to tolerate the other without issue.
Cost
Price can also be a factor when weighing chicken vs. turkey cat food options. Here is an overview of average costs for common poultry cuts:
| Poultry Cut | Average Cost Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | $3.99 |
| Chicken thighs | $2.29 |
| Turkey breast | $4.29 |
| Ground turkey | $3.50 |
On average, turkey costs a bit more per pound compared to chicken. But less expensive turkey cuts like ground turkey help close the gap. There are affordable options for either poultry meat.
Commercial Cat Food Costs
For commercial cat foods, chicken meals are often the most budget-friendly protein source. Turkey-based formulas may carry a slight premium. But with proper comparison shopping, prices end up being fairly comparable.
Availability
Chicken is more widely available than turkey. Chicken can be found at any grocery store year round. Turkey may be harder to locate or need to be ordered specially outside of the peak holiday season.
The wider availability of chicken makes it more convenient as a routine cat food ingredient. But as long as you plan ahead, getting turkey shouldn’t pose much difficulty.
Conclusion
Chicken and turkey are both good meat options for healthy cats. Turkey contains a bit more moisture and more overall dark meat. But the differences in nutritional value and composition are relatively small.
Taste preferences vary among individual cats. So the best poultry meat depends on what your feline likes best. Consider any possible allergies as well.
On the whole, chicken cat food tends to be a bit more affordable and widely available. But turkey can add variety to the diet and is worth incorporating if your cat enjoys the flavor.
For the average cat, the pros and cons of chicken vs. turkey pretty much balance out. Rotating both meats as part of a mixed, balanced diet is an ideal approach to give your feline the benefits of each.
Summary of Key Points:
- Chicken and turkey contain similar amounts of protein, fat, and other nutrients.
- Turkey contains more dark meat and moisture compared to chicken.
- Chicken has a milder taste while turkey is more robust.
- Chicken may be more budget-friendly and widely available.
- Individual cats can have preferences for one type of poultry.
- Rotating both meats provides variety and balance.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about incorporating chicken or turkey into your cat’s diet. But either lean poultry meat can be a healthy choice.