What’s Really in Your Cat’s Bowl? An Interview with Susan Thixton

At CatCrazy, we believe your cat deserves the very best—and that starts with what’s in their food bowl. But navigating the pet food aisle can feel overwhelming. Labels are confusing, terms like “byproducts” sound vague, and flashy celebrity endorsements can make things even murkier.

That’s why we sat down with Susan Thixton, the founder of Truth About Pet Food and one of the most trusted consumer advocates in the pet food world. Susan has spent years fighting for transparency in the industry, filing citizen petitions with the FDA, and compiling annual lists of brands she truly trusts.

In our eye-opening conversation, Susan pulled back the curtain on what really goes into pet food—and how you can protect your cat.

Byproducts: What Does It Really Mean?

When you see “meat byproducts” on a pet food label, it doesn’t just mean nutritious organ meats like liver or kidney. According to Susan, the term can also cover condemned materials—diseased organs, unsafe carcasses, or ingredients never approved for human consumption.

The real problem? Labels don’t tell you the difference. Pet parents are left in the dark about whether that “byproduct” is a healthy organ or something you’d never knowingly feed your cat.

The Shocking Truth About Rendered Ingredients

Susan shared a chilling reminder of how dangerous the lack of transparency can be. A few years ago, over 90 million pounds of pet food were recalled after testing positive for pentobarbital—the drug used to euthanize animals. One lawsuit even revealed traces of dog DNA in a commercial dog food.

“No pet parent should ever have to worry about something like that ending up in their cat’s food,” Susan told us.

Ingredients Still Matter

You still need to check the recipe itself. Cats are obligate carnivores—they thrive on meat, not vegetables. Many foods may meet labeling standards, but aren’t biologically appropriate for your feline friend.

Susan’s rule of thumb? Look for foods that are meat-based, with minimal unnecessary fillers or carbs.

Country of Origin: Why Transparency Counts

Another issue pet parents face is ingredient sourcing. Labels can be misleading, with some products claiming “Made in the USA” while still sourcing critical ingredients overseas.

Susan recommends always asking brands for a complete list of ingredient origins and inquiring about their testing practices. “It doesn’t necessarily matter if an ingredient comes from China or Japan—it matters whether it’s been tested for safety and purity,” she explained.

Wins for Pet Parents

Despite the challenges, Susan has seen positive progress. AAFCO is now giving consumers clearer information than before. Meeting costs have also been reduced, allowing more pet owners to participate in important policy discussions.

And of course, Susan continues to publish her List of Trusted Pet Foods and Treats, a resource cat parents around the world rely on to cut through the confusion.

Final Thoughts

Pet food marketing can be slick, but Susan’s advice is simple: stay curious, ask questions, and demand transparency. “Cheaper than a vet bill, cheaper than a broken heart,” she reminds us.

At CatCrazy, we couldn’t agree more. Your cat deserves safe, nourishing food you can trust.

Want to know which brands Susan trusts? You can check out her latest list at TruthAboutPetFood.com

And don’t forget to subscribe to the CatCrazy blog—we’ll keep bringing you honest conversations with experts who care as much about your cat as you do. 🐾

Watch My Full Interview With Susan Thixton