Super premium food - all the best for domestic cats

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Acana

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Innova Cat and Kitten

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N&D Natural and Delicious

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Finding the best food for cats is something every owner of a tailed pet strives for. The choice of ready-made food today is large: dry, wet, economy, premium, holistic. To make it easier to understand the assortment, we offer an overview of food in different price segments with photos and a brief description.

The article provides a rating of the best feeds of different classes, provides advice on choosing, as well as a comparison of different types of feeds, describing their advantages and disadvantages.

Which cat food to choose

Much in a cat’s life depends on nutrition – its health, well-being, mood and appearance. It is important to choose a food that does not harm, but, on the contrary, gives the pet energy, has no side effects, and does not lead to illness. Therefore, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the composition.

Bad ingredients:

• cellulose;
• chemical preservatives;
• sugar and caramel;
• propylene glycol;
• E-127 is a chemical dye that can provoke cancer;
• Ethoxyquin, BHA (T320), BHT (E321). These substances lead to skin neuroses, liver problems, and depression;
• E-310 – propyl gallate. May cause allergies and asthma.

If the package simply says “Meat,” then most likely the manufacturer does not want to disclose the real composition of the product. In a quality product, the list of ingredients provides detailed information about what types of meat are included in the structure and in what quantity.

Healthy Ingredients:

1. Meat. The basis of a cat's diet is meat. Good food can include different types of meat: chicken, beef, rabbit, turkey. Another useful ingredient is fish.
2. Offal. They are important for a cat's healthy diet, but their amount should not exceed 10%.
3. Plant components. Their composition should not exceed 25%.
4. Protein. Protein from milk and eggs is beneficial for cats. Its optimal volume is 20%.
5. Mineral supplements and vitamins. If they are included in the product, this is a big plus.

Healthy and Safe Supplements

It’s good if the composition includes vitamins such as: B1, B2, B6, B5, B15, B3, K, H, E, C. It’s good if the food contains potassium chloride - a substance that monitors the health of the nervous system and normal work of the heart.

Hills (Hills), USA, Netherlands - premium

Hills is a high-quality premium daily and medicinal food for cats, which has proven itself in many countries as a healthy and wholesome food for pets. It is important to note that regular Hills food is significantly inferior in quality to medicinal food, and therefore, after one or two weeks of feeding the animal with daily food, you should be tested and find out how well this food is absorbed by its body. But in general, the food meets all the quality requirements and the cats really like it.

Advantages:

• - relatively low cost
• - correct balance of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium
• - detailed indication of all ingredients on the packaging
• — a wide range of medicinal feeds

Flaws:

• - increased content of plant proteins
• - excessive concentration of carbohydrates
• - may cause allergies
• - sometimes enhances the smell of excrement

Cost: from 250 to 6000 rubles depending on the weight of the package.

Types of feed

All ready-made food is divided into 2 large groups:

1. Dry.
2. Wet.

Dry food

They are produced in the form of dry granules, have different compositions and are intended for different breeds and ages. There are foods for sick, pregnant and lactating cats.

Advantages:

1. Saving money. It is more profitable to buy dry granules. To provide your pet with adequate nutrition with natural products, you will have to spend money. The dry granules contain all the ingredients necessary for cats.
2. Save time. Purchasing, calculating quantities and creating the right menu takes a lot of time. In dry granules, everything is calculated and put in the correct proportions. All you need to do is pour food into a bowl.
3. Long shelf life. In a natural diet, all products are perishable. They should not be left in the bowl for a long time. Dry granules do not spoil; if the cat does not finish its “dry ration”, it will not disappear until the next feeding.
4. Balance. For complete natural nutrition, you need to correctly calculate the amount of products, monitor their quality and constantly buy fresh milk, cottage cheese, meat, fish, eggs, offal and other ingredients.

Flaws:

1. Lack of moisture. There is practically no moisture in the granules, which means that the cat must always have a full bowl of water. Another disadvantage of dry texture is urolithiasis, which can appear as a result of “dry” nutrition and dehydration.
2. Large amount of carbohydrates. Too much carbohydrate is found in cheap foods and can lead to sudden spikes in blood sugar. This imbalance in cats, as in humans, often leads to diabetes.
3. Harm to teeth. Today, the myth that dry granules clean teeth has been dispelled. The cat does not carefully chew the granules, so the plaque does not disappear, but, on the contrary, accumulates. And if there are a lot of carbohydrates in the food, then they accumulate on the teeth and turn into plaque, which over time destroys the enamel.
4. Aromatic additives. To make food attractive, manufacturers add flavorings to it. They are called digests, have no nutritional value, and only attract cats by smell. The cat quickly gets used to a low-quality product. Good food without digests does not seem so tasty to her.

Wet food

Wet food is canned cat food. They are packaged in cans, plastic pots, lamisters or soft pouches - bags made of polyethylene or foil. They are large or small pieces of meat, fish, porridge and vegetables, drenched in liquid or jelly sauce.

Advantages:

1. Moisture. Canned food contains up to 80% moisture. The cat will not feel thirsty and will not be at risk of urolithiasis.
2. Gentle processing. Canned food retains more nutrients than kibble.
3. No carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are rarely found in wet food. The structure of canned food consists mainly of offal and meat. There are no protein substitutes either. This diet is as close as possible to the natural diet of cats.
4. Large selection of textures and flavors. The smell and taste of canned food is attractive to cats, and the variety of forms, textures and composition will allow you to choose the right option for any pet.

Flaws:

1. High price. Canned food is expensive, but it doesn't last long.
2. Short shelf life. Wet food is not recommended to be stored open for long periods of time. They lose their taste and quickly deteriorate.

All cat food is divided into 4 classes:

1. Economy The cheapest food contains about 4% meat and contains dyes and flavors. According to many, these foods can be considered cat “fast food”, which is better not to be used on an ongoing basis.
2. Premium The composition includes natural meat, usually chicken and good quality offal. They are highly digestible and safe for cats. But there is also a minus - the presence of preservatives.
3. Super premium. The structure contains a large amount of meat products. Food is rarely advertised and can only be purchased in special pet stores.
4. Holistic. Food of the highest quality. It is developed by veterinarians and professional nutritionists. It contains no chemical additives, dyes, or flavors. Meat, vegetables and other additives are only of organic origin.

Orijen Cat, Canada – holistic

Orijen Cat is a premium freeze-dried food for cats, consisting entirely of natural ingredients, there are no preservatives in its composition, and its taste and natural value are at the highest level. The meat content in these feeds is at least 70%, and the remaining ingredients are herbs, fruits and vegetables. The optimal combination of all useful substances makes this food one of the best in the world.

Advantages:

• - made exclusively from high quality natural products
• — maximum permissible meat content
• - balanced herbal vitamin formula
• — presence of Omega-3 – acids of marine origin, beneficial for coat and skin
• - antioxidant properties
• - excellent taste
• - prevalence in retail chains

Flaws:

• - relatively high cost compared to other feeds of this level

Cost: from 320 to 12,000 rubles, depending on the weight of the packaging.

The best holistic food for cats

Acana

Food from the Canadian manufacturer Acana is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Belongs to the professional class and belongs to the holistic class. The company's concept is to bring ready-made food closer to the natural diet of carnivores.

All formulas of Acana finished products are based on 5 principles:

1. A large amount of natural meat.
2. No carbohydrates.
3. Variety of meats.
4. Vegetables and fruits as natural supplements.
5. Herbs to improve physical health.

That is why up to 70% of the product structure is occupied by various types of meat or fish. And the carbohydrate component is completely removed from the diet. The structure does not contain grains, starch, flour, or potatoes.

Pros: all-natural ingredients, main ingredients are meat and fish, grain-free formula, medicinal herbs, vegetables and fruits.

Cons: high price.

Innova Cat and Kitten

It is considered one of the highest quality and elite food. Manufactured in the USA by Natura Pet Products. It has a high protein content - from 30 to 50%. Moreover, all protein is of animal, not plant origin. A product with such a large amount of protein is recommended for active, healthy and active pets. But it is not suitable for neutered, lazy and sedentary cats, as well as animals with kidney and liver diseases.

Contains 100% natural ingredients:

1. Dietary meats: turkey, chicken, rabbit.
2. Fiber – natural vegetables and fruits.
3. Oils and fats.
4. Lactose-free milk.
5. Vitamins and minerals.
6. Enzymes and probiotics for good digestion.
7. Cranberry is an essential component because it prevents the development of urolithiasis.

Pros: the structure does not contain grains, dyes, flavors, completely natural composition, the basis of the diet is dietary meat, there are ingredients for the prevention of urolithiasis, as well as components that improve digestion.

Cons: expensive, sold only in specialized online stores, not suitable for sterilized and calm animals due to the high protein content.

N&D Natural and Delicious

The name stands for “natural and tasty.” Produced by the Italian company Farmina Pet Food. Animal products make up the majority of the structure – 70%. These are high-quality varieties of fish, poultry and meat:

• cod;
• lamb;
• chicken;
• boar meat;
• venison;
• duck;
• herring.

In addition, added vegetables and fruits that are beneficial for health and digestion:

• pumpkin;
• apple
• orange;
• blueberry;
• pomegranate.

The line includes completely grain-free or low-grain products. In the latter, spelled, a semi-wild cereal crop, is often used. It contains more vegetable protein and less gluten than cultivated wheat. Vegetables, fruits and minerals occupy 20% of the composition. The structure is enriched with a large number of vitamins.

Pros: no artificial preservatives, GMOs, dyes; There is practically no gluten, all ingredients are natural, enriched with vitamins.

Cons: the cost is not cheap, some brands contain grains, but they are low gluten.

Orijen

New generation food from TM Orijen is developed taking into account the nutrition of cats in the natural environment. Most of the diet consists of meat and fish. Grain components are completely excluded from the composition.

For the production of feed, the company uses only lake and sea fish varieties:

• herring;
• salmon;
• zander;
• whitefish.

The composition includes meat of dietary varieties:

• chick;
• chicken;
• lamb.

In addition, the structure includes eggs, vegetables, fruits and herbs. The food is rich in protein, because 80% of the composition is animal products. A distinctive feature of Orijen products is the organic origin of the ingredients. Poultry and cattle are raised free-range and fish are wild caught.

Pros: organic products, composition rich in animal proteins, absence of grains, balanced menu, close to the cat’s natural diet.

Cons: high protein content is suitable only for healthy animals, the price of the product is high, and is not sold in all stores.

Artemis

The American company Artemis practices a “holistic approach” to the production of feed. This means that the products used are 100% natural, the main part of the composition is proteins, grains are excluded, and the diet coincides with the diet of cats in nature.

Hypoallergenic ingredients are used for production:

• bison meat;
• salmon;
• duck;
• turkey meat.

The company's products do not contain components harmful to cats:

• GMO;
• chicken fat;
• soy;
• wheat;
• potato;
• cereals;
• gluten.

Chickpeas or chickpeas are used as fiber. It has a low glycemic index, high fiber and vitamin B content. Animal fats are replaced with healthy vegetable oils: coconut and sunflower.

To improve digestion and prevent urolithiasis, pumpkin has been added. It also improves the movement of hairballs through the digestive tract. Suitable for animals with sensitive gastrointestinal tract.

Pros: natural, well-thought-out composition, optimal protein level - 24% suitable for most cats, no grains, animal fats or chemicals.

Cons: not cheap, difficult to find in stores.

Chicken Soup

Holistic from the American company Diamond Pet Foods, which focuses on animal protein. For this purpose, the composition includes chicken and turkey meat. In addition, there are elite varieties of ocean fish and fishmeal. The structure of granules and canned food does not contain animal fats of dubious origin. Sources of fat include chicken and salmon.

A big plus of the product is the absence of soy and corn. Although the food is a grain food, it uses grains that are harmless to cats: rice and barley. Fruits, vegetables and berries have also been added.

Pros: top-quality food with a high-quality composition, all ingredients are labeled as products suitable for the human diet, several types of meat in each package, balanced amount of protein.

Cons: expensive price, the product is difficult to find in Russia; The lightweight formula for obese cats contains cellulose powder, which can cause allergies.

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle food is made based on all the nutritional needs of cats. Selected products are used to make it: meat, vegetables and fruits, cereals. The diet is balanced. Golden Eagle food includes the following ingredients:

1. Squirrels. It's the base that makes up the bulk. The composition includes high-quality protein products: salmon, pork, duck, eggs.
2. Vegetables. The following are added to the product: carrots, legumes, tomatoes, potatoes.
3. Fruits. The formula is enriched with fiber, potassium and vitamins from apples and cranberries.
4. Cereals. The structure includes barley, white and brown rice - sources of fiber, vitamin B, carbohydrates, iron, and selenium.
5. Fats. Salmon meat, rich in healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, is used to make food.

Pros: balanced diet, high-quality, natural products.

Cons: presence of cereals, potatoes, expensive price.

Felidae

Another American brand that produces new generation holistic products. The structure includes natural proteins of animal origin. The main sources for obtaining them:

• chicken;
• mutton;
• turkey;
• fish.

Although the food contains cereals, it is only in the form of brown rice in a small, acceptable volume. Corn and preservatives BHA, BHT and Etoxyqiun are not used. The structure contains berries, herbs, prebiotics, Omega-3, Omega-6 fatty acids, and chelated minerals. All packages are marked “Human Grade”. It means that the quality of the products is selected for people, and not made from waste from meat production.

Pros: protein is the basis of the food, no harmful ingredients, selected meat products and healthy natural additives.

Cons: contains rice, the product is difficult to find on sale, the price is high.

Go

Go food is manufactured in Canada by Petcurean Pet Nutrition. These are high-protein, grain-free, high-end holistic foods. The best meat and fish varieties are used for their production:

• lamb;
• a wild boar;
• salmon;
• cod;
• pollock;
• chicken;
• duck;
• river trout;
• turkey meat.

The nutritional formula also includes fruits, vegetables, prebiotics and probiotics. Preservatives, products with growth hormones, wheat, cereals, corn and soy are taboo.

Pros: according to reviews, it is one of the best products for a complete and healthy diet for cats, all harmful ingredients are excluded, there are no grains, the formula is enriched with probiotics and prebiotics to improve cat digestion.

Cons: the amount of protein is very high - 70%, so it is not suitable for sick, sedentary and sterilized cats; high price compared to analogues; There is no percentage indication of ingredients on the packaging.

Power of Nature

Manufacturer – Germany. The company name is Cats Country. Dry food of this brand is divided into 3 groups:

1. Active cat.
2. Normal cat.
3. “Golden Years” - for older cats.

“Active cat” - contains 80%-98% protein of natural, animal origin. This provides energy to the most active cats.

"Normal cat" High protein food without harmful additives, suitable for healthy cats with normal activity during the day.

"Golden Years" The third group of foods contains 88% easily digestible protein from chicken, rabbit, salmon and eggs. The formula supports muscle tone and the immune system without overloading the kidneys. Contains CATActive-Complex of vitamins, chelated minerals, prebiotics and taurine.

Pros: high protein content of natural origin for cats of different ages and activity levels, 100% natural ingredients, mineral and vitamin supplements, available in dry and “wet” form.

Cons: high price, not very widespread.

What is the rating based on?

For ease of ranking, wet food is divided into categories - classes, the most affordable of which are economy and premium. The food is much more expensive - super-premium, and the most refined - holistic.

The latter are recognized by veterinarians as the most suitable in terms of balance and nutritional value for feeding cats; food in the economy and premium categories is inferior in price and quality, but their advertising is shown daily on TV, which increases consumer demand.

Veterinarian advice! It is recommended to focus on who is indicated in the manufacturer's column on the food packaging. The fact is that many brands are manufactured in Russia, so it is not always worth believing in the declared “French” quality.

The basis for the rating of wet cat food is the following parameters: quality characteristics of the product, balanced composition and purchasing activity.

The significance of each of the parameters in compiling the rating in descending order (the first positions have more weight):

1. Product quality: what raw materials the manufacturer uses - freshly prepared meat and offal or meat and bone meal; balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, the presence of dyes, preservatives and flavors.
2. Breadth of the line: does the brand have breed, dietary, medicinal food, food for kittens.
3. Cost: a significant parameter when purchasing food. Does the price of the feed correspond to its composition?
4. The opinions of veterinarians and reviews of owners make the final contribution.

All of the following brands are present on the Russian feed market and can be purchased in pet stores or online stores.

The best super-premium cat foods

Hills Science Diet (Prescription Diet)

The line of dietary food is designed for pets with health problems. The range includes products for pets with various diseases:

• Excess weight.
• Urinary tract diseases.
• Kidney problems.
• Gastrointestinal diseases.

The formulas of medicinal feeds are developed in collaboration with veterinarians and nutritionists. In obese cats, the food brings weight back to normal within 2 months of diet. In pets with urological problems, it dissolves uroliths. In case of problems with the endocrine system, the level of the hormone decreases, the function of the thyroid gland is restored within 3 weeks.

Pros: the feed is medicinal, products suitable for human consumption are used.

Cons: contains corn and cereals, sold only in veterinary pharmacies and specialized stores.

1st Choice

The product of the Canadian company PLB International contains about 30% protein. Grains, soybeans and meat by-products are excluded from the feed structure. The line includes products tailored to the age, health and activity of cats. Each of them has its own recipe, developed specifically to solve a particular problem. But in any package the basis is high-quality varieties of fish and meat. Natural additives include vegetables, herbs, legumes and healthy cereals - barley, brown rice, flaxseeds, etc. Added a good mineral and vitamin complex.

Pros: the source of protein is meat ingredients, natural preservatives are used, namely a mixture of tocopherols, the formula is enriched with a mineral-vitamin complex, the food is easy to find in pet stores.

Cons: contains vegetable protein, salt, chicken fat.

Almo Nature

The first place in the composition of the Italian food Almo Nature is occupied by meat and its derivatives. This is mainly turkey, chicken, beef, veal, lamb. The formula also includes the best varieties of white fish, salmon, and tuna. The percentage of meat or fish depends on whether the food is dry or wet. The second place is occupied by cereals, and more specifically, rice. The structure contains fats and proteins of plant origin, as well as mineral supplements and probiotics.

Pros: vitamin-mineral complex, the product is not difficult to buy in pet stores.

Disadvantage: vague names of ingredients, corn gluten is included in the structure, which causes allergies, rice and vegetable proteins are used in the production of food.

Bosch Sanabelle

The line of food TM Bosch Sanabelle is distinguished by a wide range of products for adult animals of both sexes and kittens. At the same time, there are special formulas for large, active, young and elderly animals, as well as food taking into account the pet’s health problems. Available in different forms: dry, wet, cat treats.

The protein used is poultry meat, poultry protein, offal, and hydrolyzed protein. The carbohydrate part is rice, peas and rice flour. Animal and fish fats (from salmon) were used. Fiber - pea, beet or flaxseed. Berries and dried herbs are added.

Pros: corn and wheat are not included in the structure, the structure is enriched with vitamin and mineral components, a large selection of goods.

Cons: no indication of what antioxidants were used, price higher than similar products.

Natura Gold

Natura Gold food from an American manufacturer contains 40% proteins. Basically, it's chicken meat and chicken flour. Chicken fat is also used, as well as salmon – a source of Omega-3 fatty acid. The percentage of fat in the feed structure is 20%. The fiber used is vegetable, although the packaging does not indicate which products are used in the feed.

Pros: rich in animal protein, rich mineral and vitamin complex, contains chicory extract for better absorption of feed.

Cons: cellulose, chicken fat in the composition.

Pronature Holistic

PNB International produces products for cat nutrition at all stages of its life. Food strengthens the pet’s immunity, prevents diseases, and lengthens its life. The value of the composition is that it contains an elite type of fish - salmon. Another plus is animal protein. Its amount is quite large - 70%. No wheat, soy or corn, only those ingredients that your cat needs for normal life and well-being.

Pros: the base is 70% protein, exclusive meat and fish varieties are used, the line contains food to maintain normal weight, natural preservatives are used, there are lines for cats of different ages.

Cons: contains cereals: barley, oatmeal, and chicken fat.

Leonardo

The German brand Leonardo uses only animal proteins to make food: fresh poultry meat, dried protein from poultry fibers, dried chicken eggs, liver, lamb meat, salmon, sea fish and sea zooplankton (krill). The source of fats is poultry and salmon fat, as well as seafood. Apple fiber plays the role of fiber. Lingonberries and catnip are used. Instead of cereals, amaranth flour is used.

Pros: natural meat and natural animal protein extracts, use of healthy sources of fat and herbs, many vitamin and mineral supplements in the composition.

Cons: high price, not sold in every store.

Taste of the Wild

A product from an American company that specializes in producing food for dogs and cats. It is distinguished by the complete absence of grains, the presence of legumes and sweet potatoes in the composition. Provides complete nutrition at all stages of a pet's life. The basis of the food is fried and smoked venison. Salmon has also been added. Both components are natural and have an attractive taste for your pet. Vegetables and fruits will ensure healthy immunity, activity and good mood of the animal. The volume of protein in the structure is high – 42%, fat – 18%.

Pros: non-standard choice of meat and unusual taste for cats, no grains in the composition, complete vitamin and mineral complex.

Cons: Rare brand.

Purina Pro Plan (purina Proplan), France - premium

Purina Pro Plan is a line of premium wet and dry food for cats, in the development of which veterinarians and nutritionists take an active part. In all Purina products, beneficial microelements and vitamins are optimally concentrated, and there is also a balance of natural food components, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the animal’s immune and digestive systems. Your pets' coat and skin will always shine with health. The variety of flavors of Purina food will not leave your cat indifferent.

Advantages:

• — high-quality raw components
• – reduces the formation of tartar by 40%
• — the presence of special additives for the prevention of genitourinary diseases
• - a wide range of
• - optimal balance of minerals and vitamins
• — availability of medicinal feed

Flaws:

• – the content of vegetable fats is exceeded
• - Strong smell

Cost: from 260 to 4750 rubles depending on the weight of the package.

For a more detailed review of Purina Proplan food with reviews from owners and veterinarians, read our article.

The best premium cat foods

Eukanuba

Proteins occupy about 40% of the total feed volume. Basically, these are proteins obtained from poultry meat, but there is no fresh chicken or turkey in the structure. The need for carbohydrates is met by rice - one of the least dangerous cereal ingredients. The food contains wheat, which is not the healthiest component because it causes allergies. And fiber comes in the form of vegetable fibers. Fructo-oligo-saccharides are present in the structure. Essentially, these are prebiotics for good digestion.

Pros: protein is not of plant origin, but of animal origin, full amount of vitamins and minerals, found everywhere in pet stores.

Cons: fresh meat is not used, protein extract is used instead, the type of preservative is not indicated on the packaging.

Royal Canin

A well-advertised product that produces a wide range of food for cats of different breeds, ages, types of keeping, the presence or absence of sterilization in cats, as well as taking into account the individual qualities of the pet. The products are manufactured by French, Polish and Russian manufacturers.

The first place in the composition is occupied by protein, namely dehydrated poultry proteins. Some foods use vegetable protein. The carbohydrate component is represented by rice, cereal flour and wheat. Fiber is labeled as "plant fiber." The specific plants used are not mentioned on the packaging.

Pros: a wide range of products, an individual approach to the nutrition of each cat, a large number of vitamins and minerals, the product can be seen in almost every store.

Cons: many ingredients are not deciphered, it is difficult to understand what products were used to prepare the food, general formulations are given.

Hills Science Plan

The formula is based on poultry flour, which is a source of protein. The protein content in the feed is about 30%. Then come carbohydrates, some of them healthy, others not so much. Good carbohydrates include rice. Among carbohydrate foods is corn. In small quantities it is beneficial, but here it is one of the main ingredients, which does not characterize the food very well. Fats included both animal and vegetable.

Pros: easy to find in stores, uses natural antioxidants - citric acid and a natural preservative - tocopherol.

Cons: poultry flour is used instead of fresh meat, a large amount of corn, the presence of cellulose.

Purina ProPlan

The famous American brand Purina has developed a wide line of products for complete nutrition for cats. The basis is the protein component. Most often it is chicken, dried poultry protein and egg powder. The composition is enriched with carbohydrates, including wheat, rice, and corn gluten. Fats are used of animal and plant origin. There is also fish oil rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Pros: wide selection of products, there are medicinal foods, dry and wet, all necessary vitamins and minerals are included, often found in stores.

Cons: unclear formulation of the components in the composition, it is not indicated what is used as preservatives, antioxidants, chemical or natural flavors are used.

Bozita

Product of the Swedish company Doggy AB. Protein is the main ingredient in the company's feed. For a cat's diet, this is usually dehydrated chicken, pork meal, dried eggs, hydrolyzed chicken. The structure also includes fish components: dry varieties of Arctic fish and salmon. In addition to proteins of animal origin, there are plant proteins in the structure. The carbohydrate part is corn and wheat flour. Bone fat obtained from the tubular and spongy bones of cattle and pigs is also used.

Pros: natural protein obtained from meat and fish ingredients, good selection of feed.

Disadvantages: the most harmful ones are taken as carbohydrate components - corn and wheat, which can lead to allergies.

Advance

The Spanish brand's food is rich in animal and plant proteins. Their total number is about 40%. Animal protein is chicken, dried poultry proteins, hydrolyzed animal proteins and fish, powdered eggs and plasma proteins. The second position in the composition is occupied by carbohydrates - wheat, rice and corn. The structure also contains sources of valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids - fish and animal fat.

Pros: optimal content of animal proteins, the Advance product line allows you to choose both regular and medicinal foods, budget price.

Cons: a significant portion of the proteins are obtained from meat production residues; sources of antioxidants are not indicated.

Nutra Mix

The range of products from the American company Nutra Mix is ​​designed to suit the needs of different cats. The formula contains an optimal combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Proteins contain at least 30%; they are obtained from poultry, salmon, liver, offal, and minced chicken. Rice, wheat and corn cover the required amount of carbohydrates. Chicken and salmon fat is used. There are no chemical dyes or flavors in the composition. The formula is enriched with all essential minerals and vitamins.

Pros: balanced food with a high content of animal protein.

Cons: corn, wheat in the composition, as well as the presence of chicken fat.

Eukanuba (Eukanuba), Canada - premium

Eukanuba is a premium dry food for cats, divided into two large groups: for daily feeding and medicinal (veterinary).

The presence of all the minerals and vitamins the animal needs, as well as their perfect balance, is a guarantee that your pet will be healthy and happy. The medicinal line of these foods implies the presence of special ingredients that are indicated for specific diseases.

Advantages:

• — high quality of used components
• - optimal granule size
• - high energy value allows the cat to eat a relatively small amount, which helps save
• - has a positive effect on the coat, which is important for animals participating in exhibitions

Flaws:

• - relatively high cost
• — low content of natural meat in food for adult cats (only 20%)
• - presence of vegetable fats

Cost: from 410 to 5700 rubles depending on the weight of the package.

The best economy cat food

Purina Cat Chow

Cereals occupy the first place in economy class products. Purina Cat Chow is no exception. There is little information about them in the composition, only that they are whole, and what types and in what quantities are included in the feed is unknown. The second stage of the composition was occupied by meat products. Their number is indicated - 33%, but what the meat consists of, as well as its processed products, also remains a mystery. Fiber is dried beet pulp and parsley.

Pros: budget price, high percentage of meat products for economy-class food, available in any supermarket and not necessarily a zoological one.

Disadvantages: poorly described composition, cereal based feed, large amount of by-products of unknown origin, small amount of vitamins and minerals.

Purina One

Purina One is another economy-class product from the American brand Purina. In most of the food in this series, poultry or salmon come first, which is a clear advantage for economy-class food. And even the percentage of the protein component is indicated, usually 15-17%. In addition, dry poultry protein and dry fish protein have been added, which increases the protein content of the feed. Plant protein is added in the form of corn gluten, soy flour, and wheat gluten. Dried beet pulp is responsible for the fiber, and animal fat is responsible for the fats; which one is not indicated on the packaging.

Pros: inexpensive, widely available, good meat content for this type of feed.

Cons: high percentage of vegetable protein, few vitamins and minerals.

Whiskey Special

Whiskas is the most popular among economy-class feeds. The first place in the composition belongs to meat and offal. The percentage of chicken is at least 35%. Then come vegetable oils, grains, vitamins and minerals. However, the manufacturer does not indicate which ingredients are hidden under the wording “meat and offal”. The composition is practically not deciphered, so it is difficult to judge its benefits for cats.

Cons: poorly deciphered composition, difficult to understand what products the food is made from.

Pros: affordable price, widespread.

Gourmet

Produced in Russia and France under the Nestle Purina Petcare trademark. The products are manufactured in the form of wet food, packaged in cans or pouches. The main part is proteins. But the percentage of fresh meat or fish is negligible - only 4%. The rest is meat and its processed products. Moreover, the percentage of these ingredients is not indicated. Next are protein extracts, fish and its processed products. Again, it is not indicated which products were used and in what quantities.

Pros: there is a mineral and vitamin complex, a large selection of pouches and pates, inexpensive cost.

Disadvantages: the use of plant proteins, the composition is indicated in general terms, from which it is difficult to judge its benefits, a small percentage of fresh meat, the basis is processed meat products.

Friskies

One of the most affordable feeds. The composition does not contain precise indications of the ingredients and their percentages. It is only indicated that the first place in the structure belongs to cereals. Secondly, meat and its processed products. Third - vegetable protein, fats, oils and vegetables. There are minerals and vitamins, but they are very few. On the packaging, the manufacturer mentions that the structure of the food includes dyes, antioxidants and preservatives, but whether they are natural or not is unknown.

Pros: cheap price, easy to find in almost every store.

Disadvantages: “vague” composition, the basis of the feed is cereals and by-products, few vitamins and minerals.

Bozita (Bozita), Sweden - premium

Bozita is premium wet (pouch) and dry food for cats, which is ideal for daily feeding of the animal, supplies its body with the necessary energy, and also contains a maximum of vitamins and minerals for good health. You should know that Bozita food is recommended exclusively for healthy cats and is contraindicated for animals with chronic diseases.

Advantages:

• — all components are subject to state control, which guarantees the absence of harmful substances
• — in addition to fresh meat and fish, there is taurine, proteins, and natural minerals
• - no dyes
• - excellent taste and pleasant smell
• - wide range of products
• - affordable price

Flaws:

• – the presence of corn flour, which can sometimes cause diarrhea
• - insufficient number of preventive supplements
• - lack of medicinal feed

Cost: from 113 to 6100 rubles depending on the weight of the package.

What dry food is best to buy for your cat?

When choosing food for cats, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Manufacturer country. Denmark, the USA, Canada, Germany, and the UK are considered the best.
2. Type of feed. There are different classifications: economy, premium, holistic. Product formulas are designed for different breeds, age categories, and health conditions. You need to select depending on the budget, physiological characteristics and needs of the cat.
3. Price. Cheap food is usually of low quality. But sometimes stores offer goods at inflated prices. It is better to use sites that compare prices of the same products in different stores.
4. Best before date. Expired food is not good for cats and is sometimes dangerous to their health.
5. Veterinary passport. The product must be certified and have a license supported by documents.
6. Compound. One of the main selection criteria that you need to pay attention to first.

If you are not sure about the correct choice, it is better to consult a veterinarian.

Acana (Akana), Canada - holistic

Any of the Acana cat foods contains several meats and at least three protein sources:

• fresh fish,
• whole eggs,
• meat from chickens that were raised on a “free range”.

This food is rich in essential acids such as EPA and DHA, Omega 3, vitamin B12, selenium and other beneficial substances. Acana food contains a minimum of carbohydrates.

Acana food is perfectly balanced and helps cats reach their full potential and achieve excellent health, despite their age and breed characteristics.

Advantages:

• - increased concentration of natural proteins
• – minimal content of simple sugars and “empty” calories
• - presence of a variety of herbal ingredients
• - no preservatives or dyes

Flaws:

• — lack of a line of food for specialized corrective and therapeutic nutrition (at the time of publication of this review)

Cost: from 360 to 4900 rubles depending on the weight of the package.

Read more about Akana food in our article: Akana food, composition, cost, reviews from veterinarians and cat owners.