Weruva Cat Food has garnered attention in the pet food industry for its focus on high-quality ingredients and species-appropriate nutrition. At foods.edu.vn, we understand that choosing the right food for your feline companion is a crucial decision. That’s why we’ve conducted an in-depth review of Weruva, evaluating it against our rigorous standards to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your beloved cat.
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Our Weruva Cat Food Ratings:
- Species-Appropriateness: 8/10
- Ingredient Quality: 9/10
- Product Variety: 7/10
- Price: 7/10
- Customer Experience: 8/10
- Recall History: 6/10
Overall Score: 7.5/10 (Grade B-)
Our comprehensive evaluation awards Weruva cat food an overall score of 7.5 out of 10, translating to a B- grade. Weruva stands out for its commitment to using species-appropriate animal protein sources and minimizing plant-based ingredients in their wet cat food formulas. The brand excels in species-appropriateness and ingredient quality. However, the higher price point and a past recall associated with a sister brand may raise concerns for some cat owners. Keep reading our detailed Weruva cat food review to gain a thorough understanding and decide if it aligns with your cat’s nutritional needs and your preferences.
Delving into the Weruva Brand
Weruva emerged onto the pet food scene in 2006, founded by David and Stacie Forman. The name itself is a charming tribute to their feline family, derived from the names of their three cats: Webster, Rudi, and Vanessa. This personal touch reflects Weruva’s dedication to creating food they would feel confident feeding their own pets.
Weruva carves its niche in the market by specializing in wet cat foods that prioritize high moisture content and are crafted with simple, recognizable animal-based ingredients. They consciously limit plant content in their recipes, aligning with a cat’s obligate carnivore nature. Furthermore, Weruva distinguishes itself by formulating its foods without artificial additives, meat by-products, and carrageenan, appealing to pet owners seeking cleaner, more natural options for their cats.
Weruva’s Sourcing and Manufacturing Ethos
Weruva takes pride in its manufacturing partnership with a facility in Thailand that processes both pet and human food. This facility’s attainment of an “A” rating from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) – a globally recognized standard for human food safety and quality – speaks volumes about Weruva’s commitment to production excellence and safety.
Regarding ingredient sourcing, Weruva adopts a global approach to secure high-quality components. Chicken and duck are sourced from farms located near their Thai manufacturing base, ensuring freshness and potentially reducing transportation distances. Beef and lamb are sourced from Australia and New Zealand, regions known for their stringent agricultural standards and quality livestock. Turkey is sourced from within the United States. For their seafood ingredients, Weruva taps into the abundant resources of the Pacific Ocean. This detailed approach to sourcing underscores Weruva’s dedication to ingredient quality and traceability in their cat food.
Weruva’s Recall History: Addressing Past Events
It’s crucial to clarify that Weruva cat food itself has never been subject to a recall. This is a significant positive point for the brand, demonstrating a strong track record of safety. However, it is important to mention a past recall involving Weruva’s sister brand, B.F.F. (Best Feline Friend), in 2017.
This recall was initiated due to insufficient levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1) in certain B.F.F. product lines. Thiamine deficiency is a serious concern for cats, potentially leading to severe health issues and, in tragic cases, fatalities. The 2017 recall was linked to numerous reports of feline illness and some deaths. It’s vital to note that the recall was limited to an Australia-exclusive B.F.F. product line. The affected products were manufactured in a single, distinct facility that does not handle any of Weruva’s other product lines, including the core Weruva cat food range.
While this recall did not directly involve Weruva cat food, it’s understandable that some consumers might have concerns. However, Weruva’s transparency in addressing the issue and the fact that their primary brand has remained recall-free should provide reassurance. It’s always wise to stay informed about pet food recalls, and you can find updated information from the FDA and AVMA.
Exploring Weruva’s Cat Food Product Lines
Weruva distinguishes itself by emphasizing the “human-quality” of their ingredients, often stating their foods are “fit for human consumption” and produced in “human food facilities.” While they avoid the official “human-grade” label (which has specific legal definitions), their messaging clearly highlights the high standards they aim for in ingredient selection and processing. Their focus is firmly on meat-centric recipes with minimal inclusion of fruits and vegetables, reflecting a biologically appropriate diet for cats.
Notably, Weruva does not offer any dry cat food options. Their entire product portfolio is dedicated to wet cat food, recognizing the importance of hydration in feline health. All Weruva cat foods are moisture-rich and conveniently packaged in pouches or cans. Their product lines are designed to cater to various feline preferences and nutritional needs:
Weruva Cat Original: This line forms the foundation of Weruva’s offerings, featuring classic recipes that highlight simple, high-quality ingredients.
- Classic Cat: This sub-line includes both chicken-based and fish-based recipes, totaling twelve distinct options. The textures are typically flaked or finely chopped, offering a palatable meaty consistency that many cats enjoy.
- Weruva Cat Patés: For cats who prefer a smoother texture, Weruva offers paté versions of their popular recipes. These patés utilize the same high-quality ingredients as the classic line but are pureed to a smooth consistency. They are available in a wide array of flavors, offered in both cans and pouches.
- Weruva Cat Stew!: This line caters to cats who enjoy extra moisture and distinct textures. Weruva Cat Stews are formulated with a generous amount of gravy and feature visible chunks or shreds of meat, including chicken, turkey, and beef. Like the patés, they are available in both pouch and can formats.
Cats in the Kitchen: This line brings a touch of whimsy and creative recipe names to the Weruva portfolio, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients.
- Originals: Inspired by home-style cooking, the Cats in the Kitchen Originals feature playful names like “Lamb Burger-ini” and “Chicken Frick ‘A Zee.” These recipes offer varied textures, including shreds, flakes, and chunks, designed to keep mealtime interesting for cats. A wide selection of recipes are available in cans, with a smaller selection in pouches.
- Cats in the Kitchen Paté Pouches: This sub-line focuses on convenient single-serving pouches of paté-style food. Adding to the playful theme of the Cats in the Kitchen line, each of the paté recipes is named after iconic 1980s movies, such as “Meowiss Bueller” and “Cattyshack,” adding a fun element to mealtime.
Truluxe: Positioned as Weruva’s premium line, Truluxe is designed for discerning pet owners seeking the highest level of nutrition and unique protein sources.
- Truluxe recipes feature more expensive and less common meats compared to other Weruva lines. This line boasts ten canned food recipes with sophisticated names like “Peking Chicken,” “On the Cat Wok,” and “Meow Me a River with Basa in Gravy,” reflecting the gourmet ingredient combinations within.
Weruva Cat Food: Top Recipe Deep Dive
To provide a more concrete understanding of Weruva cat food quality, we’ve conducted a detailed analysis of three popular recipes. This in-depth look will help you assess the ingredient quality, nutritional profiles, and overall suitability of Weruva for your cat.
| Product Name | Food Type | Price (per oz) | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken | Wet | $0.43 | B+ |
| Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender Chicken & Duck in Gravy | Wet | $0.47 | B+ |
| Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee Aus Jus | Wet | $0.41 | A |
#1 Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken Recipe Review
Alt text: Weruva Paw Lickin Chicken canned cat food product shot, showcasing chicken recipe.
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Ingredient Breakdown:
Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken is a wet cat food where chicken is clearly the dominant protein source, as indicated by the ingredient list. The formula starts with boneless, skinless chicken breast, a high-quality, lean protein source. This shredded chicken is then immersed in a chicken broth, enhancing palatability and moisture content. Potato starch and xanthan gum are used as thickening agents in the gravy. Sunflower seed oil serves as the primary fat source. The recipe is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure nutritional completeness.
Ingredient Analysis:
- Positive: The use of boneless, skinless chicken breast as the primary ingredient is a major plus. It’s a digestible, high-quality animal protein source appropriate for a cat’s carnivorous needs.
- Concerns: Potato starch and sunflower seed oil are less desirable. Potato starch contributes to carbohydrate content, which should be minimized in a cat’s diet. Sunflower seed oil, a plant-based fat, is not as biologically appropriate for cats as animal-based fats.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 1.4%
- Crude Fiber: 0.5%
- Moisture: 85%
- Ash: 1.2%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 66.67%
- Fat: 9.33%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 12.67%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 65.36%
- Fat: 22.22%
- Carbs: 12.42%
Each 5.5 oz can contains 105 calories, equating to 19 calories per ounce. The high moisture content (85%) contributes to its lower calorie density.
Pros:
- High in protein, derived primarily from animal sources.
- Minimal plant protein content.
- Free from artificial ingredients.
Cons:
- Higher carbohydrate content than ideal due to potato starch.
- Relies on plant-based sunflower seed oil instead of animal fat.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other brands.
#2 Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender Chicken & Duck in Gravy Recipe Review
Alt text: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender pouches, showcasing chicken and duck recipe in gravy.
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Ingredient Breakdown:
Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Love Me Tender Chicken & Duck in Gravy boasts a blend of poultry and fish protein sources. Chicken broth forms the base, followed by boneless, skinless chicken breast, tuna, and duck. These meats are shredded and presented in a gravy thickened with tapioca starch and xanthan gum. Sunflower seed oil is again used as the fat source, and the recipe is supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.
Ingredient Analysis:
- Positive: The combination of chicken, tuna, and duck provides a variety of animal protein sources, potentially offering a broader spectrum of nutrients and appealing to cats with varied palates.
- Concerns: Tapioca starch is another source of carbohydrates, and sunflower seed oil remains a less optimal fat choice compared to animal fats.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 9%
- Crude Fat: 1.4%
- Crude Fiber: 0.5%
- Moisture: 85%
- Ash: 2%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 60%
- Fat: 9.33%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 14%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 62.07%
- Fat: 23.45%
- Carbs: 14.48%
Each 3 oz pouch contains 64 calories, approximately 21 calories per ounce.
Pros:
- Rich in animal protein from multiple sources.
- No plant protein fillers.
- Free from artificial ingredients.
Cons:
- Higher carbohydrate content (around 20% on a dry matter basis) due to tapioca starch.
- Expensive, especially considering the pouch format may require multiple pouches daily for a typical cat.
- Pouches can sometimes be challenging to empty completely.
#3 Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee Aus Jus Recipe Review
Alt text: Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick A Zee can, featuring shredded chicken recipe.
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Ingredient Breakdown:
Chicken remains the central protein source in Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee Aus Jus. This recipe features shredded chicken in a sauce made from chicken broth. To achieve the desired texture and consistency, Weruva utilizes a blend of gums: locust bean gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum. Notably, this recipe includes fish oil in addition to sunflower seed oil, a significant improvement in fat sourcing. The formula is completed with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Ingredient Analysis:
- Positive: Chicken as the primary ingredient is excellent. The inclusion of fish oil is a significant advantage, providing species-appropriate omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for feline health.
- Neutral: The use of multiple gums as thickeners is common in wet cat food to achieve desired texture. While generally considered safe, some cats might have sensitivities.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 2.5%
- Crude Fiber: 0.5%
- Moisture: 85%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 66.67%
- Fat: 16.67%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbs: 13.33%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 55.34%
- Fat: 33.6%
- Carbs: 11.07%
Each 6-oz can contains 143 calories, approximately 24 calories per ounce.
Pros:
- Primarily animal protein sources.
- High protein content.
- Includes fish oil, a source of beneficial omega-3s.
- Low carbohydrate content compared to some other Weruva recipes.
- No artificial ingredients.
Cons:
- Remains relatively expensive.
#4 Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner: An Overview
Alt text: Weruva TruLuxe Steak Frites Dinner can, showcasing beef and pumpkin recipe.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Key Features:
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Price Per Ounce: $0.65
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.00 (for a 10lb cat)
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner exemplifies Weruva’s commitment to simple, minimally processed recipes. Upon opening a can, you’ll observe real, recognizable ingredients, including shredded meat and chunks of vegetables. This recipe features fresh beef as the primary protein source, appealing to cats who enjoy red meat flavors.
Nutritional Highlights:
The high protein and moisture content align with a carnivore-appropriate diet. The shredded texture is easy for cats of all ages, including senior cats, to manage. It is also relatively low in phosphorus, potentially beneficial for supporting kidney health, especially in older cats. With approximately 1.0 mg of phosphorus per 1,000 calories, it may be a suitable option for cats with kidney concerns (always consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations).
Ingredient Highlights:
- Ingredients We Liked: Beef
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 1.3%
- Crude Fiber: 0.5%
- Moisture: 86%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 71.43%
- Fat: 9.29%
- Fiber: 3.57%
- Carbs: 15.71%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 65.12%
- Fat: 20.56%
- Carbs: 14.33%
What We Liked:
- Rich in easily digestible animal protein from beef.
- High moisture content for hydration.
- Relatively low carbohydrate content.
- Low in phosphorus, potentially kidney-friendly.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Plant-sourced sunflower seed oil as the primary fat.
Customer Perspectives on Weruva Cat Food
Weruva generally enjoys a positive reputation among cat owners, evidenced by predominantly favorable reviews on retail websites and online pet forums. Customers frequently praise the quality of ingredients and the palatability of Weruva cat food.
To provide a balanced view, we’ve gathered a selection of customer reviews, both positive and negative, from popular online retailers like Amazon and Chewy:
Positive Reviews:
- “We try to not feed fish products to our cats due to the presence of mercury and other toxic chemicals. Weruva is a high quality food with a high percentage of protein. Cats are obligate carnivores and require protein as their primary nutritional ingredient.” – Deb, reviewing Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken.
- “My kitty seems to like these pouches. He licks the gravy first & then eats the solid food.” – Marian, reviewing Weruva Love Me Tender Chicken & Duck.
Negative Reviews:
- “We have 14 cats and 2 more that have moved in off the streets recently.. Cat distribution system and all.. Not a single one will eat this food. I’ve tried it twice thinking maybe they would give in.. It goes completely untouched. They do like the other flavors though!” – Amber, reviewing Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick ‘A Zee. (Note: Fussy eaters are common, and flavor preferences vary greatly among cats.)
- “My cats won’t even touch it even though it looks really good and they like gravy they won’t go near it. I feel like I really wasted a lot of money I’m trying.” – Lynn, reviewing Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken. (Again, palatability is subjective and not every food will appeal to every cat.)
It’s important to remember that palatability is subjective, and what one cat loves, another might refuse. Reading a range of reviews can provide insights into general trends, but individual cat preferences will always play a significant role.
Weruva Cat Food Cost Considerations
Weruva cat food falls into the premium price category. According to Weruva’s feeding guidelines of approximately one ounce per pound of body weight daily, feeding an average 10-lb cat Weruva would typically cost between $3.10 and $3.90 per day for most of their product lines. The super-premium Truluxe line incurs a higher daily cost, averaging around $5.50 per day.
While the higher price reflects the quality of ingredients and production standards, it’s a factor to consider when budgeting for your cat’s food, especially for multi-cat households or long-term feeding.
Final Verdict: Is Weruva a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Weruva cat food presents itself as a compelling option if you prioritize a high-moisture, meat-centric diet for your cat with minimal plant inclusions. Many Weruva recipes are indeed virtually plant-free and low in carbohydrates, aligning well with the nutritional needs of obligate carnivores.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the downsides. Weruva is a relatively expensive brand, and the lower calorie density of their wet food means you’ll likely need to feed more to meet your cat’s daily caloric requirements, increasing the overall cost. Furthermore, while minimizing plant content, some recipes still utilize starches and thickeners, contributing to a moderate carbohydrate content (around 20% dry matter in some cases).
In conclusion, Weruva is a high-quality wet cat food brand with a strong emphasis on animal protein and minimal plant ingredients. It’s a good choice for cat owners who prioritize these factors and are willing to pay a premium price. However, if budget is a primary concern or you are specifically seeking very low-carbohydrate wet food, you might explore other options.
Purchasing Weruva Cat Food
Weruva cat food is widely available through specialized pet retailers globally. Their products are stocked in pet stores across the United States, Canada, Australia, Kuwait, and South Africa. You can utilize Weruva’s store locator to find a retailer in your vicinity.
For online purchases, Weruva is readily available from major online pet retailers such as Chewy, Amazon, and Petco.com, offering convenient options for pet owners to access their products.
