Is Heart To Tail Cat Food Good for your feline companion? FOODS.EDU.VN delves into a comprehensive evaluation of this budget-friendly brand, exploring its ingredients, nutritional value, and customer feedback to help you make informed choices. Discover if this economical option provides the quality nourishment your cat deserves and learn more about feline dietary needs with us to ensure optimal health.
1. Rating Heart To Tail Cat Food: The FOODS.EDU.VN Standard
At FOODS.EDU.VN, we meticulously analyze cat food brands, including Heart To Tail, based on stringent criteria. Our evaluation encompasses factors such as species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product diversity, affordability, customer experiences, and recall history. This thorough approach ensures that our reviews offer a balanced and reliable perspective on the brand’s overall value.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our ratings for Heart To Tail across these critical areas:
| Ratings | Score |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 5/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 4/10 |
| Product Variety | 6/10 |
| Price | 9/10 |
| Customer Experience | 5/10 |
| Recall History | 9/10 |
| Overall Score | 6.33/10 |
Overall, Heart To Tail cat food receives a score of 6.33 out of 10, which translates to a D grade, indicating areas for improvement in its formulation and ingredient selection.
2. Why FOODS.EDU.VN Is Your Trustworthy Source
To thoroughly assess Heart To Tail cat food, FOODS.EDU.VN understands the importance of firsthand experience. We have ordered and tested several Heart To Tail products to bring you comprehensive insights. Our hands-on approach, combined with detailed research on the brand’s ingredients, history, and recall incidents, aims to equip you with a well-rounded understanding of Heart To Tail cat food. This enables you to confidently evaluate whether this brand is the right fit for your cat’s dietary needs.
3. An Introduction to Heart To Tail
Heart To Tail stands as a more recent entrant in the pet food market. Information readily available online is limited. However, it is established that this brand is exclusively marketed through Aldi, a German-owned grocery chain experiencing notable expansion within the United States since the 1970s. Aldi also has close ties to Trader Joe’s, a famous grocery chain store.
4. Heart To Tail Cat Food: Where It’s Made and How
Information regarding the manufacturing of Heart To Tail products remains ambiguous. Speculation suggests that Sunshine Mills, known for producing brands like Evolve and Triumph, is responsible for the brand’s kibble, with manufacturing operations based in Alabama. Sunshine Mills is known to be a major company.
Some also believe that Big Heart Pet Brands (formerly Del Monte, now owned by J.M. Smucker) in Texas and Washington produces Heart To Tail wet cat food. Big Heart Pet Brands also makes 9 Lives, a well-known pet food brand. Interestingly, Heart To Tail cat food labels occasionally state that their products originate from Canada. The precise manufacturer of Heart To Tail wet food for Aldi remains uncertain.
Aldi’s lack of transparency regarding manufacturing details contributes to customer uncertainty. The absence of information about ingredient origins further complicates the evaluation process. As a private label brand, Heart To Tail does not maintain a website, limiting access to crucial details about its products.
5. Recall History of Heart To Tail Cat Food
Sunshine Mills, potentially a manufacturer for Heart To Tail, faced recalls in 2020 and 2021 that included certain Aldi dog foods, such as Pure Being, due to elevated levels of aflatoxin, a toxin produced by mold. However, Heart To Tail cat food products were not affected by these recalls. These incidents highlight the importance of monitoring pet food brands and staying informed about potential safety concerns.
6. A Diverse Range of Options from Heart To Tail
Heart To Tail provides a spectrum of choices to suit your cat’s preferences. This includes various wet foods, dry foods, tempting treats, and essential cat litter, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your feline companion’s care.
Heart To Tail canned foods come in a variety of flavors (5.5-ounce cans) for cats, including salmon, turkey and giblets, whitefish, and tuna.
Heart To Tail entrees come in a variety of flavors (3-ounce cans) for cats, including Gourmet Chicken Entrée, Beef Entrée, and Cod, Sole, & Shrimp Entrée.
Their dry cat food comes in Complete Nutrition, Special Medley, and Indoor Cat formulas. These dry cat food formulas offer tailored nutrition to support the health and well-being of your feline companion.
7. Real Cats Weigh In: The Palatability Factor
Heart To Tail cat foods elicit mixed reactions. The 3-ounce canned entrees emerge as the superior choice within their product line, appealing to cats. Priced at an accessible 49 cents per can, they stand as a practical option for those mindful of their budget.
While the 5.5-ounce wet foods come at a slightly lower cost, their quality does not quite match that of the 3-ounce entrees.
The kibble options from Heart To Tail exhibit ingredients of comparatively lesser quality than their canned counterparts. Choosing superior alternatives is advisable.
8. Heart To Tail Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes Analyzed
| Product Name | Food Type | Primary Protein | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart to Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) | Wet | Salmon, Fish | 1190 kcal per kg | $1.13 per lb | C- |
| Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made with Real Chicken) | Wet | Chicken | 1158 kcal per kg | $1.13 per lb | C- |
| Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula dry cat food | Dry | Fish | 3220 kcal per kg | $2.85 per lb | D |
9. Aldi’s Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) Detailed Analysis
Certain private label brands excel in providing comprehensive information about their offerings. Aldi, however, falls short in this aspect. Exploring their Heart To Tail products online yields minimal nutritional details, posing challenges for informed decision-making.
Information for thorough reviews is sourced from various online platforms due to the lack of transparency. Even ingredient lists are compiled from external websites. The Aldi site does not display ingredients or guaranteed analyses.
Heart to Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon), a wet food available in 5.5-ounce cans, lacks pricing details on Aldi’s website. These 5.5-ounce cans are budget-friendly, with older reviews estimating around 39 cents (US) per can.
Alternatives encompass White Fish & Tuna and Turkey & Giblets.
Key ingredients include meat by-products, salmon, poultry by-products, fish, and brewers rice. Respectable veterinary nutritionists advocate for meat and poultry by-products, citing their nutritional benefits for obligate carnivores like cats.
While some may hesitate, organ meats and entrails are favored by cats and offer nutritional value. Salmon and fish are also nutritious inclusions.
Brewers’ rice, a typical carbohydrate in pet foods, is generally discouraged in wet foods due to its low nutritional value. While permissible in limited quantities, its presence is less justifiable in wet food formulations.
Additional ingredients, such as artificial flavors, added colors (red and others), guar gum, carrageenan, and sodium nitrate, raise concerns. Cats are indifferent to food color, and sodium nitrate serves to preserve added colors.
The front label’s claim of no artificial flavors contradicts ingredient lists, suggesting potential formula changes.
Heart to Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) adheres to the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth and Maintenance.
In summary, this product may serve as a budget-conscious option but warrants consideration due to certain concerning ingredients.
Calorie Content (ME Calculated): 1190 kcal/kg; 186 kcal/5.5 ounce can/156grams
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) Ingredients
Meat By-products, Water Sufficient Enough For Processing, Salmon, Poultry By-products, Fish, Brewers Rice, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Guar Gum, Added Color (Red And Other Artificial Colors), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-methionine, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Carrageenan, Taurine, Minerals (Ferrus Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Nitrate (To Promote Color Retention)
Ingredients We Liked: Salmon, fish
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brewers rice, artificial flavors, added colors, sodium nitrate
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) Guaranteed Analysis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 10% |
| Crude Fat | 5% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% |
| Moisture | 78% |
| Ash | 3% |
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) Dry Matter Basis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45.45% |
| Fat | 22.73% |
| Fiber | 6.82% |
| Carbs | 11.36% |
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) Caloric Weight Basis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40.58% |
| Fat | 49.28% |
| Carbs | 10.14% |
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Salmon Entree (Made With Real Salmon) Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Salmon and fish provide good sources of protein for cats | Contains artificial colors and flavors |
| Meat by-products and poultry by-products can be good sources of nutrients for cats | Brewers rice is usually considered a filler ingredient, especially in wet foods |
| Very affordable | Contains both guar gum and carrageenan |
10. Aldi’s Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made With Real Chicken) Detailed Analysis
If you’re curious about common food allergens for cats, beef, fish, and dairy are frequently identified. This might surprise you, considering they’re often beloved by cats.
Their widespread presence in cat diets over time explains why some cats develop sensitivities. The more exposure to a substance, the higher the likelihood of developing an allergy.
Interestingly, chicken isn’t yet a common allergen for cats, although individual sensitivities can occur.
For chicken-loving cats, Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made with Real Chicken), available at Aldi, is a viable option. This 3-ounce can costs slightly more than the 5.5-ounce cans reviewed earlier. It’s also available in Beef Entrée and Cod, Sole, and Shrimp Entrée varieties.
The primary ingredients are chicken, animal liver, meat by-products, fish, and poultry by-products.
The good news is that chicken leads the ingredient list. Similar to the 5.5-ounce cans, this food contains meat and poultry by-products, which aren’t inherently negative. Organs offer nutritional benefits for cats.
However, clearer ingredient identification is preferable. For example, specifying the animal source of “animal liver” would be beneficial. Similarly, meat and poultry by-products could be more precisely identified.
The label on Aldi’s website states the absence of artificial flavors or preservatives, making it an improvement over the 5.5-ounce cans.
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made with Real Chicken) adheres to AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth and Maintenance.
Overall, it surpasses Heart To Tail’s 5.5-ounce cans. It features slightly more protein, lacks artificial flavors or preservatives, and omits added carbohydrates from brewer’s rice. Despite the slightly higher cost, the enhancements justify the expense.
Calorie Content (ME Calculated): 1158 kcal/kg and 98 kcal/3 ounce can/85 grams
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made With Real Chicken) Ingredients
Chicken, Water Sufficient For Processing, Animal Liver, Meat-byproducts, Fish, Poultry By-products, And Natural Flavor … Complete list not found online. (See this page for a picture of an older version of the can.)
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, fish,
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Added color, sodium nitrite
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made With Real Chicken) Guaranteed Analysis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 11% |
| Crude Fat | 5% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% |
| Moisture | 78% |
| Ash | 3% |
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made With Real Chicken) Dry Matter Basis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 50% |
| Fat | 22.73% |
| Fiber | 6.82% |
| Carbs | 6.82% |
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made With Real Chicken) Caloric Weight Basis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 44.64% |
| Fat | 49.28% |
| Carbs | 6.09% |
Heart To Tail Premium Cat Food Gourmet Chicken Entrée (Made With Real Chicken) Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Chicken – a named animal protein – is the first ingredient | Contains added colors |
| Contains slightly more animal protein than Heart To Tail’s 5.5-ounce cans | Contains sodium nitrite for color retention |
| No artificial flavors or preservatives | |
| Still affordable |
11. Aldi’s Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula Detailed Analysis
Obtaining information regarding this cat food online has been challenging. The ingredient list was eventually found on Instacart, and the food was also located on Amazon.com, where it is not supposed to be sold.
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula dry cat food contains main ingredients such as corn meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and animal fat.
Lower on the ingredient list are concerning ingredients such as corn distillers, dried grains with solubles, rice bran, beef and bone meal, and wheat middlings. This food is high in carbohydrates, and the protein seems to be low quality.
Although the protein percentage for this food appears high, much comes from plant sources such as corn and soybean meal.
This food is very affordable. It’s sold in 3.15-pound bags for about $3 at Aldi.
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult cat maintenance.
Most online comments suggest that Aldi’s wet foods are superior to their dry foods. Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula dry cat food might be suitable in an emergency, but it is not recommended if you have other options. While not every cat eats filet mignon for dinner, many cat foods, even dry ones, have better ingredients than this one.
Calorie Content (ME Calculated): 3220 kcals ME/kg; 366 calories per cup
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula Ingredients
Corn Meal, Poultry By-product Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Corn Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles, Rice Bran, Beef And Bone Meal, Wheat Middlings, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Meal, Chicken Liver Digest, Rice, Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Vegetable Oil, Lecithin, Taurine, Parsley Flakes, Vitamins: (vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals: (zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Salt)
Ingredients We Liked: Fish meal
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles, Rice Bran, Beef And Bone Meal, Wheat Middlings
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula Guaranteed Analysis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 30% |
| Crude Fat | 9.5% |
| Crude Fiber | 4.8% |
| Moisture | 12% |
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula Dry Matter Basis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34.09% |
| Fat | 10.8% |
| Fiber | 5.45% |
| Carbs | 49.66% |
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula Caloric Weight Basis
| Analysis | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31% |
| Fat | 23.84% |
| Carbs | 45.16% |
Heart To Tail Premium Adult Cat Food Indoor Formula Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains some reasonably good animal protein, such as fish meal | High in carbohydrates |
| Very affordable | Contains lower quality plant and animal proteins, including corn meal, soybean meal, corn distillers dried grains with solubles, rice bran, beef and bone meal, and wheat middlings |
12. Real Customer Opinions: What Cat Owners Are Saying
Customer opinions regarding Heart To Tail cat foods vary. Some report high satisfaction, noting that their cats particularly enjoy certain wet food varieties. A few customers have also expressed positive experiences with the dry food options. Conversely, some customers have observed a change in their cats’ preferences, with their pets recently declining to eat foods they previously enjoyed, leading to speculations about formula alterations.
Positive Reviews on Heart To Tail Cat Food
One positive review by Fla.siren754, reviewing Whitefish Tuna Entree on December 5, 2024, said “All 12 kitties love it.
Another review by R. Roux reviewing Turkey & Giblets Entree on April 26, 2024, said that “The stray cat we feed likes the Turkey & Giblets variety more than other even more expensive varieties. I normally buy these at Aldi but often the Turkey ones are gone.
Cat owners praising Heart to Tail cat food emphasize their feline companions’ enjoyment of the food and its affordability, particularly when purchased at Aldi.
Negative Reviews on Heart To Tail Cat Food
According to Krissi Jane, on Amazon.com, reviewing Turkey & Giblets Entree on January 5, 2024, “My cats hated this food. As soon as I opened it, I knew it was not going to be something they enjoyed. They didn’t finish it, and when I came home from work my house looked like a horror scene. Cat puke EVERYWHERE. Never again My cats are adopted from a shelter and were found in the ditch. They are not picky cats and have never puked from any other food.”
According to Judy Sappington, reviewing the Whitefish Tuna Entree on February 4, 2024, “I decided to give my cat some wet cat food because the vet told me there is fewer calories in wet food and she is a little over weight, so I got her 4 cans and I gave her half a can each time but she would throw up within 3 to 4 min after she would eat, so I threw the last can in the trash, and she normally throws up maybe once a month, so I’m pretty sure it was the cat food, but then it may just be my cat, I just want everyone to know this I will not be buying this again.”
Negative reviews highlight issues such as cats rejecting the food and digestive upset, including vomiting and intestinal problems.
13. Price Point: An Affordable Option
Heart To Tail cat foods stand out for their affordability. The 5.5-ounce cans are priced around 39 cents each in the United States, while the 3-ounce cans are slightly more expensive at approximately 49 cents each.
Heart To Tail dry foods are also budget-friendly. The indoor cat food is priced at about $3 for a 3.15-pound bag, and the Special Medley formula is around $3 for the same size.
A larger 16-pound bag of Heart To Tail complete and balanced dry cat food costs about $9. These prices are typically available for in-store purchases.
14. Availability: Where To Purchase Heart To Tail Cat Food
Heart To Tail cat foods are exclusively available at Aldi stores. While some listings may appear on platforms like Amazon.com, they are often overpriced and not representative of the brand’s standard retail channels.
15. FAQ: Addressing Your Questions About Heart To Tail Cat Food
1. Is Heart To Tail cat food nutritionally complete?
Heart To Tail cat food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth and Maintenance, ensuring it provides a complete diet for cats when fed according to the feeding guidelines.
2. What are the main ingredients in Heart To Tail dry cat food?
Heart To Tail dry cat food typically contains corn meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal as primary ingredients.
3. Are there any artificial additives in Heart To Tail cat food?
Some Heart To Tail formulas contain artificial flavors and colors, but certain varieties, like the Gourmet Chicken Entrée, claim to be free of artificial additives.
4. How does Heart To Tail compare to other cat food brands in terms of price?
Heart To Tail is one of the most affordable cat food brands available, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious pet owners.
5. Is Heart To Tail cat food suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs?
Some cats may experience digestive issues with Heart To Tail cat food due to certain ingredients. It’s always best to monitor your cat’s reaction when introducing new food.
6. Where is Heart To Tail cat food manufactured?
The manufacturing details for Heart To Tail cat food are not transparent, but it’s speculated that Sunshine Mills produces the dry food, while the wet food’s manufacturer remains uncertain.
7. Has Heart To Tail cat food ever been recalled?
While Sunshine Mills, a potential manufacturer, had recalls involving Aldi dog foods, Heart To Tail cat food has not been directly implicated in any recalls.
8. What wet food flavors does Heart To Tail offer?
Heart To Tail wet cat food is available in salmon, turkey and giblets, whitefish, and tuna flavors.
9. Is Heart To Tail cat food a good option for indoor cats?
Heart To Tail offers an indoor formula designed to meet the specific needs of indoor cats, but the ingredient quality may not be as high as other premium brands.
10. Can I buy Heart To Tail cat food online?
Heart To Tail cat food is primarily available in Aldi stores, although some products may be found online at inflated prices.
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