Is Purina Cat Food Good For Cats? Discover the truth about Purina cat food with FOODS.EDU.VN’s expert review, examining ingredient quality, recall history, and nutritional value to help you make the best choice for your feline friend. Explore our detailed analysis and find the perfect diet that supports your cat’s health and vitality, focusing on feline nutrition, palatability, and digestibility.
1. Cats.Com Standard Rating—How Good Is Purina Really?
We’ve meticulously analyzed Purina, grading it against the Cats.com standard. Here’s a breakdown of its performance across six crucial areas:
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 5/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 5/10 |
| Product Variety | 8/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
| Customer Experience | 7/10 |
| Recall History | 7/10 |
| Overall Score | 6.7/10 |
Overall, Purina cat food earns a 6.7 out of 10, a B- grade.
2. Why You Can Trust FOODS.EDU.VN’s Cat Food Expertise
Our brand reviews are crafted by cat food experts, collaborating with licensed veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and cat behaviorists. We invest hours into each review, exploring the company’s history, customer feedback, analyzing product labels, and rigorously testing products with our own feline companions.
During testing, we note each product’s appearance, aroma, texture, and consistency. Our cats weigh in on flavor and overall appeal. We also consider packaging, marketing claims, and brand consistency. With established brands like Purina, we aim to provide both a comprehensive overview of the brand and detailed analyses of popular products. You can trust FOODS.EDU.VN to provide accurate and reliable information to help you make informed decisions about your cat’s diet.
3. A Brief History of Purina
Originally established as Purina Mills in 1894, Purina stands as one of the oldest and largest companies in the pet food sector. William H. Danforth, along with George Robinson and William Andrews, initiated the company to focus on animal feed. Through various mergers and acquisitions, the company underwent multiple name changes over the following century.
In 1926, under the name Ralston-Purina, the company launched a pet nutrition and care center, which pioneered Purina Dog Chow and Cat Chow. The company’s expansion continued throughout the 20th century, incorporating popular pet food brands like Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Kit & Kaboodle. By 2001, Purina merged with Swiss food giant Nestlè, creating Nestlè-Purina PetCare, now responsible for a significant portion of the global pet food industry’s revenue.
4. Where Does Purina Get Its Ingredients and Where Is It Made?
Purina formulates its cat food products with guidance from board-certified veterinary nutritionists, adhering to AAFCO nutrient profiles for cats. To further ensure quality, Purina conducts feeding trials to assess the nutritional adequacy, palatability, and digestibility of its products.
Purina asserts that 99% of its dog and cat food products are manufactured in company-owned facilities within the United States. Although detailed ingredient sourcing information is not readily available, the majority of ingredients appear to originate from North America.
For instance, most grains used in Purina’s pet food products come from the United States and Canada. Meat ingredients are also primarily sourced from the United States, with the exception of lamb, which comes from New Zealand. Nutritional supplements are sourced from suppliers worldwide.
5. Has Purina Had Many Recalls? A Look at the Recall History
Purina has faced multiple pet food recalls across its extensive range of dog and cat food product lines. The company was among over 100 brands impacted by the 2007 pet food recall, triggered by melamine-contaminated ingredients. The majority of recalls involving Purina products have been related to dog food rather than cat food.
The most recent recall of a Purina cat food product occurred in 2012, when a single lot of Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management Feline Formula was recalled due to insufficient levels of thiamine. Prior to this, in 2011, several Purina dry cat foods were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
Although there have been no Purina cat food recalls in the past decade, the company experienced a surge in customer complaints online in 2023. After receiving over 1,300 complaints from pet owners reporting adverse effects potentially linked to Purina pet foods, the FDA conducted a thorough investigation. The FDA’s investigation included purchased products, unopened products in retail stores, and Purina’s manufacturing facilities. Despite these efforts, the FDA found no evidence to indicate that Purina’s products or manufacturing facilities were responsible for the reported adverse events.
6. What Types of Cat Food Does Purina Offer?
Purina oversees some of the most recognizable brands in the cat food industry. Its diverse product lines include dry and wet cat food, treats, and supplemental feeding options.
Purina’s prominent brands include:
- Purina Cat Chow
- Purina ONE
- Purina Beyond
- Purina Pro Plan
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
- Friskies
- Fancy Feast
- Kit & Kaboodle
Each Purina product line follows a distinct nutritional philosophy or customer-oriented priority. Purina Cat Chow is a basic, budget-friendly option, while Purina ONE is positioned as a premium choice. Purina Beyond is formulated without corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, and artificial additives.
Purina Pro Plan products prioritize animal protein as the primary ingredient and are designed to support various aspects of health. The LiveClear line is formulated to reduce cat allergens. The Pro Plan Veterinary Diets line offers prescription products for specific health concerns.
7. Purina Cat Food—Top 3 Recipes in Detail
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 96 kcal/oz. | $0.08 per oz | C |
| Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 107 kcal/oz. | $0.16 per oz | B- |
| ONE Chicken Recipe Paté Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | Chicken | 32 | $0.33 per oz | A- |
7.1. Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
Cat Chow, one of Purina’s earliest cat food lines, is a budget-friendly dry kibble option. This recipe is tailored for indoor cats, enriched with fiber to aid in hairball control and featuring a moderate calorie density to help maintain a healthy body weight. The kibble consists of small, round, multicolored pieces.
Cat Chow Indoor is made primarily with chicken by-product meal. Additional protein comes from several whole grains, corn protein meal, and chicken. On a dry matter basis, the food provides approximately 34% protein and nearly 11% fat. While nutritionally complete, a formulation lower in carbohydrates with fewer processed grains and artificial additives would be preferable.
With over 5,000 customer ratings on Chewy, Cat Chow Indoor is a highly popular product. Cat owners appreciate the affordability (under $0.10 per ounce), and cats seem to find the food palatable.
Ingredients:
Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Soy Flour, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Protein Meal, Rice, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Chicken, Liver Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Hulls, Calcium Carbonate, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Parsley Flakes, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K)], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Soy Flour, Corn Protein Meal, Liver Flavor, Soybean Hulls, Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 30%
- Crude Fat: 9.5%
- Crude Fiber: 4.7%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 34.09%
- Fat: 10.8%
- Fiber: 5.34%
- Carbs: 49.77%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 30.97%
- Fat: 23.82%
- Carbs: 45.21%
What We Liked:
- First ingredient is animal protein
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat
- Cats appear to find the food appealing
- Very cost-effective, under $0.10/ounce
- Easy to find in grocery stores and pet stores
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains artificial colors and flavors
- High in carbohydrates
- Contains processed grains and plant protein concentrate
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need
7.2. Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food
This dry food, like all Purina Beyond recipes, emphasizes simple, recognizable ingredients. Chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, followed by whole grains and supplemental proteins.
While this recipe excludes animal by-products or highly processed grains like corn and wheat, it includes a concentrated source of plant protein (pea protein). The dry matter protein content of this formula is 37.5%, and it contains just over 18% dry matter fat.
Overall, this dry cat food appears to be slightly higher in protein and fat than the Cat Chow recipe. It’s also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, relying primarily on animal sources of protein and fat. Priced per ounce, this Beyond recipe costs approximately twice as much as Cat Chow, but the ingredient quality is noticeably higher.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Barley, Rice, Whole Oat Meal, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Yeast, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Salt, Sodium Bisulfate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Apples, Taurine, MINERALS [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Egg Product, Beef Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 33%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 37.5%
- Fat: 18.18%
- Fiber: 4.55%
- Carbs: 39.77%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 30.88%
- Fat: 36.36%
- Carbs: 32.75%
What We Liked:
- Top two ingredients are animal-sourced proteins
- Contains nutritious whole grains
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly high in carbohydrates
- Contains processed grains and plant protein concentrate
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need
7.3. Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Paté Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Purina ONE is promoted as a premium pet food line, and this canned cat food appears to live up to that standard. It’s grain-free, rich in animal protein and hydrating moisture, and significantly lower in carbohydrates than most Purina dry foods. Plus, cats seem to enjoy it.
This chicken-based paté is a popular product in Purina ONE’s canned food line. The ingredient list is concise and meat-focused, excluding nutritional supplements. Though specified animal ingredients are preferable to vague terms like liver and fish, these ingredients are better than plant-sourced proteins such as corn gluten meal or pea protein found in other Purina product lines.
On a dry matter basis, this Purina ONE wet food contains 50% protein and nearly 23% fat. The food has a soft, moist texture that’s easy for cats to eat, and the simple, animal-based ingredients make the recipe highly digestible. Per ounce, it costs twice as much as the Purina Beyond recipe, but this product is much closer to an ideal diet for cats.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Liver, Chicken Broth, Pork Lungs, Fish, Natural Flavors, MINERALS [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Guar Gum, Taurine, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, Salt.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Liver, Chicken Broth, Pork Lungs, Fish
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 11%
- Crude Fat: 5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
- Ash: 3%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 22.73%
- Fiber: 6.82%
- Carbs: 6.82%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 44.64%
- Fat: 49.28%
- Carbs: 6.09%
What We Liked:
- Contains 50% dry matter protein
- Short list of animal-based ingredients
- Rich in hydrating moisture for cats
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum might trigger loose stools in some cats
- Contains some non-specific animal proteins
8. What Do Customers Think About Purina Cat Food?
Purina is a popular brand with generally high customer satisfaction. Reviews often praise Purina for its affordability and palatability. Negative reviews typically stem from cats disliking the food or delivery issues.
The three Purina product lines reviewed above generally have an average customer rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars on Chewy, with many products having over 2,500 ratings, some reaching as high as 5,600.
8.1. Positive Reviews
“They won’t eat any other food so we are happy to have the hair ball treatment built into the food. This is a much easier way than trying to get them to lick the paste off their paws. They will usually sling it all over the place and hardly get any of it swallowed. This food is one that I have used for thirty years for all my cats. In the past it has worked well, and we never had to worry about hair balls. Something has changed in the recipe because we do not get the same results for eliminating the hair ball issue. All three of my cats started coughing up hairballs in the last few years. I am buying treats made of the hairball substance now to hopefully help them to eat and swallow all their food without hairballs.”—Sandy, reviewing Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food on Chewy, Feb 1, 2025
“Once I made the switch to Purina, my cat stopped getting sick and she’s been on the food for years now. If there’s a downside at all, it does seem to make her use the bathroom more (spoke to another cat owner whose cat is on the same brand and they testified to the same thing.) But it’s a small price to pay if it means her tummy is happier.”—Rachel, reviewing Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe on Chewy, October 29, 2024
8.2. Negative Reviews
“Fed my cats this brand for years. Now they just sniff and walk away. The lower price should have been a clue that the quality is low. As they say “you get what you pay for.”—maareyes, reviewing Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe on Chewy, August 12, 2024
“Unfortunately, two times I have offered this wet food to my cats. So far they don’t like it. Maybe there’s not enough juice or gravy, which they like.”—Linda, reviewing Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Paté on Chewy, September 15, 2024
9. Breaking Down the Costs of Purina Cat Food
Purina cat food offers a range from budget-friendly to premium, including both grocery store options and prescription veterinary products, ensuring there’s a Purina food for every budget.
For wet food, daily costs range from around $1.22 for Friskies to over $4 for Purina Pro Plan. Dry foods are more affordable, with Kit & Kaboodle costing about $0.09 per day and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet DM at approximately $0.71 per day.
10. Where Can You Buy Purina Cat Food?
Purina cat food is widely available in grocery stores, major pet retail chains, specialty pet stores, and big box stores globally. Availability can vary by product line; lower-priced lines like Friskies are found in both grocery and pet stores.
Online, Purina cat food can be purchased on Amazon, Chewy, and other online retailers. While Purina doesn’t sell directly on its website, you can browse products and click “Buy Now” to select from a list of online retailers.
11. Is Purina Cat Food A Good Choice Overall?
Purina cat foods are affordable, easy to find, and generally palatable to cats. However, many recipes are high in carbohydrates and include processed grains, artificial additives, and animal by-products. When choosing Purina, opt for wet foods with higher meat content, lower carbohydrates, and necessary hydration.
Purina Friskies and Fancy Feast wet foods are good choices for budget-conscious cat owners. Despite containing animal by-products and artificial ingredients, they are more carnivore-appropriate than most dry foods and some premium wet foods. If you’re willing to spend more, Purina Pro Plan or Purina One offer lower-carb, high-protein options.
While Purina cat foods may not always be the most species-appropriate, Purina conducts feeding trials to ensure nutritional adequacy, unlike many commercial cat food companies that rely solely on AAFCO nutrient profiles.
12. What Brands Offer Similar Cat Food Options?
Looking for cat food brands comparable to Purina? Here are some alternative brands to consider:
- Royal Canin: Known for its breed-specific and life-stage formulas, Royal Canin offers tailored nutrition for various cat needs.
- Hill’s Science Diet: A popular choice among veterinarians, Hill’s Science Diet provides science-backed nutrition for overall health and specific health conditions.
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo emphasizes natural ingredients and offers grain-free and limited-ingredient options for cats with sensitivities.
- Wellness: Wellness cat food focuses on holistic nutrition with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Merrick: Merrick offers a variety of grain-free and protein-rich recipes, using real meat and whole foods to support your cat’s health.
13. Understanding the 5 Most Common Search Intentions for “Is Purina Cat Food Good for Cats”
- Nutritional Evaluation: Users want to know if Purina cat food meets the nutritional needs of their cats, seeking information on protein content, ingredient quality, and overall health benefits.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Pet owners are concerned about potential health issues, such as allergies, digestive problems, or recalls associated with Purina cat food.
- Ingredient Analysis: Users want a detailed breakdown of the ingredients used in Purina cat food, assessing the quality and safety of each component.
- Brand Comparison: Consumers are looking to compare Purina cat food with other brands, evaluating factors like price, ingredient quality, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.
- Specific Product Reviews: Users seek reviews and opinions on specific Purina cat food products, such as Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, or Purina Cat Chow, to understand their pros and cons.
14. Answers to Your Burning Questions About Purina Cat Food: The FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Purina cat food to help you make the best choice for your feline companion:
-
Is Purina Cat Chow a good option for my cat?
- Purina Cat Chow is an affordable option, but it contains processed grains and artificial additives. It may be suitable for budget-conscious owners, but higher-quality options are preferable.
-
What are the benefits of Purina ONE cat food?
- Purina ONE offers higher protein content and lower carbohydrates compared to Cat Chow. It is a better option for cats needing a more balanced diet.
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Is Purina Pro Plan a vet-recommended cat food?
- Purina Pro Plan is often recommended by veterinarians due to its tailored formulas and high-quality ingredients, addressing specific health needs.
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What ingredients should I avoid in Purina cat food?
- Avoid foods with high amounts of corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. These ingredients can cause allergies or digestive issues in some cats.
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Does Purina offer grain-free cat food options?
- Yes, Purina offers grain-free options like Purina ONE Grain-Free and Purina Beyond, which are suitable for cats with grain sensitivities.
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How does Purina ensure the quality of its cat food?
- Purina employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists and conducts feeding trials to ensure nutritional adequacy, palatability, and digestibility.
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Are there any recent recalls of Purina cat food I should be aware of?
- While Purina has had recalls in the past, there have been no major recalls in the last decade. It’s always best to check the FDA website for the most current recall information.
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Can Purina cat food help with hairball control?
- Yes, Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food includes added fiber to help control hairballs in indoor cats.
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Is wet or dry Purina cat food better for my cat?
- Wet cat food is generally better due to its higher moisture content, lower carbohydrates, and higher meat content.
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How does Purina compare to other premium cat food brands?
- Purina offers a range of quality levels. While some products are comparable to premium brands, others may not meet the same standards. It’s important to compare ingredient lists and nutritional content.
15. FOODS.EDU.VN: Your Go-To Source for Expert Pet Nutrition Advice
Navigating the world of cat food can be challenging, but FOODS.EDU.VN is here to help. We understand the importance of providing your feline friend with the best nutrition possible. That’s why we offer comprehensive, expert-reviewed articles that break down the complexities of pet food, helping you make informed decisions.
15.1. Do you want to explore more about cat food?
At FOODS.EDU.VN, you’ll discover:
- Detailed brand reviews: In-depth analyses of popular cat food brands, including ingredient breakdowns, nutritional evaluations, and customer feedback.
- Nutritional guides: Expert advice on understanding cat nutritional needs, including essential nutrients, optimal protein levels, and the benefits of different ingredients.
- Health-focused articles: Information on addressing specific health concerns through diet, such as weight management, hairball control, and food sensitivities.
- DIY cat food recipes: Nutritious and delicious homemade recipes crafted by our team of experts, ensuring your cat gets the best of both worlds.
15.2. Is your cat’s health important to you?
Join the FOODS.EDU.VN community today and unlock a wealth of knowledge to support your cat’s health and happiness. Whether you’re looking to understand ingredient labels, compare different brands, or find solutions to specific health challenges, we have the resources you need.
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