Is 9Lives good cat food? 9Lives has been a familiar and budget-friendly cat food brand for over half a century, recognized for its affordable pricing and the iconic Morris the Cat. However, when it comes to selecting the best nourishment for our feline companions, it’s essential to delve deeper than just brand recognition. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions about your cat’s diet, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for a vibrant and healthy life. Evaluating a cat food requires a close look at factors like ingredient quality, species-appropriateness, and safety considerations, this detailed analysis will help you understand whether 9Lives aligns with your cat’s dietary needs.
1. Evaluating 9Lives Cat Food: Our Comprehensive Standard
We assess 9Lives cat food based on the Cats.com standard, focusing on key aspects such as ingredient quality, species-appropriateness, product variety, price, customer feedback, and safety history. Here’s a breakdown of how 9Lives performs in each category:
Table: 9Lives Cat Food Ratings
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 4/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 4/10 |
| Product Variety | 7/10 |
| Price | 7/10 |
| Customer Experience | 5/10 |
| Recall History | 4/10 |
| Overall Score | 5.1/10 |
Overall, 9Lives cat food receives a score of 5.1 out of 10, equivalent to a D grade.
2. A Brief History of 9Lives
Established in 1957, 9Lives rose to prominence in the cat food market, becoming one of America’s best-selling brands, thanks to its association with Morris the Cat, an orange tabby known for his discerning palate and charming personality. This iconic spokescat, discovered in 1968, played a significant role in the brand’s marketing success.
9Lives is currently a part of Big Heart Pet Brands, a subsidiary of the J.M. Smucker Company, which also manages other well-known brands like Meow Mix, Natural Balance, Nature’s Recipe, and Milo’s Kitchen.
3. Ingredient Sourcing and Manufacturing Insights
9Lives produces its dry cat food in facilities located in Kansas and Pennsylvania. Wet cat food production is divided between facilities in the United States and international locations. While the company states that most ingredients are sourced from North America, specific details regarding their sourcing practices are limited. Transparency in sourcing is crucial for ensuring product safety and quality.
4. Recall History of 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives has been subject to recalls on at least two occasions in its extensive history:
4.1. 2018 Recall
In December 2018, 9Lives recalled two varieties of its canned cat food due to potentially low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1), which is essential for feline neurological health.
4.2. 2017 Recall
Earlier in January 2017, several flavors of Meaty Paté canned food were recalled due to potential thiamine deficiency. This recall was expanded to include more Meaty Paté flavors eight days later. In addition to 9Lives, the recall also involved other Big Heart Pet Brands, including EverPet and Special Kitty.
5. Types of Cat Food Offered by 9Lives
The 9Lives cat food range includes six dry food varieties and a broad selection of wet food products. The wet food lines feature Tender Morsels, Meaty Paté, Protein Plus®, and Hearty Cuts. These products generally have ingredient lists comparable to other budget-friendly cat foods. Key characteristics include the presence of poultry and meat by-products as primary ingredients, the inclusion of plant proteins in all dry foods, and the use of artificial additives in most recipes.
6. Top 3 9Lives Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Review
Here’s a detailed look at three popular 9Lives cat food recipes:
Table: Top 3 9Lives Cat Food Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9Lives Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef, & Salmon Flavor | Dry | $0.96 per lb | D |
| 9Lives Protein Plus with Chicken & Tuna Flavors | Dry | $1.03 per lb | D |
| 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy | Wet | $0.13 per oz | C |
6.1. 9Lives Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef, & Salmon Flavor Review
Chicken by-product meal and corn gluten meal are listed as the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
Let’s examine the Daily Essentials recipe, a popular choice from 9Lives.
The front of the bag emphasizes “Daily Essentials,” with “with the flavors of chicken, beef, and salmon” noted underneath. This is significant due to FDA labeling regulations, which stipulate that foods labeled “with” a specific ingredient must contain at least 3% of that ingredient on a dry matter basis. Phrases like “flavor of” only require the food to taste like the ingredient without necessarily containing it.
The initial ingredient listed is whole ground corn, a cost-effective grain that significantly contributes to the food’s carbohydrate content. The second ingredient is chicken by-product meal, which, according to AAFCO pet food definitions, includes ground, rendered clean parts of poultry carcasses, such as necks, feet, and undeveloped eggs, excluding feathers except for unavoidable trace amounts.
Following chicken by-products are corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and whole wheat, which add both protein and carbohydrates to the food. Beef fat is included as a species-appropriate source of fatty acids, followed by meat and bone meal, defined as the rendered product from mammal tissues, excluding blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, or stomach and rumen contents, except in minimal amounts.
Small quantities of animal-sourced ingredients, such as animal digest and salmon meal, are added to enhance the flavor. The food is colored with artificial dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2, which have been associated with potential negative health effects.
BHA is used as a preservative and is classified by the National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”
Overall, this kibble is plant-heavy, with moderate protein, low fat, and high carbohydrate content. There are 306 calories per cup.
Ingredients:
Whole Ground Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Wheat, Beef Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Meat and Bone Meal, Animal Digest, Salmon Meal, Salt, Phosphoric Acid, Choline Chloride, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, BHA (Used As A Preservative), Blue 1, Blue 2, Rosemary Extract.
- Ingredients We Liked: Beef Fat
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Ground Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Wheat, Meat and Bone Meal, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, BHA, Blue 1, Blue 2
- Common Allergens: Chicken, Beef, Meat and Bone Meal, Fish
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 30%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 34.09%
- Fat: 10.23%
- Fiber: 3.41%
- Carbs: 52.27%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 30.66%
- Fat: 22.34%
- Carbs: 47.01%
Pros:
- Contains animal-sourced fat
- Affordable
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content
- Animal and poultry by-products outnumber named meats
- Contains artificial colors
- Contains BHA
6.2. 9Lives Protein Plus with Chicken & Tuna Flavors Dry Cat Food Review
Chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal are listed as the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
9Lives markets this food as having a high-quality protein content, with 33 grams of protein per 100 grams of food. The food is made “with chicken & tuna flavors,” which means it must taste like these ingredients but does not necessarily need to contain them.
The primary ingredient is whole ground corn, which provides carbohydrates. Chicken by-product meal follows, offering a concentrated source of animal protein. Soybean meal and corn gluten meal are also included as plant protein sources. Animal fat is used, although the source is not specified, which is less ideal than named animal fats.
A small amount of tuna meal is added after animal digest for flavor. Artificial colors, including caramel color, yellow 5, and red 40, are used, which can have adverse health effects. BHA is added as a preservative.
Overall, this dry food has moderate protein, low fat, and high carbohydrate content. There are 300 calories per cup.
Ingredients:
Whole Ground Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Wheat, Animal Digest, Tuna Meal, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Caramel Color, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin a Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K Activity), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Titanium Dioxide (Color), Yellow 5, Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Red 40, BHA (used as preservative), Rosemary Extract.
- Ingredients We Liked: None
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Whole Ground Corn, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Wheat, Caramel Color, Yellow 5, Red 40, BHA
- Common Allergens: Chicken, Fish
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 33%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 37.5%
- Fat: 10.23%
- Fiber: 4.55%
- Carbs: 47.73%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 34.07%
- Fat: 22.57%
- Carbs: 43.36%
Pros:
- Economical
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content
- Packed with plant ingredients
- Contains artificial colors
- Contains BHA
6.3. 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy Canned Cat Food Review
Meat by-products are listed as the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
The label suggests that “hearty cuts” are the main dish, with real beef and chicken as secondary. However, these “hearty cuts” are a mixture of meat and other ingredients extruded and formed into chunks.
The ingredient list begins with water, followed by meat by-products, which include muscle meat, organs, and tissues from cows, pigs, sheep, or goats. Real beef and chicken are then listed, followed by soy protein concentrate, wheat flour, modified corn starch, and steamed bone meal.
The food also contains additives such as natural flavor and caramel color. Caramel color is unnecessary and potentially dangerous, as it may be contaminated with 4-MEI, a carcinogenic chemical.
This canned cat food is high in protein with low fat and high carbohydrate content, containing 112 calories per can or about 20 calories per ounce.
Ingredients:
Water Sufficient for Processing, Meat By-Products, Beef, Chicken, Soy Protein Concentrate, Wheat Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Steamed Bone Meal, Natural Flavor, Salt, Caramel Color, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Iron Oxide (Color), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite).
- Ingredients We Liked: Beef, Chicken
- Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Meat By-Products, Soy Protein Concentrate, Wheat Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Caramel Color
- Common Allergens: Beef, Chicken
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 2%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 82%
- Ash: 3%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 44.44%
- Fat: 11.11%
- Fiber: 5.56%
- Carbs: 22.22%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 47.46%
- Fat: 28.81%
- Carbs: 23.73%
Pros:
- Contains real beef and chicken
- Free of carrageenan and other gums
Cons:
- Contains caramel color
- Uses a plant protein concentrate
- High carbohydrate content compared to other canned foods
7. Customer Opinions on 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives generally receives positive reviews on platforms like Amazon and Chewy. However, ConsumerAffairs presents a different perspective, with more complaints regarding the product. Customers often report that their cats experienced health issues, such as lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and anemia, after consuming 9Lives cat food. Some customers noted improvements after switching to a different brand.
7.1. Positive Feedback
- “Some abandoned and feral cats adopted our property. Several lots in the area were built upon and after clearing the lots many animals (of all kinds) were displaced. We are thankful for Chewy prices and speed of delivery. Our local animal shelter and patron trapped the feral cats and took them to be spade/neutered and returned to their neighborhood.” – Terri, reviewing 9Lives Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef, & Salmon Flavor on Feb 20, 2025
- “I ordered from chewy. Nine lives wet, cat food. I had it shipped to my house. It was package very, very well and once it came in, I fed it to the cats. It was very fresh. I could tell and not some old cat food.” – Ronald, reviewing 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy on Jan 1, 2025
7.2. Negative Feedback
- “My cats even the strays I feed reacted really bad to this food, they got terrible tummy problems, they had “the runs” and (sorry to be saying this)…but their poo was orange, like pumpkin orange from the dyes maybe? I never saw that before. And they were vomiting as well. Good price but not worth it.” – Sabina, reviewing 9 Lives Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef & Salmon Flavor Dry Cat Food Feb 3, 2025
- “I never received my last order. It was delivered to the wrong house and have not been able to locate it. FedEx is know for this.” – Dennis, reviewing 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy Aug 23, 2024
8. Cost Analysis of 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives is among the most affordable cat food brands on the market. Feeding a 10-lb cat the recommended amount of 9Lives wet food costs about $0.77 per day, while the dry food varieties cost approximately $0.10 per day.
9. Final Verdict: Is 9Lives a Suitable Choice?
While 9Lives is an accessible and budget-friendly option, it may not be the most nutritious choice for your cat. The recipes often contain plant-based ingredients and potentially harmful additives. For those seeking more nutritious options at a similar price point, brands like Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Sheba may offer better nutritional value.
10. Availability of 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives cat food is widely available in grocery stores, large retail chains, and pet supply stores. It can also be purchased online through retailers like Amazon and Chewy.
FAQ Section: Your Questions About 9Lives Cat Food Answered
10.1. Is 9Lives cat food safe for my cat?
While 9Lives is generally considered safe, some recipes contain artificial colors and preservatives that may be concerning. Always monitor your cat for any adverse reactions when introducing a new food.
10.2. Does 9Lives cat food meet AAFCO standards?
Yes, 9Lives cat food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
10.3. Can 9Lives cat food cause allergies in cats?
9Lives cat food contains common allergens such as chicken, beef, and fish, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive cats.
10.4. Is 9Lives cat food good for kittens?
9Lives offers specific formulas for kittens, but it’s essential to ensure they provide the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
10.5. How does 9Lives cat food compare to other budget brands?
Compared to other budget brands like Friskies and Fancy Feast, 9Lives generally has a higher carbohydrate content and more artificial additives.
10.6. Where can I find the latest recall information for 9Lives cat food?
You can find the latest recall information on the FDA website or through pet food recall tracking websites.
10.7. What are the main ingredients in 9Lives dry cat food?
The main ingredients in 9Lives dry cat food are typically whole ground corn, chicken by-product meal, and corn gluten meal.
10.8. Is grain-free 9Lives cat food available?
No, 9Lives does not offer grain-free cat food options.
10.9. How many calories are in 9Lives wet cat food?
9Lives wet cat food contains approximately 20 calories per ounce.
10.10. What do veterinarians say about 9Lives cat food?
Veterinarians often recommend cat foods with higher-quality ingredients and fewer artificial additives. While 9Lives is affordable, it may not be the top choice for optimal feline health.
11. Optimizing Your Cat’s Diet: Essential Considerations
Choosing the right cat food involves more than just looking at the price tag. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:
- Read the Ingredient List: Look for foods where meat, poultry, or fish are listed as the primary ingredients.
- Consider Life Stage: Kittens, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Choose a formula that aligns with your cat’s life stage.
- Evaluate Health Conditions: If your cat has specific health issues like allergies, diabetes, or kidney disease, consult with your veterinarian to find a suitable diet.
- Monitor Your Cat’s Response: Pay attention to your cat’s coat condition, energy levels, and digestive health when introducing a new food.
12. Dive Deeper into Feline Nutrition with FOODS.EDU.VN
Making informed choices about your cat’s diet is crucial for their long-term health and happiness. At FOODS.EDU.VN, we are committed to providing detailed, reliable, and accessible information on pet nutrition. Our resources are designed to help you navigate the complexities of cat food ingredients, understand nutritional requirements, and choose the best options for your feline friend. Whether you are looking for guidance on selecting the right food for a kitten, managing a cat with dietary sensitivities, or simply seeking to improve your cat’s overall health, FOODS.EDU.VN offers a wealth of knowledge to support you.
We understand the challenges cat owners face when trying to decipher confusing labels and marketing claims. That’s why we break down complex topics into easy-to-understand articles, reviews, and guides. By exploring our site, you can gain a deeper understanding of what truly constitutes a healthy diet for your cat, empowering you to make confident decisions that benefit their well-being. Join the community at FOODS.EDU.VN today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier life for your cat. Explore more expert advice and detailed analyses to ensure your cat receives the best possible care.
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