Is 9lives Good Cat Food? 9Lives has been a budget-friendly option for cat owners for decades. This detailed review by FOODS.EDU.VN, explores the quality, ingredients, recall history, and customer opinions to help you make an informed decision. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of 9Lives cat food. This analysis covers key aspects like nutritional value, ingredient sourcing, and potential health impacts, ensuring your feline friend gets the best possible diet.
1. Evaluating 9Lives: A Comprehensive Assessment
FOODS.EDU.VN has meticulously evaluated 9Lives cat food based on a comprehensive standard. This standard considers species-appropriateness, ingredient integrity, product diversity, affordability, customer feedback, and recall incidents. Our analysis aims to provide an unbiased perspective, helping you determine if 9Lives aligns with your cat’s nutritional requirements and your values as a pet owner.
2. 9Lives: An Overview
Established in 1957, 9Lives became a household name thanks to its memorable mascot. Morris the Cat, a charismatic orange tabby, propelled the brand to prominence through a clever marketing campaign. Today, 9Lives is part of the J.M. Smucker Company’s Big Heart Pet Brands, which also includes Meow Mix, Natural Balance, Nature’s Recipe, and Milo’s Kitchen.
3. Where 9Lives Sources Ingredients and Manufactures Food
9Lives dry cat food is produced in facilities located in Kansas and Pennsylvania. Wet cat food production is divided between facilities in the United States and international manufacturers. While the company states that most ingredients are sourced from North America, specific sourcing practices are not detailed. Understanding where your cat’s food comes from is crucial for ensuring its safety and quality, a concern FOODS.EDU.VN takes seriously.
4. Recall History of 9Lives Cat Food
Yes, 9Lives cat food has been recalled at least twice in its history.
4.1. 2018 Recall
In December 2018, two varieties of 9Lives canned cat food were recalled due to potentially low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). Thiamine deficiency can lead to severe health issues in cats, making this a significant concern for pet owners.
4.2. 2017 Recall
In early January 2017, several flavors of Meaty Paté canned food were recalled due to potential thiamine deficiency. The recall was expanded eight days later to include more Meaty Paté flavors. In addition to 9Lives foods, the recall involved two other Big Heart Pet brands—EverPet and Special Kitty.
5. Types of Cat Food Offered by 9Lives
The 9Lives cat food lineup includes six varieties of dry cat food and an expansive selection of wet products. 9Lives wet food lines include Tender Morsels, Meaty Paté, Protein Plus®, and Hearty Cuts. However, like many budget-friendly options, 9Lives’ ingredient lists often include poultry and meat by-products, plant proteins, and artificial additives.
6. Top 3 9Lives Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Analysis
Here’s a detailed look at three popular 9Lives recipes:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9Lives Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef, & Salmon Flavor | Dry | $0.96 per lb |
| 9Lives Protein Plus with Chicken & Tuna Flavors | Dry | $1.03 per lb |
| 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy | Wet | $0.13 per oz |
7. 9Lives Daily Essentials with Chicken, Beef, & Salmon Flavor Review
7.1. Ingredients and Analysis
This dry cat food lists whole ground corn as the first ingredient, followed by chicken by-product meal. While the label highlights “flavors of chicken, beef, and salmon,” the actual content of these ingredients is minimal. The food also contains corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and whole wheat, which contribute to its protein and carbohydrate content.
7.1.1. Key Ingredients
- Whole Ground Corn: Economical grain contributing to carbohydrate content.
- Chicken By-Product Meal: Ground, rendered clean parts of slaughtered poultry.
- Corn Gluten Meal: Plant-based protein source.
- Soybean Meal: Another plant-based protein source.
- Beef Fat: Animal-sourced fat for fatty acids.
- Meat and Bone Meal: Rendered product from mammal tissues.
- Animal Digest: Highly palatable additive made from hydrolyzed animal tissues.
- Salmon Meal: Contributes to the flavor profile.
7.1.2. Additives and Preservatives
The food is colored with Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2, artificial dyes associated with negative health effects. It also includes BHA, a synthetic preservative “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” according to the National Toxicology Program.
7.1.3. Nutritional Profile
Overall, this is a plant-heavy kibble with moderate protein, low fat, and high carbohydrate content.
7.2. 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.
7.3. Ingredients We Liked
Beef Fat
7.4. 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
7.5. Common Allergens
Chicken, Beef, Meat and Bone Meal, Fish
7.6. Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 30%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 12%
7.7. Dry Matter Basis
- Protein: 34.09%
- Fat: 10.23%
- Fiber: 3.41%
- Carbs: 52.27%
7.8. Caloric Weight Basis
- Protein: 30.66%
- Fat: 22.34%
- Carbs: 47.01%
7.9. Pros
- Contains animal-sourced fat.
- Most cats seem to like the food’s flavor.
- Affordable.
7.10. Cons
- High carbohydrate content.
- Animal and poultry by-products outnumber named meats.
- Contains artificial colors.
- Contains BHA.
8. 9Lives Protein Plus with Chicken & Tuna Flavors Dry Cat Food Review
8.1. Ingredients and Analysis
This recipe emphasizes high-quality protein, but the primary protein sources are chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal. While chicken and tuna are listed, they are not the primary ingredients. The food also contains “animal fat” instead of fat sourced from a named animal, and artificial colors like caramel color, yellow 5, and red 40.
8.1.1. Key Ingredients
- Whole Ground Corn: Primary carbohydrate source.
- Chicken By-Product Meal: Concentrated source of animal protein.
- Soybean Meal: Plant-based protein.
- Corn Gluten Meal: Plant-based protein.
- Animal Fat: Unspecified source of animal fat.
- Tuna Meal: Small amount, listed after animal digest.
8.1.2. Additives and Preservatives
The food contains caramel color, yellow 5, and red 40, all artificial colors associated with negative health effects. BHA is added as a preservative.
8.1.3. Nutritional Profile
This dry food has moderate protein content, low fat, and high carbohydrate content.
8.2. 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.
8.3. Ingredients We Liked
None
8.4. Ingredients We Didn’t Like
Whole Ground Corn, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Wheat, Caramel Color, Yellow 5, Red 40, BHA
8.5. Common Allergens
Chicken, Fish
8.6. Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 33%
- Crude Fat: 9%
- Crude Fiber: 4%
- Moisture: 12%
8.7. Dry Matter Basis
- Protein: 37.5%
- Fat: 10.23%
- Fiber: 4.55%
- Carbs: 47.73%
8.8. Caloric Weight Basis
- Protein: 34.07%
- Fat: 22.57%
- Carbs: 43.36%
8.9. Pros
- Cats like the way this food tastes.
- Economical.
8.10. Cons
- High carbohydrate content.
- Packed with plant ingredients.
- Contains artificial colors.
- Contains BHA, a potentially harmful preservative.
9. 9Lives Hearty Cuts with Real Beef & Chicken in Gravy Canned Cat Food Review
9.1. Ingredients and Analysis
This wet cat food lists meat by-products as the primary protein source. While it contains “real beef and chicken,” these are followed by soy protein concentrate, wheat flour, modified corn starch, and steamed bone meal. It also includes caramel color, which may be contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals.
9.1.1. Key Ingredients
- Water Sufficient for Processing: Primary ingredient due to pre-cooking weight.
- Meat By-Products: Variety of muscle meat, organs, and other tissues.
- Beef and Chicken: Real meat sources, but not primary.
- Soy Protein Concentrate: Plant-based protein.
- Wheat Flour: Filler and binder.
- Modified Corn Starch: Thickening agent.
- Steamed Bone Meal: Source of minerals.
- Natural Flavor: Additive to enhance palatability.
- Caramel Color: Artificial coloring agent.
9.1.2. Additives and Preservatives
The food contains caramel color, which may be contaminated with 4-MEI, a carcinogenic chemical.
9.1.3. Nutritional Profile
This canned cat food is high in protein with low fat and high carbohydrate content.
9.2. 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).
9.3. Ingredients We Liked
Beef, Chicken
9.4. Ingredients We Didn’t Like
Meat By-Products, Soy Protein Concentrate, Wheat Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Caramel Color
9.5. Common Allergens
Beef, Chicken
9.6. Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 2%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 82%
- Ash: 3%
9.7. Dry Matter Basis
- Protein: 44.44%
- Fat: 11.11%
- Fiber: 5.56%
- Carbs: 22.22%
9.8. Caloric Weight Basis
- Protein: 47.46%
- Fat: 28.81%
- Carbs: 23.73%
9.9. Pros
- Contains real beef and chicken.
- Free of carrageenan and other gums.
9.10. Cons
- Contains caramel color.
- Uses a plant protein concentrate.
- High carbohydrate content compared to other canned foods.
10. Customer Reviews of 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives cat food receives mixed reviews online. While many customers appreciate its affordability, some report negative experiences, particularly regarding their cats’ health after consuming the food.
10.1. Positive Reviews
Some customers appreciate the affordability and convenience of 9Lives, especially for feeding multiple cats or stray animals.
- “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
- “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
10.2. Negative Reviews
Many negative reviews mention digestive issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting, as well as lethargy and other health problems after feeding their cats 9Lives.
- “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
- “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
11. Cost of 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives is one of the most affordable cat food brands available. Wet food costs about $0.77 per day for a 10-lb cat, while dry varieties are significantly cheaper at around $0.10 per day.
12. Is 9Lives a Good Choice Overall?
While 9Lives is an accessible and budget-friendly option, its nutritional value is questionable. The inclusion of plant ingredients and potentially harmful additives in every recipe raises concerns. If you’re looking for a nourishing food at a low price, consider exploring other budget brands like Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Sheba, which may offer superior nutritional profiles.
13. Where to Buy 9Lives Cat Food
9Lives cat food is widely available in grocery chains, big box stores, and pet product stores. Online, you can purchase 9Lives through major retailers like Amazon and Chewy.
14. FAQs About 9Lives Cat Food
14.1. Is 9Lives cat food safe for my cat?
While many cats consume 9Lives without issue, some users report adverse reactions. It is essential to monitor your cat for any signs of digestive upset or lethargy.
14.2. What are the main ingredients in 9Lives cat food?
The main ingredients typically include corn, chicken by-product meal, and plant-based proteins like soybean meal and corn gluten meal.
14.3. Does 9Lives cat food contain artificial colors?
Yes, many 9Lives recipes contain artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
14.4. Has 9Lives cat food been recalled?
Yes, 9Lives has been recalled at least twice due to potential thiamine deficiencies.
14.5. Is 9Lives cat food expensive?
No, 9Lives is one of the most affordable cat food brands on the market.
14.6. Is 9Lives cat food suitable for kittens?
9Lives offers some formulas suitable for kittens, but always check the label to ensure it meets the nutritional needs of growing kittens.
14.7. Does 9Lives offer grain-free options?
No, 9Lives does not offer grain-free options.
14.8. Where is 9Lives cat food manufactured?
9Lives dry cat food is manufactured in the United States, while wet food production is split between U.S. and international facilities.
14.9. Can 9Lives cat food cause allergies?
Yes, 9Lives contains common allergens like chicken, beef, and fish, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive cats.
14.10. Is 9Lives cat food nutritionally complete?
While 9Lives meets basic nutritional standards, the quality of ingredients and inclusion of fillers may not make it the most nutritious option.
15. Unlock a World of Feline Nutrition Insights with FOODS.EDU.VN
Choosing the right cat food can feel overwhelming. But at FOODS.EDU.VN, we’re dedicated to providing you with the information you need to make confident decisions about your cat’s diet. Our comprehensive guides, ingredient analyses, and brand reviews cut through the marketing hype, revealing the truth about what’s in your cat’s bowl. Whether you’re curious about the benefits of raw feeding, deciphering cat food labels, or finding the best food for a cat with allergies, FOODS.EDU.VN is your trusted resource. Explore our articles today and give your cat the gift of optimal health!
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