Is Special Kitty Food Good For Cats? At FOODS.EDU.VN, we understand you want only the best for your feline friend. Choosing the right cat food is crucial for their health and happiness. Let’s explore whether Special Kitty cat food provides the complete feline nourishment and exceptional ingredients your cat deserves. Discover exceptional feline diets, nutrient-rich options, and optimal cat nutrition tips at FOODS.EDU.VN.
1. The Cats.com Standard – Evaluating Special Kitty Cat Food
We’ve assessed Special Kitty based on six essential criteria. Here’s how it measures up in these vital areas:
| Ratings | Score |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 2/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 2/10 |
| Product Variety | 7/10 |
| Price | 10/10 |
| Customer Experience | 6/10 |
| Recall History | 4/10 |
| Overall Score | 5/10 |
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Overall, Special Kitty cat food scores 31 out of 60, earning a D grade.
2. Understanding Special Kitty
Special Kitty is exclusively available at Walmart, both in stores and online at Walmart.com. As a budget-friendly brand, it’s wise to consider their claims carefully. Walmart describes Special Kitty as a brand that:
“Special Kitty understands the unique bond between you and your cat. Every moment together creates memories that will fill your heart for a lifetime. That’s why each one of our products is crafted with the care that cats love, and the attention to detail that cat lovers trust. For all the soft purrs, warm snuggles, and playful pounces – give your Special Kitty the very best.”
This description focuses on sentiment rather than specifics about ingredients or nutritional content. Special Kitty recipes often include generic statements such as:
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for your cat’s optimal health
- Contains nutrients to support an active outdoor life
- Contains calcium and phosphorus to help support healthy teeth and bones
- Made with 25 essential vitamins and minerals
While these claims may be technically accurate, they can be misleading. The “complete and balanced nutrition” claim refers to meeting the minimum standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These standards ensure basic nutritional needs are met, but they don’t necessarily indicate superior quality or optimal nutrition.
Examining the ingredients lists of various Special Kitty cat foods reveals some key concerns:
- High levels of fillers: Corn, wheat, and soy are frequently used.
- Plant-based ingredients: These often appear at the top of the ingredient list.
- By-products and plant proteins: Heavy reliance on these sources.
- Unnamed ingredients: “Animal fat” instead of specifying the source (e.g., chicken fat).
- Artificial additives: Colors and flavors are commonly added.
In summary, Special Kitty cat food tends to be primarily plant-based rather than animal-based. Dry foods are often composed of low-quality fillers, while wet foods rely heavily on meat and poultry by-products.
While affordable and readily available, the inferior ingredient quality makes it difficult to recommend Special Kitty as a top choice.
3. Sourcing and Production Information
Special Kitty not only uses many plant-based ingredients and artificial additives but also lacks transparency regarding ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes. This absence of information is a concern, and we often advise choosing a brand that offers greater transparency.
Our research uncovered some details about Special Kitty’s manufacturing history:
The brand’s origins trace back to 1983 when it was produced by Doane Pet Care, a major manufacturer of private label pet foods based in Brentwood, TN. Doane produced numerous store brands, including Special Kitty and Ol’ Roy.
In 2006, Mars Inc., the maker of Whiskas, Temptations, and Sheba, acquired Doane Pet Care’s U.S. operations.
Mars PetCare and Del Monte Foods manufactured Special Kitty until 2014 when Del Monte sold its pet division to Big Heart Pet Brands. J.M. Smucker Company acquired Big Heart Pet Brands a year later and appears to be the current manufacturer.
4. Recall History Overview
Investigating a cat food brand’s history is crucial before making a decision. Besides reviewing the product range, it’s wise to check the brand’s recall history.
Product recalls signify a pet food manufacturer’s commitment to quality and safety. Recalls occur when a product has an issue requiring its removal from the market to protect pets and owners. The reasons for a recall can range from minor labeling errors to severe contamination with harmful pathogens.
Special Kitty has faced several recalls:
- December 2019 (safety and quality issues): The FDA recalled specific lots of Special Kitty Mixed Grill Dinner Pate cat food due to failing “quality and safety standards.”
- January 2017 (low thiamine levels): Multiple Special Kitty canned foods were recalled by the FDA due to insufficient thiamine levels.
- October 2008 (potential salmonella): A recall was issued for several Special Kitty dry foods due to potential salmonella contamination, which the FDA later expanded.
- September 2008 (potential salmonella): The FDA recalled Special Kitty dry foods produced at a Pennsylvania plant due to potential salmonella contamination.
- March 2007 (melamine): One of the largest pet product recalls in U.S. history involved melamine contamination in various cat foods, including some Special Kitty wet food pouches.
While occasional minor recalls are understandable, a long history of significant recalls should raise concerns about a brand’s quality control.
5. Range of Cat Food Offerings
Special Kitty provides a diverse selection of wet and dry cat food products, catering to adult cats, kittens, and cats with indoor or outdoor lifestyles.
Special Kitty dry food recipes include:
- Outdoor Formula Dry Food
- Gourmet Formula Dry Food, Seafood Flavor Blend
- Complete Nutrition Formula Dry Food, Chicken & Turkey Flavor
- Indoor Formula Dry Food, Chicken & Pea Flavor
- Kitten Formula Dry Food
- Naturals Dry Food, Chicken Flavor
Their wet food options come in both 5.5-ounce and 13-ounce cans. While individual cans may be available in stores, Walmart.com typically sells Special Kitty canned food in variety and multi-packs.
Special Kitty multi-packs include:
- Pate Wet Food Classic Variety Pack
- Turkey & Cheese Shreds Dinner Cuts in Gravy
- Poultry Cuts in Gravy Wet Food Variety Pack
- Favorites Variety Pack Cuts in Gravy
- Pate Wet Food Mixed Grill Dinner
- Kitten Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack
- Surf & Turf Variety Pack Pate Cat Food
In addition to wet and dry food, Special Kitty sells cat treats and cat litter.
6. Customer Perspectives on Special Kitty
When considering a new cat food brand, it’s helpful to review feedback from other cat owners. Since cats can be finicky, it’s possible your cat might not like a particular food. Customer reviews can provide valuable insights to inform your decision.
We reviewed numerous reviews from Special Kitty customers on Walmart’s website.
Many products received high ratings (4 stars or more), with hundreds or even thousands of reviews. Positive reviews often mentioned the affordable price (important for caretakers of feral cat colonies) and the wide variety of options. Negative reviews frequently cited concerns about ingredient quality.
Positive Feedback
One reviewer, Ginger, who cares for a feral cat colony, highlighted the price: “Most of all I like the price. I have 7 feral cats in a colony that I care for and with this product I have been able to get them to be socialized with me and they come running when I call for them and all but one will let me pet them when it is feeding time. They also show regular social cat behavior with purring and rubbing on my leg and letting me give them a good back scratch. With this option I only supplement the dry, because I want their teeth to be in good shape too.”
Another customer, Condrad, noted their picky cat’s preference: “Our cat is a very picky eater, and we’ve bought 7 or 8 different brands for her to try. She loves the Special Kitty pates way more than the others, and it’s the most affordable of the bunch. A win-win for our kitty and our budget.”
Negative Feedback
Barbara reported digestive issues: “My cats are not liking it and to me it smells stale. I’ve ordered it before; however the last 2 bags have been a problem for my cats. Cats have been having tummy issues with this flavor. I wish they had the multiple flavor, instead of plain chicken.”
An anonymous reviewer described a shipping problem: “Someone thought it was a good idea to ship open cat food. My order arrived opened with a split down the side. It was taped back together, but not very well because cat food still spilled inside the closed shipping box. The box had been stored outside and subjected to the weather with insects and mold. The food was a safety concern before that, because who knows how long it had been sitting open in storage before it was shipped to me. This is why it’s always good to check any packages the day they arrive. Also it’s a huge 44lb bag and my vehicle doesn’t work properly, the main reason I ordered the food online in the first place. Now I have to find some way to return it.”
Irene expressed disappointment with recent changes: “The way that special kitty has changed both the large 44 pound bag as well as the smaller 35 pound bags both in flavor and size of the food itself is horrible. The smell is terrible and none of my cats will eat it. I feed a lot of strays and so does my daughter. I also have quite a few cats so I have been using the 44 pound bag of special kitty for many years. Not only did it go up in price Quite a bit but now the way that the entire formula and packaging has changed. I cannot buy it anymore. Very disappointing. Horrible horrible product.”
7. Insights from Our Feline Testers
To thoroughly evaluate Special Kitty cat food, we purchased two wet food variety packs and two dry food recipes:
- Special Kitty Pate Wet Food Classic Variety Pack
- Special Kitty Favorites Variety Pack Cuts in Gravy
- Special Kitty Naturals Dry Cat Food
- Special Kitty Indoor Formula Dry Cat Food
The first thing we noticed was the affordability. Both variety packs were under $10 for twelve 13-ounce cans and 24 three-ounce pouches. The dry food was priced under $4 for a 3.5-pound or 3.15-pound bag.
The dry food kibble appeared standard, with average size and some color variation. Our test cats readily ate the food, although one cat with a chicken allergy had to be excluded. Both dry food products listed chicken by-product meal as a primary ingredient. Only one listed chicken as the main ingredient.
Similarly, one of our cats had to be excluded from the wet food testing due to potential chicken or unspecified meat and poultry by-products in the recipes.
Overall, our test cats seemed to enjoy the flavor of Special Kitty food, especially the Cuts in Gravy wet foods, showing less interest in the dry food.
8. Top 3 Special Kitty Recipes: A Detailed Review
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Special Kitty Mixed Grill Cuts in Gravy](link to product) | Wet | Chicken | 66 kcal/pouch | $0.13 per oz | C |
| [Special Kitty Classic Tuna Dinner Canned Food](link to product) | Wet | Chicken | 385 kcal/can | $0.05 per oz | C |
| [Special Kitty Naturals Dry Cat Food](link to product) | Dry | Chicken | 374 kcal/cup | $0.86 per lb | C |
Note: Nutritional percentages are based on the manufacturer’s guaranteed analysis. Exact percentages may vary. Contact Special Kitty for comprehensive nutritional information.
8.1. Special Kitty Mixed Grill Cuts in Gravy
This wet cat food comes in a 3-ounce pouch as part of the Special Kitty Favorites Variety Pack Cuts in Gravy. Chicken is the primary protein source, with meat by-product and beef also listed.
While by-products aren’t inherently bad, unnamed sources are undesirable. We also advise against foods with low-quality fillers like wheat. This recipe contains added color and guar gum as a thickening agent.
The large serving size is notable. Walmart recommends two pouches per 5 pounds of body weight daily, meaning an average 10-pound cat needs four pouches. This large feeding recommendation raises concerns about the food’s nutrient density, suggesting more food is needed to meet nutritional requirements.
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, chicken, meat by-products, wheat gluten, beef, salt, natural flavors, sodium phosphate, guar gum, added color, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid), taurine, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide), magnesium sulfate, DL-methionine, fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols).
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Beef | Meat by-products Wheat gluten Added color | Chicken Wheat Beef |
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 3%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 84%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 18.75%
- Fiber: 6.25%
- Carbs: 25%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 41.48%
- Fat: 37.78%
- Carbs: 20.74%
Pros:
- Contains two whole animal protein sources
- Rich in moisture and flavor
- Low in carbohydrates (estimated under 5%)
Cons:
- Contains unnamed by-products
- Uses wheat gluten as a supplemental protein
- Long list of synthetic supplements required
8.2. Special Kitty Classic Tuna Dinner Canned Food
This canned food is called “Tuna Dinner,” but chicken is the first ingredient after water. Tuna is next, which is good, but naming the product after a less prominent ingredient is misleading.
Problematic ingredients include meat and poultry by-products and carrageenan. Brewer’s rice is also less nutritious than other rice options. This recipe includes artificial color.
Like the previous recipe, this one relies on by-products but has two whole animal protein sources. It’s also low in carbohydrates, with an estimated 2% carb content.
Ingredients:
Water sufficient for processing, chicken, tuna, meat by-products, fish, poultry by-products, brewers rice, dried egg product, sodium tripolyphosphate, carrageenan, salt, guar gum, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, niacin, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, biotin), potassium chloride, iron oxide (color), choline chloride, minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganous oxide, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite) vitamin E supplement, NP04.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tuna | Meat by-products Poultry by-products Brewer’s rice Carrageenan | Chicken Fish |
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 5.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 78%
- Ash: 3.5%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 45.45%
- Fat: 25%
- Fiber: 4.55%
- Carbs: 9.09%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 39.44%
- Fat: 52.68%
- Carbs: 7.89%
Pros:
- Contains two whole animal protein sources
- Estimated 2% carbohydrates
- Rich in moisture and flavor
Cons:
- Contains unnamed by-products (poultry and meat)
- Uses carrageenan as a thickener
- Long list of synthetic supplements required
8.3. Special Kitty Naturals Dry Cat Food
This dry food is labeled as natural with added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients. While technically true, this doesn’t tell the whole story. This formula is full of by-products and fillers.
Chicken by-product meal is the first ingredient, but fresh chicken isn’t until the 8th ingredient after five grain-based fillers.
This recipe has low-quality fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, and an unnamed animal fat source. The carbohydrate content is over 25% due to the numerous grain-based ingredients.
The low price tag is the only positive. However, the low-quality ingredients make it hard to recommend.
Ingredients:
Chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, ground whole wheat, brewers rice, animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), corn meal, chicken, natural flavor, salmon, dicalcium phosphate, salt, potassium chloride, brewer’s dried yeast, choline chloride, taurine, zinc sulfate, fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ferrous sulfate, vitamin E supplement, niacin, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, manganese sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, sodium selenite.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Salmon | Corn gluten meal Soybean meal Ground whole wheat Brewer’s rice Animal fat Corn meal | Chicken Corn Soy Wheat Fish |
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 38%
- Crude Fat: 13%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 43.18%
- Fat: 14.77%
- Fiber: 3.41%
- Carbs: 38.64%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 36.69%
- Fat: 30.48%
- Carbs: 32.83%
Pros:
- Animal protein as the first ingredient
- Contains chicken and salmon
Cons:
- Contains corn, wheat, and soy
- Heavy use of by-products and fillers
- High carb content (over 25%)
9. Cost Analysis of Special Kitty Cat Food
As a Walmart exclusive, Special Kitty is extremely affordable. The recipes we reviewed are under $0.15/ounce for wet food and under $1.00/pound for dry food. Buying wet food in variety packs lowers the price further.
10. Final Verdict: Is Special Kitty Cat Food a Suitable Choice?
While Special Kitty is affordable, we can’t recommend it due to its heavy use of grain-based fillers (corn, wheat, soy) and reliance on by-products instead of whole animal protein sources.
Most dry foods have high carbohydrate percentages (over 25%), though wet foods are low in carbs. The few positives don’t outweigh the negatives.
If you want affordable cat food, you can find much better options than Special Kitty without spending significantly more.
FAQ Section: Is Special Kitty Food Good For Cats?
1. What are the main concerns about Special Kitty cat food?
Special Kitty cat food primarily uses low-quality fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. It also relies heavily on meat and poultry by-products instead of whole animal protein sources.
2. Does Special Kitty offer any benefits for cats?
The primary benefit is its affordability. It also offers a wide variety of flavors and formulas, which may appeal to some picky eaters.
3. Is Special Kitty cat food nutritionally complete?
It meets the minimum nutritional requirements established by AAFCO, but it may not provide optimal nutrition due to the low-quality ingredients.
4. How does Special Kitty compare to other affordable cat food brands?
Other brands offer better ingredient quality at a similar price point. It’s worth exploring alternatives for better nutrition.
5. What are the potential health risks of feeding my cat Special Kitty regularly?
Long-term consumption of low-quality fillers and by-products may lead to digestive issues, allergies, and other health problems.
6. Has Special Kitty cat food been recalled?
Yes, Special Kitty has had several recalls due to issues like salmonella contamination, low thiamine levels, and failure to meet quality standards.
7. What ingredients should I look for in a high-quality cat food?
Look for whole animal protein sources (like chicken, fish, or beef), healthy fats (like fish oil), and minimal fillers. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
8. Can Special Kitty cat food cause allergies in cats?
Yes, common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy are present in many Special Kitty formulas, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive cats.
9. Is Special Kitty a good option for feral cats or cats with limited budgets?
While it is affordable, prioritizing higher-quality food is beneficial if possible, even for feral cats. Consider supplementing with higher-quality options or exploring other budget-friendly brands.
10. Where can I find more information about cat nutrition and choosing the right cat food?
Visit FOODS.EDU.VN for in-depth articles, expert advice, and resources on cat nutrition and food selection.
Find The Best Cat Food Solutions at FOODS.EDU.VN
Special Kitty is sold exclusively at Walmart, both in stores and online at Walmart.com.
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If you’re seeking a deeper dive into the world of feline nutrition and a wider selection of premium cat food options, we encourage you to explore FOODS.EDU.VN. Discover detailed recipes, insightful articles on ingredients, and expert culinary tips tailored to elevate your understanding of cat nutrition.
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