Rachael Ray Nutrish is a well-known pet food brand endorsed by celebrity chef Rachael Ray. It promises to offer wholesome nutrition that supports happy, healthy lives for pets, focusing on formulas that cater to their minds, bodies, and energy levels. But does Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food truly live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive review, we delve into the history of Rachael Ray’s Nutrish cat food, analyze the ingredient quality, assess its product range, and scrutinize some of their most popular recipes to give you an expert perspective on whether this brand is the right choice for your feline companion.
Cats.com Standard Rating: Decoding Rachael Ray Nutrish
At Cats.com, we hold pet food to a high standard, evaluating brands across six critical areas to ensure you make informed decisions for your cat’s well-being. Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food has been rigorously analyzed and graded based on our established criteria. Here’s how it scores:
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 5/10
- Ingredient Quality – 5/10
- Product Variety – 7/10
- Price – 8/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 9/10
Overall Score: 6.8/10
We give Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food an overall score of 6.8 out of 10, which translates to a B- grade. This positions Nutrish as a mid-range brand, indicating it offers some benefits but also has areas for improvement compared to top-tier cat food options.
A Deep Dive into Rachael Ray Nutrish
Brand History: From Celebrity Chef to Pet Food Aisle
Rachael Ray Nutrish emerged onto the pet food scene in 2008, a collaborative creation with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. This celebrity-endorsed brand was strategically launched during a pivotal time in the pet food industry. Following the widespread pet food recalls of 2007, pet owners were increasingly wary of conventional brands and seeking safer, more trustworthy alternatives, often turning towards smaller, independent companies. The demand for “super-premium” pet food was rising, and Ainsworth Pet Nutrition recognized the need to tap into this growing market segment.
Enter Rachael Ray, a celebrity chef celebrated for her approachable personality, genuine warmth, and well-known love for animals. Her public image made her the perfect face for Ainsworth’s foray into the premium pet food space. Nutrish quickly became Ainsworth’s flagship brand, achieving remarkable success and earning the title of the fastest-growing pet food company in the US by 2017.
Nutrish was, and continues to be, marketed as a premium cat food option that remains accessible in terms of price for the average consumer. Beyond product quality, the brand emphasizes philanthropy. A portion of every Nutrish sale is donated to the Rachael Ray Foundation, which supports animals in need and contributes to other charitable causes such as Feeding America, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and FoodCorps. The brand has undergone ownership changes, being acquired by J.M. Smucker Company in 2018 and subsequently by Post Brands Pet Care, LLC in 2023.
Sourcing and Manufacturing: Where Does Rachael Ray Nutrish Come From?
Rachael Ray Nutrish dry cat foods and treats continue to be produced in the original Ainsworth Pet Foods’ facilities located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Lawrence, Kansas. These facilities transitioned through the ownership changes, remaining under J.M. Smucker Company after the 2018 acquisition and then transferring to Post Brands Pet Care, LLC in 2023. However, it’s important to note that Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat foods are manufactured in Thailand.
The brand states that the majority of ingredients used in their dry pet foods are sourced from trusted locations including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Rachael Ray Nutrish explicitly claims that none of their ingredients for dry food are sourced from China. However, the wet food recipes produced in Thailand likely utilize protein sources from within Thailand and potentially other regions in Southeast Asia.
While Rachael Ray Nutrish provides a general explanation of ingredients on their website, specific sourcing details for each ingredient are not publicly available. The brand does highlight its commitment to food safety, stating that “Nutrish brand employs independent third parties to assess and audit [its] food safety programs at each manufacturing facility.” This indicates a degree of oversight in their production processes.
Recall History and Lawsuits: Addressing Concerns
Rachael Ray Nutrish has a relatively clean recall history, with only one voluntary product recall in its brand history. In 2015, several varieties of their wet food were recalled due to excessive levels of vitamin D. While this is the sole recall event, another notable event involved a class-action lawsuit filed in August 2018.
A New Yorker initiated a $5 million class action lawsuit against Rachael Ray Nutrish, alleging misleading labeling practices. The lawsuit contested the brand’s use of the term “natural” on product labels. Independent lab testing reportedly revealed traces of glyphosate, an herbicide, in the food, which the plaintiff argued contradicted the “natural” claim.
Glyphosate is a common herbicide found in trace amounts in many foods, even those labeled as natural, due to its widespread use in agriculture. The legal definition of “natural” is somewhat ambiguous. Ultimately, the court sided with Rachael Ray Nutrish and granted their [motion to dismiss](https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e0b1c0b1-d3fe-4fcc-a991-810ec4d37d6e#:~:text=The%20plaintiff’s%20complaint%20asserted%20a,%5D.%E2%80%9D%20(As%20most%20are) the complaint. This dismissal suggests that the court did not find sufficient grounds to support the claim of misleading labeling.
Product Range: Exploring Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food Options
Rachael Ray Nutrish offers a diverse range of both dry and wet cat food formulas to cater to various feline preferences and needs.
Dry Cat Food Lines: Kibble Breakdown
Their dry cat food selection is divided into two main lines:
- Nutrish Dry Cat Food (Standard Line): This line includes both grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes. Several formulas are designed with specific health benefits in mind, such as supporting inner health or promoting longevity.
- Nutrish Savory Bites: This line features kibble with a twist, combining traditional crunchy kibble pieces with savory, flavor-filled centers to enhance palatability and texture.
List of Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Cat Food Recipes:
- Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & Salmon Recipe
- Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
- Inner Health Turkey, Chickpeas & Salmon Recipe
- Longevity Chicken, Chickpea & Salmon Recipe
- Savory Bites Yummy Chicken & Veggies Recipe
- Savory Bites Tasty Salmon & Veggies Recipe
Wet Cat Food Lines: From Classic to Entrees
Rachael Ray Nutrish wet cat food also features two distinct lines:
- Nutrish Wet Cat Food (Classic Line): This classic lineup offers a variety of chicken and fish-based recipes in different textures, including shredded, chunky, and flaked options to appeal to diverse feline preferences.
- Nutrish Purrfect Entrees: This line takes inspiration from classic culinary dishes, offering grain-free recipes with gourmet-inspired names like Florentine and Primavera, aiming to provide a more sophisticated dining experience for cats.
List of Rachael Ray Nutrish Wet Cat Food Recipes:
- Grain-Free Chicken Purrcata
- Grain-Free Chicken & Liver
- Grain-Free Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatore
- Grain-Free Ocean Fish-a-licious
- Grain-Free Chicken & Shrimp Pawttenesca
- Grain-Free Tuna Purrfection
- Purrfect Entrees Grain-Free Sea-Sational Florentine
- Purrfect Entrees Grain-Free Cravin’ Chicken Dinner
- Purrfect Entrees Grain-Free Fin-Tastic Primavera
All Nutrish wet cat foods are packaged in convenient plastic cups rather than traditional cans, with each cup containing either 2.0 or 2.8 ounces of food. Recipes are available for individual purchase and in variety packs. Rachael Ray Nutrish also offers a limited assortment of cat treats and broth-based meal complements to further enhance mealtime for feline companions.
Recipe Review: Top 3 Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Foods Analyzed
To provide a more in-depth understanding of Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food quality, we’ve selected three of their popular recipes for closer examination. These include both dry and wet food options, representing different product lines within the brand.
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 104 | $1.89 per lb | C |
| Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 100 | $1.68 per lb | C |
| Tuna Purrfection Grain-Free Wet Cat Food | Wet | Tuna | 25 | $0.43 per oz | B |
#1 Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
$26.48 At Chewy $26.52 At Amazon
This Real Chicken & Brown Rice recipe is a flagship dry cat food from Rachael Ray Nutrish and is a popular choice among cat owners. Chicken and chicken meal are the top two ingredients, which are both species-appropriate sources of animal protein, crucial for obligate carnivores like cats. On a dry matter basis, this food provides approximately 37.4% protein, meeting the minimum protein requirements for adult cats.
However, alongside animal protein, this recipe incorporates a significant amount of plant-based ingredients. Corn gluten meal is included, which acts as a plant-based protein filler, less biologically valuable for cats compared to animal protein. Ground rice, brewer’s rice, and dried peas further contribute to the food’s carbohydrate content.
Overall, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe offers moderate protein levels derived from a mix of animal and plant sources. It contains moderate fat and a relatively high carbohydrate content, which is typical for many dry kibble cat foods. While palatable to many cats, the reliance on plant-based fillers and high carbohydrate levels are nutritional drawbacks.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Brown Rice, Brewer’s Rice, Dried Peas, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Flaxseed, Fish Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Caramel (Color), Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dicalsium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, L-Tryptophan, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Poultry Fat, Fish Meal (These provide essential animal protein and fats, and some digestible carbohydrates.)
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Gluten Meal, Brewer’s Rice, Dried Peas (These are primarily plant-based fillers and contribute to higher carbohydrate content, less ideal for a carnivorous diet.)
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 34%
Crude Fat: 14%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 9%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 37.36%
Fat: 15.38%
Fiber: 4.4%
Carbs: 42.86%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 31.78%
Fat: 31.78%
Carbs: 36.45%
What We Liked:
- Top two ingredients are animal-sourced proteins: Chicken and chicken meal are valuable protein sources for cats.
- Contains some nutritious whole grains: Brown rice can be a digestible carbohydrate source for some cats.
- Cats seem to enjoy the flavor: Palatability is a crucial factor for any cat food.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very high carbohydrate content: Over 42% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis is excessive for obligate carnivores and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues in the long term.
- Contains several plant protein sources: Corn gluten meal and dried peas are less biologically appropriate protein sources for cats compared to animal proteins.
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need: Dry kibble contributes to dehydration if not supplemented with adequate water intake or wet food.
#2 Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken, Lentils & Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food
$23.46 At Chewy $24.99 At Amazon
The Indoor Complete recipe is marketed towards indoor cats and starts with chicken and chicken meal, providing animal-based protein. However, it also includes dried peas and corn protein concentrate, further increasing the plant-based protein content.
Formulated for indoor cats, this recipe incorporates higher fiber levels from ingredients like lentils, dried beet pulp, and powdered cellulose. Theoretically, this increased fiber is intended to aid in hairball control and promote satiety, helping indoor cats maintain a healthy weight. However, the dry matter fiber content of nearly 9% might be excessive for some cats, potentially leading to digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
Nutritionally, this Indoor Complete recipe is similar to the Real Chicken & Brown Rice formula in protein content (around 37.4% dry matter) but is slightly lower in fat (about 13.2% dry matter). It remains high in carbohydrates and, as a dry food, lacks the essential moisture cats need.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Salmon, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Malted Barley Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (source Of Vitamin C), Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate , D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, Minerals (ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Lactic Acid, Mixed Tocopherols (Used As A Preservative), Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Salmon (Good sources of animal protein and fat.)
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Peas, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate, Lentils, Malted Barley Flour (High carbohydrate sources and plant-based protein fillers.)
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 34%
Crude Fat: 12%
Crude Fiber: 8%
Moisture: 9%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 37.36%
Fat: 13.19%
Fiber: 8.79%
Carbs: 40.66%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 33.95%
Fat: 29.1%
Carbs: 36.95%
What We Liked:
- First two ingredients are animal-based proteins: Chicken and chicken meal are beneficial.
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat: Chicken fat is a good source of energy and essential fatty acids for cats.
- Increased fiber may help with digestion: For some cats, the added fiber can aid in digestive health.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very high carbohydrate content: Still over 40% carbs on a dry matter basis, which is higher than ideal.
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need: Hydration remains a concern with dry food diets.
- Contains several plant protein sources: Plant-based proteins are less optimal for cats.
#3 Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
$14.28 At Chewy $14.28 At Amazon
The Tuna Purrfection Grain-Free Wet Cat Food is a wet food option featuring flaked tuna as the primary ingredient, suspended in vegetable oil and water. Upon opening the plastic cup, the food resembles canned tuna, which can be appealing to cats who enjoy fish. It is formulated to be nutritionally complete for cats of all life stages, supplemented with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Powdered cellulose is included as a source of fiber, and several thickeners are used to achieve the desired texture. One of these thickeners is guar gum, which is known to cause digestive upset and loose stools in some cats.
According to the guaranteed analysis, Tuna Purrfection offers moderate protein and fat, but it still contains a relatively high carbohydrate content for a wet food. While wet food generally has lower carbohydrates than dry food, this recipe’s carbohydrate level is noteworthy.
Ingredients
Tuna, Water, Vegetable Oil, Powdered Cellulose, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Celery Powder, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Fructooligosaccharide, Taurine, Paprika Powder, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Pantothenic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity).
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna (A palatable and good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids for cats.)
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Vegetable Oil (Guar gum can cause digestive issues in some cats. Vegetable oil is a less biologically appropriate fat source compared to animal fats.)
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 9%
Crude Fat: 3%
Crude Fiber: 3.5%
Moisture: 79%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 42.86%
Fat: 14.29%
Fiber: 16.67%
Carbs: 26.19%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 41.31%
Fat: 33.44%
Carbs: 25.25%
What We Liked:
- Made with tuna as the primary ingredient: Tuna is a highly palatable protein source for many cats.
- Rich in hydrating moisture for your cat: Wet food is crucial for maintaining hydration in cats.
- The 2.8-ounce portions are easy to serve: Convenient portion sizes can be helpful for cat owners.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some cats: This is a potential digestive concern for sensitive cats.
- High carbohydrate content for a wet food: While lower than dry food, the carbohydrate content is still relatively high for a wet cat food.
What Do Customers Think of Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food?
Rachael Ray Nutrish enjoys considerable popularity among cat owners, particularly those seeking budget-friendly cat food options. Many of their products have garnered thousands of reviews on platforms like Chewy, with average ratings often exceeding 4.3 out of 5 stars. The wet food variety packs tend to receive slightly lower ratings compared to dry food options.
Let’s examine a selection of real customer reviews from various Rachael Ray Nutrish products available online to gauge overall customer sentiment.
Positive Reviews
Many Rachael Ray Nutrish customers express satisfaction with the brand, citing its affordability, palatability for their cats, and perceived ingredient quality relative to the price point. The company’s philanthropic initiatives also resonate positively with consumers.
“My cats really enjoy this food, we’ve tried other brands, and always end up going back. They have soft and shiny fur. Overall my kitties seem happier and healthy.” – Kelley reviewing Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken dry cat food on Chewy, December 16, 2024
“Picked this out especially for my little girl with a poultry allergy as one of the few safe and affordable wet options that also includes supplements. The tuna flavor definitely rewards us with the biggest lip smacks afterwards! Though because this flavor is lower in calories, we make sure to rotate it with Ocean Fish-a-licious.” – Caroline reviewing Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection wet cat food on Chewy, November 15, 2024
Negative Reviews
Common criticisms from dissatisfied Rachael Ray Nutrish customers often revolve around perceived misleading labeling practices. Despite claims of being “corn-free,” some recipes contain corn gluten meal, which can be confusing for consumers seeking truly corn-free options. Palatability is also a point of contention, with some cats refusing to eat certain recipes. Texture issues with the wet food are also frequently mentioned in negative reviews.
“For the first time ever, none of our cats liked a food and it was this. They love the nutrish salmon treats and we’ve purchased the nutrish dog food in the past and it was amazing, so as I’m trying to give my personal cats pricier dry food I thought this would be a great choice and NONE of them ate it, and these cats love to eat.” – Seidi reviewing Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete dry cat food on Chewy, November 5, 2024
“Unfortunately, most of them will not eat all of the product inside Nutrish tubs. Only one or two can stomach the fake meat cubes this vendor uses to pad their products’ volumes. The result is that I throw away about a third of each tub.” – Don reviewing Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection wet cat food on Chewy, March 8, 2024
How Much Does Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food Cost?
Rachael Ray Nutrish is positioned as a premium yet affordable pet food brand, and its pricing generally aligns with this claim, especially for dry food options. Wet cat foods typically range from approximately $0.40 to $0.60 per ounce, with variety packs often being the most economical choice. Dry food recipes are priced between $1.70 and $2.20 per pound, translating to roughly $0.11 to $0.14 per ounce.
Based on these prices, the estimated daily cost to feed a 10-pound cat Rachael Ray Nutrish wet food would be approximately $3.20 to $5. For dry food, the daily cost would be significantly lower, around $0.20 to $0.30. In terms of price and quality, Rachael Ray Nutrish dry food is comparable to other grocery store brands like Purina Cat Chow and Meow Mix. Their wet foods, however, are priced closer to premium brands such as Purina Pro Plan and Blue Buffalo.
Where Is Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food Sold?
Rachael Ray Nutrish products are widely accessible across various retail channels. While the brand doesn’t sell directly through its website, their products are readily available from major online pet retailers like Chewy and Amazon. You can also find them online at PetSmart, Walmart, and numerous drugstores and grocery store chains.
In physical stores, Rachael Ray Nutrish is easy to locate in chain retailers including Dollar General, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target, as well as major grocery chains. For specific store locations near you, the brand provides a convenient store locator on their website.
Overall, Is Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food a Good Choice?
Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food has some positive aspects. It stands out from some budget brands by using identifiable ingredient names rather than vague “animal by-products” for its protein sources. This suggests a potentially higher quality of animal ingredients compared to some similarly priced competitors.
However, Rachael Ray Nutrish recipes tend to be heavily reliant on plant-based ingredients. High carbohydrate content, common in many of their formulas, is not ideal for obligate carnivores and can contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes in the long run. While their wet foods contain fewer plant proteins, more affordable wet food alternatives with lower carbohydrate content are likely available.
Furthermore, Rachael Ray Nutrish is probably not the best choice for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. Many recipes contain multiple protein sources and are produced in facilities that handle a wide range of ingredients, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
In conclusion, Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food represents a decent, budget-friendly option for cat owners seeking readily available food. However, for optimal feline health, particularly for cats with specific dietary needs or sensitivities, exploring cat food brands with higher quality ingredients, lower carbohydrate content, and a greater emphasis on animal-based proteins would be advisable.
Similar Brands
If you are exploring alternatives to Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food, consider these similar brands that offer a range of options at various price points and quality levels:
- Purina Cat Chow
- Meow Mix
- Purina Pro Plan
- Blue Buffalo
- Iams
- Hill’s Science Diet
