Pet Food Reviews

Growing up, we had from 10 to 21 horses at a time. My dad would buy them at auctions, raise them, and sometimes sell them, keeping the ones that didn't sell, but, other than feeding them before going to school in the winter, he did most of the caring for them.

The only time I can remember seeing a doctor when I was a kid was for Boy Scout Camp physicals, and we never brought dogs or cats to the vet, but the vet would be called out for the horses from time to time. I can remember asking him to look at one of our cats while he was there one time, and he did. I don't remember what was wrong with the cat at the time, though.
 
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Ken Anderson said:
Growing up, we had from 10 to 21 horses at a time. My dad would buy them at auctions, raise them, and sometimes sell them, keeping the ones that didn't sell, but, other than feeding them before going to school in the winter, he did most of the caring for them.
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We farmed with horses until I was four. Granddad raised Welsh/Morgan crosses that my cousin and I broke to sell. I’ve been paying for my own non-stop, since I was 12.

Horse keeping in today’s world isn’t even close to when you and I were kids. My horses ran 24/7 on 98 acres with beef cattle. They had a run-in barn and I fed them a cup or two of homegrown oats twice daily to keep them coming up to the barn.

So much has changed, starting with soil quality which leads to poor quality of everything that’s grown in it. I was gobsmacked when two of my horses developed metabolic issues. I had to learn a whole new way of horse keeping.
 
My dad used to farm with horses, although not in my memory. He did have one huge horse named Bill, who had been one of his workhorses, while the other had been a sibling. That horse was huge, and the gentlest horse we ever had. My older brother told me recently that the horse's sibling was also named Bill. The other one had apparently died before I came along. I'm sure there was a story behind both having the same name. I'm guessing that because they were a team, any directions he wanted to give to one would apply to the other as well. "Whoa, Bill" would be a lot simpler than "Whoa, Bill and Dave."Although my dad no longer farmed with horses, given that he had a couple of tractors, he kept Bill, referring to him as retired, and would spend a great deal of time walking him around and talking to him.

My dad farmed several 40-acre plots and grew most or all of what he needed to feed the horses, and there was a river on the other side of the pasture that they drank from. One of us kids would have to lead them to the pasture before school in the winter and break a hole in the ice for them to drink; then they'd keep it open the rest of the day. There was a 15-acre pasture and a barn that they could go in and out of as they pleased during the day, and were shut up in the barn at night for warmth in the winter.

Although we had horses growing up, neither me or my four brothers ever rode them. Some of our cousins would come over and ride the horses from time to time, but I was never once on top of a horse until I was in my 30s, and then I fell off a couple of times. Perhaps because we always had new horses coming and going, I always found the horses to be too skittish for my tastes, although I enjoyed hanging out with Bill. He kept the others calm when he was nearby.

I never paid much attention to what they ate. I know my dad would have different kinds of hay in bales for the winter, so it wasn't a matter of just feeding them hay, and Dad would mix up other things for them to eat. We would have to break up a bale of hay for them before school in the Michigan winter, but he took care of the rest of it.
 
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Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Indoor Health, Trout & Menhaden Fish (dry cat food)

$2.29/lb for a 17 lb bag. On Amazon, there is a huge price difference for larger bags, ranging from $6.33/lb for a 3-lb bag, $4.59/lb for a 6-lb bag, or $2.29/lb for a 17-lb bag. Seventeen pounds is a lot of kibble for one cat, however.

Ingredients: Trout, menhaden fish meal, peas, chicken meal, chickpeas, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), natural chicken flavor, dried pumpkin, salt, potassium chloride, DL methionine, choline chloride, taurine, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, niacin (vitamin B3), d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement (vitamin B2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, and rosemary extract.

Guaranteed Analysis
  • Crude Protein (min): 36%
  • Crude Fat (min): 16%
  • Crude Fiber (max): 4%
  • Moisture (max): 10%
  • EPA/DHA (min): 1.02%
  • Vitamin A (min): 25,700 IU/kg
  • Vitamin E (min): 210 IU/kg
  • Folic Acid (min): 2.8 mg/kg
  • Vitamin B12 (min): 0.12 mg/kg
  • Taurine (min): 0.3%
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min): 1.4%
  • Omega 6 Fatty acids (min): 2.6%
Calorie Content (Calculated)
  • 3453 kcal ME/kg, 379 kcal ME/cup
When buying the larger bag, this is a mid-tier price for a premium cat kibble. For an indoor dry food at this price, this is a fairly good value, although not quite elite because of its significant legume content.

The Good
  • Named proteins lead the ingredient list (trout, menhaden fish meal, peas, chicken meal). That's a lot better than seeing corn, wheat, or unnamed meat byproducts. Both trout and menhaden fish meal are quality protein sources. Menhaden mean is particularly nutrient-dense because the water has already been removed. The presence of chicken meal further boosts total animal protein.
  • It has a strong protein level. 36% protein is quite respectable for kibble. Cats are obligate carnivores and generally do better on higher-protein diets, especially older cats trying to maintain muscle mass. The challenge is that some of the protein is almost certainly coming from peas and chickpeas, but because fish and animal meals are so prominent in the ingredient list, I'd still expect a large amount of the protein to be animal-derived.
  • It has excellent omega-3 content, with omega-3 at 1.4% and EPA/DHA at 1.02%, which are very high numbers for a dry cat food. EPA and DHA support skin and coat health, inflammation control, joint health, and cognitive function. For older cats with arthritis issues, this is a very nice feature.
  • The taurine minimum of 0.3% is comfortably above the nutritional minimum requirements and is essential for heart health, vision, and nerve function.
  • It has a reasonable calorie density. 379 kcal/cup is not excessively calorie-dense. Many indoor kibbles run 400-450 kcal/cup, making weight gain easier. This food is somewhat more moderate and may help with portion control.
The Not-So-Good
  • Peas and chickpeas are fairly high in the ingredient list. Peas are the third ingredient, while chickpeas are the fifth, suggesting that legumes contribute a significant amount of protein, carbohydrate, and fiber. Manufacturers often use legumes to boost protein numbers without adding more meat. This doesn't make the food bad for the cat, but it does mean that the protein percentages on the label is not all bioavailable to the cat.
  • As mentioned in other reviews, fish-heavy diets aren't ideal. When fish is the dominant protein source, the food tends to be highly palatable and rich in omega-3, but some cats develop fish sensitivities, while other cats develop a taste for fish that may lead to picky eating. As part of a rotating diet that includes other proteins, this becomes either less of a problem or no problem at all. As a rule of thumb, a cat's diet shouldn't consist largely of fish-based foods.
The Bad
  • Nothing about it rises to the level of being bad.
  • It shouldn't be your cat's only food or even its only kibble, however.
It's Kibble

Even very good kibble has limitations, such as much lower moisture than canned food. When you consider that cats prefer to get their moisture from food rather than drinking water, a heavy dependence on kibble as a food source is likely to lead to lower levels of hydration and kidney problems. At 10% moisture, this isn't bad for kibble fut it is far drier than a cat's natural prey diet.

Kibble is also more highly processed than canned foods, and generally has higher carbohydrates than wet food.

When kibble is used, it should be paired with canned food, fresh water, and additional moisture sources. Some cats are encouraged to drink water when there is some movement in it, such as a water fountain.

Estimated Carbohydrates

Using the guaranteed analysis (36% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 10% moisture), assuming ash is around 7-8%, the estimated carbohydrates are about 26-28% as-fed, or about 29-31% dry matter basis.

That is not low-carb, but it's also not unusually high for dry food. Typical grocery-store kibble is from 35-45% carbs, better premium kibble is 20-30% carbs, and most canned foods are under 10% carbs.

This is in the moderate range.

Summary

Compared with similarly-priced foods (at the large-bag price), this offers higher protein than many mainstream bags, a better ingredient list than most grocery-store brands, exceptional omega-3 content, and named meat and fish ingredients.

Compared with more expensive premium kibbles, it still relies heavily on peas and chickpeas, and is probably not as meat-rich as foods like Dr. Elsey's CleanProtein, Young Again, or some of the higher-end Origen formulas.

I won't make a habit of ranking because of the difficulties in doing so accurately, but, just as an exercise, I would say:
  • Excellent: Dr. Elsey's CleanProtein, Young Again, Zero, and some air-dried foods.
  • Very Good: This food.
  • Average: Purina One, Iams, and most standard indoor formulas.
  • Below Average: Foods led by corn, wheat, or unnamed meat meals.
 
Cesar Steak Lovers, Filet Mignon Flavor/Grilled Steak & Eggs Flavor

In a variety pack that includes six flavors, it is $0.29/oz on Amazon

Ingredients: Beef, Pork By-Products, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Water, Beef Lung, Chicken Heart, Added Color, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Proteinate, Dried Yam, DL-Methionine, Salt, Erythorbic Acid (Preservative), Filet Mignon Flavor, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Nitrite (For Color Retention), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide.

Guaranteed Analysis
  • Crude Protein (min.): 8.0%
  • Crude Fat (min.): 4.5%
  • Crude Fiber (max.): 1.0%
  • Moisture (max.): 83.0%
Calorie Content (Calculated)
  • 900 kcal ME/kg
  • 90 kcal ME/Tray
At $0.29/oz, Cesar Steak Lovers is fairly inexpensive for a wet dog food, but nutritionally, it's a mixed bag.

Ingredient Pros
  • The first ingredient is beef, which is good.
  • It contains several named animal ingredients (chicken liver, beef lung, chicken heart), and organ meats are nutritious and provide vitamins and minerals.
  • Its high moisture content helps hydration.
  • There are no obvious plant protein boosters artificially inflating protein numbers.
Ingredient Cons
  • Pork byproducts are the second ingredient. While byproducts are not automatically bad, the ingredients are less transparent than named muscle meats.
  • It contains added color, which provides no nutritional value.
  • It contains carrageenan, a controversial thickener that some pet owners prefer to avoid.
  • It uses multiple gums (xanthan gum, guar gum) and texture agents.
  • It contains sodium nitrate, primarily for color retention.
  • "Filet mignon flavor" and "natural flavor" are marketing/flavoring additions rather than meaningful nutrition.
Protein and Fat Analysis
  • Guaranteed Analysis
  • Protein: 8%
  • Fat: 4.5%
  • Moisture: 83%
On a dry matter basis:
  • Dry matter: 17%
  • Protein: 47% DM
  • Fat: 26% DM
These numbers are respectable and easily meet adult dog requirements.

Calorie Density
  • 90 kcal/tray
  • 900 kcal/kg
This is a relatively low-calorie wet food due to the high moisture level. Small dogs may do well with it, but larger dogs would need multiple trays daily.

The Good
  • Beef is the first ingredient
  • Organ meats
  • Good protein level on a dry-matter basis
  • Affordable for a complete wet food
  • Suitable for adult dogs as a maintenance diet
The Not-So-Good
  • Added colors
  • Carrageenan
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Byproducts rather than named muscle meats
  • Marketing-focused flavors
Summary

Overall, this is a decent budget wet food. It's better than many people might assume because it contains several animal-based ingredients and organ meats, but it's not in the same league as higher-end wet foods that use mostly named meats and avoid artificial colors, carrageenan, and sodium nitrite.

At $0.29/oz, the value is quite good if you're looking for affordable wet food, especially for a small dog or as a topper with kibble.
 
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe, Red Meat Dinner

$0.28/oz

Ingredients

Beef, Beef Broth, Turkey, Lamb, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Pea Protein, Carrageenan, Flaxseed, Cassia Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).

Guaranteed Analysis
  • Crude Protein (min.): 7.0%
  • Crude Fat (min.): 6.0%
  • Crude Fiber (max.): 1.5%
  • Moisture (max.): 78.0%
  • Calcium (min.): 1.4%
  • Phosphorus (min.): 0.9%
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids (min.): 0.5%
  • Omega 6 Fatty Acids (min.): 2.75%
  • Glucosamine (min.): 400 mg/kg
At $0.28/oz, this is a solid premium canned dog food that offers good value.

The Good
  • Strong animal protein (beef is the first ingredient, with additional animal proteins from turkey and lamb, and no generic "meat" ingredients or unnamed byproducts).
  • Reasonable fat level, as 6% translates to roughly 27% fat on a dry matter basis, which is appropriate for most active, healthy dogs.
  • Omega fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.
  • Added glucosamine, which, while not a therapeutic joint supplement dose, is a nice bonus, especially for medium and large breeds.
  • Chelated minerals, which are better mineral sources than many grocery-store foods.
Potential Drawbacks
  • Legumes and plant proteins (pea fiber and pea protein appear fairly high on the ingredient list) are not necessarily harmful, but they boost protein and fiber numbers on the label while being cheaper than meat proteins.
  • Carageenan is still somewhat controversial among pet owners. Most evidence suggests food-grade carrageenan is safe in pet foods, but some owners prefer to avoid it.
  • Several gums (cassia gum, guar gum) are used as texture agents. This is not unusual in canned foods, but not especially beneficial nutritionally.
  • Potatoes are perfectly acceptable for dogs, but they do contribute carbohydrates.
Estimated Dry Matter Basis

Assuming 78% moisture, the protein would be about 32%, with 27% fat, and 7% fiber. This suggests a relatively meat-rich canned food.

Carbohydrates are estimated at around 20-25% dry matter, which is higher than very meat-focused foods such as Ziwi Peak or some raw diets. However, it is lower than many dry kibbles and typical for premium canned foods that use potatoes or legumes.

Summary

At $0.28/oz, it is better than most supermarket canned foods, and comparable to Merrick, Wellness, and other premium foods, but not quite at the level of the highest-end meat-focused brands, although it is noticeably less expensive.

For a healthy adult dog, it contains good meat ingredients, appropriate protein and fat levels, useful omega fatty acids, added glucosamine, and a fair price for the quality.

With minor deductions for pea protein, carrageenan, and multiple thickeners, it is well on the higher end of the scale. The ingredient list is meat-forward, and the price is reasonable for what you'd be getting.
 
This is a review of Bully sticks made by ForPups, a family-owned business. I got a few of them free from Amazon Vine. Niki liked them so much that I ordered a pack for her. They are not food as such, but you can see that she eats them with gusto.

They are not made in China. They are made in the USA. They contain crude protein - 75%..... crude fat - 0.5 %.... crude fiber - 5% .. moisture 15%. They are 100% beef pizzle. I didn't even know beef had a pizzle so I looked it up. Turns out it is dried beef penis. 😲

They cost a little more than some other chews, but they are worth the extra cost.
 
Pet Food versus Pet Treats

Pet treats come in every shape, flavor, and marketing style you can think of, from bacon-flavored biscuits to chewy dental sticks and freeze-dried meats. Pet treats are designed to seem more exciting than the food you place in your pet's bowl every day.

Although I have had cats, such as Cutie, who would accept the same kibble that sat in her kibble container 24 hours a day as a treat and not seem to realize that the only thing special about it was that I was offering it to her outside of the bowl, most cats - or, I will assume, dogs - expect a treat to be something special, or at least different from what was in the kibble bowl.

Pet food is intended to be a complete and balanced diet. Quality cat and dog foods are formulated to provide the nutrients pets need every day, such as protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, such as taurine for cats.

When a pet eats its regular food, the goal is to supply everything necessary to maintain health, support growth, and provide energy. Manufacturers of complete pet foods typically have to meet nutritional standards established for cats or dogs at various stages of life.

Pet food is a meal.

Treats are designed for a different purpose. They are often intended as rewards during training, as special snacks, or occasional indulgences.

With Ella, I use treats as an occasional snack, but I also use them to blunt the impact of anything that might be uncomfortable, such as when I have to apply eye ointment or medication, clip her nails, or wipe tear-stain stuff from around her eyes. She still fights me on these things, but I like to think she does so with less energy, anticipating the treat that will follow. She does expect it because she immediately proceeds to the treat room afterward.

She also incorporates other rituals; for example, if she is startled by a bunch of motorcycles going by, she will expect a treat afterward.

Some treats offer additional benefits, such as dental health support, hairball control, joint supplements, extra hydration, or mental stimulation. In that sense, catnip might be considered a treat.

However, most treats are not nutritionally complete. They are closer to desserts or snacks than meals. Just because a pet loves a treat does not mean it should make up a large portion of the pet's diet. I have seen it recommended that treats should not exceed 10% of the animal's diet.

Keep in mind, however, that some treats are unhealthy, such as those that contain large amounts of sugar, excessive salts, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or low-quality fillers. These ingredients might make a treat appealing from a taste perspective, but they don't provide much in the way of nutritional value, and some of the ingredients found in pet treats may be harmful.

Other treats contain only one or two ingredients, such as the ForPups treats that @Shirley Martin posted about above, which are made up of 100% beef. Freeze-dried chicken, dehydrated fish, or small pieces of meat can be excellent options because they are minimally processed and easy to understand.

Ella's current favorites are Taurine Treats by Just Try, which has a longer ingredient list: chicken, peanut protein powder, sweet potato, taurine, chicken fat, chicken liver, tapioca starch, cellulose, kelp powder, egg yolk powder, goat milk powder, whey powder, mixed tocopherols, coenzyme Q10, tea polyphenols, and vitamin E, vitamin C. This has a few things that would be negatives in cat food but are acceptable in a treat, such as peanut protein.

The ingredient list can tell you far more than the marketing on the front of the package. A bag might feature words such as "natural," "premium," or "gourmet," but the actual ingredients reveal what's inside.

When reading labels, look for recognizable protein sources such as chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, or lamb, and limited ingredient lists are often better. Look for ingredients that align with your pet's dietary needs.

Be cautious of treats that contain excessive sugars or sweeteners, artificial colors and unnecessary additives, large amounts of unnamed meat byproducts, or ingredients your pet has previously shown sensitivity to. A little label reading can help you avoid feeding your pet treats that are little more than flavored fillers.

Treats shouldn't be junk food. We sometimes think of junk food as something that affects people, but pets can have their own versions of junk food. A highly-processed treat stuffed with sugar, salt, fats, and artificial flavors may be very appealing to a pet while offering little in the way of nutritional value. Too many of these can contribute to weight gain, digestive upset, poor nutrition, dental problems, increased risk of other health issues, and the rejection of healthier alternatives.

Healthy treat options don't have to be expensive or complicated. Depending on your pet and any dietary restrictions, good choices can include freeze-dried meat treats, small pieces of cooked lean meat, single-ingredient fish treats, species-appropriate fruits and vegetables for dogs, and special prescription treats when required for medical conditions. Read the ingredients on treats marketed as "dental treats" because some of them contain mostly junk.

Treats should complement rather than replace your pet's diet. Pet food is formulated to provide complete nutrition, while treats are intended as occasional rewards and enrichment. Because treats can vary widely in quality, it is important not to assume that every product marketed for pets is healthy.

By avoiding highly processed junk food treats and choosing options with simple, high-quality ingredients, you can reward your pet while still supporting their long-term health and well-being.
 
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Just Try Taurine Treats

These are currently Ella's favorite treats, ones that she tries to get me to give her instead of breakfast, sometimes. These are treats; they are not a fully formulated cat food.

I have treats that might be even better for her, such as freeze-dried treats that are 100% chicken, 100% chicken hearts, and 100% turkey. She eats them, accepting them as treats, but she prefers the Taurine Treats.

If I give her more than one type of treat at the same time, she will sometimes sort them physically into piles, then eat them in order of preference, starting with the Taurine Treats. I might consider that perhaps she is saving the best for last, but sometimes she leaves the freeze-dried stuff behind.

Okay, let's get to it.

The Positives

Chicken is the first ingredient, which is a good sign, particularly for cats, as obligate carnivores. Having an animal protein at the top of the list is generally preferable to seeing grains or starches first.

Other beneficial ingredients include chicken liver (highly palatable and nutrient-rich), chicken fat (a species-appropriate fat source), egg yolk powder (provides protein, fats, and nutrients), taurine (essential amino acid for cats), goat milk powder and whey powder (may improve flavor and provide some protein), vitamin E, vitamin C, CoQ10, tea polyphenols (added antioxidants), and mixed tocopherols (a natural preservative source).

Overall, this is a treat formulated with some nutritional thought rather than simply flavoring and fillers.

The Negatives

The negatives here are not actually harmful.

Peanut protein powder, being the second ingredient, is unusual in a cat product. It's not inherently harmful, but cats have no biological requirement for peanut protein. Plant proteins can artificially boost the reported crude protein percentage, although it is not as biologically available for cats as animal-derived protein.

Sweet potato and tapioca starch are probably included as binders and texture ingredients. They are common in treats but don't contribute much nutritionally to cats.

Cellulose is essentially a fiber. It's often added to control texture, calories, or digestive characteristics.

The taurine content is extremely high. A taurine percentage of 5% is a very large amount compared to what you'd typically see in complete cat foods. For a treat, this isn't necessarily a problem because taurine is generally very safe, as cats excrete excess taurine efficiently. In fact, many pet owners deliberately seek out taurine-rich treats, especially for older cats or cats that eat limited diets, because some cat foods are lower in taurine than the ideal.

Guaranteed Analysis
  • Protein: 25% minimum
  • Fat: 8% minimum
  • Fiber: 2% maximum
  • Moisture: 10% maximum
For a dry treat, these numbers are reasonable, although some of that 25% protein comes from peanuts rather than chicken, and may not be biologically available.

For a cat treat, this is not junk food. I wouldn't give it a solid A, but it could rate a B+ or an A-. The peanut protein prevents it from being a solid A.

It's still good, though, because it contains named meat ingredients, including chicken and chicken liver. There are no obvious low-quality fillers or artificial colors, and it does have added taurine, antioxidants, and reasonable protein and fat levels.

If I were choosing between this and a simple single-ingredient freeze-dried chicken treat, I'd favor the freeze-dried chicken because it's closer to a cat's natural diet, but Ella would, and has repeatedly chosen this over the better option, and it's more than acceptable. Compared to most commercial cat treats on the market, this is considerably better than average.
 
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