World of cats and kittens » Nutrition » Food reviews
Not food, but a real paradise for your beloved purr. Despite the fact that cat food is super premium, the division is quite arbitrary. Different prices, not always comparable quality. Within the class there is an additional gradation of super premium holistic diets. Some brands, while classifying themselves as elite diets, do not rise above the premium class for cats in the ratings. Considering that the list is constantly changing, it is simply impossible to understand the diversity and choose quality food from a motley list of offers without help.
About products
As part of a comprehensive study by Roskachestvo, 39 products of the most popular dry cat food on the Russian market were studied according to 147 quality and safety indicators.
The study was conducted in 2017 and 2022. In 2017, the cost of products ranged from 190 to 1,700 rubles per unit of goods at the time of purchase. Twelve samples were made in Russia, the remaining 27 were made abroad (in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Sweden).
In 2020, the first seven of the previously studied products were sent for repeated research: Acana, Royal Canin, Whiskas, Sanabelle, Hill's Science Plan, Kitekat, Brit Care. The weight of the packages ranged from 350 g to 2 kg, the purchase price ranged from 19 to 130 rubles per 100 g.
A study conducted by Roskachestvo showed that among the most popular brands of dry cat food in Russia, there is not a single unsafe one. This is the second case in the history of Roskachestvo research (similar results were obtained during testing of dryers).
However, only one of the 39 samples produced in Canada (Orijen) meets the advanced requirements of the Roskachestvo standard. Due to its foreign origin, the product cannot qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.
Wet food rating
Table to jump to a specific food review at the end of the article.
| Feed class | Name and photo of packaging | Price for 1 piece/gram |
| Holistics | AATU ↓ | 116 RUR / 85 g To the store → |
| Go! ↓ | 139 RUR / 100 g To the store → | |
| Almo Nature Legend ↓ | 91 RUR / 55 g Go to store → | |
| Berkley ↓ | 115 RUR / 100 g To the store → | |
| Additional diet Grandorf ↓ | 150 rub / 70 g To the store → | |
| Applaws Supplemental Diet | 115 rub / 70 g To the store → | |
| Super premium | Grandin ↓ | 86 RUR / 85 g Go to store → |
| Schesir ↓ | 150 rub / 100 g To the store → | |
| Bozita ↓ | 330 rub / 370 g To the store → | |
| 1st Choice ↓ | 167 RUR / 85 g Go to store → | |
| Leonardo ↓ | 164 RUR / 200 g To the store → | |
| Animonda ↓ | 103 RUR / 100 g To the store → | |
| Premium | Royal Canin ↓ | 55 RUR / 85 g Go to store → |
| Happy Cat ↓ | 67 RUR / 100 g To the store → | |
| Hill's ↓ | 75 RUR / 85 g To the store → | |
| Our Brand ↓ | 53 RUR / 100 g To the store → |
STANDARD OF THE RUSSIAN QUALITY SYSTEM
The standard of the Russian quality system for dry food (for cats), applying for the Russian Quality Mark, has established advanced requirements for the amount of dry matter, raw ash, as well as the acid and peroxide value of fat. In addition, the dry food testing program additionally included determination of the content of amino acids, antibiotics, pesticides, preservatives and dyes. Products that comply with the standards specified in the STO have the right to apply for the Russian Quality Mark. The level of localization of production for the assignment of the Russian Quality Mark must be at least 70% of the cost of the product.
The advanced requirements of the Roskachestvo standard are not mandatory for manufacturers, however, products that do not meet these requirements cannot qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.
According to statistical studies, the most popular pet in Russia is the cat. Moreover, it does not matter at all whether she is purebred or not: the percentage of people who picked up a kitten who was wandering along a deserted street in the rain with a pitiful look is very, very large. It is also very common for Russians to be indiscriminate in feeding their pets. True, this is especially true for dog owners: among them there are many who like to feed the dog what is called “from the table”. However, even among the owners of a meowing friend, as a survey by Roskachestvo on social networks showed, there is no unity.
The survey results showed that the majority of voters - 40.7% - diversify their pet's diet with wet and dry food, 30.3% - give their cat exclusively dry food, 17% - feed their pet only natural food. Only 7.3% get by with wet food. Finally, 4.7% of respondents chose “their option.” So, someone’s cat eats both dry and wet food, chicken and fish, another “gourmet” prefers fresh meat in the form of moles and mice, and a third prefers liver. There were also those who feed the cat “whatever they have.”
Since dry food makes up approximately 80% of the entire “cat food” market (and according to the survey results it turned out to be the clear leader), Roskachestvo decided to study it first.
Now Natural Holistic (Nau Natural Holistic), Canada - super premium
Now Natural Holistic is a completely grain-free super-premium food for cats, which contains boneless fresh meat, fruits and vegetables and is free of by-products and hormonal drugs. The list of ingredients in these foods is extremely wide: fresh duck, turkey, salmon, rapeseed or coconut oil, spinach, cranberries, peas, blackberries, pumpkin pulp, alfalfa, carrots, lentils, brown algae. The feeling of freshness of the product is the main distinguishing feature of these feeds.
Advantages:
- - no animal fats
- – absence of low-quality proteins
- - no BHT and BHA toxins
- — optimal content of high-quality proteins
- — presence of a balanced vitamin formula
- - great taste
Flaws:
- — lack of a line of wet food
- - higher average price position compared to some other foods in this class
Cost: from 260 to 4500 rubles depending on the weight of the package.
BZHU for cats: about the nutritional value of dry food
Proper nutrition is an increasingly popular phrase that relates not only to a person’s diet. Balance and nutrition are perhaps the main characteristics of dry cat food. In other words, it should contain the optimal combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, or, as a fitness instructor would say, BJU. Crude protein is responsible for the protein content in dry food, crude fat is responsible for fat, and crude fiber is responsible for carbohydrates.
“Raw” is a special term,” explains Lydia Toporova
. – For example, when determining the amount of protein chemically, not only the amount of protein itself is recorded, but also other non-protein nitrogen-containing compounds (amides, urea, etc.). Therefore, by “crude protein” we mean, so to speak, not pure protein, but protein containing a complex of nitrogen-containing compounds.
Test results have shown that most of the samples are balanced and nutritious food for cats. And the proportions of crude fat, crude protein and crude fiber correspond to the amount indicated on the label and are within the recommended limits. However, the study found several products that contained less than the recommended protein content, and several that contained more crude fiber than recommended by regulations. More details about this can be found in the product cards. According to experts, it’s not so scary if the food contains less protein and fat than recommended by standards. The cat is simply not enough to eat: it will meow once again and ask for more.
There were also samples in which the amount of protein and fat differed from the amount indicated on the label. These facts are not violations, but they deprive these products of the opportunity to qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.
“In general, the situation with proteins and fats in dry food is very ambiguous,” notes Lidiya Toporova
. – There is a lower limit: there should not be less proteins and fats in the feed than what is established by it. However, this is wrong. There must be an upper limit, because with an excess of protein and fat, the cat may begin to gain weight, and liver and kidney diseases may occur.
Medicinal food for dogs (rules for choosing)
Our pets, just like us, are susceptible to various diseases. Feed manufacturers have taken care of this point as well.
For food allergies or dermatitis, veterinarians recommend giving dogs Royal Canin Hypoallergenic food. The advantages of this brand include:
- Small granules;
- Availability of vitamin and mineral components;
- Unexplained smell of food.
At the same time, there are also disadvantages - high consumption, poor diet and high cost.
- After the necessary course of treatment, the brightness of the animal’s color improves significantly.
- To combat diabetes and excess weight, veterinarians prescribe Royal Canin Satiety SAT30.
- The line of food of this model includes food for dogs with problems with the kidneys, liver, and joints.
The disadvantage of this model is the possible presence of allergens.
Inexpensive food Purina with the Sensitive Digestion plan is recommended for eliminating problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Ingredients include lamb meat, poultry protein, and chicory root. Clinical trials have proven the beneficial effects of food on the intestinal microflora and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Imaginary wealth: about vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and so on
Next after nutritional value comes, perhaps, the benefits of the food: how many beneficial acids, micro- and macroelements, vitamins, etc. are in it, will it make the cat more energetic and healthy? Probably, every caring owner wants his pet’s diet to include the required amount of useful elements. That is why he buys dry food labeled “Rich in vitamins.”
“The wording “Rich in vitamins” is, of course, a marketing ploy,” warns Lidiya Toporova
. – One word “rich”, without any specifics about the content of these elements, is nothing for ready-made food; you don’t need to blindly believe such formulations.
You can find out which dry food actually contains the recommended amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements from the Roskachestvo rating.
“In terms of the composition of vitamins, you can focus on Western standards, because our standards only talk about A, D, E and K,” says Lidiya Toporova
. – Unfortunately, the required amount of B vitamins in Russia is not controlled, and, for example, nicotinic acid, choline, pyridoxine play an important role for the cat’s body - the health of the skin and hair, liver, mucous membranes, etc.
The test results showed that, in general, dry food actually contains exactly the amount of vitamins recommended by consumption standards. However, during the study, cases of discrepancies between the actual amounts of micro- and macroelements and those indicated on the label were recorded. In particular, we are talking about the content of iron, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Also, several samples were found to lack arachidonic acid, which is an essential component of cat food. In some products the proportion of calcium was higher than recommended, in two there was little iron. These shortcomings do not make manufacturers of dry food under these trademarks violators, but they do deprive them of the right to claim the Russian Quality Mark.
The best food for ornamental rodents and rabbits
The basis of rodent nutrition is grain crops. And fruit and vegetable supplements are responsible for supplying the animal’s body with vitamins and minerals.
Vitakraft Party Rollis – fortified food for rodents
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
This mixture is suitable for feeding mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other rodents. The food is made in the form of granulated rings and is positioned as a fortifying additive to the main diet.
The product is based on cereals, vegetables, minerals and a number of substances of plant origin. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide more accurate information about the ingredients.
However, it is known that Party Rollis contains vitamins A, C, E and D3. And the rings themselves consist of 10% fiber for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Pros:
- composition rich in vitamins;
- pleasant taste for pets;
- makes rodent fur shiny;
- affordable price;
- convenient cardboard packaging.
Minuses:
- incomplete information about the composition.
Party Rollis is an additional food that has a positive effect on the appearance and digestion of the rodent. Pet owners note its economical consumption and bright appearance that attracts the attention of their pets.
Beaphar XtraVital Rabbit – mixture for decorative rabbits
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
Premium grain mixture can become the basis of the diet of adult decorative rabbits. It contains vegetables and grains, and the fat content does not exceed 3.5%.
This is enough to restore shine to the coat and healthy skin, but not to provoke excessive weight gain in inactive rodents. Coarse fiber (11%) improves the digestion process, and specially shaped granules cleanse teeth of plaque.
Pros:
- convenient packaging with a zip lock;
- caring for your rabbit's teeth;
- balanced composition;
- available at most pet stores;
- convenient packaging of 1 and 2.5 kg.
Minuses:
- price.
A balanced complex for daily feeding of rabbits will not require the introduction of additional vitamin complexes.
Native food “Grain stick” is the best treat for small rodents
4.5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
82%
buyers recommend this product
The Russian grain stick is suitable for supplementary feeding of small rodents. The box contains two such sticks of 45 grams each - each is packed in its own package with a gaseous environment to extend shelf life.
The stick is based on red and yellow millet, peanuts, barley, sunflower seeds, oats, wheat and corn. Depending on the type of treat chosen, the composition can be supplemented with various vegetables, fruits, herbs or a vitamin complex.
Pros:
- low price;
- several types of sticks with different additives to choose from;
- high-quality individual packaging;
- rich natural composition.
Minuses:
- Inside there is an inedible plastic base.
When adding Native Food sticks to the diet, you should not leave the rodent unattended, since in the middle there is a plastic element that must be taken away from the pet as soon as it gnaws on the treats.
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Expectations - reality: about discrepancies with labeling
A study by Roskachestvo revealed a very important problem: the actual composition of feed does not partially coincide with what is indicated in the product labeling. In most samples, deviations of the actual composition of feed from the information stated on the product labeling were recorded. We are talking about deviations:
- by the amount of crude fat;
- by the amount of crude protein;
- by the amount of iron;
- by the amount of manganese;
- by the amount of selenium;
- by the amount of phosphorus;
- by the amount of raw ash;
- by the amount of potassium;
- by the amount of zinc.
The legislation of the Russian Federation and the treaties of the European Union do not establish mandatory requirements for feed labeling, as well as permissible deviations of the actual composition of products from the information stated on the label. This legal gap contributes to a) misleading consumers, b) incorrect formation of animal diets.
It is for this reason that in 2022 Roskachestvo sent proposals to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture to establish mandatory requirements for food and other products. In particular, proposals to include in the draft technical regulation “On the safety of feed and feed additives” being developed, requirements for the reliability of labeling for the content of individual components and their range in pet food.
It was proposed to include the relevant provisions in a separate section of the draft regulation “Requirements for pet food”, in which it was planned to establish permissible deviations from the declared values of complete nutrition indicators, indicators of nutritional value and safety of food for cats and dogs.
Subsequently, in 2022, the Russian side supported the proposal to exclude feed for non-productive animals from the draft regulations and the advisability of developing a separate technical regulation of the EEC “On the safety of feed for non-productive animals.”
The project is still under development
In July 2022, the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, in response to a request from Roskachestvo, reported that the draft regulations, finalized by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (project developer), have not yet been submitted to the Russian Ministry of Agriculture for consideration.
Arden Grange (Arden Grange), England - super premium
Arden Grange is a super-premium cat food that is little known in our country, but quite popular in Europe, and has proven itself to be very good. The key to the success of this food is the ideal combination of natural ingredients such as meat, vegetables, rice, probiotics, mineral and vitamin complexes. Only grain-free food can be considered better than Arden Grange, however, such food is much more expensive and is not always suitable for the animal. Otherwise, this is healthy and nutritious food for your pet.
Advantages:
- - there are no attractants - substances with harmful chemical impurities that help the cat quickly become accustomed to a particular type of food (in fact, drugs)
- - well-balanced composition of ingredients
- — the highest quality components are used
- - favorable combination of price and quality
- - excellent taste
- - recommended for most cats
Flaws:
- - the presence of cellulose - a substance that sometimes acts as a laxative and in rare cases causes allergies
Cost: from 412 to 5500 rubles depending on the weight of the package.
All the best for cats: about the safety of dry food
Of course, no matter how nutritious and rich in nutrients the food is, if it is unsafe, you cannot feed it to your beloved pet! That is why the study paid special attention to the presence of toxic elements, nitrites, radionuclides, pesticides, heavy metals in the feed, as well as microbiological indicators, including salmonella (intestinal bacteria that cause infectious diseases), toxin-forming anaerobes (these are causative agents of various infections), intestinal stick, etc.
To the general joy of caring owners and their pets, all the food studied was found to be safe and non-toxic.
However, there is a small caveat regarding pesticides. The fact is that in some samples the presence of trace amounts of various pesticides (for example, permethrin, deltamethrin, etc.) was determined, which could have passed into feed from plant raw materials during production or were used in storage of raw materials and finished products as an insecticidal agent.
“Pesticides should not get into the feed,” says Lidiya Toporova
. – Most often they come from cereals, dry vegetables and other plant components into dry food. This does not relieve the manufacturer of responsibility: he must check the incoming raw materials so that pesticides do not get into the finished product.
The permissible amount of pesticides is not regulated at the legislative level, however, samples in which they were found, even in small, trace quantities, are deprived of the opportunity to qualify for the Russian Quality Mark.
The same goes for antibiotics. Traces of antibiotics were found in 4 out of 7 products in a 2022 study. This is not a violation of the law, but the advanced requirements of the Roskachestvo standard do not allow the presence of antibiotics and pesticides in the composition, even in trace quantities. Products with these comments cannot qualify for the Quality Mark.
There is an opinion that dry food is produced from low-quality raw materials, waste, which is scary to even think about. However, research has shown that this belief is nothing more than a myth. All dry food studied was produced from high-quality, fresh raw materials.
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For reference:
When purchasing dry food, be sure to pay attention to the expiration date (as a rule, it is displayed quite large on the packaging). Most often this is one year. However, some manufacturers can extend this period both by introducing new modern technologies and packaging materials, and by adding preservatives to the composition, which should be indicated on the label. Experts do not recommend storing open food for such a long time.
“It’s impossible to say with certainty about the expiration date,” notes Lidiya Toporova
. – I allow storage for six months, but it is better to store no more than three months: during storage, especially if the relevant requirements are not met, undesirable chemical and microbiological processes occur in the feed, which leads to a decrease in the content of nutrients and micronutrients.
It can be assumed that if the manufacturer indicates a certain expiration date on the packaging, then, most likely, he vouches for the preservation of the taste and nutritional value of the dry food throughout this period. However, there are indicators in which violations may indirectly indicate that the taste of the food will deteriorate by the end of its shelf life: it will become rancid. We are talking about the acid and peroxide numbers of fat. As the results of the study showed, deviations in this indicator were found in some samples. Thus, from the product cards you can find out which food tastes deteriorate over time.
Which brand of cat food is best?
Cat food is usually divided into classes: holistic , super-premium , premium and economy . You should consider food options starting from premium, but the best option, of course, would be super-premium or holistic. Companies of this level offer a variety of lines, where there is sure to be an option for even the most sensitive and picky pet. What you should pay attention to when choosing quality food is the country of origin, because it can be argued that the food is German, for example, but in fact this particular batch was produced in Russia.
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