9 Lives Dry Cat Food Protein Plus Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of 9 Lives Dry Cat Food Protein Plus

According to our data, this 9 Lives recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

9 Lives Dry Cat Food Protein Plus is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of 9 Lives Dry Cat Food Protein Plus, we'll examine all 38 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Ground whole grain corn provides carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting energy production and overall health in your cat.

  2. Chicken By-Product Meal is a concentrated source of protein, containing essential amino acids and nutrients that support your cat's overall health, muscle development, and growth.

  3. Soybean meal is a source of protein that can support your cat's muscle development and tissue repair.

  4. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and is used as a source of protein. However, it's not as beneficial as meat-based proteins.

  5. Animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a rich source of energy and essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin, coat, and immune system health.

  6. Whole Wheat is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet and support digestive health in cats.

  7. Animal Digest is a concentrated source of animal proteins, providing essential nutrients for your cat. It enhances the flavor of the cat food, making it more palatable and appealing to your cat's taste buds.

  8. Tuna Meal is a highly digestible, nutrient-dense source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients for your cat's growth and maintenance.

  9. Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.

  10. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  11. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  12. Caramel color is a food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of cat food.

  13. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  14. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  15. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.

  16. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  17. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  18. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  19. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  20. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  21. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  22. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  23. Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

  24. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  25. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  26. Titanium Dioxide is a food-safe colorant used in small amounts to maintain a consistent appearance in your cat's food. While it does not provide any nutritional benefits, it is considered safe for consumption in regulated quantities.

  27. Yellow 5 is a food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of the food. It has no nutritional benefits.

  28. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  29. Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.

  30. Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.

  31. Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.

  32. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

  33. Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.

  34. Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

  35. Lactic Acid is a natural preservative and pH regulator used in cat food to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is a safe and effective way to preserve the quality of your cat's food.

  36. Red 40 is a widely-used artificial food colorant that adds an appealing color to your cat's food, making it visually more attractive.

  37. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in some cat foods to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. However, it is a controversial ingredient due to potential health concerns, and many pet owners prefer to avoid it in their cat's diet.

  38. Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 33.00%: The primary contributors to the high protein content in this cat food are chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal. Chicken by-product meal is a concentrated form of protein because it is made from rendered parts of chickens that are not typically consumed by humans. Soybean meal is another high-protein ingredient derived from soybeans, and corn gluten meal is a by-product of the corn milling process that also has a high protein content. Tuna meal, listed further down the ingredient list, also contributes to the overall protein content, though to a lesser extent given its position in the list.

Crude Fat (min) of 9.00%: Animal fat preserved with mixed tocopherols is the main source of fat in this product. Fats are essential in the diet for energy, and the preservation with mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) helps prevent the fat from becoming rancid. The fat content may also be influenced by the chicken by-product meal and tuna meal to a lesser extent, as these ingredients contain natural fats from the animal tissues.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: Fiber in pet food can come from various plant-based ingredients. In this case, whole ground corn and whole wheat are likely the primary contributors to the fiber content. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, but it is kept at a maximum of 4.00% to ensure that the diet is not too high in fiber, which could interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.

Calories of 3380.00 per kg: The caloric content is a measure of the energy provided by the food. It is derived from the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The whole ground corn and corn gluten meal contribute to the caloric content through carbohydrates. The chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, and animal fat contribute to the calories through both protein and fat. Since fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates, the animal fat is a significant contributor to the overall calorie content.