Meow Mix Tender Centers Tuna & Whitefish Flavors Review

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Review of Meow Mix Tender Centers Tuna & Whitefish Flavors

According to our data, this Meow Mix recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Meow Mix Tender Centers Tuna & Whitefish Flavors is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Meow Mix Tender Centers Tuna & Whitefish Flavors, we'll examine all 49 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. 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.

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

  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. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Ocean whitefish meal is a concentrated, nutrient-dense source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your cat's overall health, skin, and coat.

  12. Corn Syrup is a carbohydrate source that provides a quick source of energy for your cat. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

  13. Glycerin is a natural, plant-based ingredient used as a humectant in cat food. It helps to retain moisture, keeping the food fresh and palatable while also providing a source of energy for your cat.

  14. L-lysine monohydrochloride is a source of the essential amino acid lysine, which is important for the production of certain proteins, antibodies, and enzymes. It also plays a key role in calcium absorption and collagen formation.

  15. 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.

  16. Potassium sorbate is a preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast, helping to maintain the freshness of the product.

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

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

  19. Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

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

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

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

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

  40. Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.

  41. Carrageenan is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from seaweed, used to improve the texture and consistency of wet cat food. However, some studies have raised concerns about its safety, linking it to gastrointestinal issues in pets. Some pet owners may choose to avoid products containing carrageenan.

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

  43. 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.

  44. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

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

  46. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  47. Natural white meat chicken flavor enhances the taste of your cat's food while providing a high-quality, easily digestible protein source to support lean muscle mass and overall health.

  48. 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.

  49. 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

The guaranteed analysis value for Crude Protein of a minimum of 31.00% is a measure of the total amount of protein in the pet food. This value is likely contributed to by the chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, tuna meal, and ocean whitefish meal listed in the ingredients. These are all protein-rich ingredients, with meat and fish meals being concentrated sources of animal protein, which are essential for a cat's diet.

Crude Fat with a minimum of 11.00% reflects the total fats present in the food. The primary contributor to this value would be the animal fat preserved with mixed tocopherols. Fats are a vital energy source for cats and also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Crude Fiber with a maximum of 4.00% indicates the amount of plant-based fibrous material in the food, which is not digested by the cat. The whole ground corn, soybean meal, and whole wheat are likely the main contributors to this fiber content. Fiber is important for gastrointestinal health, although cats require much less fiber than omnivores or herbivores.

The caloric content of 3530.00 kcal/kg provides an estimate of the energy provided by the food. All the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) contribute to this value. The whole ground corn and corn syrup contribute to the carbohydrate content, which is also a source of calories. The protein and fat ingredients previously mentioned are also high-calorie contributors.

The ingredients list also includes various vitamins and minerals, which are added to ensure the food meets the complete nutritional needs of the cat but are not reflected in the guaranteed analysis values. These supplements help prevent deficiencies and support overall health. Ingredients like caramel color, titanium dioxide, and the food dyes (Yellow 5, Red 40) are used for aesthetic purposes and do not contribute nutritional value. Preservatives such as BHA and potassium sorbate are included to maintain shelf life and product quality.