Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens Review

Compare Prices To Find The Lowest Price
17.99 + Shipping ($4.95)
$11.69 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
22.98 + Shipping ($5.95)
$18.38 w/ code PawDiet20
20% Off First AutoShip
Use Code: PawDiet20
17.99 + Shipping (By Weight)
Free Shipping On Orders $25+
19.98 + Shipping ($4.95)
$12.99 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship
37.96 + Shipping ($4.95)
$24.67 First Auto-Ship Order
Free 1-3 Day Shipping Orders $49+
35% Off First Auto-Ship

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 Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens

According to our data, this Nutro recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for growing kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens, we'll examine all 41 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. Chicken is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.

  3. Pea Protein is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle health and overall well-being, while being a great alternative for cats with food sensitivities.

  4. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.

  5. Brewers Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides cats with a source of energy and supports healthy digestion.

  6. Whole Grain Brown Rice is a natural source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, providing energy and supporting your cat's digestive health. It also contains essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.

  7. Potato Protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle growth and maintenance.

  8. Dried Plain Beet Pulp is a beneficial source of fiber that helps to promote healthy digestion and support your cat's gut health by maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria.

  9. Whole grain oatmeal is a source of fiber and carbohydrates, it can help in digestion, but should be balanced with high-quality proteins.

  10. Fish meal is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for overall health and wellbeing of your cat.

  11. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  12. Dehydrated alfalfa meal is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin K, which support bone health.

  13. 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.

  14. Soybean Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) is a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids that support your cat's skin and coat health. Mixed tocopherols act as natural antioxidants to help maintain the quality and freshness of the oil.

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

  16. Fish Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their overall heart health.

  17. 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.

  18. Citric acid is a natural preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing a tangy flavor that can stimulate your cat's appetite.

  19. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

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

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.

  28. Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, is an antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system, combat oxidative stress, and promote overall health. Although cats can produce their own vitamin C, supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations or for specific health needs.

  29. 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.

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

  31. 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.

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

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

  34. 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.

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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.

  40. Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.

  41. 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 values for Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens are derived from the ingredients listed.

The Crude Protein (min) of 36.00% is primarily from the chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, potato protein, and fish meal. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein that help support the growth and development of kittens.

The Crude Fat (min) of 19.00% is mainly from the chicken fat, preserved with mixed tocopherols, and fish oil, also preserved with mixed tocopherols. These ingredients provide essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health, brain development, and overall well-being of kittens.

The Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00% is likely to come from the whole grain brown rice, dried plain beet pulp, and whole grain oatmeal. These ingredients provide dietary fiber that aids in digestion and helps with weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.

The Calories of 3891.00 per kg are derived from all the ingredients combined, but primarily from the protein and fat sources, as they are the most energy-dense. The carbohydrates from the grains also contribute to the calorie count.

The vitamins and minerals listed towards the end of the ingredient list, such as Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, etc., are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements of kittens. They do not directly contribute to the crude protein, fat, or fiber percentages but are crucial for overall health and well-being.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe For Kittens costs approximately $5.23 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightKitten
5 lbs $18.44
10 lbs $31.02
15 lbs $42.04
20 lbs $52.16
30 lbs $70.70
40 lbs $87.72
50 lbs $103.71
60 lbs $118.90
70 lbs $133.47
80 lbs $147.53
90 lbs $161.16
100 lbs $174.41

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers are generally very pleased with the Nutro Wholesome Essentials Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe for Kittens, noting that their kittens and even some older cats enjoy the taste. Many appreciate the natural ingredients and lack of meat by-products, and find that the food is gentle on their kittens' stomachs, even for those with previous gastrointestinal issues.

Several reviews highlight the small kibble size, which is perfect for kittens and older cats with dental issues. Customers report that their kittens transitioned well to this food from other brands and that it has positively impacted their kittens' growth, coat health, and overall well-being.

Some negative experiences were mentioned, with a few kittens experiencing digestive issues, but these were relatively few. In these cases, switching to another brand resolved the problem. Despite these isolated incidents, the consensus is that Nutro Kitten Food is a hit with felines, with many owners planning to continue using the product long-term.

The brand loyalty to Nutro is strong, with customers expressing trust in the brand's quality and nutritional value. Pet owners are also recommending this food to others, noting its health benefits and the visible improvements in their kittens. The food is praised for being a high-quality option at an affordable price, and many owners see it as a key factor in their pets' healthy development.