Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight Review

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Review of Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight

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

Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight 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 Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight, we'll examine all 42 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 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.

  2. Whole Grain Corn is a wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredient that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates that can help provide sustained energy throughout the day.

  3. Soybean flour is a plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's growth, maintenance, and overall health.

  4. Whole grain wheat provides cats with a source of digestible fiber, which can help support a healthy digestive system, as well as essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.

  5. 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.

  6. Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides energy for your cat. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your cat's overall health and well-being.

  7. Beef Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a highly palatable source of energy and essential fatty acids, promoting a healthy skin and coat for your cat.

  8. 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.

  9. Powdered Cellulose is a form of dietary fiber that can help maintain healthy digestion and weight management in cats by providing a feeling of fullness and promoting regular bowel movements.

  10. Animal Liver Flavor enhances the taste of your cat's food, making it more palatable and enjoyable. This natural flavoring ensures your cat gets the nutrients they need while satisfying their taste buds.

  11. Soybean hulls are a source of fiber, which can aid in digestion for cats.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

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

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

  17. Parsley Flakes can add a fresh flavor to cat food and provide some vitamins and minerals. However, their nutritional benefits for cats are limited. Consult your veterinarian before introducing parsley flakes into your cat's diet.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  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. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  22. 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.

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

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.

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

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

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

  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. 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.

  36. 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.

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

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

  39. L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate is a source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect your cat's cells from damage and promotes a healthy immune system.

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

  41. Blue 2 is a food coloring used to give cat food a visually appealing look, though it has no nutritional value.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this cat food are the chicken by-product meal, whole grain corn, soy flour, corn gluten meal, and whole grain wheat. Chicken by-product meal, being an animal-based protein, is likely the most significant contributor, followed by plant-based proteins from corn gluten meal and soy flour, which are often used to increase the protein content in pet foods.

Crude Fat (min) of 9.50%: The fat content is primarily derived from beef fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols and the natural fats present in the chicken by-product meal. Beef fat is a common source of animal fat in pet foods and provides the necessary fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin, along with energy.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.70%: The ingredients contributing to the fiber content include powdered cellulose, soybean hulls, and to a lesser extent, whole grains like whole grain wheat and corn. Powdered cellulose and soybean hulls are high in fiber and are included to help with digestion and to reduce hairballs, which is a common issue for indoor cats.

Calories of 3372.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) present in the ingredients. The protein from chicken by-product meal and plant-based sources, the fat from beef fat, and carbohydrates from whole grain corn, whole grain wheat, and rice all contribute to the total caloric value. The inclusion of whole grains also indicates a significant carbohydrate content, which contributes to the calorie count.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight costs approximately $1.78 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $11.34
10 lbs $19.07
15 lbs $25.84
20 lbs $32.07
30 lbs $43.46
40 lbs $53.93
50 lbs $63.75
60 lbs $73.09
70 lbs $82.05
80 lbs $90.70
90 lbs $99.07
100 lbs $107.22

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed high satisfaction with Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight, noting that their cats, as well as neighboring dogs, enjoy the taste. Several reviewers have highlighted that the food is effective in reducing hairballs and is well-received by cats who are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs. Even cats with dental issues seem to manage this food without difficulty. The formula also appears to support weight management for indoor cats, with pet owners observing improvements in their cats' weight and hair condition.

While some negative reviews have mentioned issues with hairballs and vomiting, these seem to be isolated incidents, as the majority of customers report positive outcomes. Some have been loyal to the brand for years, citing their cats' strong health and preference for this specific formula. Customers have also praised the product for its affordability and the convenience of having larger bag sizes available.

In a few cases, customers received bags with an unusual number of green kibbles, which Purina customer support identified as a metering device error. Though concerns were raised about the safety of these batches, such incidents appear to be rare. Price concerns were mentioned by a few, especially for multi-cat households, but overall, the sentiment remains that the benefits and enjoyment for the cats outweigh the cost.

The general consensus is that Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball + Healthy Weight is a reliable and favored choice among pet owners for maintaining their cats' health and happiness.