Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula (Canned) Review
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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula (Canned)
Unfortunately, our team has not been able to confirm that this product meets any AAFCO nutrition profiles. We rely on the companies website to provide this information. However, we were not able to find a nutritional adequacy statement on the company's website. We caution owners from feeding non-AAFCO approved products because these products may not contain all of the nutrients required by your cat.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula (Canned), 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.
Water Sufficient for Processing ensures that your cat's food has the right consistency and texture, making it easier for them to chew and digest. Adequate water content in cat food is essential for maintaining proper hydration and overall health.
Meat By-Products are a source of animal protein that provides essential amino acids and nutrients for maintaining muscle health and overall well-being in cats.
Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat, providing a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin A, which is essential for your cat's eye health.
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.
Chicken by-products include parts of the chicken not typically eaten by humans but still rich in protein and nutrients, such as the heart and liver.
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.
Potato Protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle growth and maintenance.
Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.
Artificial flavors are used to enhance the taste of cat food, making it more appealing to your pet.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Calcium Sulfate is added to cat food as a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.
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.
Fish Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. It also promotes proper brain function and helps maintain a healthy immune system.
Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.
Potassium citrate is a source of potassium, an essential mineral for proper heart and muscle function in cats. It also helps maintain a healthy urinary pH.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
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.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
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.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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.
Magnesium Sulfate is an essential mineral for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function in cats.
Monocalcium Phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals for maintaining strong bones and teeth in cats. It also plays a role in various metabolic functions and supports overall health.
Dicalcium phosphate is an essential mineral supplement that supports your cat's bone health and overall well-being.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
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.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
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.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
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.
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.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
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.
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.
Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 6.50% in this pet food likely comes from the meat by-products, liver, chicken by-products, potato protein, and salmon listed in the ingredients. These are all protein-rich ingredients, with meat by-products, liver, and chicken by-products being animal-based proteins that provide essential amino acids. Potato protein is a plant-based protein source, and salmon not only contributes to the protein content but also provides omega-3 fatty acids.
The crude fat minimum of 3.00% is most likely contributed by the meat by-products, liver, chicken by-products, fish oil, and salmon. These ingredients contain natural fats that are important for a cat's diet, providing energy and helping with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fish oil is a particularly good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for kidney health and inflammation.
The maximum crude fiber content of 3.00% is probably due to ingredients such as powdered cellulose and inulin. Powdered cellulose is a source of insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion and can help manage weight by providing a feeling of fullness. Inulin is a type of soluble fiber that can promote digestive health and may have a prebiotic effect.
Lastly, the calorie content of 1039.00 kcal per kg provides a measure of the energy that the food can supply. The caloric content is derived from the combined macronutrients in the diet: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this formula, the carbohydrates likely come from sources like rice and the small amount of fiber from powdered cellulose and inulin, while the proteins and fats mentioned earlier also contribute to the overall caloric value.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula (Canned) costs approximately $7.64 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $100.76 | $157.44 |
| 10 lbs | $169.46 | $264.78 |
| 15 lbs | $229.68 | $358.88 |
| 20 lbs | $284.99 | $445.30 |
| 30 lbs | $386.28 | $603.56 |
| 40 lbs | $479.30 | $748.90 |
| 50 lbs | $566.61 | $885.33 |
| 60 lbs | $649.64 | $1015.06 |
| 70 lbs | $729.26 | $1139.47 |
| 80 lbs | $806.08 | $1259.49 |
| 90 lbs | $880.52 | $1375.82 |
| 100 lbs | $952.92 | $1488.94 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Many customers have reported that their older cats with kidney issues have taken well to Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula. Even finicky eaters seem to enjoy the taste, and some cats that previously refused other brands have accepted this food. The addition of a little water or mixing with other favorites like Fancy Feast has been successful for some pet owners to make the food more palatable for their cats.
Some cats, particularly those with a history of being selective about their food, have shown a preference for this Purina formula over others like Royal Canin or Blue Buffalo, especially when it comes to the pate texture. Owners have noticed improvements in their cats' health, such as increased appetite, weight gain, and better coat quality. The larger can size compared to some other brands is also seen as better value for money.
Despite some negative experiences where cats did not like the food or had gastrointestinal reactions, the positive reviews highlight cases where cats have thrived on this diet. In particular, one elderly cat with difficulty chewing dry food found this wet food easy to eat and enjoy. Another positive aspect mentioned is the convenience of AutoShip programs that offer discounts and access to veterinary advice, which is especially valued by those dealing with the challenges of managing a cat's kidney disease.
For those cats that did not take to the food immediately, persistence in offering and mixing with other foods has sometimes yielded success. Owners appreciate the prescription aspect of this diet, understanding it is formulated for specific health needs, and are willing to invest in their cat's health despite the higher price point. The food is also credited with helping some cats maintain stable kidney function over time.
