Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula Review
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Review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula
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, 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.
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.
Tuna is a flavorful and nutrient-rich fish that provides high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your cat's overall health and well-being.
Barley is a whole grain that provides essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps support healthy digestion and contributes to your cat's overall well-being.
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.
Soybean meal is a source of protein that can support your cat's muscle development and tissue repair.
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.
Potato Protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle growth and maintenance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.
Artificial flavors are used to enhance the taste of cat food, making it more appealing to your pet.
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.
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.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.
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.
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.
Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.
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.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
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.
Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.
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.
Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
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.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
The guaranteed analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 33.00% is likely contributed to by the corn gluten meal, tuna, soybean meal, and potato protein found in the ingredients list. Corn gluten meal and soybean meal are high-protein plant-based ingredients, while tuna is a high-quality source of animal protein. Potato protein also adds to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent.
Crude fat at a minimum of 13.00% is primarily provided by the animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols and fish oil. Animal fat is a concentrated source of energy and also contributes to the palatability of the food. Fish oil not only provides essential fatty acids but also contributes to the overall fat content.
Crude fiber with a maximum of 5.00% can be attributed to ingredients such as barley, whole grain corn, and powdered cellulose. These ingredients contain dietary fibers which aid in digestion and help maintain gastrointestinal health. The fiber content is kept at a certain level to ensure that it supports kidney function without being too high, as excess fiber can be counterproductive for cats with kidney concerns.
Lastly, the caloric content of 4041.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This energy comes from the combined macronutrients in the food: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. While the label does not specify the carbohydrate content, it can be inferred that ingredients such as barley, whole grain corn, and the various protein and fat sources 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 costs approximately $7.71 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 | $26.16 | $40.88 |
| 10 lbs | $44.00 | $68.76 |
| 15 lbs | $59.64 | $93.19 |
| 20 lbs | $74.01 | $115.63 |
| 30 lbs | $100.31 | $156.73 |
| 40 lbs | $124.46 | $194.47 |
| 50 lbs | $147.14 | $229.90 |
| 60 lbs | $168.70 | $263.59 |
| 70 lbs | $189.37 | $295.89 |
| 80 lbs | $209.32 | $327.06 |
| 90 lbs | $228.65 | $357.27 |
| 100 lbs | $247.45 | $386.64 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers have shared their experiences with Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function (Early Care) Feline Formula, highlighting that it is well-received by many cats, even those with a history of being picky eaters. Several reviews mention that their cats, who are diagnosed with kidney issues, eagerly eat this food and have shown improved health and energy levels. The small kibble size is appreciated, especially for older cats or those with dental issues.
Despite some cats initially being hesitant to try a new diet, many reviews indicate that their pets eventually took to the Purina formula, with some even preferring it over their previous food. The positive impact on cats with kidney disease is frequently noted, with owners expressing relief at finding a food that their pets not only tolerate but also enjoy. This satisfaction is tempered by a few reports of pets that did not like the taste or had an allergic reaction, but these seem to be in the minority.
In response to the negative reviews, it's important to note that every cat has individual tastes and dietary needs, and what works well for one may not suit another. It is always recommended to introduce new diets gradually and consult with a veterinarian for the best approach to managing a pet's health condition. Some reviews also suggest mixing the Purina food with other brands to cater to fussy eaters, which could be a helpful strategy for those struggling to transition their cats to a kidney-friendly diet.
