Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Dry Cat Food Grain Free Chicken & Pea Recipe (Indoor Formula) Review

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 Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Dry Cat Food Grain Free Chicken & Pea Recipe (Indoor Formula)

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

Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Dry Cat Food Grain Free Chicken & Pea Recipe (Indoor Formula) 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 Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Dry Cat Food Grain Free Chicken & Pea Recipe (Indoor Formula), we'll examine all 40 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 is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.

  4. Turkey Meal is a high-quality protein source made from dehydrated and ground turkey meat. It provides essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.

  5. Garbanzo Bean, also known as chickpeas, is a high-fiber ingredient that supports digestive health and helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels.

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

  7. Pea fiber is a source of dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight in cats.

  8. 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.

  9. Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.

  10. 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.

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

  12. Salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as cognitive function.

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

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

  15. 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.

  16. Dried cranberry can help maintain urinary tract health by reducing the pH of the cat's urine and preventing bacterial growth.

  17. Fructooligosaccharides are a type of prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's digestive system, supporting overall gut health and immunity.

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

  19. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.

  20. Apple is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals.

  21. Dried carrot is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, particularly beta-carotene, which is essential for maintaining your cat's eye health and supporting their immune system.

  22. The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.

  23. Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.

  24. 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.

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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for your cat's growth and overall health, as it helps support energy production and the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin.

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

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

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.

  35. Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.

  36. Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.

  37. Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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

Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this cat food are chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. These are high-quality protein sources that provide essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered and contain less water than whole chicken.

Crude Fat (min) of 16.00%: The crude fat content is likely derived from chicken fat and salmon oil, both of which are included in the ingredient list. Chicken fat is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids for cats, while salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. The mixed tocopherols used to preserve these fats also contribute to the fat content, albeit to a much lesser extent.

Crude Fiber (max) of 8.00%: The ingredients contributing to the fiber content include peas, pea fiber, powdered cellulose, and dried plain beet pulp. These are all sources of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help maintain bowel regularity. The inclusion of these high-fiber ingredients is typical in "indoor formula" cat foods, as indoor cats may be less active and prone to hairballs, which dietary fiber can help mitigate.

Calories of 4125.00 per kg: The caloric content of the cat food is a measure of the energy provided by the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the diet. The main contributors to the calorie count are the macronutrients: protein from chicken and turkey meals, fat from chicken fat and salmon oil, and carbohydrates from peas and garbanzo beans. These ingredients provide the energy that cats need for their daily activities.