Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Premium Cat Food Grain Free Salmon Paté Review

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Review of Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Premium Cat Food Grain Free Salmon Paté

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) Premium Cat Food Grain Free Salmon Paté 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) Premium Cat Food Grain Free Salmon Paté, we'll examine all 32 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. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.

  4. Salmon Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that enhances the taste and texture of your cat's food, while also providing hydration and essential nutrients.

  5. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  6. 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.

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

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

  9. Sunflower Oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which help maintain your cat's skin and coat health, while also supporting their immune system.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support your cat's red blood cell production and overall health.

  13. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  14. Copper amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, essential for your cat's overall health, including bone development, connective tissue formation, and iron absorption.

  15. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.

  16. 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.

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

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

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

  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. 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.

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

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

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

  27. 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.

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The Crude Protein content of at least 10.00% is primarily contributed by the animal-based ingredients: salmon, chicken, and chicken liver. These are high-quality sources of protein that provide essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health. The salmon, being the first ingredient, suggests it is the most abundant and thus a significant contributor to the protein content.

Crude Fat at a minimum of 6.00% is likely to come from the salmon, chicken, and sunflower oil included in the ingredients. Salmon and chicken are naturally rich in animal fats, which are important for a cat's energy, skin, and coat health. Sunflower oil is added as a supplementary fat source to ensure the product meets the necessary fat content for a balanced feline diet.

Crude Fiber at a maximum of 1.00% indicates that this cat food is not very high in fiber. The fiber present may be primarily derived from the carrots and peas, as these vegetables can contribute some dietary fiber. However, since the product is grain-free and the fiber content is low, it suggests that there isn't a large vegetable presence in the formula.

The calorie content of 1232.00 per kg provides an estimate of the energy that the cat food contains. This energy comes from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the ingredients. Given that the food is grain-free, the carbohydrates present are likely minimal and come from the vegetables like carrots and peas, with the majority of the calories being provided by the protein and fat sources.

The minerals and vitamins listed are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements for cats. They are often bound to amino acids (as chelates) for better absorption. These are not primary contributors to the macronutrient analysis (protein, fat, fiber), but they are essential for overall health and are included in the guaranteed analysis to show the food is nutritionally complete. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, which is often added to cat foods because it is critical for heart and eye health. Carrageenan and guar gum are used as thickeners or stabilizers in wet pet food products, but they do not contribute significantly to the nutritional profile.