Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Premium Cat Food Grain Free Whitefish Dinner Review

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Review of Whole Paws (Whole Foods Market) Premium Cat Food Grain Free Whitefish Dinner

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 Whitefish Dinner 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 Whitefish Dinner, 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. Whitefish is a lean and easily digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids and nutrients for your cat's muscle development, skin and coat health, 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. Fish Broth is a flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid that can help maintain your cat's hydration levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health and well-being.

  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. 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.

  10. 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.

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

  32. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of at least 10.00% in this cat food is likely contributed by the whitefish, chicken, and chicken liver listed as the primary ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for a cat's muscle development and overall health.

The crude fat minimum of 6.00% is also primarily derived from the whitefish and chicken. These ingredients contain natural fats that are important for a cat's energy levels and for supporting a healthy coat and skin. The chicken liver may also contribute to the fat content, as liver can be a source of fat as well as vitamins and minerals.

Crude fiber at a maximum of 1.00% suggests that this cat food is designed to be low in fiber, which is appropriate for a cat's carnivorous dietary needs. The fiber present may come from the carrots and peas, though these are likely included in small amounts given the low fiber guarantee. Cats require very little fiber in their diet, and the low percentage reflects that.

The caloric content of 1165.00 kcal/kg provides an indication of the energy density of the food. The calories are derived from the combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The primary contributors to the calorie count are the protein and fat from the whitefish and chicken, with some contribution from carbohydrates in the peas and possibly the natural flavor, depending on its composition.

The other ingredients listed, such as fish broth, are likely used for moisture and flavor, while the vitamins, minerals, and supplements like taurine and dl-methionine are added to ensure the food meets the nutritional needs of cats. Guar gum is a thickening agent, and carrageenan may be used for texture. These ingredients do not significantly contribute to the guaranteed analysis values but are important for the overall nutritional balance and palatability of the food.