4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food
4health Cat Food positions itself as a provider of high-quality nutrition at an accessible price point. But in a crowded pet food market, does 4health truly stand out from other budget-conscious brands? This comprehensive and unbiased 4health cat food review delves into the brand’s offerings to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your feline companion.
Cats.com Standards: Evaluating 4health Cat Food
At Cats.com, we hold cat food brands to a rigorous standard, assessing them across six crucial categories: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Our evaluation of 4health cat food, based on these benchmarks, is detailed below.
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Ratings Breakdown:
- Species-Appropriateness: 5/10
- Ingredient Quality: 5/10
- Product Variety: 5/10
- Price: 8/10
- Customer Experience: 8/10
- Recall History: 3/10
Overall Cats.com Score: 5.7/10
Our Verdict: 4health cat food earns a score of 34 out of 60, translating to a C grade, indicating it’s an average choice within its category.
Unpacking the 4health Brand
4health is the proprietary pet food brand of Tractor Supply Co., a prominent American retailer specializing in farm and ranch supplies, headquartered in Tennessee. Tracing its origins back to 1938 as a mail-order tractor parts business, Tractor Supply has grown significantly, achieving recognition as one of Fortune magazine’s top 100 fastest-growing companies by 2004.
Pet food and related supplies form a substantial part of Tractor Supply’s business portfolio. According to their 2017 financial report, livestock and pet products accounted for nearly half (47%) of the company’s total revenue.
The marketing strategy for 4health centers around the promise of “Premium Ingredients at a Great Value,” positioning it as an elevated store brand option for pet owners seeking quality without exorbitant costs.
4health Cat Food: Sourcing and Manufacturing Insights
4health cat food is manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods, a well-established US-based pet food producer. Diamond Pet Foods is also responsible for manufacturing well-known brands such as Taste of the Wild and Canidae. Diamond operates five production facilities across the United States.
While 4health emphasizes ingredient quality, it’s important to note their sourcing practices. The majority of ingredients are sourced from within the United States. However, some ingredients are procured internationally, including from France, Belgium, and New Zealand. Specifically, key nutrients like folic acid and taurine, and potentially other components, are sourced from China. This global sourcing approach is common in the pet food industry but is worth considering for pet owners sensitive to ingredient origins.
4health Cat Food Recall History
It’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of a pet food brand’s recall history. 4health cat food has been subject to two recalls, and Diamond Pet Foods, the manufacturer, has faced multiple recalls across its brand portfolio over the years. While we won’t detail all Diamond-related recalls, here’s a summary of 4health’s specific recall incidents:
- 2013: A recall was initiated for several cat food brands produced by Diamond, including 4health, due to concerns about potentially insufficient levels of thiamine, a vital B vitamin for cats.
- 2012: All 4health pet food manufactured at Diamond’s Gaston, South Carolina facility was recalled due to the potential for salmonella contamination, a bacterium that can cause illness in both pets and humans.
This recall history is something to keep in mind when evaluating 4health cat food for your cat.
Exploring the 4health Cat Food Product Range
4health offers a diverse range of cat food options, encompassing both wet and dry formulas to cater to various feline preferences and dietary needs. A consistent feature across the 4health product line is the emphasis on meat as a primary ingredient, complemented by fruits and vegetables. Importantly, all 4health recipes are formulated without corn, soy, or wheat, ingredients that some cat owners prefer to avoid.
Beyond basic nutritional completeness, 4health cat foods are enhanced with beneficial additives. These include species-specific probiotics to support digestive health, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and antioxidants to bolster the immune system.
4health cat food lines include:
- Original Line: Features a single dry cat food recipe suitable for all life stages, providing a foundational nutritional option.
- Grain-Free Line: This is the most extensive line, offering 13 different products. It includes four dry cat food recipes and nine wet, canned food recipes, providing a variety of textures and flavors for cats with grain sensitivities or preferences.
- Untamed™ Line: A specialized grain-free line featuring two dry recipes designed to mimic a more ancestral, meat-rich diet for cats.
- Special Care Line: Formulated to address specific health concerns, this line includes six recipes. It offers both dry (two options) and wet (four options) foods tailored for weight management, sensitive skin, and sensitive stomachs, catering to cats with particular health needs.
4health Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes – A Detailed Review
To give you a closer look at the quality and composition of 4health cat food, we’ve selected and reviewed three of their popular recipes in detail:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price (per lb/oz) | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food | Dry | $0.08 | C- |
| 4health Grain-Free Whitefish & Potato Formula for Adult Cats | Dry | $0.12 | C- |
| 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth for Cats | Wet | $0.18 per oz | B+ |
Recipe Review #1: 4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food (Dry)
4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food
Shop for $32.99 At TractorSupply
Primary Protein Source: Chicken
4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food is formulated specifically for the needs of indoor cats, recognizing their typically lower activity levels. This dry food aims to support healthy weight management while providing complete nutrition. It also boasts antioxidants and omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat. Let’s dissect the ingredient list to assess its quality.
Ingredient Breakdown:
The ingredient panel begins with chicken, a biologically appropriate and protein-rich ingredient. Following chicken is chicken meal, a concentrated protein source created by dehydrating chicken. Despite misconceptions about rendering processes, studies indicate that chicken meal’s digestibility is comparable to, or even surpasses, that of fresh chicken. Turkey meal and a smaller quantity of ocean fish meal are included further down the list, contributing to the overall animal protein content.
A blend of legumes, including garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils, are incorporated, which increase the food’s protein, fiber, and carbohydrate levels.
Reflecting its “indoor cat” formulation, powdered cellulose (wood pulp) is added as a fiber source. Fiber is often included in indoor cat foods to potentially aid in hairball control and promote a feeling of fullness.
Chicken fat serves as the primary fat source, delivering essential and readily usable fatty acids.
To support digestive health, the recipe is enriched with a mix of probiotics and dried chicory root, a prebiotic fiber source.
Trace amounts of tomatoes, blueberries, and cranberries are present, contributing antioxidants. The food is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to ensure complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
Overall Assessment: This dry cat food is relatively plant-heavy, featuring moderate protein, low-fat, and higher carbohydrate content compared to a purely meat-based diet. It contains 313 calories per cup.
Ingredients We Appreciate: Chicken, Chicken Fat
Ingredients of Concern: Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Powdered Cellulose, Lentils
Potential Allergens: Chicken
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 13%
- Crude Fiber: 8%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 35.56%
- Fat: 14.44%
- Fiber: 8.89%
- Carbohydrates (Estimated): 41.11%
Caloric Distribution (Estimated):
- Protein: 31.82%
- Fat: 31.39%
- Carbohydrates: 36.79%
Pros:
- Features named meat and meat meals as protein sources.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content.
- Low moisture content, typical of dry food.
- Low in fat relative to protein and carbohydrates.
- Appears to rely heavily on plant-based ingredients for protein and fiber.
Recipe Review #2: 4health Grain-Free Whitefish & Potato Formula for Adult Cats (Dry)
4health Grain Free Adult Whitefish and Potato Formula Dry Cat Food
Shop for $32.99 At TractorSupply
Primary Protein Sources: Whitefish and Fish Meal
This grain-free kibble features a fish-based protein profile combined with plant-derived ingredients.
Ingredient Breakdown:
The first ingredient is “whitefish”. This is a broad term encompassing various species of white-fleshed fish, such as haddock, whiting, or cod. The specific types of whitefish used in this 4health formula are not specified.
The second ingredient, fish meal, is even less specific. Fish meal is generally produced from fish unsuitable for human consumption, often termed “trash fish,” or from byproducts of fish processing. While nutritionally viable, the lack of specificity raises questions about ingredient quality. Turkey meal provides a third source of animal protein, and fresh turkey is included later in the ingredient list in a smaller quantity.
Dried ground peas are a significant component, contributing carbohydrates, fiber, and acting as a binding agent for kibble formation. Tapioca, a high-starch ingredient, serves as a secondary binding agent and further increases the carbohydrate content.
Egg product is listed next. The quality and source of this egg product (whether human-grade eggs or processing waste) are unclear.
Chicken fat is the primary fat source. Whole dried potato, a carbohydrate-rich and less nutritionally dense ingredient for cats, is included, as is natural flavor, typically derived from hydrolyzed animal tissue.
Pea protein, a concentrated plant protein, is used, likely as a more economical protein source. Dried plain beet pulp is added as a fiber source. Trace amounts of dried carrots, whole flaxseed, and dried cranberry are also present. Probiotic bacteria and dried chicory root (prebiotic fiber) are included for digestive support.
Finally, the recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for nutritional completeness.
Overall Assessment: This formula features moderate protein, moderate fat, and a high carbohydrate content. It provides 359 calories per cup.
Ingredients We Appreciate: Chicken Fat, Turkey
Ingredients of Concern: Dried Ground Peas, Tapioca, Whole Dried Potato, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
Potential Allergens: Fish
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 34%
- Crude Fat: 18%
- Crude Fiber: 3%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 37.78%
- Fat: 20%
- Fiber: 3.33%
- Carbohydrates (Estimated): 38.89%
Caloric Distribution (Estimated):
- Protein: 30.16%
- Fat: 38.78%
- Carbohydrates: 31.05%
Pros:
- Animal-sourced fat (chicken fat).
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content.
- Uses vaguely named “fish meal.”
- Dry food format inherently lacks moisture.
Recipe Review #3: 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth for Cats (Wet)
Shop for $0.99 At TractorSupply
Primary Protein Source: Chicken
This wet cat food formula prioritizes fresh chicken as its primary protein source.
Ingredient Breakdown:
The ingredient list begins with high-quality chicken, including muscle meat and chicken liver, a nutrient-dense organ meat. Dried egg product is another source of animal protein, with the same concerns about sourcing and quality as in the dry food. Potato starch is used as a gravy thickener.
Natural flavor is included, as is guar gum, a natural thickening agent. While not species-appropriate, guar gum is generally considered safe in the small amounts used in cat food.
Cranberries and ground flaxseed are added. Menhaden fish oil, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and sunflower oil, a plant-based fat, are the fat sources.
The food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to meet nutritional standards for adult cats.
Overall Assessment: This wet food is high in animal protein, with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content, making it a more species-appropriate option than the dry food recipes. It contains 78 calories per 3-ounce can, or 26 calories per ounce.
Ingredients We Appreciate: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients of Concern: Potato Starch
Potential Allergens: Chicken
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 10%
- Crude Fat: 3.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 82%
- Ash: 2.7%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 55.56%
- Fat: 19.44%
- Fiber: 8.33%
- Carbohydrates (Estimated): 1.67%
Caloric Distribution (Estimated):
- Protein: 53.19%
- Fat: 45.21%
- Carbohydrates: 1.6%
Pros:
- Relatively low in carbohydrates.
- Made with named meats, not vaguely labeled meals or by-products.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Thickened without carrageenan, a controversial thickening agent.
Cons:
- Contains some plant-based ingredients.
Customer Perspectives on 4health Cat Food
Customer reviews for 4health cat food are overwhelmingly positive. Satisfied customers frequently cite the brand’s balance of nutritional quality and affordability. Negative reviews are less common, primarily focusing on palatability issues (cats not liking the food) or digestive upset experienced after transitioning to 4health.
Examples of Customer Feedback:
Positive Review: “It’s nice to find a good grain free cat food that’s affordable. My cats seem to be doing very well with it.” – Michelle 17, reviewing 4health Grain-Free Indoor Cat Food.
Positive Review: “I have two Maine Coons, and they love it! I love that’s it’s healthy for them, and saves me money.” – LB89, reviewing 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth.
Negative Review: “Been feeding 4Health Grain Free Indoor Cat Formula dry… Recently, it became difficult to find in stock, then packaging changed. I didn’t realize the formula changed, as well, until my sensitive stomach cat started having issues again. A salty preservative called potassium chloride was added… Needless to say this formula changed has not been a positive change in my household.” – Anonymous, reviewing 4health Indoor Cat Food.
Negative Review: “My two cats loved the taste of this food, but it did a number on their stomachs… Neither cat had gas or loose stools when using other brands of food… I have since changed them back to their previous brand of food and their stomach problems have cleared up.” – FarmallGuy, reviewing 4Health Grain-Free Whitefish, Pea & Potato with Real Turkey Recipe.
4health Cat Food: Price and Value Analysis
For a typical 10-pound cat, 4health dry cat food recipes range from approximately $0.16 to $0.24 per day. This price point is only slightly higher than budget brands like 9Lives and Friskies. 4health’s wet cat food is more expensive, costing around $1.62 per day.
However, in terms of value, 4health distinguishes itself from many economy brands by avoiding animal by-products, artificial colors, and potentially harmful preservatives in most recipes. The ingredient quality is more comparable to brands like Merrick, but at a significantly lower cost, approximately one-third of the price.
Final Verdict: Is 4health Cat Food a Recommended Choice?
4health cat food emerges as a viable option for cat owners seeking a more affordable alternative to premium grain-free or natural cat foods. While not without its drawbacks, 4health generally avoids the most significant compromises often found in ultra-budget cat food brands.
The wet food recipes are a particular highlight, exhibiting relatively low carbohydrate content, utilizing muscle meat and organs without resorting to animal by-products, and being carrageenan-free. The dry food options are less impressive but still offer advantages over similarly priced kibble, including the use of named meat sources and reduced reliance on plant and meat by-products compared to some competitors in the economy segment.
If you are seeking a budget-conscious, meat-based cat food, particularly wet food, 4health is a brand worth considering and trying for your feline companion.
Purchasing 4health Cat Food
4health cat food is exclusively available through Tractor Supply Company. You can purchase it at Tractor Supply retail stores or online through their website. Limited product selection is also available on Amazon.
