Is Fancy Feast a nutritious and safe option for your feline friend? Our comprehensive Fancy Feast cat food review on solcat.net dives deep into the brand, analyzing its ingredients, nutritional value, and potential health benefits and drawbacks. Discover whether this popular brand aligns with your cat’s dietary needs and overall well-being.
1. Evaluating Fancy Feast: Our Comprehensive Rating System
We assess Fancy Feast based on our established Cats.com standard, focusing on crucial factors like species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, affordability, customer satisfaction, and recall history. Here’s how Fancy Feast performs across these six essential criteria:
Ratings
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 8/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 3/10 |
| Product Variety | 8/10 |
| Price | 9/10 |
| Customer Experience | 6/10 |
| Recall History | 6/10 |
Overall Score: 6.6/10
Fancy Feast cat food receives an overall grade of B-, with a score of 39 out of 60.
2. A Closer Look at Fancy Feast
Introduced in 1982, Fancy Feast pioneered the concept of “gourmet” cat food. Despite its current affordability, Fancy Feast is still marketed as a premium culinary experience for cats.
Purina acquired the brand three years after its launch, later merging with Nestlé. As of 2017, Nestlé-Purina held the position of the world’s second-largest pet food company, generating over $12 billion in revenue.
3. Where Are Fancy Feast Ingredients Sourced and Products Manufactured?
The majority of Purina’s products, including many Fancy Feast recipes, are both sourced and manufactured within the United States. However, specific product lines like Fancy Feast Purely, Broths, and Flaked Fish & Shrimp are manufactured in Thailand. Regardless of the production location, all Fancy Feast products are made in facilities owned and operated by the company, ensuring consistent quality control.
4. Fancy Feast Recall History: Has Fancy Feast Cat Food Ever Been Recalled?
While Fancy Feast itself has never been subject to a recall, it’s worth noting that other brands under the Purina umbrella have experienced recalls on several occasions. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Purina’s overall safety record and recall history, we invite you to explore our detailed Purina cat food review on solcat.net. This resource provides valuable insights into the company’s commitment to quality and safety standards.
5. What Variety of Cat Food Options Does Fancy Feast Provide?
Selection of Fancy Feast Cat Food
Fancy Feast boasts an impressive selection of over 100 distinct recipes, encompassing various textures and formats, including smooth patés, savory broths, delectable morsels in gravy, and two distinct types of dry cat food. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Fancy Feast’s offerings:
Wet Cat Food Selections:
- The Gourmet Line: This is Fancy Feast’s original and most extensive line, offering a diverse array of wet food options, such as:
- Classic patés
- Tender morsels in gravy
- Delicate sliced varieties
- Creamy milk-infused meals
- Extra gravy options
- Hearty chunky patés
- Gourmet Naturals: This line mirrors the recipes of the Gourmet line but excludes artificial colors and flavors, catering to cat owners seeking more natural options.
- Purely Fancy Feast Natural Entrées: Crafted with high-quality chicken, seafood, or beef, these entrées are free from by-products and fillers, offering a wholesome and natural meal for your cat.
Dry Cat Food Selections:
- Gourmet Dry Cat Food: Fancy Feast’s original dry cat food, providing a crunchy and flavorful meal option for your feline.
- Gourmet Naturals Dry Cat Food: This dry food is formulated without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, appealing to pet owners who prefer natural ingredients.
Food Toppers and Complements:
- Purely Fancy Feast Filets: These delicate filets of chicken or seafood can be served as a standalone treat or as a tasty topper to your cat’s regular meals.
- Gourmet Broths: Featuring tender morsels of chicken or seafood in a luscious broth, these make a hydrating and flavorful addition to your cat’s diet.
- Fancy Feast Appetizers: These are delicate portions of chicken or fish in broth, designed to entice even the pickiest eaters.
6. Fancy Feast Cat Food: An In-Depth Review of the Top 3 Recipes
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fancy Feast Classic Chicken Feast Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.25 per oz | B- |
| Fancy Feast Classic Tender Beef Feast Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.27 per oz | B- |
| Fancy Feast Gourmet Savory Chicken & Turkey Dry Cat Food | Dry | $0.29 per oz | D |
7. Detailed Review: Fancy Feast Classic Chicken Feast Canned Cat Food
$17.44 At Chewy $16.57 At Amazon
This wet cat food features chicken as its primary protein source. The food is one of Fancy Feast’s fundamental recipes, originating from the Classic line, and presents a straightforward paté with chicken as its main ingredient.
Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food Chicken Feast Classic Pate
Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food Chicken Feast Classic Pate
Orange Short Hair Tabby Cat Eating Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food Chicken Feast Classic Pate
The ingredient list begins with chicken, followed by poultry broth and liver. The liver isn’t specified (e.g., chicken liver or turkey liver). While not inherently harmful, such vague ingredient labeling suggests lower-quality components often associated with feed-grade ingredients.
The same applies to the next two ingredients: meat by-products and fish. Meat by-products can include tissues from various animals, such as cows, sheep, pigs, or goats. The term “fish” may encompass different farm-raised or wild-caught species.
“Artificial and natural flavors” are also listed. While the sources of “natural flavors” are often animal tissues, artificial flavors are synthetically produced. Although generally considered harmless, some customers might be put off by the artificiality and lack of transparency.
Guar gum, a relatively safe binding agent derived from guar beans, acts as a stabilizer. The food is colored with artificial colors and contains sodium nitrite for color retention. Synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are added to ensure nutritional completeness.
Overall, this recipe offers high protein content, moderate fat levels, and low carbohydrate content.
Despite some drawbacks like artificial ingredients and potentially low-quality meats, this food has positive aspects. Its macronutrient distribution aligns with a cat’s carnivorous needs. It is thickened without carrageenan, a potentially inflammatory thickener found in many budget brands like Friskies.
Each 3-ounce can contains 99 calories, or approximately 33 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Chicken, Poultry Broth, Liver, Meat By-Products, Fish, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Added Color, Salt, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Taurine, Vitamins [Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Sodium Nitrite (To Promote Color Retention).
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Meat By-Products, Fish, Artificial Flavors, Guar Gum, Added Color
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 10% |
| Crude Fat | 5% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% |
| Moisture | 78% |
| Ash | 3.2% |
Dry Matter Basis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45.45% |
| Fat | 22.73% |
| Fiber | 6.82% |
| Carbs | 10.45% |
Caloric Weight Basis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40.91% |
| Fat | 49.68% |
| Carbs | 9.41% |
Pros
- Low carbohydrate content
- Thickened without carrageenan
- Rich in animal protein
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains artificial ingredients
- Made with possibly low-quality animal by-products
8. Detailed Review: Fancy Feast Classic Tender Beef Feast Canned Cat Food
Fancy Feast Classic Tender Beef Feast Canned Cat Food
$19.92 At Chewy $18.92 At Amazon
This wet cat food also comes from Fancy Feast’s Classic line and features beef as the primary protein source.
Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food Tender Beef Feast Classic Pate
Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food Tender Beef Feast Classic Pate-3
Fancy Feast Wet Canned Cat Food Tender Beef Feast Classic Pate-3
The beef is cooked in meat broth and infused with generic liver. The recipe includes vaguely-named fish and meat by-products, making it unsuitable for cats with food sensitivities or owners who want complete transparency about the ingredients.
The food contains both artificial and natural flavors. Artificial flavors are generally considered harmless, and natural flavors are most likely derived from hydrolyzed animal tissue.
Guar gum acts as a thickener. While not ideal as a significant part of a cat’s diet, guar gum is considered safe in small amounts.
The food is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also contains sodium nitrite as a preservative. Unlike other Fancy Feast recipes, this one does not include added colors.
This recipe has a high protein content, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate content.
Each 3-ounce can contains 92 calories, or about 31 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Beef, Meat Broth, Liver, Fish, Meat By-Products, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Minerals [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Taurine, Vitamins [Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Vitamin A Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Sodium Nitrite (To Promote Color Retention).
Ingredients We Liked: Beef
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Meat By-Products, Artificial Flavors, Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 11% |
| Crude Fat | 4% |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% |
| Moisture | 78% |
| Ash | 3.5% |
Dry Matter Basis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 50% |
| Fat | 18.18% |
| Fiber | 6.82% |
| Carbs | 9.09% |
Caloric Weight Basis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 48.43% |
| Fat | 42.77% |
| Carbs | 8.81% |
Pros
- Low carbohydrate content
- Primarily made from meat and organs
- Thickened without carrageenan
- Unlike other Fancy Feast recipes, doesn’t contain dyes
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Contains artificial additives
9. Detailed Review: Fancy Feast Gourmet with Savory Chicken & Turkey Dry Cat Food
Purina Fancy Feast With Savory Chicken & Turkey Dry Cat Food
$32.58 At Chewy $30.95 At Amazon
This dry cat food lists poultry by-product meal as its primary protein source. While Fancy Feast is renowned for its wet food, let’s assess its dry food options.
Fancy Feast Dry Kibble Cat Food Savory Farm Raised Chicken & Turkey
Fancy Feast Dry Kibble Cat Food Savory Farm Raised Chicken & Turkey
Fancy Feast Dry Kibble Cat Food Savory Farm Raised Chicken & Turkey
The product name indicates that it’s made “with” savory chicken and turkey. According to FDA regulations, this means that savory chicken and turkey must constitute at least 3% of the total recipe.
Therefore, it is unsurprising that neither chicken nor turkey appears as the first ingredient. Instead, the primary ingredient is ground rice, which provides minimal nutritional value and increases the food’s carbohydrate content. Poultry by-product meal is the first protein-rich ingredient, followed by corn gluten meal and other grain-sourced components.
Beef tallow acts as the primary fat source, providing essential fatty acids. Fish oil appears later in the ingredient list as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids. The food is flavored with “liver flavor” and “natural and artificial flavors.” While not inherently harmful, this vagueness indicates a lower-quality product.
The chicken and turkey mentioned on the packaging appear after these added flavors.
After a series of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that ensure the kibble is nutritionally complete, the ingredient list concludes with Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2, which are potentially harmful artificial colors.
Overall, this dry food features moderate protein and fat levels and high carbohydrate content.
This food contains 469 calories per cup, or about 113 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Ground Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Tallow Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Meal, Liver Flavor, Chicken, Turkey, Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fish Oil, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Taurine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K)], Dl-Methionine, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Ground Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Meal, Artificial Flavors
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 34% |
| Crude Fat | 17% |
| Crude Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 10% |
Dry Matter Basis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37.78% |
| Fat | 18.89% |
| Fiber | 3.33% |
| Carbs | 40% |
Caloric Weight Basis
| Nutrient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30.55% |
| Fat | 37.1% |
| Carbs | 32.35% |
Pros
- Economical
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Contains vaguely-named meats and by-products
- Rich in plant protein
- Made with artificial colors and flavors
10. Customer Reviews: What Are Cat Owners Saying About Fancy Feast?
As a leading cat food brand, Fancy Feast is fed to countless cats daily. While it has cultivated a loyal customer base over generations, it has also faced criticism.
Some customers report inconsistencies in Fancy Feast products, citing variations in quality and calorie content based on the manufacturing origin. Others attribute illnesses to Fancy Feast, though a clear link between the food and the health issues is not always evident.
Here are some customer reviews of Fancy Feast:
Positive Reviews
“She basically grew up on Fancy Feast. Years ago I had another cat, and I learned some very hard lessons regarding his diet. I made some mistakes, primarily feeding him cheaper dry food which I learned later, was NOT healthy for him. Based on recommendations from vets, I then switched to moist cat food, that contains at least 11% crude protein. Now, when my cat goes for her yearly (senior) exam, I am always complemented by the vet how healthy she is. I do other things to be a good mom of course, but always make sure to feed her Pate 95% of the time.” – ELIZABETH, reviewing Fancy Feast Beef Feast on Feb 13, 2025
“I like this food as it is consistent, my cat loves it, it arrives quickly, easy open lid. I have never had a bad batch. Too many foods today have recalls, but not this brand. My Persians eat the pate on a flat plate. No problems ever, consistently ok BM and canned food is best as for hydration too. It is satisfying to know Chewy carries all the pate choices that my kitties love too.” – Pauline, reviewing Fancy Feast Chicken Feast on Feb 22, 2025
Negative Reviews
“Fed Ex insists on dropping the boxes a long distance from my front door. The boxes are too heavy for me to carry so, I have to cut the boxes open and carry the items in. This happens ALL the time despite my complaining to Chewy and Fed Ex.” – Barbara, reviewing Fancy Feast Gourmet Savory Chicken & Turkey Dry Cat Food Mar 15, 2025
“My cats have been eating this for a while now. But recently, my cats have been getting sick after eating this food. Some of them were vomiting. One of my cats, absolutely stopped eating for 2 days. Obviously needed to take her to the hospital. I’m very concerned about the quality. The formula definitely doesn’t look the same. These companies always do this. To cut cost? These bring nutrition for these animals, and cats are sensitive. Why do companies like Purina, Royal Canin do this? They have enough money and customers” – Tisha, reviewing Fancy Feast Classic Chicken Feast on Feb 18, 2025
11. Fancy Feast Cost Analysis: How Much Does Fancy Feast Cat Food Cost?
While Fancy Feast offers many affordable options, its extensive product range covers a wide price spectrum. Let’s examine the typical daily feeding costs for several Fancy Feast lines.
The Classics line of wet cat food averages about $1.63 per day. The Fancy Feast Medleys and Gourmet Naturals lines are slightly more expensive, costing around $2.50 daily. The Fancy Feast Purely Flaked line is the most expensive, ranging from $4-$5 per day.
Fancy Feast’s dry food is significantly more affordable, costing approximately $0.29 per day.
12. Fancy Feast: Is Fancy Feast a Good Choice for Your Cat?
The suitability of Fancy Feast depends on the specific recipe you choose. The brand offers a diverse range of options, with considerable variations between different product lines.
Fancy Feast’s Classic Patés and flaked recipes like Flaked Fish & Shrimp Feast offer some of the lowest carbohydrate options in their price range. These can be affordable for cats with diabetes or those needing low-carbohydrate diets. In our article on the best kitten food on solcat.net, we recommend Fancy Feast’s turkey paté as a budget-friendly option for kitten owners.
Fancy Feast’s natural recipes, such as Fancy Feast Purely White Meat Chicken & Shredded Beef, provide high-quality ingredients but can be more expensive than similar products from other brands.
In contrast to its wet food options, Fancy Feast’s dry food provides less meat for the price. The brand’s dry recipes often contain high levels of carbohydrates and additives.
Overall, Fancy Feast cat food is generally a reliable and affordable choice. It can be a suitable option if you want to limit plant-based ingredients but are comfortable with by-products, vague ingredient labels, and some artificial additives.
13. Where Can You Purchase Fancy Feast Cat Food?
Fancy Feast cat food is available at pet specialty stores, grocery stores, and major retailers worldwide. Online, you can purchase it from Amazon, Chewy, PetSmart, Walmart, Shipt, and Instacart.
14. FAQ: Addressing Your Questions About Fancy Feast and Cat Nutrition
14.1. Is Fancy Feast a complete and balanced diet for my cat?
Yes, most Fancy Feast recipes are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. However, it’s always a good idea to check the product label to confirm that it is indeed a complete and balanced food.
14.2. Can Fancy Feast help with my cat’s hydration?
Yes, wet food options like Fancy Feast Classic Patés can contribute to your cat’s hydration because of their high moisture content. This can be especially beneficial for cats that don’t drink enough water on their own.
14.3. Does Fancy Feast have options for cats with sensitivities or allergies?
While Fancy Feast offers a variety of recipes, some may contain common allergens like fish, grains, or artificial additives. If your cat has sensitivities, carefully read the ingredient list and consider the Purely Fancy Feast Natural Entrées, which are free from by-products and fillers.
14.4. Is Fancy Feast suitable for kittens?
Yes, Fancy Feast offers several recipes that are appropriate for kittens. Look for options labeled as complete and balanced for all life stages or specifically formulated for kittens. The Fancy Feast turkey paté, as mentioned earlier, is a good budget option.
14.5. Can Fancy Feast contribute to weight gain in cats?
Like any food, overfeeding Fancy Feast can lead to weight gain. It’s important to follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and adjust portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight for your cat.
14.6. How does Fancy Feast compare to other cat food brands in terms of quality?
Fancy Feast is generally considered an affordable, mid-range brand. While some recipes offer good protein content and low carbohydrates, others contain lower-quality ingredients like by-products and artificial additives. It’s important to compare individual recipes across brands to make an informed choice.
14.7. Are there any Fancy Feast recipes that are grain-free?
Yes, several Fancy Feast recipes are grain-free. Check the ingredient list for the absence of grains like corn, wheat, and soy.
14.8. Can Fancy Feast help with urinary health in cats?
Wet food options like Fancy Feast can support urinary health by increasing water intake, which helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of urinary crystal formation.
14.9. How often should I feed my cat Fancy Feast?
The frequency and amount of feeding depend on your cat’s age, weight, activity level, and overall health. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
14.10. Where can I find more information about Fancy Feast and cat nutrition?
For more detailed information and resources, visit solcat.net. You can also consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist for expert advice on your cat’s dietary needs. Address: 950 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, United States. Phone: +1 (206) 386-4000. Website: solcat.net.
15. Make Informed Choices for Your Feline Friend
Ultimately, the best cat food is the one that meets your cat’s individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this review, you can make an informed decision about whether Fancy Feast is the right choice for your beloved companion.
16. Discover More at solcat.net
Ready to delve deeper into the world of cat care and nutrition? Visit solcat.net today to explore a wealth of articles, images, videos, and resources designed to help you provide the best possible life for your feline friend. Whether you’re seeking advice on choosing the right food, understanding cat behavior, or finding the perfect vet, solcat.net is your trusted source for all things cat-related. Join our community of cat lovers and unlock a world of knowledge and support.
