Is Purina Cat Food Good? Absolutely, Purina offers a diverse range of cat food options, from budget-friendly to premium lines, ensuring there’s a suitable choice for almost every cat’s needs and owner’s budget. At solcat.net, we delve into the specifics of Purina’s offerings, assessing ingredient quality, nutritional value, and customer satisfaction to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your feline companion gets the best nutrition possible, with options for every cat’s unique needs and preferences, enhancing their overall health and well-being. Explore our resources at solcat.net for valuable insights on feline nutrition, helping you provide the best care for your beloved cat.
1. Evaluating Purina: Our Comprehensive Standard
We’ve scrutinized Purina, evaluating its performance against the Cats.com standard. Here’s a breakdown of its ratings across six critical areas:
Purina Cat Food Review
Ratings
| Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Species-Appropriateness | 5/10 |
| Ingredient Quality | 5/10 |
| Product Variety | 8/10 |
| Price | 8/10 |
| Customer Experience | 7/10 |
| Recall History | 7/10 |
| Overall Score: | 6.7/10 |
Purina cat food receives a 6.7 out of 10 rating, equating to a B- grade.
2. Why Cats.com is Your Trusted Source
Our in-depth brand evaluations are crafted by cat food specialists, incorporating insights from licensed veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and cat behaviorists. Each review involves extensive research into the company’s background, analysis of customer feedback, detailed examination of product labels, and practical testing with our own feline companions.
During our testing, we meticulously document each product’s appearance, aroma, texture, and consistency. Our cats provide their invaluable opinions on taste and overall appeal. We also consider critical aspects like packaging, label claims, and brand consistency. For renowned brands like Purina, we strive to provide a comprehensive overview of the brand and its practices, alongside detailed analyses of their popular products.
3. A Look into Purina’s History
Established as Purina Mills in 1894, Purina is a longstanding and prominent figure in the pet food sector. William H. Danforth, in collaboration with George Robinson and William Andrews, launched the animal feed venture. Through various mergers and acquisitions, the company underwent several name changes throughout the subsequent century.
In 1926, under the Ralston-Purina name, the company created a pet nutrition and care center. This center paved the way for the development of Purina’s initial pet foods, including Purina Dog Chow and Cat Chow. The company sustained its expansion throughout the 20th century, acquiring popular pet food brands like Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Kit & Kaboodle.
In 2001, Purina merged with Nestlè, a Swiss food conglomerate, forming Nestlè-Purina PetCare, significantly contributing to the global pet food industry’s revenue. According to research from the Cornell Feline Health Center, in July 2025, Nestlè-Purina PetCare accounts for a substantial portion of the income generated globally by the pet food industry.
4. Where Does Purina Source Its Ingredients and Manufacture Its Food?
Purina cat food formulations are developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, adhering to AAFCO nutrient guidelines for cats. Additionally, Purina conducts thorough feeding trials to evaluate the nutritional adequacy, palatability, and digestibility of its offerings.
Purina states that 99% of its dog and cat food products are manufactured in company-owned facilities within the United States. While specific ingredient sourcing details are limited, the majority of ingredients are believed to originate from North America.
Most grains utilized in Purina pet food products are sourced from the United States and Canada. Meat ingredients are primarily sourced from the United States, with lamb being an exception, sourced from New Zealand. Nutritional supplements are obtained from global suppliers.
5. What Is Purina’s Recall History?
Purina has faced multiple pet food recalls across its extensive range of dog and cat food product lines. The company was among over 100 brands impacted by the widespread 2007 pet food recall triggered by melamine-contaminated ingredients. Most recalls affecting Purina products have involved dog food rather than cat food.
The most recent Purina cat food recall occurred in 2012, involving a single lot of Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management Feline Formula due to insufficient thiamine levels. Prior to that, in 2011, several Purina dry cat foods were recalled because of potential salmonella contamination.
Although there haven’t been any Purina cat food recalls in the past decade, Purina faced a surge in customer complaints online in 2023. Following over 1,300 complaints from pet owners reporting adverse effects linked to Purina pet foods, the FDA conducted a comprehensive investigation, examining purchased products, unopened products in retail stores, and Purina’s manufacturing facilities. The FDA found no evidence to indicate that Purina’s products or manufacturing facilities were responsible for the reported adverse events.
6. What Varieties of Cat Food Does Purina Offer?
Purina supports some of the most well-known brands in the cat food market. Across its broad array of product lines, Purina provides both dry and wet cat food options, as well as treats and supplemental feeding products.
Some of the brands under the Purina umbrella include:
- Purina Cat Chow
- Purina ONE
- Purina Beyond
- Purina Pro Plan
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
- Friskies
- Fancy Feast
- Kit & Kaboodle
Each Purina product line follows a specific nutritional philosophy or customer-focused priority. Purina Cat Chow is a basic, budget-friendly cat food brand, while Purina ONE is promoted as a premium option. Purina Beyond is formulated without corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Purina Pro Plan products feature animal protein as the primary ingredient and are generally designed to support various aspects of health. The LiveClear line, for instance, aims to reduce cat allergens. The Pro Plan Veterinary Diets line offers prescription products tailored for specific health conditions.
7. Top 3 Purina Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Review
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 96 kcal/oz | $0.08 per oz | C |
| Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 107 kcal/oz | $0.16 per oz | B- |
| ONE Chicken Recipe Paté Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | Chicken | 32 | $0.33 per oz | A- |
8. Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food: A Closer Look
Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food
One of Purina’s earliest cat food offerings, Cat Chow, is an affordable dry kibble line. This Cat Chow recipe is specifically designed for indoor cats, with added fiber to aid in hairball control and a moderate calorie content to help maintain a healthy weight. The food consists of small, round, multicolored kibbles.
Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Kibble Cat Food
Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Kibble Cat Food
Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Kibble Cat Food
Cat Chow Indoor lists chicken by-product meal as its primary ingredient. Additional protein sources include various whole grains, corn protein meal, and chicken. On a dry matter basis, the food provides approximately 34% protein and almost 11% fat. While nutritionally complete, a product lower in carbohydrates with fewer processed grains and artificial additives would be preferable.
With over 5,000 customer ratings on Chewy, Cat Chow Indoor is a highly popular choice. Cat owners appreciate its affordability (under $0.10 per ounce), and cats seem to enjoy its taste.
Ingredients
Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Soy Flour, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Protein Meal, Rice, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Chicken, Liver Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Hulls, Calcium Carbonate, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Parsley Flakes, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], 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 D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K)], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Soy Flour, Corn Protein Meal, Liver Flavor, Soybean Hulls, Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 30%
Crude Fat: 9.5%
Crude Fiber: 4.7%
Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 34.09%
Fat: 10.8%
Fiber: 5.34%
Carbs: 49.77%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 30.97%
Fat: 23.82%
Carbs: 45.21%
What We Liked:
- First ingredient is animal protein
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat
- Cats appear to find the food appealing
- Very cost-effective, under $0.10/ounce
- Easy to find in grocery stores and pet stores
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains artificial colors and flavors
- High in carbohydrates
- Contains processed grains and plant protein concentrate
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need
9. Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food: An In-Depth Analysis
Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe Dry Cat Food
Like all Purina Beyond recipes, this dry food emphasizes simple, recognizable ingredients. Chicken and chicken meal are the primary ingredients, followed by several whole grains and supplemental proteins.
Purina Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Dry Kibble Cat Food
Purina Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Dry Kibble Cat Food
Purina Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Dry Kibble Cat Food
While this recipe excludes animal by-products and heavily processed grains like corn and wheat, it does include a concentrated source of plant protein (pea protein). The dry matter protein content of this formula is 37.5%, and it contains just over 18% dry matter fat.
Overall, this dry cat food seems to be slightly higher in protein and fat compared to the Cat Chow recipe mentioned earlier. It is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and relies primarily on whole sources of animal protein and fat. Priced per ounce, this Beyond recipe is about twice the cost of Cat Chow, but the ingredient quality is noticeably higher.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Barley, Rice, Whole Oat Meal, Dried Egg Product, Pea Protein, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Yeast, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Phosphoric Acid, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Salt, Sodium Bisulfate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Apples, Taurine, MINERALS [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Egg Product, Beef Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 33%
Crude Fat: 16%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 12%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 37.5%
Fat: 18.18%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 39.77%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 30.88%
Fat: 36.36%
Carbs: 32.75%
What We Liked:
- Top two ingredients are animal-sourced proteins
- Contains nutritious whole grains
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced fat
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly high in carbohydrates
- Contains processed grains and plant protein concentrate
- No dry food provides the moisture cats need
10. Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Paté Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food: A Comprehensive Review
Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Pate Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Purina ONE is marketed as a premium pet food line, and this canned cat food appears to live up to that claim. It’s grain-free, packed with animal protein, provides essential hydration, and is much lower in carbohydrates than most Purina dry foods. Plus, cats seem to enjoy it immensely.
Purina One Chicken Recipe Premium Pate
Purina One Chicken Recipe Premium Pate
Purina One Chicken Recipe Premium Pate
This chicken-based paté is among the most favored products in Purina ONE’s canned food selection. Besides nutritional supplements, the ingredient list is concise and meat-focused. Although specifying animal ingredients over vague terms like liver and fish would be ideal, these ingredients are still preferable to plant-sourced proteins like corn gluten meal or pea protein found in other Purina product lines.
On a dry matter basis, this Purina ONE wet food contains 50% protein and almost 23% fat. The food has a soft, moist texture, making it easy for cats to consume, and the simple list of animal-based ingredients enhances its digestibility. Per ounce, it costs twice as much as the Purina Beyond recipe mentioned above, but this product is much closer to an ideal diet for cats.
Ingredients
Chicken, Liver, Chicken Broth, Pork Lungs, Fish, Natural Flavors, MINERALS [Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide], Guar Gum, Taurine, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), 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], Choline Chloride, Salt.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Liver, Chicken Broth, Pork Lungs, Fish
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 5%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 3%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 50%
Fat: 22.73%
Fiber: 6.82%
Carbs: 6.82%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 44.64%
Fat: 49.28%
Carbs: 6.09%
What We Liked:
- Contains 50% dry matter protein
- Short list of animal-based ingredients
- Rich in hydrating moisture for cats
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum might trigger loose stools in some cats
- Contains some non-specific animal proteins
11. What Do Cat Owners Say About Purina Cat Food?
Purina is undeniably a popular brand, with generally high customer satisfaction. Most reviews are positive, citing the affordability and palatability of Purina food for cats. The majority of negative reviews relate to cats disliking the food or unsatisfactory delivery experiences.
Across the three Purina product lines reviewed, most products average at least 4 out of 5 stars on Chewy, with many having over 2,500 ratings, some reaching as high as 5,600.
Positive Reviews
“They won’t eat any other food so we are happy to have the hair ball treatment built into the food. This is a much easier way than trying to get them to lick the paste off their paws. They will usually sling it all over the place and hardly get any of it swallowed. This food is one that I have used for thirty years for all my cats. In the past it has worked well, and we never had to worry about hair balls. Something has changed in the recipe because we do not get the same results for eliminating the hair ball issue. All three of my cats started coughing up hairballs in the last few years. I am buying treats made of the hairball substance now to hopefully help them to eat and swallow all their food without hairballs.” — Sandy, reviewing Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food on Chewy, Feb 1, 2025. Sandy appreciates the convenience of hairball treatment integrated into the food, highlighting its long-term use and effectiveness.
“Once I made the switch to Purina, my cat stopped getting sick and she’s been on the food for years now. If there’s a downside at all, it does seem to make her use the bathroom more (spoke to another cat owner whose cat is on the same brand and they testified to the same thing.) But it’s a small price to pay if it means her tummy is happier.” — Rachel, reviewing Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe on Chewy, October 29, 2024. Rachel notes the positive impact on her cat’s health after switching to Purina, despite a minor side effect.
Negative Reviews
“Fed my cats this brand for years. Now they just sniff and walk away. The lower price should have been a clue that the quality is low. As they say ‘you get what you pay for.’” — maareyes, reviewing Purina Beyond Simply White Meat Chicken & Whole Oat Meal Recipe on Chewy, August 12, 2024. Maareyes expresses disappointment with the current quality of the food, noting a change in their cats’ preference.
“Unfortunately, two times I have offered this wet food to my cats. So far they don’t like it. Maybe there’s not enough juice or gravy, which they like.” — Linda, reviewing Purina ONE Chicken Recipe Paté on Chewy, September 15, 2024. Linda shares that her cats did not enjoy the wet food, suggesting a preference for juicier options.
12. What Does Purina Cat Food Cost?
Purina cat food spans a wide price range, from budget-friendly to premium options, including grocery store kibble and prescription-only veterinary products, ensuring there’s a Purina food to suit every budget.
For wet food, daily feeding costs range from approximately $1.22 per day for Friskies cat food to over $4 per day for Purina Pro Plan wet food. Purina’s dry foods are more economical than their wet counterparts. For example, Kit & Kaboodle costs about $0.09 per day, while Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet DM costs around $0.71 per day.
13. Where Can You Purchase Purina Cat Food?
Purina cat food is widely accessible in grocery stores, major pet retail chains, specialty pet retailers, and big box stores globally. Availability may vary depending on the specific product line. For example, Purina’s more affordable lines, like Friskies, are available in both grocery stores and pet stores.
Online, Purina cat food products can be found on Amazon, Chewy, and numerous other online retailers. Purina does not directly sell its products through its website; however, you can explore the selection and click the Buy Now button on the product page to choose from a list of online retailers.
14. Is Purina Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Purina cat foods are affordable, easily accessible in stores worldwide, and generally appealing to cats’ taste preferences. However, many Purina recipes tend to be high in carbohydrates and include processed grains, artificial additives, and animal by-products. When choosing Purina, opting for their wet foods is recommended due to their higher meat content, lower carbohydrate levels, and the essential hydration they provide.
Purina Friskies and Fancy Feast wet foods are decent choices for cat owners on a budget. Although they may contain animal by-products and artificial ingredients, they are often more appropriate for a cat’s carnivorous diet than most dry foods and some premium wet foods. If you are willing to invest a bit more, Purina Pro Plan or Purina One offer relatively low-carb, high-protein options.
While Purina cat foods may not always be the most species-appropriate, the company does have a significant advantage: unlike many commercial cat food companies that rely solely on AAFCO nutrient profiles, Purina conducts feeding trials to ensure the nutritional adequacy of their products.
15. Exploring Similar Cat Food Brands
Are you searching for cat food brands similar to Purina? Check out our reviews on related brands:
- Blue Buffalo: Known for its natural ingredients and life-stage specific formulas.
- Royal Canin: Offers breed-specific and health-focused diets developed with veterinary experts.
- Hill’s Science Diet: Formulated with a focus on scientific research and nutritional balance.
FAQ about Purina Cat Food
1. Is Purina Cat Food Safe for My Cat?
Yes, Purina cat food is generally safe for most cats. Purina formulates its cat food products with input from board-certified veterinary nutritionists and conducts feeding trials to ensure the nutritional adequacy, palatability, and digestibility of its products, according to AAFCO standards. However, it’s essential to consider your cat’s individual needs and sensitivities when selecting a specific Purina formula, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
2. What Are the Main Benefits of Feeding My Cat Purina Cat Food?
Purina cat food offers several benefits, including affordability, wide availability, and a variety of options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Additionally, Purina conducts feeding trials to ensure nutritional adequacy. Purina’s commitment to palatability and digestibility makes it a popular choice among cat owners.
3. Are There Any Potential Downsides to Feeding My Cat Purina Cat Food?
Potential downsides of Purina cat food include the use of processed grains, artificial additives, and animal by-products in some formulas. Additionally, some Purina dry cat foods are high in carbohydrates, which may not be ideal for all cats.
4. Which Purina Cat Food Formulas Are Recommended by Veterinarians?
Veterinarians often recommend Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE formulas due to their higher protein content and lower carbohydrate levels compared to some other Purina lines. These formulas are designed to support various aspects of feline health, with options available for different life stages and specific health concerns.
5. Is Purina Cat Food Suitable for Cats with Allergies or Sensitivities?
Purina offers limited-ingredient diets and grain-free options that may be suitable for cats with allergies or sensitivities. These formulas are designed to minimize potential allergens and provide a balanced diet for cats with specific dietary needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your cat’s allergies or sensitivities.
6. What Are the Key Ingredients to Look for in a High-Quality Purina Cat Food Formula?
Key ingredients to look for in a high-quality Purina cat food formula include animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish, as well as essential nutrients like taurine, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also beneficial to choose formulas that are low in carbohydrates and free from artificial additives and fillers.
7. How Does Purina Ensure the Quality and Safety of Its Cat Food Products?
Purina ensures the quality and safety of its cat food products by formulating its cat food products with input from board-certified veterinary nutritionists and conducting feeding trials to evaluate nutritional adequacy. Purina also adheres to strict quality control standards in its manufacturing facilities and sources ingredients from trusted suppliers.
8. Can Purina Cat Food Help with Specific Health Issues, Such as Weight Management or Hairball Control?
Yes, Purina offers cat food formulas designed to address specific health issues, such as weight management and hairball control. Purina Cat Chow Indoor Hairball & Healthy Weight Dry Cat Food, for example, is formulated with added fiber to help control hairballs and moderate calorie density to help maintain a healthy body weight.
9. How Does Purina Cat Food Compare to Other Popular Cat Food Brands in Terms of Quality and Price?
Purina cat food is generally considered to be a mid-range brand in terms of quality and price, offering a balance of affordability and nutritional value. While some Purina formulas may not be as high-quality as premium brands, they still provide a complete and balanced diet for most cats.
10. Where Can I Find More Information and Reviews About Purina Cat Food?
You can find more information and reviews about Purina cat food on the Purina website, as well as on online retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Additionally, veterinary websites and cat-focused forums may offer valuable insights and feedback from other cat owners. You can also find a wealth of information and expert reviews right here at solcat.net.
At solcat.net, we understand the challenges pet owners face when choosing the right food for their feline companions. We encourage you to explore our website for more in-depth articles, reviews, and resources designed to help you make informed decisions about your cat’s diet and overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to connect with our community of cat lovers at our Seattle location: 950 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, United States, or reach out to us at +1 (206) 386-4000. Your cat deserves the best, and solcat.net is here to help you provide it.
