Koha Cat Food has been gaining attention in the pet food market, particularly among cat owners seeking high-quality, limited-ingredient wet food options. In this comprehensive review, we delve into everything you need to know about Koha, from its ingredients and product range to customer opinions and our own test results. If you’re considering switching your feline friend to Koha cat food, or simply want to learn more about this brand, you’ve come to the right place.
Koha Cat Food: Rating and Key Features
To give you a quick overview, we’ve evaluated Koha cat food based on six critical criteria. Here’s how it scores:
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Ratings Breakdown:
- Species-Appropriateness: 8.5/10
- Ingredient Quality: 9.2/10
- Product Variety: 7.5/10
- Price: 6/10
- Customer Experience: 9/10
- Recall History: 10/10
Overall Score: 8.3/10 (Grade: A)
Koha cat food earns an impressive overall score, reflecting its commitment to quality ingredients and species-appropriate formulas. It stands out as a top contender in the wet cat food category, particularly for cats with specific dietary needs.
Diving Deeper into Koha Cat Food
Koha’s journey began with a pet-loving couple, Lonnie and Jennifer Schwimmer, and their Boston Terrier, Ellie Rae. Starting with Nootie grooming products in 2018, they expanded their vision to create products that truly enhance pet well-being. The Koha cat food brand emerged from a personal need: Ellie Rae’s digestive sensitivities as she aged.
Established in 2014, Koha focuses exclusively on wet cat food. Their philosophy centers around moisture-rich recipes formulated with a high percentage of animal protein (70% to 90%). They consciously exclude carb-heavy fillers like grains, potatoes, and pea protein, aligning with a cat’s natural carnivorous diet. This makes Koha cat food a strong choice for picky eaters and cats with food sensitivities or digestive issues. Many of their recipes also boast minimal ingredient lists, further reducing potential allergens and focusing on essential nutrients.
Ingredient Sourcing and Manufacturing Transparency
Koha cat food is headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida. They emphasize expert formulation, with recipes developed by animal nutrition specialists and reviewed by their in-house nutritionist, who holds a PhD in Animal Nutrition.
Transparency is a key aspect of Koha’s brand. They openly disclose that their products are manufactured across three facilities: Simmons Food in Toronto, Canada; Thai Union in Thailand; and Asian Alliance in Thailand. Addressing their choice to manufacture in Thailand, Koha explains:
“Thailand is the global leader for sourcing and manufacturing shredded land and sea proteins. Our factories’ unique manufacturing processes allow us to make the safest and highest quality food that is not available in North America.”
Koha also maintains transparency regarding ingredient origins. The majority of their proteins are sourced from reputable regions like the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Denmark. Certain ingredients come from New Zealand and Australia, while their tuna is wild-caught. Kangaroo, lamb, and venison are sourced from free-range environments, while other animal proteins are farm-raised. This commitment to sourcing and manufacturing transparency builds trust and allows cat owners to make informed decisions about what they feed their pets.
Koha Cat Food Recall History: A Clean Record
A crucial factor for any pet owner is food safety. We’re pleased to report that Koha cat food has an impeccable recall history. In over six years of operation, Koha has never issued a product recall. This spotless record reinforces their commitment to safety and quality, giving pet owners added peace of mind when choosing Koha for their feline companions.
Exploring Koha Cat Food Product Lines
Koha is dedicated solely to wet cat food, offering a variety of textures and flavors across four distinct product lines. They utilize high-quality animal proteins like chicken, beef, duck, turkey, rabbit, kangaroo, and various fish, catering to diverse feline preferences.
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Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) Pate: This line features six flavors, plus a trial pack. Ideal for cats with sensitivities, these pates are formulated with a limited number of ingredients and single animal protein sources.
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Limited Ingredient Diet Shredded Pouches: Similar to the pate line, these pouches offer shredded food in gravy, also with limited ingredients and single protein sources for sensitive cats.
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Minimal Ingredient Stews: These canned stews feature minimal ingredient lists, focusing on high-quality animal proteins in a flavorful broth.
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Poke Bowls: A unique offering, these bowls combine tuna with other proteins in a savory gravy, providing variety and appealing to cats who enjoy fish-based meals.
This diverse range ensures that there’s likely a Koha cat food option to suit even the pickiest cat’s taste and dietary needs.
Customer Sentiment: What Cat Owners Are Saying About Koha
To gauge real-world experiences, we looked at customer reviews for Koha cat food. On Verified-Reviews.com, Koha boasts over 700 reviews with a remarkable 90% positive rating and an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Customers consistently praise the quality of Koha’s ingredients and frequently mention that their cats love the taste. Many reviewers specifically highlight the positive impact Koha has had on cats with allergies and sensitive stomachs. While some customers noted slower shipping times, this wasn’t a universal experience, and our own test order arrived promptly.
A few negative reviews mentioned receiving products close to their expiration date. However, Koha does offer discounted near-expiration products on their website, suggesting these customers may have inadvertently purchased these items without realizing it. It’s always important to check expiration dates upon receiving any pet food order.
Let’s examine some representative customer reviews:
Positive Customer Feedback:
“Koha’s food is consistent, thoughtfully produced, and priced competitively with other high-quality pet foods. I’m a fan!” – Anthony S.
“Our cat was experiencing horrible allergies, hair loss, and stomach upset with every food we tried until we found Koha. We love Koha canned cat food!” – Brandy S.
“The website is easy to use and I love that I can set up auto deliveries at whatever intervals I need to for my cat’s needs. Shipping is quick and easy and the case always arrives well packaged! Love this brand!” – Bethany M.
Negative Customer Feedback:
“16 of the packs expire within FOUR DAYS of arrival (very unhappy about this), 12 of the packs expire within four weeks of arrival (not impressed with the date on these) and the others expire anywhere from July to December (as it should be).” – Cindy C.
“I had hopes that this would be the answer to my picky cats, but it is not. They refuse to touch it. I even tried mixing a little bit of it with their ONE food they will eat, but they refused that also. Sorry…..I tried.” – Linda H.
Overall, customer reviews overwhelmingly lean positive, emphasizing Koha’s quality, palatability, and benefits for cats with sensitivities.
Our Test Cats’ Verdict on Koha Cat Food
To provide a firsthand perspective, we tested Koha cat food with our own feline panel.
Two cats eating Koha cat food
Our test cats eagerly devoured Koha cat food. As expected, they generally prefer wet food over dry kibble, but Koha seemed particularly appealing, likely due to its rich, meaty aroma and flavor.
We especially appreciated Koha’s limited ingredient recipes, as one of our test cats has a chicken allergy. Being able to easily find rabbit-based options, which is already part of their diet, was a significant plus. Koha’s variety in single-protein and limited ingredient diets makes it a convenient brand for households with cats with varying dietary needs.
Top 3 Koha Cat Food Recipes: A Detailed Review
Let’s take a closer look at three standout recipes from the Koha cat food range:
| Product Name | Food Type | Main Protein Source | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Au Jus for Cats | Wet | Rabbit | 885 kcal/kg | $0.54 per oz | A- |
| Limited Ingredient Diet Shredded Lamb Entrée in Gravy for Cats | Wet | Lamb | 777 kcal/kg | $0.53 per oz | A- |
| Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for Cats | Wet | Turkey | 879 kcal/kg | $0.33 per oz | A- |
#1: Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Au Jus for Cats
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This recipe is a standout for its simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Featuring 96% rabbit, it’s packed with novel animal protein, making it an excellent choice for cats with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. Our test cats, already accustomed to rabbit-based diets, loved this formula.
Beyond rabbit, key ingredients include ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids and pumpkin for fiber. The plant content is minimal, with only dried kale and cranberries included. Despite these additions, the estimated carbohydrate content remains impressively low, under 5%.
Ingredients:
Rabbit, Water Sufficient For Processing, Ground Flaxseed, New Zealand Green Mussel, Agar Agar, Pumpkin, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Dried Kale, Cranberries, Ginger, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit New Zealand Green Mussel | None | None |
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 9%
- Crude Fat: 4%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 82%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 50%
- Fat: 22.22%
- Fiber: 5.56%
- Carbs: 22.22%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 39.62%
- Fat: 42.77%
- Carbs: 17.61%
Pros:
- 96% protein from real rabbit
- High moisture content
- Very low carbohydrate content (under 5%)
- Free from fillers and artificial additives
Cons:
- Contains agar agar as a thickener
#2: Limited Ingredient Diet Shredded Lamb Entrée in Gravy for Cats
Limited Ingredient Diet Shredded Lamb Entrée in Gravy for Cats
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This shredded lamb recipe exemplifies Koha’s commitment to limited ingredients. Lamb is the primary ingredient and sole protein source, followed by pumpkin and tapioca as carbohydrate sources.
While it includes plant-based ingredients, the estimated carbohydrate content remains under 5%. Sunflower oil is the primary added fat source, and xanthan gum is used as a thickener. Despite these plant-based components, the formula is protein-rich and high in moisture.
Ingredients:
Lamb Broth, Lamb, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Calcium Sulfate, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Reduced Iron, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate Monohydrate, Copper Glycine Complex, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin).
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb | Tapioca Xanthan Gum | None |
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 2%
- Crude Fiber: 1%
- Moisture: 83%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 47.06%
- Fat: 11.76%
- Fiber: 5.88%
- Carbs: 35.29%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 42.42%
- Fat: 25.76%
- Carbs: 31.82%
Pros:
- Limited main ingredients
- Single source of animal protein
- High moisture content
- Free from artificial additives
Cons:
- Sunflower oil as primary added fat
#3: Minimal Ingredient Turkey Stew for Cats
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This turkey stew features a rich blend of animal proteins, with four animal-based sources within the first six ingredients, alongside moisture-rich broths.
While it includes plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, pumpkin, and various greens, the estimated carbohydrate content remains very low, under 5%. New Zealand green mussels are added for omega-3 fatty acids and joint support.
Ingredients:
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Vegetable Broth, Turkey Liver, Porcine Plasma, Dried Egg Product, Ground Chickpeas, Xanthan Gum, Pumpkin, Calcium Carbonate, New Zealand Green Mussel, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Parsley, Cranberries, Dried Kale, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Ginger, Fenugreek Seed, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
| Ingredients We Liked | Ingredients We Didn’t Like | Common Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Turkey Liver Porcine Plasma Dried Egg Product New Zealand Green Mussel | Xanthan Gum | None |
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 3.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 82%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 44.44%
- Fat: 19.44%
- Fiber: 8.33%
- Carbs: 27.78%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 37.21%
- Fat: 39.53%
- Carbs: 23.26%
Pros:
- Four animal proteins in the top 6 ingredients
- High moisture content
- Very low carbohydrate content (under 5%)
- Free from fillers, by-products, and artificial additives
Cons:
- Contains several plant-based ingredients
- Contains xanthan gum as a thickener
Koha Cat Food Pricing: What to Expect
Koha cat food is available in 3-ounce and 5.5-ounce cans, as well as 2.8-ounce pouches. The Limited Ingredient Diet pates and shredded foods are priced slightly above $0.50 per ounce. The Minimal Ingredient Stews are the most budget-friendly line, around $0.33 per ounce.
For an average 10-pound cat, daily feeding costs for Koha wet food range from approximately $2.50 to $4.50. While not the cheapest option, the price reflects the high-quality ingredients and focus on species-appropriate nutrition.
Final Verdict: Is Koha Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Overall, Koha cat food emerges as a high-quality brand, particularly for cat owners prioritizing wet food and limited ingredient diets. We appreciate their focus on protein-rich, moisture-rich formulas designed for simplicity and digestibility. The limited ingredient lists make Koha an excellent option for cats with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or picky eating habits.
The consistently low carbohydrate content across most Koha recipes is a significant advantage compared to many other wet and dry cat foods.
While Koha cat food may be slightly pricier than some alternatives, the quality of ingredients and nutritional benefits justify the cost for many cat owners seeking the best for their feline companions. The flavor variety and specialized lines cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
Where to Purchase Koha Cat Food
Koha cat food can be found at specialty pet food stores and select independent retailers. For online purchasing, the Koha Pet website is the most comprehensive option. They offer their full product range and provide free shipping on orders exceeding $69.
