Shop For Pure Balance Cat Food On Walmart
Pure Balance cat food positions itself as a premium option available at Walmart prices, aiming to bridge the gap between budget-friendly and high-quality nutrition for your feline companion. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive and unbiased Pure Balance cat food review, we delve into the brand’s offerings, scrutinizing ingredient quality, species-appropriateness, product variety, and more to help you make an informed decision for your cat’s health and well-being.
We adhere to the Cats.com standard, rigorously evaluating Pure Balance across six crucial categories to provide a clear and comprehensive assessment. Let’s see how Pure Balance stacks up.
Ratings:
- Species-Appropriateness – 6/10
- Ingredient Quality – 5/10
- Product Variety – 5/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 6/10
Overall Score: 6.2/10
Our Verdict: C+ Grade
Pure Balance cat food earns an overall score of 6.2 out of 10, translating to a C+ grade. While it offers affordability and accessibility, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly concerning ingredient quality and species-appropriateness.
Unpacking Pure Balance Cat Food
Launched by Walmart in 2012, Pure Balance emerged as a response to consumer demand for pet food made with “pure ingredients” without the need for specialized pet store trips. As Jody Pinson, Walmart’s pet division VP, explained to Veterinary Practice News, the brand aimed to deliver premium-style food directly to Walmart shoppers seeking better options for their dogs (and cats).
Who Makes Pure Balance Cat Food and Where Are the Ingredients From?
Pure Balance’s manufacturing and sourcing practices are not entirely transparent. While some Pure Balance recipes are produced by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a US-based manufacturer, the brand also collaborates with other, unnamed manufacturers. Ainsworth, known for also producing Walmart’s Ol’ Roy brand and Rachael Ray Nutrish, played a key role in developing Pure Balance for Walmart.
The location of these secondary manufacturers remains undisclosed, and information regarding ingredient sourcing is equally opaque. Customer service representatives confirm that Pure Balance dog food is primarily made in the USA but offer limited further details. This lack of transparency regarding manufacturing and ingredient origins can be a concern for pet owners prioritizing complete traceability and quality control.
Pure Balance Cat Food Recall History
A significant positive for Pure Balance is its clean recall history. As of our research, there have been no public recalls of Pure Balance cat food, which offers some reassurance regarding product safety and manufacturing standards.
Pure Balance Cat Food Product Line: What’s on Offer?
Pure Balance provides a moderate range of both wet and dry cat food formulas. Notably, all recipes are formulated without corn, soy, and wheat, catering to owners seeking to avoid these common grains. The product line includes:
- Wild & Free Line: Grain-free recipes designed to mimic a cat’s ancestral diet.
- Limited Ingredient Line: Formulated for cats with sensitivities and allergies, featuring simplified ingredient lists.
However, despite these specialized lines, the overall variety remains somewhat limited compared to larger pet food brands.
Pure Balance Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes Reviewed in Detail
To give you a practical understanding of Pure Balance cat food quality, we’ve conducted in-depth reviews of three popular recipes:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food | Dry | $3.51 per lb | C |
| Pure Balance Turkey & Sweet Potato Dinner Dry Cat Food | Dry | $4.51 per lb | C+ |
| Pure Balance Turkey & Sweet Potato Dinner Food for Cats | Wet | $0.26 per oz | B- |
#1 Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food Review
A bowl of Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food
Shop for Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food at Walmart
First Impressions: Chicken is listed as the primary protein source in this grain-inclusive dry cat food recipe.
Ingredient Breakdown: This popular formula leads with fresh chicken and chicken meal, followed by lamb meal, indicating a focus on animal protein sources. However, a significant portion of the ingredient list is comprised of plant-based components, including brown rice, chickpeas, ground barley, grain sorghum, and dried peas. These ingredients contribute to the kibble’s structure and increase carbohydrate content. Pea protein is also present, further boosting plant protein levels.
The primary fat source is vaguely labeled “animal fat,” lacking specific origin details. “Natural flavor” is added for palatability, a common but similarly undefined ingredient. Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, and the recipe is supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals for nutritional completeness.
Nutritional Profile: This recipe is characterized by moderate protein, moderate fat, and a relatively high carbohydrate content. While animal protein sources are prominent in the initial ingredients, the overall formula is plant-heavy and carbohydrate-rich, which is not ideal for a cat’s obligate carnivore dietary needs.
Our Assessment: While commendable for utilizing animal-sourced fat and avoiding by-products and artificial additives, Pure Balance Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Cat Food is ultimately a plant-heavy, high-carbohydrate kibble. This makes it a less species-appropriate choice compared to diets prioritizing higher animal protein and lower carbohydrate levels.
Calories: 354 calories per cup.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Ground Barley, Chickpeas, Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Carrots
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 15%
- Crude Fiber: 4.5%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 35.56%
- Fat: 16.67%
- Fiber: 5%
- Carbs: 42.78%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 29.93%
- Fat: 34.07%
- Carbs: 36.01%
Pros:
- Contains animal-sourced fat.
- No animal by-products.
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content.
- Dry food format inherently lacks moisture for optimal feline hydration.
#2 Pure Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food Review
Bag of Pure Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food
Shop for Pure Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food at Walmart
First Impressions: Turkey is highlighted as the primary protein source in this “limited ingredient” grain-free dry cat food.
Ingredient Breakdown: Marketed as a limited ingredient diet for sensitive cats, this recipe features turkey as the first ingredient. However, surprisingly, chicken meal, a common feline allergen, is the second ingredient. Fish meal, another potential allergen, also appears later in the ingredient list.
Like many grain-free kibbles, dried ground peas act as a binder, alongside sweet potato, flaxseed, and dried plain beet pulp for fiber. Chicken fat is the primary fat source, and “natural flavor” is included for taste. The formula is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Nutritional Profile: This dry food offers moderate protein, moderate fat, and high carbohydrate levels.
Our Assessment: Despite being labeled “limited ingredient,” the inclusion of chicken meal and fish meal, both common allergens, undermines its suitability for cats with sensitivities. While many reviewers report positive experiences, and some note digestive benefits for their cats, the allergen profile is a significant drawback for truly sensitive felines. The high carbohydrate content is also not ideal for optimal feline health.
Calories: 483 calories per cup.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Peas, Pea Protein, Dried Sweet Potato, Ground Flaxseed
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 32%
- Crude Fat: 18%
- Crude Fiber: 3.5%
- Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 35.56%
- Fat: 20%
- Fiber: 3.89%
- Carbs: 40.56%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 28.52%
- Fat: 38.96%
- Carbs: 32.53%
Pros:
- No animal by-products.
- Animal-sourced fat.
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content.
- Contains multiple common food allergens, despite being marketed as limited ingredient.
- Dry food inherently lacks moisture.
#3 Pure Balance Turkey & Sweet Potato Dinner Food for Cats (Wet) Review
Can of Pure Balance Turkey & Sweet Potato Dinner Pate Wet Cat Food
Shop for Pure Balance Turkey & Sweet Potato Dinner Wet Cat Food at Walmart
First Impressions: Turkey is the leading protein source in this pate-style wet cat food, also marketed as a limited ingredient option.
Ingredient Breakdown: Positioned as a simple solution for sensitive cats, this wet food starts with turkey, a good protein source and less common allergen. Dried egg product is the second protein source, which is noteworthy as eggs are also a potential allergen for some cats.
“Natural flavor” enhances palatability, and ground flaxseed is included for fiber. A blend of carrageenan, guar gum, and cassia gum acts as thickeners and stabilizers. Carrageenan is a point of concern due to potential inflammatory and carcinogenic properties. The recipe is completed with added vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Profile: This wet food features moderate protein, moderate fat, and moderate carbohydrate content compared to other wet foods.
Our Assessment: Pure Balance Turkey & Sweet Potato Dinner Wet Cat Food is an acceptable but not exceptional choice. It’s positive that it avoids artificial additives and uses named meats rather than generic by-products, which is commendable for its price point. However, the presence of carrageenan and unnecessary plant ingredients, along with a higher carbohydrate content than some other wet foods, detracts from its overall quality.
Calories: 100 calories per 3-ounce can (approximately 33 calories per ounce).
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sweet Potato, Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Cassia Gum
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein: 8%
- Crude Fat: 5.5%
- Crude Fiber: 1.5%
- Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis:
- Protein: 36.36%
- Fat: 25%
- Fiber: 6.82%
- Carbs: 31.82%
Caloric Weight Basis:
- Protein: 28.21%
- Fat: 47.1%
- Carbs: 24.69%
Pros:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein.
- No animal by-products.
- Named meat ingredients.
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- Higher carbohydrate content compared to many other wet cat foods.
- Contains carrageenan.
What Are Customers Saying About Pure Balance Cat Food?
Customer sentiment towards Pure Balance cat food is generally positive. Online reviews, forum discussions, and blog comments reveal more positive than negative feedback. Price and perceived value are frequently cited as key positives, with many customers appreciating the balance between affordability and perceived quality for a Walmart brand.
Examples of Customer Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
“I’ve been on a mission to find good quality wet food for my cat… I saw this ‘minimal ingredient’ food, and checked the label. It looked better than a lot of them… She ate it all! … I like that it has sweet potato in it, since my cat needs some fiber since I got her off dry food.” – Shandi
“This dry cat food helped save my cat who was suffering from antibiotic induced diarrhea… I still think this is a very good food and will continue to feed it and would recommend it.” – Em2Blue
Negative Reviews:
“I have 4 indoor cats. They hate it… it smells horrible! That cats won’t touch it… I am VERY disappointed in the nasty smelling cat food!” – Melody
“My rescued cat is toothless, so he prefers small kibbles of his dry food. This food is good overall, but the quality is very inconsistent. Each batch very different from kibble size to smell.” – Nases
Customer Feedback Summary: While many cat owners appreciate Pure Balance for its price and accessibility, some concerns are raised regarding palatability, ingredient consistency between batches, and, in some cases, the smell of the food.
Pure Balance Cat Food: Cost Breakdown
For a 10-pound cat consuming approximately 200 calories daily, feeding Pure Balance wet food would cost around $1.56 per day. Opting for a dry food recipe reduces the daily cost to approximately $0.24.
In terms of price, Pure Balance aligns with budget-friendly brands like Fancy Feast, Simply Nourish, and Sheba, making it an economically accessible option for many cat owners.
Final Verdict: Is Pure Balance Cat Food a Good Choice for Your Cat?
Pure Balance cat food distinguishes itself within the Walmart pet food aisle by offering formulas without artificial colors, flavors, and potentially harmful chemical preservatives, often at a price comparable to brands like Fancy Feast or Purina Cat Chow.
However, despite these positives, Pure Balance falls short in several key areas. Its “limited ingredient” lines are not as limited as they could be, wet food formulas contain carrageenan and unnecessary plant ingredients, and dry foods are generally high in carbohydrates.
In conclusion, Pure Balance can be considered an acceptable, budget-friendly option, particularly for owners seeking readily available food at Walmart and wishing to avoid artificial additives. However, for optimal feline health and species-appropriateness, exploring brands like Crave, Sheba, Purina ONE, or even select Fancy Feast recipes, may be more beneficial in the long run.
Where to Purchase Pure Balance Cat Food
Pure Balance cat food is conveniently available at:
- Walmart stores nationwide.
- Walmart Website.
- Amazon.
