Simply Nourish Cat Food is marketed as a back-to-basics nutritional option for cats. But does this PetSmart brand truly deliver on its promises? We delve into a comprehensive simply nourish cat food review to assess if it lives up to the hype.
At Cats.com, we hold cat food to a high standard. We’ve rigorously analyzed simply nourish cat food, grading it based on our Cats.com standard. Our evaluation encompasses crucial aspects like species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price point, customer experiences, and any history of recalls. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how simply nourish cat food performs across these six key categories.
Shop For Simply Nourish Cat Food On PetSmart
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 5/10
- Ingredient Quality – 6/10
- Product Variety – 7/10
- Price – 8/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 10/10
Overall Score: 7.3/10
We assign simply nourish cat food an overall score of 7.3 out of 10, translating to a B grade or 44 out of 60. This positions it as a moderately good choice, but let’s explore the specifics to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your feline companion.
Simply Nourish Cat Food: Brand Overview
Simply Nourish entered the pet food market in May 2011, becoming part of PetSmart’s exclusive brand offerings. This launch expanded PetSmart’s portfolio of store brands, aiming to cater to pet parents seeking “natural” pet food options.
Dr. Mark Finke, Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and PetSmart’s nutrition expert, stated in a Business Wire release that simply nourish cat food aims to simplify pet nutrition. They emphasize using “carefully-sourced, wholesome ingredients” that pet owners recognize, such as “real deboned chicken” and a “superfood blend of real fruits and vegetables.”
Essentially, simply nourish cat food is designed to tap into the growing demand for natural pet food. The brand utilizes appealing buzzwords like “real,” “superfoods,” and “wholesome nutrition.” However, it’s crucial to look beyond marketing claims and analyze the actual ingredients and nutritional value to determine the true quality of simply nourish cat food. Let’s delve deeper into the facts and see how simply nourish cat food truly measures up.
Simply Nourish Cat Food: Sourcing and Manufacturing
Where and how is simply nourish cat food made? It’s important for pet owners to understand the sourcing and manufacturing processes behind their cat’s food.
Simply Nourish dry cat food is manufactured in Utah, USA. On the other hand, their wet cat food recipes are produced in Thailand. According to a Simply Nourish representative, the ingredient sourcing aligns with the manufacturing location. Products made in Thailand primarily utilize ingredients sourced from Thailand, while those manufactured in the United States predominantly use US-sourced ingredients. This geographical sourcing strategy is a common practice in the pet food industry.
Simply Nourish Cat Food Recall History
Pet food recalls are a serious concern for pet owners. Knowing a brand’s recall history is a key part of evaluating its trustworthiness.
The good news for simply nourish cat food is that, currently, there is no publicly available record of any recalls for this brand. This clean recall history is a positive indicator of their commitment to quality control and pet safety. A lack of recalls can provide some peace of mind to pet owners considering simply nourish cat food.
Simply Nourish Cat Food Product Lines
Simply Nourish offers a variety of cat food options, catering to different needs and preferences. Their product lineup includes both wet and dry food formulas, categorized into four distinct lines:
- Whole Health: This line focuses on balanced nutrition for overall health and addresses specific life stages, such as kitten, adult, and senior cats. These formulas aim to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats throughout their lives.
- Limited Ingredient Diet: Designed for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, these recipes feature a simplified ingredient list. Each formula typically highlights a single primary protein source and a single primary carbohydrate source to minimize potential allergens.
- Grain-Free: Catering to the grain-free trend, this line offers recipes formulated without grains. These formulas often substitute grains with alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes or peas.
- Source™: This line is positioned as a high-protein, lower-carbohydrate option. Source recipes emphasize meat content and aim to more closely mimic a cat’s natural diet.
A notable feature across the Simply Nourish range is the absence of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They also state that their foods are made without animal by-products, which is a positive attribute for pet owners seeking higher-quality ingredients.
Simply Nourish Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
To provide a more in-depth simply nourish cat food review, we’ve selected three popular recipes for closer examination. These include dry and wet food options from different product lines to give a representative overview of the brand’s offerings.
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Nourish Source Fish & Chicken Recipe High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food | Dry | $5.00 per lb | B- |
| Simply Nourish Chicken & Brown Rice Kitten Food | Dry | $0.13 per oz | B- |
| Simply Nourish Essentials Tuna Recipe Adult Chunks in Gravy Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.30 per oz | B- |
#1 Simply Nourish Source Fish & Chicken Recipe High-Protein Grain-Free Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food
$42.99 At PetSmart
This simply nourish cat food recipe from the Source line highlights fish as a primary protein source, which is reflected in its name and ingredient list.
As part of the Source line, this kibble aims to prioritize meat-based ingredients over plant-based ones, resulting in a slightly lower carbohydrate content compared to typical dry cat foods. Let’s analyze the ingredient list to get a clearer picture.
The first ingredient listed is simply “fish,” a rather generic term. This vague description can encompass a variety of fish species, potentially including tilefish, tuna, salmon, and fish not deemed suitable for human consumption. Following “fish” is chicken meal, a rendered ingredient that provides a concentrated source of protein.
In addition to chicken meal, the formula includes turkey meal and deboned chicken, all contributing to the animal protein content. These multiple animal protein sources are beneficial for cats, who are obligate carnivores.
Like many grain-free dry cat foods, this recipe uses potatoes and peas as grain alternatives. Canola oil is used as the primary fat source. Ideally, animal-derived fats like chicken fat, beef fat, or salmon oil would be preferable due to their species-appropriateness and fatty acid profiles. The food also incorporates various fiber sources, including flaxseed meal, tomato pomace, and pea fiber.
Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are added to ensure the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. Further down the ingredient list, in smaller quantities, are dried chicory root, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Overall, this simply nourish cat food recipe features moderate protein, low-fat, and moderate carbohydrate levels. It contains 367 calories per cup.
Ingredients
Deboned Whitefish, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Dried Potatoes, Dried Peas, Deboned Chicken, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Cranberries, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Minerals (Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid (Preservatives), Rosemary Extract
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Potatoes, Dried Peas, Flaxseed Meal, Vague “Fish” ingredient
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 39%
Crude Fat: 16%
Crude Fiber: 8%
Moisture: 10%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 43.33%
Fat: 17.78%
Fiber: 8.89%
Carbs: 30%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 37.19%
Fat: 37.06%
Carbs: 25.75%
Pros
- Higher animal-sourced protein content than many dry foods.
- Lower carbohydrate content compared to typical dry cat food.
- Formulated without artificial additives.
Cons
- Uses a vaguely named “fish” ingredient.
- Still contains a significant amount of carbohydrates for a dry food.
- Dry food format is not ideal for feline hydration needs.
#2 Simply Nourish Chicken & Rice Recipe Kitten Dry Cat Food
Simply Nourish Chicken & Rice Kitten Dry Cat Food
$15.99 At PetSmart
This simply nourish cat food recipe is specifically designed for kittens, aiming to provide the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Chicken is the prominent protein source in this formula.
This popular kitten recipe is a grain-inclusive option from Simply Nourish, combining chicken with rice. It’s formulated to provide concentrated energy and nutrients crucial for a kitten’s rapid growth phase.
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal, both excellent sources of animal protein. Deboned chicken refers to fresh chicken with moisture, while chicken meal is a dehydrated, concentrated protein source. Both are considered highly digestible protein sources for cats.
Brewers rice is included, a rice byproduct that offers limited nutritional value, especially for cats. Canola oil is again the primary fat source, which is less desirable than animal-based fats for obligate carnivores.
Tomato pomace, along with dried chicory root and flaxseed later in the ingredient list, serve as fiber sources. “Animal flavor” is added for palatability, which Simply Nourish specifies is derived from chicken.
Oatmeal is included as another grain and carbohydrate source. Salmon oil is a welcome addition as a secondary fat source, providing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Small amounts of dried cranberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots are present, contributing some vitamins and minerals, though cats are biologically adapted to obtain these nutrients primarily from meat.
The ingredient list concludes with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to ensure nutritional completeness.
Overall, this simply nourish cat food kitten recipe is protein-rich with moderate fat and carbohydrate content. It provides 399 calories per cup.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Whole Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Cranberries, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) (Source of DHA), Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, etc…)
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Brewers Rice, Canola Oil, Tomato Pomace, Oatmeal, Flaxseed, Dried Carrots, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 38%
Crude Fat: 18%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 10%
Ash: 8%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 42.22%
Fat: 20%
Fiber: 4.44%
Carbs: 24.44%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 36.64%
Fat: 42.15%
Carbs: 21.21%
Pros
- Primarily formulated with meat-based ingredients.
- Lower in plant protein compared to some dry foods.
- Free of animal by-products and artificial additives.
Cons
- Still contains a significant amount of carbohydrates from grains and plant-based ingredients.
- Includes less nutritionally valuable ingredients like brewers rice.
#3 Simply Nourish Essentials Tuna Recipe Adult Chunks in Gravy Canned Cat Food
$1.49 At PetSmart
This wet simply nourish cat food recipe features tuna as the main protein source and comes in a palatable gravy format.
This wet food is primarily composed of tuna chunks in fish broth. In addition to tuna, it includes chicken, chicken liver, and dried egg product, contributing to the animal protein and nutrient profile. Potato starch and guar gum are used as thickeners for the gravy, which also increases the carbohydrate and fiber content.
“Natural flavor,” typically derived from hydrolyzed animal tissue, is added to enhance palatability. Sunflower oil is the primary fat source, which, like other plant-derived oils, is not the most biologically appropriate fat source for cats.
Flaxseed meal and cranberries are included for fiber and antioxidants. The recipe is completed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to ensure it’s nutritionally complete.
Overall, this wet simply nourish cat food is high in protein, low in fat, and moderate in carbohydrates relative to other wet foods. Each 3-oz can contains 72 calories.
Ingredients
Tuna, Fish Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Cranberries, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed Meal
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 9.5%
Crude Fat: 2%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 82%
Ash: 2.7%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 52.78%
Fat: 11.11%
Fiber: 8.33%
Carbs: 12.78%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 57.03%
Fat: 29.16%
Carbs: 13.81%
Pros
- Free from animal by-products and artificial additives.
- Primarily made with animal protein sources.
- Wet food format aids in hydration.
Cons
- Higher carbohydrate content than some other wet cat food options.
- Relies on plant-sourced sunflower oil for fat.
- Contains thickeners like potato starch and guar gum.
What Do Customers Think of Simply Nourish Cat Food?
Customer reviews for simply nourish cat food are generally positive. Many pet owners appreciate the brand’s ingredient quality and affordability. Here’s a summary of what customers are saying about Simply Nourish, based on reviews from platforms like Chewy:
Positive Reviews
“Like us our pets like to change things up, got this flavor as a change and being non grain. They like it; really like it! all 3 cats will eat this flavor. If you are looking for a dry food for your cat read the content of this bag. Our cats look and feel better eating this brand of dry food.” – catrrack, reviewing Simply Nourish Source Fish & Chicken Recipe. This review highlights palatability and perceived health benefits from simply nourish cat food.
“We rescued 2 kittens who were very sickly. Skinny, terrible diarrhea. After Vet visit we started with the can and a just a tiny bit of KMR sprinkled in. They ate so well from the start. The transfer to dry food of same brand was easy. I like that I understand the ingredients. And it is very affordable.” – RussianBlues, reviewing Simply Nourish Chicken & Rice Recipe for Kittens. This customer praises the digestibility and affordability of simply nourish cat food, particularly for sensitive kittens.
Negative Reviews
“This cat food seems great on paper…grain free, good ingredients, cheap. But there is so much food dust in these bags. It makes a mess, and my cat won’t eat it.” – duckybeans, reviewing Simply Nourish Source Fish & Chicken Recipe. This negative review points out potential issues with product quality and palatability for some cats, despite the perceived ingredient quality.
“The feral kitties I take care of they changed the formula last year, I thought I would give it try again and no go the birds ate it the cats didn’t.” – Juls, reviewing Simply Nourish Chicken & Rice Recipe for Kittens. This review suggests potential formula changes impacting palatability and acceptance by cats, indicating inconsistency could be an issue.
How Much Does Simply Nourish Cat Food Cost?
Price is a significant factor for many pet owners when choosing cat food. Simply nourish cat food is positioned as an affordable option.
Simply Nourish dry cat food is notably one of the more budget-friendly brands available. Feeding an average 10-lb cat with Simply Nourish dry recipes would cost approximately $0.26 per day. Their wet food options are considerably more expensive, costing around $2.40 per day. The dry food line offers excellent value for budget-conscious cat owners.
Overall, Is Simply Nourish Cat Food a Good Choice?
Simply Nourish cat food presents itself as a slightly better option compared to many other brands in the same price range. In fact, the Source line was recognized as a budget-friendly pick in our evaluation of the top 10 best dry cat foods.
Simply Nourish seems to offer somewhat improved ingredient quality and fewer artificial additives than many competing brands at a similar price point. While a number of their recipes do rely on plant protein and starchy ingredients, the Source line distinguishes itself with a slightly reduced carbohydrate content and a higher proportion of animal protein.
Ultimately, simply nourish cat food is a decent mid-range option, especially the Source line, for cat owners looking for a balance between affordability and reasonably good quality. However, for those prioritizing optimal species-appropriateness and the highest quality ingredients, exploring premium or raw food options might be more suitable.
Where To Buy Simply Nourish Cat Food?
Simply Nourish cat food is exclusively available through PetSmart. You can purchase it at PetSmart’s physical retail locations and online through their e-commerce website, PetSmart.com, as well as other online retailers like Chewy. This exclusive availability means you’ll primarily find simply nourish cat food at PetSmart and associated online stores.
