Solid Gold Cat Food boasts a long history and a promise to unlock your cat’s “inner gold” through holistic nutrition. But in a market flooded with choices, how does Solid Gold truly measure up? Our in-depth, unbiased Solid Gold cat food review, crafted by the content experts at solcat.net, dives deep into the brand, analyzing its recipes, ingredient quality, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your feline companion.
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Our Cats.com Standard Rating for Solid Gold:
We rigorously evaluate cat food brands based on our Cats.com standard, considering factors crucial to feline health and owner satisfaction. Solid Gold has been assessed across six key areas: Species-Appropriateness, Ingredient Quality, Product Variety, Price, Customer Experience, and Recall History.
Ratings Breakdown:
- Species-Appropriateness: 7/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Product Variety: 8/10
- Price: 7/10
- Customer Experience: 9/10
- Recall History: 5/10
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Cats.com Grade: B (43 out of 60)
Solid Gold Cat Food: A Brand History
The story of Solid Gold cat food begins with a keen observation by Sissy Harrington-McGill, the brand’s founder. As a competitive Great Dane handler, Sissy noticed a striking difference in lifespan between Great Danes in the United States and those in Germany. While her American Great Danes lived an average of seven to nine years, their German counterparts enjoyed lifespans three to four years longer. Sissy attributed this longevity difference solely to diet, sparking her mission to bring European pet food standards to America.
Inspired by Germany, which she believed held the key to canine longevity, Sissy developed the original Solid Gold formula, aptly named Hund-N-Flocken, German for “dog flakes.” Launching in the 1970s, Solid Gold was a pioneer in the pet food industry, championing a “holistic” approach. They incorporated a blend of carefully selected “superfoods,” as they termed them, into their recipes, long before the term became mainstream.
Solid Gold has experienced significant growth and evolution over its nearly 50-year history. Most recently, the brand became part of Health & Happiness Group International Holding Ltd. (H&H Group), marking H&H’s entry into the global pet food market. This acquisition signals a new chapter for Solid Gold, potentially influencing its future direction and product development.
Ingredient Sourcing and Manufacturing Transparency
Solid Gold prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients globally. They utilize pollock from Alaska, duck from France, and venison from Australia, demonstrating a commitment to diverse, premium ingredients. Notably, Solid Gold maintains a strict policy against sourcing any ingredients from China, a factor increasingly important to many pet owners concerned about ingredient origin and safety. Detailed information regarding ingredient sourcing is readily available in their comprehensive FAQs section on their website, reflecting a commitment to transparency.
While headquartered near St. Louis, Missouri, Solid Gold does not operate its own manufacturing facilities. However, they emphasize rigorous oversight of both sourcing and manufacturing processes. Currently, Diamond Pet Foods, a reputable US-based manufacturer, produces all of Solid Gold’s dry cat food. The majority of their wet cat food is manufactured in Thailand.
The recent acquisition by H&H Group raises potential questions about future manufacturing changes. As of now, Solid Gold maintains that their dry foods are still produced in the USA and wet foods in Thailand. It remains to be seen how the new ownership will impact these arrangements in the long term.
Solid Gold Cat Food Recall History: A Look at Safety
Understanding a pet food brand’s recall history is crucial for assessing its commitment to safety and quality control. Solid Gold has experienced recalls, most notably in 2012 when several varieties of their dog food were recalled due to salmonella contamination detected at their manufacturer’s Gaston, South Carolina facility. This recall highlights the inherent risks in pet food manufacturing and the importance of robust safety protocols.
In 2018, Solid Gold faced a consumer lawsuit alleging failure to disclose the presence of “heavy metals, chemicals, and/or toxins” in their food. Third-party testing did confirm the presence of heavy metals and toxins, including BPA, in Solid Gold cat food. However, it’s important to note that these substances were found to be within the maximum tolerable limits established by the FDA, according to Petful’s reporting. While this lawsuit and the findings might raise concerns for some pet owners, the levels were legally permissible.
While the heavy metal levels were within FDA limits, this history of a recall and a lawsuit regarding ingredient safety might be a point of consideration for pet owners particularly sensitive to these issues.
Solid Gold Cat Food Product Range: Variety and Formulas
Solid Gold offers an extensive range of both wet and dry cat food formulas, catering to diverse feline needs and preferences. Their product line includes recipes designed for various life stages, from kittens to senior cats, and specific dietary needs such as weight management and sensitive stomachs. This wide variety makes Solid Gold a potentially suitable brand for multi-cat households or owners seeking specific nutritional solutions.
Solid Gold emphasizes the inclusion of 20 “nutrient-dense superfoods” in each of their dry food recipes. These superfoods, according to Solid Gold, are selected for their nutritional benefits and include ingredients like ocean fish meal, egg protein, pumpkin, cranberry, and a variety of herbs and oils. This “superfood” blend is a key marketing point for the brand, appealing to owners seeking nutrient-rich diets for their cats.
Their wet food offerings are equally diverse, focusing on texture variety. Solid Gold wet cat food comes in bisques, pâtés, shreds, stews, and layered multi-textured meals, aiming to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. This textural diversity is a significant advantage, as many cats have strong preferences for food texture.
Across both wet and dry lines, Solid Gold recipes share some common characteristics. Meat is consistently listed as the first ingredient, a positive indicator of animal-protein focus. They also market their foods as free from animal by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial ingredients, and carrageenan, aligning with the preferences of owners seeking cleaner ingredient lists.
Solid Gold Cat Food: Top 3 Recipes Detailed Review
To provide a more granular understanding of Solid Gold cat food quality, we’ve conducted a detailed review of three popular recipes, spanning both dry and wet food categories:
| Product Name | Food Type | Price (per lb/oz) | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | $4.94/lb | C+ |
| Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food | Dry | $4.94/lb | C- |
| Solid Gold Five Oceans Shreds with Real Tuna Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.55/oz | B |
#1 Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Solid Gold Indigo Moon Dry Cat Food
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Ingredient Analysis: Chicken meal is the leading protein source in this popular dry food. It’s a chicken-based recipe favored by many cats and owners, garnering overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. The ingredient list begins with chicken meal, a concentrated source of animal protein. However, the second and third ingredients are plant-based: potatoes and canola oil. Like many grain-free kibbles, potatoes provide structure, while canola oil is a source of fat. Following these are more animal proteins – chicken, ocean fish meal, and dried eggs – indicating a decent animal protein profile overall. Pea protein, a plant-based protein concentrate, appears later in the list before a long list of supplements and Solid Gold’s “superfood” blend.
Nutritional Profile: Indigo Moon is a meat-rich dry food offering moderate protein (42% crude protein as guaranteed analysis), low fat (20% crude fat), and moderate carbohydrates (estimated 27.78% on a dry matter basis). Compared to many dry cat foods, it leans towards a higher animal ingredient content and lower carbohydrate level, which is generally considered more species-appropriate for cats. It contains 455 calories per cup.
Pros:
- High in animal-based protein sources.
- Relatively high protein content compared to average dry foods.
- Formulated without artificial additives.
- Lower in carbohydrates than many other dry kibbles.
Cons:
- Includes multiple plant-based ingredients like potatoes, peas, and pea protein, which are less biologically appropriate for obligate carnivores.
- Dry food format inherently lacks the moisture content crucial for feline hydration.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Salmon Oil (source of omega-3 fatty acids).
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potatoes, Peas, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (plant-based ingredients, canola oil’s omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may be less ideal).
#2 Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock Grain-Free Adult Dry Cat Food
Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle Dry Cat Food
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Ingredient Analysis: Fit as a Fiddle is designed as a weight management formula, containing approximately 30% fewer calories per serving than the Indigo Moon recipe. Alaskan pollock is the first ingredient, followed by peas, tapioca, and chickpeas – all plant-based. These ingredients contribute to a higher overall carbohydrate content compared to Indigo Moon. Turkey meal, pollock meal, and chicken meal are included as concentrated animal protein sources, but they appear after several plant-based ingredients. Potatoes are also present as a carbohydrate source. The recipe includes chicken fat, salmon oil, and canola oil as fat sources. Solid Gold highlights 16 “nutrient-dense superfoods” in this recipe, including berries, spearmint, and probiotics.
Nutritional Profile: This formula has moderate protein (31% crude protein), low fat (9% crude fat), and high carbohydrate content (estimated 45.56% on a dry matter basis). While it uses animal protein sources, the significant inclusion of plant-based ingredients results in a less species-appropriate macronutrient profile for cats, particularly given their obligate carnivore status. It contains 330 calories per cup.
Pros:
- Starts with animal protein sources (Pollock).
- No animal or plant by-products.
- Lower in fat and calories, suitable for weight management.
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Cons:
- High carbohydrate content due to peas, tapioca, chickpeas, and potatoes.
- Fish-based primary protein might not be ideal for all cats long-term, and some cats may develop fish aversion.
- May not be satiating for cats needing weight loss due to lower protein and higher carbohydrate content compared to a very low-carb, high-protein diet.
- Dry food format is inherently dehydrating.
Ingredients We Liked: Pollock, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Tapioca, Chickpeas, Pea Fiber, Potatoes (high carbohydrate, plant-based fillers).
#3 Solid Gold Five Oceans Shreds with Real Tuna Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Solid Gold Five Oceans Tuna Wet Cat Food
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Ingredient Analysis: This wet food recipe features a simpler, meat-centric formula compared to some other Solid Gold offerings. Tuna is the primary ingredient, followed by water and tapioca starch (a thickener). Sunflower and canola oils are the fat sources. Carrots, pumpkin, and spinach are included in smaller amounts for color, fiber, and some nutrients. Xanthan gum is used as another thickener. It’s supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and taurine. Customer reviews describe the texture as a mix of shreds and chunks of tuna in gravy.
Nutritional Profile: Five Oceans Shreds is a meat-based wet food, high in protein (13% crude protein, approximately 65% on a dry matter basis), low in fat (2% crude fat, 10% DM), and low in carbohydrates (estimated 5% DM). This macronutrient profile is more aligned with a cat’s natural dietary needs. It provides 161 calories per 6-ounce can (about 27 calories per ounce).
Pros:
- Made with named meat (tuna) as the primary ingredient, not vaguely labeled meals or by-products.
- Low carbohydrate content, typical of good quality wet cat food.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Wet food format contributes to essential hydration.
Cons:
- Fish-based diet as the primary protein source is not ideal for all cats long-term. Overconsumption of fish can sometimes lead to nutritional imbalances or heavy metal accumulation over time.
- Contains tapioca starch and plant-based oils (sunflower and canola), though in smaller quantities than dry food formulas.
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna.
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Carrots (plant-based additions, though in minor amounts).
Solid Gold Cat Food: Customer Sentiment and Reviews
Solid Gold has cultivated a loyal customer base since its inception in the 1970s. Many customers, including long-time users and new adopters, consistently praise the brand for its palatability and report their cats thriving on Solid Gold diets. Positive reviews often highlight improved digestion, coat health, and overall vitality in their cats.
Examples of Positive Customer Reviews from Chewy:
“I purchased this flavor as well as the antioxidant blend. I specifically did this to see which food my kitties would go for. I started off with the antioxidant blend and they didn’t touch it. I tried the chicken and egg and they immediately went for it! They seem to really enjoy it. I haven’t noticed any constipation, diarrhea or throwing up. So far, so good!” – Julie, reviewing Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs.
“My 2 girls are 16 and 17. I started them on solid gold around 10 years ago. Iams made them shed insane amounts and science diet made them puke. I can’t say enough good things about Solid Gold. My only wish is for it to be cheaper. But I only have my girls left for a little while longer so why not give them a quality food that makes them feel and look great!” – 4paws8claws, reviewing Solid Gold Fit as a Fiddle with Fresh Caught Alaskan Pollock.
However, like any brand, Solid Gold also receives negative feedback. Some negative reviews mention issues with product consistency, palatability problems with certain recipes, and occasional digestive upset in their cats. Quality control concerns and batch variations are sometimes cited.
Examples of Negative Customer Reviews:
“This is a combination of dark and light tuna in a thick gravy-like sauce. My cats will eat the lighter tuna (looks like chicken chunks), but the can contains only a small amount of the light tuna. Every one of the cats I feed (this includes the ferals), turn their nose up to the dark tuna which, unfortunately, is the majority of the can. It looks & smells like a pulverized mash of the tuna’s offal and waste. For this reason I have been having a difficult time getting rid of a whole case.” – cessnagirl, reviewing Solid Gold Five Oceans Shreds with Real Tuna Recipe in Gravy.
“For the second time in 3 months I received bad batch of the food, upon opening it the size is larger and kibble is darker, it is causing upset tummy aches in kitties causing diarrhea, Chewys replaced my first order of 3 bags with a diff lot number quickly but after this second time I will NO LONGER purchase this food, it is officially on my bad list.” – colossalKitty, reviewing Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs.
These mixed reviews suggest that while many cats thrive on Solid Gold, it’s not universally perfect and some cats may not tolerate certain formulas or batches as well as others. Individual cat preferences and sensitivities always play a role in food suitability.
Solid Gold Cat Food: Cost Analysis
Cost is a significant factor for most pet owners. Solid Gold positions itself as a mid-range brand in terms of pricing. According to Solid Gold’s feeding guidelines, feeding a 10-lb cat their Five Oceans canned food line would cost approximately $2.72 per day. Most of their wet food options are similarly priced, except for the Triple Layer line, which is more premium and could cost around $5.18 per day.
Solid Gold’s dry food recipes are considerably more economical than their wet food counterparts, as is typical across most cat food brands. Feeding a 10-lb cat Solid Gold dry kibble would cost about $0.34 per day, making it a budget-friendlier option.
Compared to budget grocery store brands, Solid Gold is more expensive. However, it is generally less expensive than premium, high-meat content brands like Ziwi Peak or Hound & Gatos. This mid-range pricing makes Solid Gold accessible to a broader range of cat owners seeking better-quality food without the highest price tag.
Solid Gold Cat Food: Overall Verdict
Solid Gold has established itself as a reputable brand over four decades, known for its commitment to ingredient quality and safety. Customer reviews are generally positive, with many cat owners reporting good palatability and positive health outcomes for their feline companions.
Nutritionally, Solid Gold cat food is a step above standard grocery store brands, but it’s not at the very top tier of feline nutrition. Their dry foods are commendable for having relatively lower carbohydrate content and prioritizing animal protein over plant-based proteins compared to many kibbles. Their wet food is also decent, though not exceptional.
Solid Gold occupies a middle ground in the market – offering moderate quality at a mid-range price point. It’s a reliable choice for owners seeking to upgrade from basic grocery store brands and wanting a “better-for-your-cat” option without the expense of ultra-premium, very high-meat diets. However, brands like Hound & Gatos and Ziwi Peak, while pricier, offer a higher concentration of animal protein and fewer plant-based ingredients, which may be more biologically appropriate for cats.
Ultimately, Solid Gold is a solid “B” grade brand, offering a good balance of quality, variety, and price. Whether it’s the best choice for your cat depends on your individual cat’s needs, preferences, and your budget.
Where to Purchase Solid Gold Cat Food
Solid Gold cat food has broad retail availability. You can find it in pet stores across the United States, Canada, and in several international markets including China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.
Online, Solid Gold is readily available from major pet retailers:
This widespread availability makes Solid Gold a convenient option for many cat owners.
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