9 Lives Dry Cat Food Daily Essentials Review

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Review of 9 Lives Dry Cat Food Daily Essentials

According to our data, this 9 Lives recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult cats. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

9 Lives Dry Cat Food Daily Essentials is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult cats.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of 9 Lives Dry Cat Food Daily Essentials, we'll examine all 40 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Ground whole grain corn provides carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting energy production and overall health in your cat.

  2. Chicken By-Product Meal is a concentrated source of protein, containing essential amino acids and nutrients that support your cat's overall health, muscle development, and growth.

  3. Soybean meal is a source of protein that can support your cat's muscle development and tissue repair.

  4. Meat and bone meal is a concentrated source of animal protein and calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.

  5. Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and is used as a source of protein. However, it's not as beneficial as meat-based proteins.

  6. Beef Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a highly palatable source of energy and essential fatty acids, promoting a healthy skin and coat for your cat.

  7. Whole Wheat is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet and support digestive health in cats.

  8. Natural flavor enhances the palatability of the cat food, making it more appealing to finicky eaters.

  9. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.

  10. Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.

  11. Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.

  12. Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.

  13. Titanium Dioxide is a food-safe colorant used in small amounts to maintain a consistent appearance in your cat's food. While it does not provide any nutritional benefits, it is considered safe for consumption in regulated quantities.

  14. Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  15. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.

  16. Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.

  17. Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.

  18. Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.

  19. D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  20. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.

  21. A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.

  22. Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  23. Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

  24. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.

  25. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.

  26. Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.

  27. Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.

  28. Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.

  29. Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.

  30. Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.

  31. Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.

  32. Yellow 5 is a food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of the food. It has no nutritional benefits.

  33. Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.

  34. Yellow 6 is a synthetic food coloring used to give cat food an appealing appearance. Though considered safe in regulated amounts, it does not provide any nutritional benefits.

  35. Red 40 is a widely-used artificial food colorant that adds an appealing color to your cat's food, making it visually more attractive.

  36. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in some cat foods to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. However, it is a controversial ingredient due to potential health concerns, and many pet owners prefer to avoid it in their cat's diet.

  37. Lactic Acid is a natural preservative and pH regulator used in cat food to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is a safe and effective way to preserve the quality of your cat's food.

  38. Blue 2 is a food coloring used to give cat food a visually appealing look, though it has no nutritional value.

  39. Blue 1 is an artificial colorant that may be used in some cat foods to enhance their appearance. While it is generally considered safe for consumption, it is always best to prioritize natural and nutritious ingredients for your pet's overall health and well-being.

  40. Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 30.00%: This value indicates the minimum percentage of protein in the cat food. Protein is essential for a cat's muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health. The chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, meat & bone meal, and salmon meal are likely the primary contributors to this protein content. These ingredients are protein-rich and are commonly used in pet food to meet the necessary protein requirements.

Crude Fat (min) of 9.00%: Fat is a crucial source of energy for cats and also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The minimum fat content is likely coming from the beef fat, which is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). The chicken by-product meal and meat & bone meal may also contribute to the fat content, as these animal-derived ingredients naturally contain fat.

Crude Fiber (max) of 3.00%: Fiber aids in digestive health and helps to keep the gastrointestinal system running smoothly. The maximum fiber content likely comes from the whole ground corn and whole wheat in the ingredients list. These are plant-based ingredients that naturally contain fiber. The corn gluten meal may also contribute to the overall fiber content.

Calories of 3400.00 per kg: This indicates the energy provided by the food. All the ingredients contribute to the caloric content, but the main contributors are the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this case, the whole ground corn, chicken by-product meal, and beef fat are likely the most calorie-dense ingredients. The corn provides carbohydrates, while the chicken by-product meal and beef fat provide both protein and fat, which are higher in calories per gram compared to carbohydrates.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, 9 Lives Dry Cat Food Daily Essentials costs approximately $2.20 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $13.83
10 lbs $23.26
15 lbs $31.53
20 lbs $39.12
30 lbs $53.02
40 lbs $65.79
50 lbs $77.78
60 lbs $89.18
70 lbs $100.11
80 lbs $110.65
90 lbs $120.87
100 lbs $130.81

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.