9 Lives Dry Cat Food Lean & Tasty Review

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Review of 9 Lives Dry Cat Food Lean & Tasty

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 Lean & Tasty 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 Lean & Tasty, 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. 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.

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

  4. 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.

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

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

  7. 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.

  8. Animal Digest is a concentrated source of animal proteins, providing essential nutrients for your cat. It enhances the flavor of the cat food, making it more palatable and appealing to your cat's taste buds.

  9. Fish meal is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for overall health and wellbeing of your cat.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

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

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

  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. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

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

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by supporting the metabolism of fats and promoting lean muscle mass.

  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. 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.

  37. 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.

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

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

  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 31.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this cat food are likely to be the chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, meat & bone meal, fish meal, and salmon meal. These ingredients are high in protein and are commonly used in pet foods to meet the protein requirements. Chicken by-product meal and meat & bone meal are animal-based proteins, which are generally more desirable in cat foods for their amino acid profiles, while corn gluten meal and soybean meal are plant-based proteins.

Crude Fat (min) of 7.00%: The crude fat content is most likely coming from the beef fat, chicken by-product meal, and the fish meal. Beef fat is added to pet food as a concentrated source of energy and to provide essential fatty acids. The animal-based meals also contain natural fats from the tissues they are made from.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber in this cat food is probably derived from the whole ground corn and whole wheat. These ingredients are higher in fiber than meat-based components and are often used in pet foods to provide the necessary dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

Calories of 3290.00 per kg: The caloric content is a cumulative result of all the macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) present in the food. The whole ground corn, whole wheat, and the fat sources like beef fat contribute significantly to the caloric content. Carbohydrates from the corn and wheat provide energy, as do fats, which are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates.

Overall, the ingredients listed show a diet that is formulated with a combination of animal and plant-based ingredients, with a focus on meeting the nutritional needs of cats through a mix of protein sources and added fats, while maintaining a certain level of fiber for digestive health.