Canidae Life Stages Chicken Meal & Rice Formula Review

PawDiet has been helping pet owners since 2015. To fund our efforts, articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission.


Review of Canidae Life Stages Chicken Meal & Rice Formula

According to our data, this Canidae recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Canidae Life Stages Chicken Meal & Rice Formula is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Canidae Life Stages Chicken Meal & Rice Formula, we'll examine all 51 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. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that provides essential amino acids, supporting strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat in cats.

  2. Brown Rice is a whole grain ingredient that provides a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients to support your cat's energy levels and digestive health.

  3. Chicken Fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall health and immune system function.

  4. Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and maintenance. It also contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune function.

  5. Cracked pearled barley is a source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and some essential nutrients. It's used in cat food to provide energy and support digestive health.

  6. Pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient that provides a natural source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet and healthy digestion in your cat.

  7. Millet is a gluten-free grain that provides cats with a source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight.

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

  9. Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat, as well as overall well-being in cats.

  10. Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.

  11. Salmon Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting brain function, and promoting a healthy immune system. Salmon oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit cats with joint issues or allergies.

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

  13. DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports immune function, and promotes overall well-being in cats.

  14. 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.

  15. Sun-cured alfalfa meal is a plant-based ingredient that provides a wealth of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

  16. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's gut, supporting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  17. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier and source of choline, which supports your cat's brain function, liver health, and metabolism. This ingredient also helps your cat maintain a healthy skin and coat by providing essential fatty acids.

  18. Sage Extract is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can help support your cat's immune system and overall well-being.

  19. Cranberry is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help support your cat's immune system and urinary tract health.

  20. Beta-Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system and promotes healthy skin and coat by neutralizing harmful free radicals.

  21. 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.

  22. Sunflower Oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which help maintain your cat's skin and coat health, while also supporting their immune system.

  23. Yucca Schidigera Extract is a natural ingredient that helps reduce the odor of your cat's waste. It contains compounds that bind to ammonia, reducing its release and making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.

  24. The Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product is a probiotic ingredient that promotes healthy digestion and supports your cat's immune system. It helps maintain a balanced gut flora, contributing to your cat's overall well-being.

  25. Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's gut, aiding in digestion and supporting overall health.

  26. Dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic used to promote a healthy gut flora, which can boost overall health and immunity in cats.

  27. Dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for your cat's overall wellbeing.

  28. Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract is a source of enzymes which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.

  29. Zinc proteinate is a chelated form of zinc that is easier for cats to absorb, promoting skin and coat health, and aiding in immune function.

  30. Manganese Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of manganese that supports your cat's bone and joint health, as well as their metabolism.

  31. Copper Proteinate is an easily absorbed form of copper that supports your cat's immune system, red blood cell formation, and connective tissue health.

  32. Zinc sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

  33. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and enzyme function.

  34. 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.

  35. Potassium iodide is a source of iodine which is necessary for proper thyroid function in cats.

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

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

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

  41. 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.

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

  43. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy production, metabolism, and supporting your cat's overall health.

  44. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for your cat's growth and overall health, as it helps support energy production and the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin.

  45. 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.

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

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. Mixed Tocopherols are a type of vitamin E used as a natural preservative in cat food to maintain freshness and prolong shelf life.

  50. Papaya is a tropical fruit that contains natural enzymes and antioxidants, which can help support your cat's digestive health and immune system.

  51. Pineapple is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which can help support a healthy digestive system and overall well-being for your cat.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis value of crude protein (min) of 32.00% is likely contributed most significantly by the chicken meal, which is the first ingredient listed and is a concentrated form of protein. Egg product also contributes to the protein content, as eggs are a high-quality source of protein. The cracked pearled barley, peas, and millet provide additional protein, though to a lesser extent compared to the animal-based ingredients.

Crude fat (min) at 20.00% is primarily contributed by the chicken fat, which is a concentrated source of animal fat and is known for being high in energy. The flaxseed and salmon oil are additional sources of fat and also provide essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a pet's coat and skin health. These ingredients, along with the sunflower oil, help to reach the minimum fat content specified.

Crude fiber (max) of 2.50% is relatively low, indicating that the food is not excessively high in fiber. The fiber present comes from the brown rice, cracked pearled barley, peas, and suncured alfalfa meal. These ingredients are natural sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. The inulin from chicory root also contributes to the fiber content and acts as a prebiotic to support gut health.

Calories of 4400.00 per kg indicate the energy content of the food. This is influenced by the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates within the formula. Chicken meal and chicken fat are calorie-dense ingredients, along with the carbohydrates from brown rice and other grains like barley and millet. The overall caloric density is a result of the balance of these macronutrients.

The other ingredients listed, such as the various fermentation products, vitamins, and minerals, contribute to the overall nutritional completeness of the food but do not significantly impact the guaranteed analysis values for protein, fat, and fiber. They ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements for pets at different life stages. The natural flavors, extracts, and preserved fruits are included for health benefits and to enhance palatability, but they also do not significantly affect the guaranteed analysis values.