Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats Review

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Review of Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats

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

Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats 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 Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats, 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. Lamb is a nutrient-rich meat that provides your cat with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health and well-being.

  2. Pork is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health.

  3. Lamb meal is a highly concentrated source of protein that has had most of the moisture removed. It provides essential amino acids for your cat.

  4. Mutton Meal is a high-quality protein source derived from lamb that provides essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health in cats.

  5. Pork Meal is a concentrated source of high-quality protein, providing essential amino acids to support your cat's muscle development, immune system, and overall health. It is made by cooking and drying pork, which results in a nutrient-dense ingredient for your cat's diet.

  6. Red Lentil is a high-fiber, low-fat source of plant-based protein that aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight in cats.

  7. Chickpea is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to support your cat's digestive health and maintain a healthy weight.

  8. Green lentils are a good source of dietary fiber and protein, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and muscle development.

  9. Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that support your cat's skin and coat health. The natural preservative mixed tocopherols ensures the fat remains fresh and maintains its nutritional value.

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

  11. Boar is a lean, high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids for your cat's muscle development and overall health. This unique ingredient is low in fat, helping maintain a healthy weight and supporting your cat's well-being.

  12. Goat is a high-quality, easily digestible protein source that provides essential nutrients for your cat's health. It supports strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and promotes proper growth and development.

  13. 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.

  14. Coconut Flour is a grain-free, gluten-free alternative to traditional flours, providing an excellent source of dietary fiber and healthy fats. It supports digestive health, helps maintain healthy skin and coat, and provides a source of energy for your cat.

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

  16. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion in cats.

  17. Dandelion is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, supporting your cat's digestive and urinary health, as well as promoting a healthy liver function.

  18. 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.

  19. Fructooligosaccharides are a type of prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat's digestive system, supporting overall gut health and immunity.

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

  21. Magnesium Proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium that supports various bodily functions in cats, such as nerve function, muscle health, and energy production. This chelated mineral is easily absorbed, ensuring your cat receives the full benefits of magnesium.

  22. 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.

  23. Iron proteinate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support optimal red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality in cats.

  24. Chia Seed Oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, support heart health, and contribute to overall well-being in cats.

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. Niacin Supplement is a form of vitamin B3 that plays a crucial role in supporting your cat's skin, nervous system, and digestive health, as well as promoting energy production.

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

  32. Vitamin B5 Supplement, also known as pantothenic acid, is essential for your cat's overall health. It plays a crucial role in energy production, metabolism, and supports the nervous system.

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

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

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

  40. Vitamin D Supplement is essential for your cat's bone health and calcium absorption, helping to maintain strong teeth and bones, as well as supporting immune system function.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 39.00%: The high crude protein content in this cat food is primarily derived from the first several ingredients listed, which are all animal-based proteins: lamb, pork, lamb meal, mutton meal, and pork meal. Meals are concentrated forms of meat that have been rendered and dried, providing a dense source of protein. The inclusion of other meat sources like boar and goat also contributes to the overall protein content.

Crude Fat (min) of 17.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the pork fat, which is specifically mentioned as preserved with mixed tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E). The natural fats present in the meat ingredients (lamb, pork, boar, goat) also contribute to the fat content. Chia oil, listed further down, would also contribute some fat, albeit to a lesser extent given its position in the ingredient list.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The fiber content in this diet is relatively low, which is typical for carnivorous diets. The sources of fiber here are likely the plant-based ingredients such as red lentils, chickpeas, green lentils, and coconut flour. These ingredients provide dietary fiber that supports digestive health.

Calories of 3820.00 per kg: The caloric content is influenced by all macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) but is primarily driven by the fat content, as fats are more energy-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The meats and pork fat are the main contributors to the caloric density, with some contribution from the lentils and chickpeas as carbohydrate sources.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats costs approximately $5.09 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $28.55
10 lbs $48.02
15 lbs $65.08
20 lbs $80.76
30 lbs $109.46
40 lbs $135.81
50 lbs $160.56
60 lbs $184.08
70 lbs $206.64
80 lbs $228.41
90 lbs $249.51
100 lbs $270.02

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have expressed satisfaction with Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe For Cats, highlighting the high-quality ingredients and the food's appeal to cats with specific dietary needs. Many reviewers have noted that even their picky eaters or cats with allergies to common proteins like poultry and fish have thrived on this food, showing improvements in coat quality, weight gain, and reduction in allergic reactions.

Some cats with sensitivities or intolerances to grains, legumes, and potatoes have found relief with this grain-free formula, and owners appreciate the novel protein sources. The kibble size has been a hit for some, particularly for older cats or those with few teeth, and the lack of common allergens like chicken and fish has been a lifesaver for pets with related allergies.

However, a few customers have reported that their cats initially accepted the food but later became disinterested or experienced adverse reactions such as vomiting. In these cases, the issue may be related to a specific batch or an ingredient that doesn't agree with certain cats. Despite these isolated instances, the overall consensus is that Essence Original Ranch & Meadow Recipe is a beneficial and well-received option for many feline diets.