Iams Grain Free Naturals Chicken + Turkey Recipe 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 Iams Grain Free Naturals Chicken + Turkey Recipe

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

Iams Grain Free Naturals Chicken + Turkey Recipe 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 Iams Grain Free Naturals Chicken + Turkey Recipe, we'll examine all 43 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 is a high-quality source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth, healthy skin, and coat, and supporting your cat's overall well-being.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Pea Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy for your cat. It is easily digestible and contains essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, for overall well-being.

  5. Turkey is a lean, highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your cat's overall health and well-being.

  6. Tapioca Starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate source used in cat food. It's easily digestible and can provide energy for your cat.

  7. Beet Pulp is a highly digestible source of fiber that supports your cat's digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight. This ingredient also provides essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for your cat's overall health.

  8. Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids that helps support skin and coat health in cats.

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

  10. Sodium Bisulfate is a safe and effective acidity regulator often used in cat food to maintain the proper pH levels for optimal digestion. It also helps inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promoting a healthier gastrointestinal environment for your cat.

  11. 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.

  12. Monosodium Phosphate is a mineral supplement that helps maintain the balance of essential minerals in your cat's body. It supports healthy bone development and overall well-being.

  13. Menhaden Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a high-quality fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, support joint health, and contribute to overall brain and eye development in cats.

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

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

  16. Carrot is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support your cat's digestive health and overall well-being.

  17. Tomato is a source of dietary fiber and contains antioxidants that promote overall health.

  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. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber for your cat's overall health. This ingredient also contains antioxidants, which support your cat's immune system and help maintain a healthy weight.

  20. 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.

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

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

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

  25. 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.

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

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

  28. 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.

  29. Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, is an antioxidant that helps support your cat's immune system, combat oxidative stress, and promote overall health. Although cats can produce their own vitamin C, supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations or for specific health needs.

  30. Vitamin A Acetate is a supplemental form of vitamin A that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health.

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

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

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

  34. 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.

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

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

  37. Inositol is a type of sugar alcohol that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including nerve function and fat metabolism.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. Dried apple pomace is a source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.

  41. 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.

  42. Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.

  43. 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

The guaranteed analysis of Iams Grain Free Naturals Chicken + Turkey Recipe indicates a minimum crude protein content of 33.00%. This high level of protein is primarily contributed by the first two ingredients listed: chicken and chicken meal, as well as turkey. Chicken and chicken meal are concentrated sources of protein, and turkey also adds to the overall protein content. These animal-based ingredients are rich in essential amino acids necessary for a pet's muscle development and overall health.

The crude fat content is at a minimum of 15.00%. This is likely due to the inclusion of chicken fat and menhaden oil in the ingredients. Chicken fat is a common source of energy and essential fatty acids for pets, which contributes to the fat content of the food. Menhaden oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a pet's skin, coat, and immune system.

The maximum crude fiber content is listed at 4.00%. Ingredients such as peas, pea starch, beet pulp, and dried apple pomace contribute to this fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and support a healthy gut. Beet pulp, in particular, is a common fiber source in pet foods as it is moderately fermentable and can promote intestinal health.

The caloric content is stated as 3695.00 calories per kilogram. This energy density is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates present in the ingredients. The protein sources (chicken, chicken meal, and turkey), as well as the fats (chicken fat and menhaden oil), are calorie-dense, contributing significantly to the overall caloric content. Carbohydrates from peas, pea starch, and tapioca starch also provide energy, although they are not explicitly mentioned in the guaranteed analysis.