Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon Recipe Review

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Review of Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon 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 Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon 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 Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon Recipe, we'll examine all 35 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 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. Corn grits are a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting overall well-being in your cat.

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

  5. Salmon is a high-quality source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and overall well-being.

  6. 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.

  7. Dried Plain Beet Pulp is a beneficial source of fiber that helps to promote healthy digestion and support your cat's gut health by maintaining the balance of beneficial bacteria.

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

  9. 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.

  10. Caramel color is a food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of cat food.

  11. Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.

  12. Dried Egg Product is a highly digestible source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and maintenance. It also offers important vitamins and minerals.

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

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  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. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

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

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

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

  26. 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.

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

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

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

  33. 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.

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

  35. 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.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis of crude protein at a minimum of 38.00% is likely largely contributed by the first ingredient, chicken, which is a high-quality source of protein. Additionally, chicken byproduct meal and chicken meal are concentrated forms of animal protein that significantly contribute to this value. Salmon, also listed, is another excellent source of animal protein that would contribute to the overall protein content.

The crude fat minimum of 18.00% is supported by the natural fats present in the chicken and salmon. Chicken fat is not explicitly listed, but it is often present in chicken byproduct meal and chicken meal. The inclusion of these ingredients ensures a high level of animal-based fats, which are beneficial for a pet's energy needs and coat health.

Crude fiber's maximum of 3.00% is relatively low, reflecting the diet's focus on high protein rather than plant-based ingredients. The fiber present is likely from the ground whole grain corn and dried plain beet pulp. These ingredients are known to provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

The caloric content of 3874.00 per kg indicates this is a high-energy food, which is consistent with the high levels of protein and fat. The energy comes from the combination of macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in this food likely come from corn grits and ground whole grain corn, which are energy-dense ingredients.

Overall, the primary contributors to the guaranteed analysis values in this pet food are the animal-based ingredients (chicken, chicken byproduct meal, salmon, and chicken meal) which provide high levels of protein and fat, while the plant-based ingredients such as corn and beet pulp offer fiber and additional carbohydrates for energy.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon Recipe costs approximately $3.51 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $19.41
10 lbs $32.64
15 lbs $44.24
20 lbs $54.90
30 lbs $74.41
40 lbs $92.33
50 lbs $109.15
60 lbs $125.14
70 lbs $140.48
80 lbs $155.28
90 lbs $169.62
100 lbs $183.57

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers have praised Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon Recipe for its palatability and positive effects on their cats' energy levels and coat health. Many have observed that their cats' coats became softer and smoother, and their overall vitality improved. The high protein content is appreciated for its potential to satisfy hunger better, especially for larger cats, and is seen as a good option for weight management.

Despite some reports of gastrointestinal issues in certain cats, the overall consensus is that the food is well-received by many felines. Some cats with sensitive stomachs might not tolerate the change well, but those that do seem to thrive on it. Owners of active and growing cats, such as Maine Coons, have found this formula to be particularly beneficial for their pets' development.

The product has also been noted for its value, offering a high-quality, high-protein diet at an affordable price. Some customers have expressed a desire for larger bag options to accommodate multi-cat households and to make the food even more budget-friendly.

While there are instances where cats did not prefer this food, it's common for feline preferences to vary widely. The positive reviews often highlight that even picky eaters have taken a liking to this Iams recipe, which suggests that it could be a hit for many cats.

In terms of health benefits, some cats have shown improvements in weight and muscle mass after switching to this high-protein diet. Veterinarians have recommended it for certain health conditions, and owners have reported success in using it for recovery and weight gain in their pets.

Overall, the positive reviews suggest that Iams Proactive Health High Protein Chicken & Salmon Recipe is a reliable choice for owners looking to enhance their cats' diet with a protein-rich formula.