VeRUS Feline Canned Chicken & Green Lipped Mussel Review

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Review of VeRUS Feline Canned Chicken & Green Lipped Mussel

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

VeRUS Feline Canned Chicken & Green Lipped Mussel 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 VeRUS Feline Canned Chicken & Green Lipped Mussel, we'll examine all 38 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 broth adds moisture and flavor to your cat's food, making it more appealing and enjoyable while also providing essential nutrients and hydration.

  3. Chicken Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your cat's overall health. This unique ingredient supports muscle growth, healthy skin and coat, and proper immune function.

  4. Lamb tripe is a nutrient-rich ingredient that provides both protein and healthy fats, essential for your cat's energy needs and overall health.

  5. Brewer's yeast is a natural source of B vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's skin, coat, and overall health, while also promoting a healthy immune system.

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

  7. 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.

  8. Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate is used as a texturizer and pH adjuster in cat food, helping to improve its consistency and maintain its freshness.

  9. New Zealand green mussel is an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to support joint health in cats.

  10. Flaxseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their immune system and overall well-being.

  11. Tomato Paste is a natural ingredient in cat food that provides a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It contains lycopene, which helps support your cat's immune system and may reduce inflammation. Additionally, the fiber in tomato paste aids in healthy digestion.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

  15. Cassia is a plant-derived ingredient that may provide trace amounts of fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds to your cat's diet. However, as cats are obligate carnivores, it is important to ensure that their diet primarily consists of animal-based ingredients.

  16. Agar-Agar is a natural, plant-based thickening agent derived from seaweed, which is often used as a gelatin substitute in pet foods. It is safe for your cat and may provide some prebiotic benefits for digestive health.

  17. Guar Gum is a natural thickening agent and stabilizer, which helps to maintain the texture and consistency of wet cat food while also providing a source of soluble fiber for digestive health.

  18. 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.

  19. Kelp is a nutrient-dense seaweed that provides your cat with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It supports healthy thyroid function, digestion, and immune system health.

  20. Yucca Schidigera is a plant-based ingredient that can help reduce the odor of your cat's feces, making the litter box more pleasant for both you and your cat.

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

  22. 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.

  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. 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.

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

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

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

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

  31. 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.

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

  33. Copper amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of copper, essential for your cat's overall health, including bone development, connective tissue formation, and iron absorption.

  34. Manganese Amino Acid Chelate is a form of manganese, which is important for bone health and enzyme function in cats.

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

  36. 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.

  37. Iron amino acid chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron that helps support your cat's red blood cell production and overall health.

  38. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate is a highly bioavailable form of zinc that supports your cat's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall well-being.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 9.00%: The primary contributors to the crude protein content in this pet food are the chicken, chicken liver, and lamb tripe. These are all high-quality animal protein sources, and chicken is particularly rich in essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health. The brewers yeast may also contribute a small amount of protein.

Crude Fat (min) of 9.50%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the chicken, which naturally contains fat, especially if the skin is included. The flaxseed oil and sunflower oil are also significant contributors to the fat content, providing essential fatty acids that are beneficial for a cat's skin and coat health. The inclusion of chicken liver and lamb tripe may also add to the overall fat content.

Crude Fiber (max) of 0.50%: This pet food has a very low crude fiber content, which is typical for canned cat food as it is meant to be highly digestible and similar to a cat's natural diet that is low in fiber. The ingredients that contribute to this value are likely to be the tomato paste and the various gums (agar agar and guar gum) used as thickeners, which provide a small amount of dietary fiber.

Calories of 1209.00 per kg: The caloric content is derived from the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the food. The chicken, chicken liver, and lamb tripe provide calories from protein and fat, while the oils (flaxseed and sunflower) are calorie-dense and significantly contribute to the total calorie count. Carbohydrates, which also contribute to the calorie content, may come from the minor ingredients like brewers yeast and tomato paste, although they are not a primary source of calories in this formula.