VeRUS Feline Canned Lamb, Pumpkin & Green Lipped Mussel Review

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Review of VeRUS Feline Canned Lamb, Pumpkin & 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 Lamb, Pumpkin & 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 Lamb, Pumpkin & Green Lipped Mussel, we'll examine all 39 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. Lamb broth is used to increase the moisture content of the food, making it more appealing and easier to chew for your cat.

  3. Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine, which supports your cat's overall health and well-being.

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

  6. 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.

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

  8. 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.

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

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

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

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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.

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

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

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

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

  32. 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.

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

  34. 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.

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

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

  37. 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.

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

  39. 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

The Crude Protein minimum of 8.00% is likely primarily derived from the lamb, lamb liver, and lamb tripe listed as the first ingredients. These are all animal-based proteins that are highly digestible and provide essential amino acids necessary for a cat's health. The inclusion of New Zealand Green Mussel may also contribute to the overall protein content, albeit to a lesser extent given its position on the ingredient list.

The Crude Fat minimum of 10.00% can be attributed to the lamb, which is naturally a fatty meat, as well as the lamb liver and tripe. Additionally, flaxseed oil and sunflower oil are high in essential fatty acids and would contribute to the fat content of the food. These fats are important for energy, as well as for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The Crude Fiber maximum of 1.00% suggests that this food is relatively low in fiber, which is appropriate for cats as obligate carnivores. The pumpkin in the ingredients list is a source of dietary fiber, but given the low percentage, it is likely included in a moderate amount that provides fiber without being excessive. Other ingredients, such as kelp and the various gums like agar agar and guar gum, might also contribute to the fiber content, helping with digestion and stool quality.

The calorie content of 1097.00 kcal/kg indicates the energy density of the food. Calories in pet food are derived from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In this formula, the high-calorie content is likely due to the fat from the lamb and added oils, as fats are more calorie-dense than proteins or carbohydrates. The carbohydrate content, which isn't directly listed in the guaranteed analysis, would also contribute to the overall caloric value, with ingredients like pumpkin providing this macronutrient.