Rachael Ray Cat Food Review
If you own a cat and love feeding her top-quality food, you must have across Rachael Ray Cat Food. Rachael Ray is a pet food brand that provides you with the most premium quality cat food, but within your budget. This brand promises all-natural ingredients and a high-nutritional value in its food items.
In this article, we will help you discover some of the most amazing products by this brand. Moreover, we will dig deep into Rachael Ray Cat Food as a company and why we think it deserves a place in your cats life.
Are you ready for an interesting review? Scroll down to begin.
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- #5 Zero Grain
Rachael Ray Dry Cat Food Review
Rachael Ray Nutrish dry cat recipes are distinguished by sophisticated taste and quality ingredients. These are premium quality feline foods that are designed to make a balanced and nutrition-rich diet for every pet.
There are ten products in the dry food category, which are then split into three line-ups:
- Nutrish
- Nutrish PEAK
- Nutrish Zero Grain
Nutrish cat food formulas are balanced meals for felines with meat or fish as the first ingredient. These recipes are also enhanced with grains, chickpeas, vegetables, or fruit to deliver natural vitamins and essentials through the diet. 5 dry formulas are available out there, including Rachael Ray indoor cat food with chicken, salmon & lentils, longevity recipe with chicken, salmon, and chickpeas, and many more.
Nutrish PEAK is protein-rich recipes that are also packed with other essential nutrients. They do not contain grains and are based on animal proteins required for cats health. This diet will help build lean muscles and support natural felines cravings, which is proven by many Rachael Ray dry cat food reviews.
- Nutrish Purrfect Broths
- Nutrish Purrfect Entrees
Rachael Ray Nutrish wet recipes come in trays. These are chunks of chicken, beef, seafood, and other types of meat in a savory sauce. These are moisture-rich formulas that contain the optimal amount of water and broth to help your cat stay hydrated.
How Much Does Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food Cost
Rachael Ray Nutrishs parent companys mantra is Pet Store Quality. Supermarket Easy, and its reflected in the Rachael Ray Nutrish brand.
Rachael Ray Nutrish is one of the most low-cost foods available. Their prices are similar to those youd pay for so-called grocery brands like Purina Cat Chow, Meow Mix, and Friskies.
Assuming that your cat needs around 200 calories per day, it will cost about $0.45 each day to feed one of the brands popular dry foods and around $1.55 daily to feed Rachael Ray wet food.
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Cat Food
This is another best-selling cat food for indoor cats. Zero Grain is specifically made for cats with grain allergies. This recipe uses chicken and potato to make a nutritional means for your cat. Since indoor cats are super-sensitive, Zero Grain uses a simple formula and clean nutrients to cater to sensitive stomachs.
This is one of the recipes with quite a high protein content. It includes three different kinds of proteins. From chicken to fish and turkey, this food offers a variety of protein options for a complete diet. Moreover, it also includes plant-based ingredients such as peas, flaxseed, pumpkin, and potato. The fiber-rich elements are helpful for your cats digestive system. It is free from additives and preservatives. Your sensitive can enjoy this recipe as many times as it wants without feeling sick.
Rachael Rays Nutrish Was Accused Of Making False Claims
As reported by Fortune, in 2018, a man accused Rachael Ray of making misleading claims by calling her dog food brand, Nutrish, natural. They claimed that products from the brand contained a potentially harmful ingredient called herbicide glyphosate. Per the $5 million lawsuit, Ray was allegedly putting forward misleading and deceptive claims. A statement from the suit read, The products at issue are not natural. Instead, the products contain the unnatural chemical glyphosate, a potent biocide and endocrine disruptor, with detrimental health effects that are still becoming known.
The case against Rachael Rays Nutrish was dismissed, as it was believed that there was not enough evidence to prove that small amounts of the herbicide glyphosate can be harmful. These days, the brand offers a plethora of dog treats, including wet food, dry food, soft meat treats, and more. Customers can buy specific products based on their pets nutritional requirements, too, and choose from lots of flavors like chicken, beef, duck, salmon, and more.
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Indoor Chicken & Potato
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Indoor Chicken & Potato Recipe is a well-balanced diet for gluten-sensitive felines. If your kitty has an allergy to common grains like wheat, corn, or soyno worries. This recipe is formulated specifically for your cat.
There is 32% crude protein, 12% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 9% moisture. There are a total of 437 calories per cup. This is a high-calorie diet, so its best for active felines that are frequently exerting energy. It can cause weight can in lazier cats.
This recipe is a perfect balance of vital amino acids, taurine, antioxidants, fatty acids, and whole protein. Its 100% free of any harmful poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Rather than grain, this selection offers pea flour, dried potato, and pumpkin.
While this is an ideal solution for allergy-prone kitties, be aware of the potential link to heart disease in grain-free recipes. Always speak with your veterinarian to gauge their recommendation on these matters.
Dry Dog Food Versus Wet Or Canned Dog Food
Freeman argued the amount of water in wet food might make it an unwise investment, and instead recommended you go with dry food. One benefit to dry food , she noted, is that the friction of chewing it can help keep your dogs teeth and gums healthy. Its also less messy. Morgan added that bags of dry food also tend to be more affordable compared to the other options.
However, Morgan noted that kibble typically includes less meat and often includes some sort of grain, legume, or potato. If you go with kibble, Morgan suggested topping the dry food with a bit of canned food, meat from home, or other toppers.
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What Is Manufacturing Facility Location
According to the Rachael Ray Nutrish website, their dry cat food is made in the USA. J.M. Smucker company owns manufacturing facilities all over North America. Wet cat food recipes are crafted in Thailand. The brand explains that it wanted the best production conditions for its recipes and found them in Thailand. Those facilities meet the FDA standards for human and pet food, so all the foods are safe.
All the ingredients used in Rachael Ray cat food come from trusted suppliers. They carefully pick every ingredient to ensure your feline eats healthy and balanced meals.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Kibble Recipe
Chicken is the first ingredient in this Rachael Ray Nutrish dry food, making it an affordable but quality dry food. U.S. farm-raised chicken is combined with wholesome brown rice, vegetables, essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine. Find it in 3-, 6-, or 14-pound bags.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Kibble Recipe
Farm-raised chicken provides protein and flavor in this dry food with brown rice and veggies.
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Have Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Foods Ever Been Recalled
Yes. In 2015, a number of Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food were recalled due to elevated levels of vitamin D. After tests were conducted, Ainsworth stated that the high levels of vitamin D came from natural levels of the vitamin from some of the fish ingredients used in the products that were affected.
Ainsworth assured the public that they have implemented operational procedures to prevent such occurrences in the future. No recalls or complaints have been reported since.
Is Rachael Ray Dog Food Actually Good For Your Dog
Rachael Ray Dog Food receives the highest rating of 4 out of 5 from The Dog Food Advisor. The kibble is grain-infused and good for dogs. This recipe, crafted with some of fresh meat as a primary source of animal protein, earns four stars from the brand Each Nutrish Dish and Nutrish Peak product is worth $4. 5 stars.
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Wet Cat Food
Nutrishs wet cat food are inspired by Rachael Rays own recipes. They are made with real meat or seafood cooked in tasty sauce. It is also grain-free and enriched with taurine, vitamins, and minerals.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Wet Cat Food Tuna Purrfection
Pros
Real tuna flakes. Buyers appreciate that this wet food is packed with real tuna meat and not with fillers. Kitties are able to get the protein that they need, and owners are satisfied that they get what they paid for.
Promotes a healthy appetite. Several buyers were very grateful and relieved that they were able to purchase Tuna Purrfection. These customers stated that it has brought their senior pets appetites back after a week of not eating and looking very weak. To these pet parents, Tuna Purrfection brought their babies back to life.
Cons
Bones. Some customers found fish bones in the containers. This is a cause for concern among many pet owners as this is potentially a choking hazard or could cause internal problems in the future.
Seeing and knowing that your cats get real tuna flakes in their food, and not just manufactured fillers give great satisfaction to many pet parents. Tuna is quite a popular variant of wet food among cats, and some customers even claim that Tuna Purrfection has brought new life in their senior pets.
However, to some, real tuna means having to inspect the food container thoroughly for any fish bones, or switch to a different brand altogether.
Low Or No Carbohydrates
Dry cat food is especially susceptible to being packed with filler ingredients that are often made up of wheat or corn. These act to keep the dry food glued together, but grains are not a natural part of a cats diet. Your best bet is to aim for natural dry cat food that labels itself as grain free.
This ensures the carbohydrate levels in the food are low and you get more healthy protein for your money, everyones a winner.
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
This dry cat food by Rachael Rays Nutrish line is a great staple diet for all types of adult cats. Real chicken is used as the first ingredient, alongside brown rice, vitamins, minerals, taurine, and vegetables. These ingredients make this dry cat food high in protein and extremely nutritious.
The inclusion of yeast, Biotin, and zinc in the formula keep your furry friends coat and skin in tip-top condition, as well as aiding with dry skin and excessive shedding. Omega-6 fatty acids further pamper your cats coat and skin by ensuring it stays soft and glowing.
This dry cat food by Rachael Ray uses beet pulp and prebiotics to support your felines digestion system, as well as taurine, which keeps your companions heart and eyes working efficiently.
In addition to being a high-quality and healthy diet for your furry friend, this dry cat food from Rachael Rays Nutrish line also uses zero wheat, soy, ground corn, fillers, poultry by-product meal, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in its recipe. Its also made entirely in the USA!
A couple of great features about this dry cat food from Rachael Rays Nutrish line is its high-quality formula and taste. A lot of reviews by fellow cat owners have noted that this dry cat food has helped regulate and firmed up their cats bowel movements.
It is also important to note that this dry cat food is not grain-free. If your cat is sensitive to grain, then this dry cat food might not be ideal.
Pros
About Rachel Ray Cat Food
Iams sells pet food for cats and dogs formulated for all ages and stages of life.
Its products are developed by nutritionists and veterinarians and can be found in three main formulas: ProActive Health, Healthy Naturals and Premium Protection.
Veterinary formulas for pets with special dietary requirements are also available.
Pet food was not available in stores and pets were predominantly fed homemade food and table scraps.
The Iams Company was founded in 1946 in a small feed mill near Dayton, Ohio by animal nutritionist Paul Iams.
In 1950, he developed the worlds first animal-based protein, dry dog food and later developed cat food recipes. Prior to founding Iams, he worked for a number of companies including his fathers feed business.
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Rachel Ray Cat Food Recall History
In June 2015, there was a recall for many wet cat food varieties potentially containing elevated levels of vitamin D. Excess vitamin D can damage a cat by depleting calcium from the cats bones. Lets take a look a few of the Rachel Ray cat food recalls below:
Recipes Recalled:
- Paw Lickin Chicken & LiverBest by August 17, 2015
- Ocean Fish & Chicken Catch-iatoreBest by December 1, 2016
- Ocean Fish-a-liciousDecember 1, 2016
- Tuna PurrfectionDecember 1, 2016
- Lip Smackin Sardine & MackerelDecember 1, 2016
- Chicken Lovers Variety PackBest by December 1, 2016
- Ocean Lovers Variety PackDecember 1, 2016
American Journey Dry Cat Food
Chewys in-house brand, American Journey, is one of the healthiest cat food options for shoppers on a budget. It delivers wholesome natural nutrition with meat as the first ingredient, and fresh fruits and vegetables provide digestible sources of key nutrients.
American Journey Dry Cat Food
Cats really go for the American Journey dry foods. This one offers a tasty, grain-free salmon recipe.
This highly regarded grain-free dry food is made in the U.S. with chicken, turkey, peas, and potatoes. Its a complete savory meal thats nutritionally balanced too.
Whole Earth Farms Dry Cat Food
One of the most nutritious dry cat foods on the market, this grain-free option is also easy on the wallet. And cats like it!
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What To Look For In Healthy Cat Food
Its important to understand your cats nutritional needs before you begin shopping. Start by talking with your vet. They can recommend types of food that are best for your cat based on breed, age, and any health conditions.
All cats require a balance of animal protein and healthy fats in their diet, as well as essential nutrients. The quality and volume of ingredients largely determine the price of cat food, but a higher price doesnt always guarantee higher quality.
When you go to the store to choose the best food for your cat, take a good look at the ingredients listed on the package. As a rule in dry foods, youll be looking for:
- High-quality animal proteins
- Healthy, animal-based fats
- Digestible carbohydrates and fiber
- Essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids
Wet foods have a high percentage of water but should also have a significant percentage of high-quality animal proteins and fats listed in their ingredients.
Keep in mind that the term natural on a label isnt well-defined by regulators. Byproducts can mean perfectly healthy leftovers from human-grade food production or organ meats. If you want to stick with cat food produced in the U.S., look for the words made in the USA on the can. If the food contains any ingredients sourced in other countries , they will be listed on the packaging.
Was Your Pet Food Recalled
Nutrish is made to human standards. Theres nothing in that bag I wouldnt eat myself, and I literally have tried the kibble myself, Ray told Petful publisher Dave Baker in a 2012 interview.
The company boasts that there are no byproducts, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives in the pet food.
Nutrish Joins the Smucker Family
Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a fifth-generation family-owned and operated company formerly known as DADS Pet Care, manufactures Nutrish in Pennsylvania.
The companys plant underwent millions of dollars in upgrades in 2016. Ainsworth also produces the DADS pet food line.
In spring 2018, pet food giant J.M. Smucker Company announced it was buying Ainsworth in a $1.9 billion deal. Around two-thirds of Ainsworths sales are generated by Rachael Ray Nutrish.
We are extremely excited to add Rachael Ray Nutrish, a high-growth premium brand that has been a catalyst in transforming the dog food category in grocery and mass channels, said Mark T. Smucker, president, CEO and director of the J.M. Smucker Company.
As of 2020, J.M. Smucker was the No. 3 pet food company in the world, with over $2.8 billion in annual revenue, according to data provided by Pet Food Industry.
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Average To Below Average Protein Count
Based on four Rachael Ray dry dog foods which I will review later on, this dog food brand has a below-average protein count for its dry food products.
The average protein count for these formulas is 27% which is way lower compared to other dog food brands, especially those who are advertised as super-premium. Most of these brands have at least 30% protein with some reaching 40% or more.
Keep in mind that while the protein count is below average compared to other dog food brands, it is still well above the minimum set by the AAFCO. Overall, your pooch shouldnt experience any problems eating food with a moderate protein count, unless he is a working dog or overly active, in which case you should consider feeding him one of Rachael Rays Peak recipes which have a 30% protein count.
You should also consider that some of Rachael Ray dog foods contain pea protein that is cheaper than meat and will raise the protein count. While plant-based proteins arent bad, it is harder for dogs to extract valuable nutrients from plants than from meat.