Holistic food for cats: what it is, review and tips for choosing

Just 8-10 years ago, cat food labeled holistic was not only difficult to get, but rather, it was of interest exclusively to professional breeders and, very rarely, to ordinary owners. Simply put, there was no particular demand for holistic practitioners. Today, premium holistic cat food is the mainstream that many people adhere to. The number of brands, compositions, and price ranges are impressive, and often it can be quite difficult for a cat owner to get out of such a variety with a full understanding of what is best to buy. In this article we will try to honestly and clearly analyze the features of holistic food and answer the main question - does your pet need it?

What is holistic cat food?

Holistic is a whole philosophy, but when applied to pet foods, the term refers to foods that are formulated for pets to meet their needs if they were living in a natural wild environment. In other words, all the ingredients for such nutrition are not a derivative of chemical laboratories, but exclusively gifts of nature.

Premium holistic cat food is a balanced formula, safe ingredients, a set of valuable and beneficial vitamins and minerals. Holistic means “whole” and from this position responsible manufacturers create lines of pet food.

Description of holistic class feeds: how they differ from others

Diets are developed by specialists who study the effect of artificial foods on the health of cats. Here are the main features:

• Only natural meat is used in production. Moreover, it is not bought from farmers; many companies create their own farms because they do not trust other producers.
• It also contains a lot of coarse fiber. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract of cats.
• There are very few grains in the product; we can say that the manufacturers create healthy nutrition. Its difference lies in the fact that it is identical to the food that cats could eat in natural conditions of life in nature.
• You can find a different number of flavors and ingredients on sale.

This category of product for cats is more expensive than the premium class. Therefore, its purchase is carried out in branded stores, pharmacies or online stores. The composition contains no components that could provoke the development of allergic reactions.

Feed specifics

The cat family is an obligate carnivore; in the wild, the diet of this species is based on animal meat. Holistic cat food contains a large amount of animal proteins, which the domestic cat’s body can easily digest, in contrast to carbohydrates, which are high in mass-market foods. However, some nutritionists emphasize that you shouldn’t give up carbohydrates completely - it’s more advisable to reduce their amount to a maximum of 10% of the entire diet. This proportion ensures proper and high-quality digestion and sufficient absorption of micro and macroelements. As carbohydrates for a domestic cat, it is better to choose foods such as:

• oats;
• sweet potato;
• brown rice;
• tapioca;
• vegetables;
• fruits.

In general, carbohydrates are not physiological for cats, so good premium holistic cat food is grain-free.

It is worth noting that many people consider this type of food to be expensive, but this is not entirely true, because due to better digestibility, the animal eats less food than usual.

Top 1. Blitz

Rating (2020): 4.58

266 reviews taken into account from resources: Otzovik, Ozon, Wildberries

• Nomination

  Recommended by veterinarians

  This food is not recommended by everyone, but many veterinarians recommend it as a good option at an affordable price. It has a completely natural and balanced composition.

• Characteristics Average price: 570 rub.
• Country Russia
• Main ingredients: turkey, chicken
• Protein percentage: 27%
• Side dish: corn, rice
• Weight: 2 kg

The manufacturer offers dry food for pregnant women, sterilized cats, kittens, as well as universal options. The composition is good - dehydrated meat, hydrolyzed protein, chicken liver and eggs, that is, the protein content is high. In addition to rice, corn is used as a source of carbohydrates, which is not considered the best option. Fiber – dried apples, beets, corn silk. Also contains chicken and fish oil. Veterinarians note a good range of additional supplements - probiotics, Yucca Schidegera to reduce the odor of excrement, seaweed, vitamin E. Breeders and simply cat owners note that when switched to a constant diet of Blitz food, the condition of the pets noticeably improves - hair stops falling out, activity increases, there are problems with digestion.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Good Sources of Animal Protein
• Excellent complex of useful supplements and vitamins
• Natural preservatives and antioxidants are used
• Affordable price compared to other super-premium foods
• A lot of good reviews, including from veterinarians

• Not the most common, not sold in all pet stores
• Contains corn - a cheap filler

Compound

To appreciate the advantages and benefits of holistic food, it is important to break down its basic composition.

The basis of the diet, as mentioned above, should be meat. Suitable protein sources for domestic cats include:

• fresh and dehydrated meat (chicken, chicken, turkey, lamb, beef);
• fish fillet.

The meat and fish content of the best holistic cat foods can exceed 70%, and the amount of healthy protein often approaches 30%.

Important: with this volume, even with minimal food consumption, the pet will receive the required amount of easily digestible protein, and this in turn will minimize digestive problems. In addition, protein is a key component of animal muscles.

Therefore, when consuming high-quality animal protein as part of holistic food, the animal is always in a cheerful mood, the pet is active, energetic and properly developed.

The second largest component of this class of feed is natural fruits, vegetables, and berries. This is the main source of vitamins for a cat. The best holistic cat foods may contain ingredients such as carrots and dried apples. Animals need vitamins in the same way as humans. Thanks to natural additives, the animal’s coat improves, the pet has strong healthy teeth, sharp eyesight, and strong bones. With a diet rich in vitamins, the animal’s immunity is strengthened.

A distinctive feature of holistic food is also the absence of all kinds of “improvers” that are easy to find in economy-class bags. There are no artificial additives or enhancers that improve the taste, color or aroma of the finished food. As veterinary practice shows, if an animal has been consuming flavor enhancers in its diet for some time, then in order to completely switch to a higher quality diet, the cat will need time to get rid of the formed habit.

Naturally, holistic practitioners also need substances that will help maintain the freshness of food while it sits on the store shelf. But premium brands use safe ingredients for their products, again of natural origin. For example, a mixture of tocopherols, rosemary oil, vitamin C supplements and more.

Note: The best holistic cat foods will not contain synthetic ingredients, even if they are included in the list of safe additives.

The absence of preservatives in the composition is the key to good digestibility of the food, which leads to healthy digestion and the absence of allergies. The latter has been the scourge of many pets in recent years. Allergy sufferers are especially recommended to switch to holistic food.

What holistic food should not contain:

• corn gluten;
• wheat gluten.

The naturalness of the composition is also reflected in the shelf life. Economy class food is edible for one and a half to two years or more, while holistic food, as a rule, has a maximum shelf life of one to one and a half years.

An indisputable advantage of such food is the absence of contraindications to its use.

Main features

Holistics are classified as super premium food, but not all super premium food belongs to the holistic group.

It is advisable to remember the main signs of quality so as not to make a mistake in the choice (sometimes manufacturers use the Holistic label, but in reality the food consists of the wrong components. Let such manipulations remain on the conscience of the manufacturers).

What should holistic food include:

• On American-made feed there is always a mention of AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Inspectors).
• The food contains only high-quality substances for your pet: natural meat, fish, rice, legumes, vitamins C, E, rosemary, as well as fruits and berries. The presence of protein is a significant difference between holistic people, and the type of meat is always indicated.
• Analysis of holistic components should always be present in the feed; it shows the value of 4 nutrients: fat, fiber, crude protein, moisture.

In dry food, 30% protein is the minimum, and 8% fat. The fiber content should not be less than 10%. In wet food, the indicators are slightly different: fat should not be less than 4%, fiber 3% and protein not less than 8%.

Types of holistic feeds

The main recommendation of veterinarians when choosing a diet for a cat is to take into account their natural needs, as well as individual characteristics - age, weight, health, presence of chronic diseases, etc. In stores you can find dry and wet holistic food for neutered cats, food for older pets, etc.

For example, holistic nutrition for kittens helps to increase the physical activity of small pets. Since kittens grow quickly, they need the most nutritious and safe formulations. For adult pets, you can choose balanced food with a small allowable amount of carbohydrates. And for mature and older individuals, holistic manufacturers produce food to maintain normal physical activity, healthy bones, teeth, and internal organs.

The best holistic foods for sterilized cats take into account the animal's changing needs and minimize the risk of hormonal imbalance. For obese pets there is also a line of holistic foods that help normalize weight.

Best choice for adult and older fussy cats

Royal Canin Savor Exigent

The best dry food for picky cats includes two types of kibble, varying in shape, taste and texture. It is ideal for satisfying the natural needs of picky cats that require variety in food and a change in taste sensations.

Optimal caloric intake maintains your pet's ideal weight and meets his individual preferences. When choosing food, cats rely on taste variety, aroma or amount of protein. Depending on this, there are three recipes that will suit even the most fastidious animals.

Peculiarities:

• animal age: elderly (7+), adults (1-6 years)
• premium: yes

Rating of quality feeds

Below we present to your attention a rating of dry and wet holistic cat food for 2022.

Grandorf

This brand offers dry and wet food in the holistic class. The diet is hypoallergenic and contains probiotics for normal digestion of the animal. Suitable for pets with food intolerances and allergic animals. The line includes several flavors (lamb, rabbit, 4 types of meat, etc.). Whole brown rice is used as a source of protein. Vitamin supplements: B vitamins, carrots, Omega 3 and 6, citrus fruits, turmeric. Some foods contain cranberries. This berry is a powerful natural antiseptic, helps gently cleanse the liver and kidneys, and improves the functioning of the urinary system. The products have convenient packaging. In terms of price, the holistic cat food of the Grandorf brand belongs to the middle segment among its analogues.

Also, the advantages of most of the brand’s lines include:

• nice smell;
• helps remove hairballs;
• prevents the appearance of urinary stones;
• cares for the cat's oral cavity.

GO!

This brand is also not accidental in the list of holistic cat food. The manufacturer offers high-quality balanced nutrition for different age groups - for kittens, adults and elderly individuals. The food contains no GMOs, hormones or artificial colors, which corresponds to the holistic philosophy and is confirmed by the results of testing at the state level in the country of production (Canada). The food contains meat and fish, flaxseed, pre- and probiotics. Some products contain sodium chloride, a safe ingredient that maintains acid-base balance and regulates water metabolism in your pet's body.

Wellness CORE

This brand of food is produced in the USA, France, and Thailand. The brand occupies one of the highest places in the list of quality holistic cat food. Contains protein (meat and fish, average content of 40-50%), natural preservatives, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins A, E, Omega-3, calcium, phosphorus, taurine, Omega-6. The manufacturer offers food for kittens and adult cats.

Savarra

The British company does not use plant proteins or gluten. The volume of meat ingredients often exceeds 70% (fresh and dehydrated meat is used). The list of ingredients also includes flax seeds, turkey fat, brown rice, taurine, apples, tomatoes, algae, cranberries, blueberries, and salmon oil. The composition is hypoallergenic, rich in vitamins and minerals. According to some owners, the food has smaller granules compared to other popular brands, making them easier for pets to chew on.

Farmina N&D

The rating of holistic dry cat food is continued by the Farmina N&D brand. The food is produced at factories in Italy, Brazil, and Serbia. Natural fresh meat, as well as dehydrated meat, is used as protein sources. Often in the list of ingredients you can find eggs and fresh/dehydrated herring. The rating of the best foods also includes grain-free holistic cat food from this brand. The food is easy to buy, it is quite common, and belongs to the above-average price segment. Owners note an improvement in the condition of the coat and the level of energy of their pets after switching to this food.

NOW FRESH

The rating of grain-free holistic cat food also includes Now Fresh brand products. The balanced composition is suitable for pets with sensitive digestion. Legumes and their derivatives are used here as vegetable protein. There are no dyes in the composition. Suitable for daily feeding.

Feedback from cat owners

Alena: Pronature Holistic dry food is perfect for my beloved Siamese cat Fedor. I used to buy whiskey in the supermarket, but when the cat started having health problems, the doctor recommended switching to a healthy, balanced diet. Now I wouldn’t exchange Pronature for anything, because after using it my cat feels great. I recommend!

Victor: I always fed my cats Acana, but six months ago apparently there was a supply failure, and so I had to switch to NOW FRESH. I take different flavors as my cats only like certain flavors, they especially like wild boar and duck. I did not notice any problems with stool or allergic reactions.

Svetlana: I started using AATU six months ago, when I adopted a kitten from a friend. Very high quality, and my Simon eats it very quickly, and also licks the bowl completely. But I cannot help but note the cost, since it is too high; for a package of 200 grams you have to pay more than 450 rubles. In general, I give it a solid 5, but I will look for a replacement, since in my opinion it is expensive.

FAQ

Before switching their pet to a new food, every owner asks a number of questions. We will give answers to the most popular ones.

The very first question is: is it worth switching your pet to a new food?

The final decision, of course, must be made by the owner. But veterinarians’ recommendations often sound like this: it’s definitely worth it. Even a small portion a day of proper, balanced and natural food will be more beneficial in effect than a full-fledged semi-synthetic meal. Holistic food has a positive effect on the animal’s digestive tract, coat, muscles and bones, motor activity and mood.

The second most popular question is how to properly switch a pet to a new diet?

The most obvious and understandable solution is to do it gradually. Select food with the help of a veterinarian or look at the rating of holistic food for cats, and begin gradual complementary feeding, reducing the usual food and increasing the new food. Within one to two weeks, it is quite possible to painlessly transfer your pet to holistic care. This time is enough for the transfer process to take place without stress for the animal.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of holistic products is the natural composition, which significantly reduces the risk of developing allergies and diseases in your pet. Another “plus” is the balanced composition - the food includes everything a pet needs for health, including vitamin and mineral complexes. Thanks to Holistic's high nutritional value, this food costs less than cheaper, less nutritious options. So we can talk about cost-effectiveness as one of the advantages. In addition, holistic products are already enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements; the pet owner does not need to purchase and give them separately. This also saves time and money.

The main difference between holistic food and other food is that the animal’s diet is as close as possible to the diet of a wild cat. And this is primarily meat and only a small percentage of grains and fiber. In Holistic class food, meat occupies 50-70% of the composition.

Naturally, the natural composition of the product dictates its higher cost, which is perceived as a disadvantage. In addition, not every pet store sells holistic products. And a number of manufacturers, even in large cities, sell such food only via the Internet. In addition, well-known manufacturers do not yet offer holistic treatments according to the type of animal breed. Due to the lack of flavor enhancers and synthetic additives, your pet may not appreciate the treat. The likelihood of this happening is especially high if the animal previously ate food with enhancers and flavors.

Something to remember!

Let's summarize all of the above about the so-called holistic feeds:

1. There is no clear concept of “holistic” in the field of animal nutrition, just as there are no uniform regulatory norms and rules in this area. The term holistic, as it relates to the feed industry, does not have an official AAFCO definition. Therefore, “holistic” foods differ very much from each other in both their composition and quality.
2. The presence of the “holistic” indication on the label does not mean that the quality of the raw materials is excellent.
3. Labeling a particular food as a “holistic diet” does not necessarily mean that it meets the nutritional needs of dogs and cats as carnivores.

We don't see anything special about diets labeled holistic. Some of them are better, others are worse in composition. We urge you not to believe advertising terms and always evaluate the specific ingredient list of the diet and the proportion of animal protein sources in relation to the rest of the product base, as well as the quality of meat, fish and poultry in the feed.

You can determine which holistic food is best for your pet using our rating or using the ingredient database yourself.

Rating of the best canned food for cats: from premium to holistic

The quality of the food is determined by its class: economy, premium, super-premium or holistic. Economy food (Whiskas, Vaska, Night Hunter, Kitekat, etc.) are not recommended for feeding indoor and outdoor cats, since they do not contain complete information about the components included in the composition, are poorly balanced in terms of the content of useful and nutritional components, and may also contain antibiocellular psychoactive additives that cause severe dependence in the pet.

Advice! For these reasons, for everyday nutrition you should choose food of at least premium class, and the best option, according to veterinarians and experts, is to feed the animal with super-premium or holistic food.

Video - Why do we need wet food? Which is better?

Choosing canned food for a cat is not as simple a task as it might initially seem. Before purchasing, you need to analyze not only the composition of the food, but also its characteristics in order to decide whether this product is suitable for your pet. Having studied the rating of the best and high-quality canned food for cats, you can easily decide which diet will be most useful and suitable for a particular cat. When choosing wet food, you also need to remember that its share in the diet, according to veterinarians’ advice, should be about 25%, and there should always be a container of clean drinking water next to the bowl.

DUKE'S FARM for sterilized cats, turkey with rabbit

The eighth and final line of the rating goes to the ready-made dry food DUKE'S FARM, intended for neutered four-legged dogs. The main problem of such animals is the tendency to accumulate weight and disruptions in the genitourinary system. Reducing the amount of calories, fat and increasing the protein proportion in the diet can help solve both problems at once. Turkey and rabbit, which make up 64% of the DUKE'S FARM recipe, contain a minimum of lipids and are considered dietary foods. True, there is no fresh meat in the recipe - only flour and dehydrates. With vegetables, fruits and herbs it was possible to achieve a comprehensive value of food for sterilized pets. Improving the functioning of the thyroid gland, blood, stabilizing the composition of urine, improving the smoothness of the coat - all these improvements were noticed by cat owners who introduced DUKE'S FARM rabbit and turkey food into their pet's diet.

The total protein in holistic food is 33%, and the price for 1 kg is 600...750 rubles.