Rating
Type
Hot Extruded / Dry
Grain
Grain Inclusive
Origin
United States
Recipes
7
Is Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food Good?
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food is a second top tier pet food with a 4-star rating — around 10% of all the pet food we review fall in this tier.
They seem to be higher in protein and less in carbs, contain mainly named animal products as main ingredients, and a decent amount of meat. We recommend this!
What We like
- High Protein — over 35%!
- Lower in Carbs — Less than 34%
- No Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
What We Concern
- Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
- Numberous Controversial Ingredients
- Seems No Organic Minerals
- Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
- Include Ingredients that might be Related to Poor Digestion
- Contain Ingredients that might be Uncertain
「Chief of Cook」Donky
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Kitten Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：26% 4.5
Senior Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：26% 4.5
Adult Hairball Control Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：28% 4
Adult Indoor Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：29% 4
Sensitive Adult Formula With Chicken, Rice & Peas
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：29% 4
Adult Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Chicken 🍚Carbs：32% 3.5
Adult Formula With Salmon & Brown Rice
1️⃣Salmon 🍚Carbs：32% 3.5
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Adult Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Adult Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice
Protein
33%
Fat
16%
Fiber
4%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
| Nutrition | Our Ideal | Dry Value | Like? |
| Protein | 33% or more | 37% | |
| Fat | 15% or more | 18% | |
| Carbs | Less than 25% | 32% | |
| Fiber | Less than 5% | 4.4% |
Ingredients Overview
38 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
0 units
🌋 Indigest
3 units
⁉ Uncertain
1 units
Organic Minerals Seems Not Included
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Chicken
Animal Protein The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Meal
Animal Protein A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Split Peas
Carbs, Plant Protein 🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Legume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Grain Sorghum
Carbs A type of gluten-free grain, high in carbs and with a similar level of protein as quinoa.
Neutral An acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Whole Brown Rice
Carbs Whole grain rice with its bran and germ remained, high in carbs and fiber. Studies have shown that rice bran depletes taurine in cats, which is an essential amino acid.
Notice An inexpensive filler with proven disadvantages offers limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Pea Protein
Plant Protein Concentrate 🌋
Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.
Notice High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest The process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Chicken Fat
Fat The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Prefer A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Chicken
Animal Protein Dehydrated form of chicken. it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Prefer A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Dried Plain Beet Pulp
Carbs The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Concerned Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Natural Flavor
Food Additive Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Concerned Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potassium Chloride
Supplement An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
Neutral A safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Fish Oil
Fat ⁉
An oil extracted from unspecified fish, a source of animal fats.
Notice Unspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
Dl-methionine
Supplement Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Concerned A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Salt
Others Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Concerned A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Mixed Tocopherols
Food Additive A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
Neutral A harmless food additive.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Citric Acid
Food Additive 🌋
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
Concerned A food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest Research suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Taurine
Supplement An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Prefer A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin E Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Zinc Sulfate
Supplement An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
Supplement Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Carbs Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
Neutral A harmless ingredient with specific benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Niacin Supplement
Supplement Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Riboflavin Supplement
Supplement A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
D-calcium Pantothenate
Supplement An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Biotin
Supplement A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Sodium Selenite
Food Additive An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Concerned A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Potassium Iodide
Supplement An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Supplement Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Folic Acid
Supplement A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
Neutral A safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
Neutral A harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
Allergen N/A
🌋
Related to Digest N/A
⁉
Uncertain N/A
Tips
We find 6 Concerned and 3 Notice ingredients from Adult Formula With Chicken & Brown Rice. Check from the above list to view the details.Concerned
- Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Natural Flavor
- Dl-methionine
- Salt
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Selenite
Notice
- Whole Brown Rice
- Pea Protein
- Fish Oil
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
2 / 7 (29%)
in top 7 ingredients Protein Level
37%
in dry matterBy looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Medium to high !
It looks like it contains a significant amount of meat and majority of the protein should come from animal sources. Your furbabies will like it like I do!
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 7 recipes, the group has an average of 38% protein, 19% fat and 29% carbohydrate.
（Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower）
- Protein is 5 (%) higher than ideal
- Fat is 4 (%) higher than ideal
- Carbs is 4 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food has an carbs level that is close to our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
- Quite attractive protein and/or carbs level
- Major ingredients from animals
- Medium to high level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food is a pet food line with a 4 star rating.
Do we recommend Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Cat Food ?
It is a good quality above average pet food that we recommend.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
「Chief of Cook」Donky
Abandoned in a cardboard box after birth. She is always starved wandering on the street. After she grew up, she wants to cook all the yummy food for every homeless in the world.
