Whiskas Dry Cat Food is a pet food line with a 2.5 stars rating — accounts for 8% of all the pet food we review.
They seem to have a certain level of carbs, and contain some ingredients we concern. We do not recommend this pet food.
What We like
Super High Protein — over 40%!
Lower in Carbs — Less than 34%
Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
What We Concern
Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
Majority of Ingredients lead to our Concern
Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
Contain Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
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 - Chicken & Turkey Flavor
1️⃣Poultry By-Product Meal🍚Carbs:27%
2.5
Meaty Selections™ Chicken & Turkey Flavor
1️⃣Poultry By-Product Meal🍚Carbs:32%
2.5
Seafood Selections™ Salmon & Shrimp Flavor
1️⃣Poultry By-Product Meal🍚Carbs:32%
2.5
Indoor - Chicken Flavor
1️⃣Poultry By-Product Meal🍚Carbs:38%
2
Tips
Recipes have different ratings. This means they might be designed a bit differently.
Recipe to review
To rate Whiskas Dry Cat Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Meaty Selections™ Chicken & Turkey Flavor.
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 Meaty Selections™ Chicken & Turkey Flavor
Protein
35%
Fat
13%
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
40%
Fat
15% or more
15%
Carbs
Less than 25%
32%
Fiber
Less than 5%
4.6%
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31 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
4 units
🌋 Indigest
5 units
⁉ Uncertain
3 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Poultry By-product Meal
Animal Protein
⁉
A meat meal made of unspecified poultry parts leftover after muscle meat is removed in the slaughterhouse. It could include anything from necks, undeveloped eggs, feet, and internal organs.
NoticeOften times generic name like poultry is used to cover the inferior meat quality from unknown sources, commonly found in low quality pet foods.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainUnnamed poultry products could be made of "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter), turkey, chicken, roadkill, birds, which are not safe for consumption.
Ground Yellow Corn
Carbs
♨🌋
A grain that is often referred as "cheap filler" in pet foods, mainly due to its high carbs content and low to moderate nutrition profile.
ConcernedA controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenOne of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
🌋
Related to DigestIt is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that is hard to digest.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Ground Wheat
Carbs
♨🌋
The most common inexpensive filler in lower-grade pet foods. Other than carbs and fiber, it does not contain important nutrients for dogs / cats.
NoticeAn inexpensive filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenContains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
🌋
Related to DigestGluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Corn Gluten Meal
Plant Protein Concentrate
♨🌋
Produced during wet milling of corn by separating protein from the starch. It contains 60% of protein, a relatively inexpensive source to boost up the protein level of pet foods.
NoticeHigh 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.
♨
AllergenMade with corn, which is one of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
🌋
Related to DigestA high dose of plant-based protein is hard for digestion and offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Soybean Meal
Plant Protein Concentrate
♨🌋
Made by milling soybeans, it contains around 45% protein, is a relatively inexpensive source to boost up the protein level of pet foods.
NoticeHigh 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.
♨
AllergenSoy is one of the most reported allergens, causing itchy skin, hair loss, and excessive scratching.
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Animal Fat
Fat
⁉
Leftover fat during the production of unknown animal meat meal.
NoticeUnspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainCould be made from any animals, including "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter). Contaminated meats can lead to severe illnesses.
Natural Chicken Flavor
Food Additive
The flavor made of chicken parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
NeutralA safe flavor enhancer to improve the taste.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Natural Turkey Flavor
Food Additive
A flavor made of turkey parts, it is used to make pet food more tasty and palatable.
NeutralA safe flavor enhancer to improve the taste.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
ConcernedA controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Taurine
Supplement
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
PreferA safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
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.
ConcernedA 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.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
NeutralA safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
BHA
Food Additive
⁉
An antioxidant usually used as a preservative in food and cosmetics.
NoticeA food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainReports from the National Toxicology Program indicates that BHA is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" - which mean it might be related to causing cancer.
Citric Acid
Food Additive
🌋
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
ConcernedA food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestResearch 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.
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA harmless ingredient with specific benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Niacin
Supplement
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Copper Sulfate
Supplement
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Riboflavin Supplement
Supplement
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Manganese Sulfate
Supplement
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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).
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/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.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Biotin
Supplement
A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Tips
We find 4 Concerned and 6 Notice ingredients from Meaty Selections™ Chicken & Turkey Flavor. Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Ground Yellow Corn
Salt
Dl-methionine
Citric Acid
Notice
Poultry By-product Meal
Ground Wheat
Corn Gluten Meal
Soybean Meal
Animal Fat
BHA
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
40%
in dry matter
By 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 !
It looks like it contains a moderate amount of meat. Your furbabies should still be fine with it.
Whiskas 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 4 recipes, the group has an average of 40% protein, 14% fat and 32% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is 7 (%) higher than ideal
Fat is -1 (%) less than ideal
Carbs is 7 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,Whiskas 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:
Nutrition ratio, mainly the level of carbs raises our attention
Ingredients might be worth to take a second look
Medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude Whiskas Dry Cat Food is a pet food line with a 2.5 star rating.
Do we recommend Whiskas Dry Cat Food ?
There are several things make us concerned, so we do not recommend it. If there is a very strong reason for you to choose it, try to mix with other pet food with higher meat to enrich the diet.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
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.