Freshpet® Vital Cat Food - Grain Free, Chicken & Beef

by FreshPet

Overall Score: 93/100

Ingredients

1. Chicken (protein)
2. Chicken Broth (protein)
3. Beef (protein)
4. Chicken Liver (protein)
5. Natural Flavors (additive)
6. Eggs (protein)
7. Tapioca Starch (carbohydrate)
8. Carrageenan (additive)
9. Pea Protein (protein)
10. Minerals (Calcium Carbonate (other)
11. Zinc Proteinate (mineral)
12. Iron Proteinate (mineral)
13. Copper Proteinate (mineral)
14. Manganese Proteinate (mineral)
15. Sodium Selenite (mineral)
16. Calcium Iodate) (other)
17. Fish Oil (protein)
18. Taurine (additive)
19. Celery Powder (other)
20. Choline Chloride (vitamin)
21. Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement (other)
22. Vitamin A Supplement (vitamin)
23. Riboflavin (vitamin)
24. Thiamine Mononitrate (vitamin)
25. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (other)
26. Vitamin D3 Supplement (vitamin)
27. Vitamin B12 Supplement (vitamin)
28. Folic Acid) (other)

Ingredient concerns

• Carrageenan (high concern): Research has shown that both degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and food-grade carrageenan can promote intestinal inflammation in animal models. Studies have linked carrageenan exposure to intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and colitis-like symptoms in laboratory animals. While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan safe, concerns remain about degradation during processing and digestion. The Cornucopia Institute petitioned the USDA to remove carrageenan from organic food standards.
• Pea Protein (medium concern): Plant-based protein concentrates like pea protein can artificially inflate the total protein percentage on guaranteed analysis without providing the same amino acid profile as animal proteins. Associated with the FDA investigation into grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, though a causal link has not been definitively established.
• Sodium Selenite (low concern): Sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium with a narrower safety margin than organic forms (such as selenium yeast). It has lower bioavailability and higher potential for toxicity at elevated levels compared to organic selenium sources. Some premium pet foods use selenium yeast instead as a safer alternative.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 40.9%, fat 31.8%, fiber 4.5%, ash 31.8%, carbohydrate 0%. By calories: 34.6% from protein, 65.4% from fat, 0% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO adult cat nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 40.9% vs 26% minimum, fat 31.8% vs 9% minimum.

Dry food, grain-free.

Similar products

• Chicken & Beef Recipe — 92/100
• Freshpet® Vital Cat Food - Grain Free, Chicken & Chicken Liver, 1 LB — 80/100
• Nulo MedalSeries Signature Stews Cat & Kitten Food - Variety Pack, 12 ct, 33.6 oz — 100/100
• Nulo Shreds with Organ Meat Wet Cat & Kitten Food - Variety Pack, 12-Count, 33.6 oz — 100/100
• Nutro Cat - Pate, Tukey, Grain Free, 2.64 OZ — 100/100

As an Amazon Associate, KibbleWatcher earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Our scoring is independent of any affiliate revenue.