Purina Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food High-Protein Salmon Formula 3.15LB

Name: Purina Cat Chow Complete Dry Cat Food High-Protein Salmon Formula 3.15LB
Brand: Cat Chow

by Cat Chow

Overall Score: 56/100

Ingredients

Ground Yellow Corn (carbohydrate)
Corn Protein Meal (other)
Whole Grain Wheat (other)
Rice (carbohydrate)
Soybean Meal (carbohydrate)
Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed–Tocopherols (other)
Salmon (protein)
Liver Flavor (other)
Fish Meal (protein)
Calcium Carbonate (mineral)
Phosphoric Acid (other)
Salt (mineral)
Choline Chloride (vitamin)
Potassium Chloride (mineral)
Taurine (additive)
Minerals [Zinc Sulfate (other)
Ferrous Sulfate (mineral)
Manganese Sulfate (other)
Copper Sulfate (other)
Calcium Iodate (mineral)
Sodium Selenite] (other)
Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement (other)
Niacin (Vitamin B–3) (other)
Vitamin A Supplement (vitamin)
Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B–5) (other)
Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B–1) (other)
Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B–2) (other)
Vitamin B–12 Supplement (other)
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B–6) (other)
Folic Acid (Vitamin B–9) (other)
Vitamin D–3 Supplement (other)
Biotin (Vitamin B–7) (other)
Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K)] (other)
Red 40 (additive)
Yellow 5 (additive)
Blue 2 (additive)

Ingredient concerns

Corn (medium concern): Corn is one of the most common allergens in dogs, though true corn allergies are relatively rare compared to protein allergies. Often used as an inexpensive filler to increase bulk. While it does provide digestible carbohydrates, its prominence in ingredient lists (especially as multiple corn-derived ingredients) can indicate a lower-quality formulation.
Soy (medium concern): Soy is a common allergen in dogs and cats. It contains phytoestrogens that may affect hormonal balance, though the clinical significance in pets is not fully established. Often used as an inexpensive protein and carbohydrate filler. Most soy in pet food is genetically modified.
Red 40 (high concern): Provides no nutritional benefit whatsoever and is added solely for the visual appeal to human buyers, as dogs and cats have limited color vision. Multiple studies have raised concerns about behavioral effects in children, leading the EU to require warning labels on foods containing Red 40. Some animal studies have suggested potential genotoxicity, though results are debated. The FDA maintains it is safe at approved levels, but many veterinary nutritionists recommend avoiding artificial colors entirely.
Yellow 5 (high concern): Like Red 40, Yellow 5 provides no nutritional value and is added only for appearance. It has been associated with hypersensitivity reactions and behavioral effects in children in multiple studies. Banned or restricted in several countries. The EU requires warning labels on products containing tartrazine. No legitimate reason for its inclusion in pet food.
Blue 2 (high concern): Another artificial color with zero nutritional value. Some studies have found associations with brain tumors in male rats at high doses, though these findings are not universally accepted. Like other artificial colors, it exists in pet food solely for marketing purposes and offers no benefit to the animal.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 36.4%, fat 13.6%, fiber 3.4%, ash 8%, carbohydrate 38.6%. By calories: 33.7% from protein, 30.6% from fat, 35.7% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO adult cat nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 36.4% vs 26% minimum, fat 13.6% vs 9% minimum.

Dry food, with grains.

Cost to feed

About $0.31 per day to feed (budget price tier); $1.25 per 1,000 kcal (calorie estimate).