Super-premium cat food: description, brands, selection tips

In terms of composition, and therefore quality, all feeds are divided into economy, premium and super-premium class. There is also a holistic feed class. In this article we will understand what constitutes super-premium feed, consider the criteria for their choice, as well as the most optimal options for such a zoo feed.

In super-premium dry feed, animal protein is used for the most part as a protein source. Vegetable protein (primarily corn gluten) is absent, sometimes traces of potato and pea protein can be found in the composition.

Carbohydrates in such a product are represented by oats, rice, in cheaper variants - barley and potatoes. Super-premium does not use allergy-causing corn and wheat. The role of preservatives and antioxidants is tocopherol (vitamin E) and rosemary.

These can be synthetic options, so such feed (without specifying a specific name) is no longer considered a super-premium category.

In general, the composition of super-premium feed is much richer than the premium version. As a rule, manufacturers use several types of meat, lay more vegetables, and also enrich the composition with a vitamin-mineral complex.

Thus, we can say that The main characteristics of this product are naturalness and balanced composition. They include therapeutic feed. Typically, the manufacturer labels them using the prefix "super".Although, of course, the inscription itself cannot guarantee quality. Need to read the composition.

Wet foods and canned foods must meet the same criteria for composition as dry foods. As protein in them, only proteins of meat origin should be used. The carbohydrate composition does not imply the inclusion of wheat. The use of synthetic preservatives, stabilizers and dyes (even those allowed in food) is excluded.

Gradually they are transferred to more dense and thicker canned food, then they include a dry analogue.

Canned food can also be used for feeding adults. However, it should be understood that cats are predators, and eating exclusively soft food negatively affects their jaw system.

Before you start the review of feeds that are in the rating of the best super-premium products, it is worth noting what are the criteria for this rating:

1. balanced composition, compliance with its existing standards;
2. the richness of the product line - options for individuals of different sexes, products for animals with certain health features;
3. the balance of feed quality and its cost (in other words, does the composition of the specified cost of the product);
4. reviews of caudate gourmet owners and experts.

Among the leading manufacturers of the domestic market, you need to highlight the company "Four-footed gourmet" (the product has the same name). It is immediately worth noting that not all of its products belong to the super-premium class, you need to look at the composition of a particular line.

The meat component is represented mainly by chicken and veal. The manufacturer indicates the source of fatty acids chicken fat (its content is not more than 10%). Carbohydrates - Fermented Rice In addition, the composition is rich in taurine (an amino acid necessary for cats), vitamins and minerals, contains seaweed, fish oil. The food helps to reduce the unpleasant odor of animal excrement by adding a shediger to the yucca. To obtain the desired feed consistency, water and gelling additives are used. Of the minuses, the presence of brewer's yeast in the composition can be noted.

For kittens, the manufacturer offers a separate line, the basis of which is beef. True, here it is only 30%, while the rest is by-products and chicken. As carbohydrates, rice is used. In addition, blood plasma (a source of protein), fiber, vitamins are included in the feed.

Another super-premium product from domestic manufacturers - "Paphnutius Kotletich." It does not contain corn, synthetic preservatives or flavor enhancers. There is no soy and GMOs in it. The main source of protein in the product is turkey or chicken, in addition, offal, chicken necks, hearts, quail eggs are added. To improve digestion, as well as sources of useful elements added carrots, flax seeds. The disadvantage is the difficulty of finding these products in the store. It is mainly ordered on the manufacturer’s website.

Porcelan Estrudo - the next premium food from a domestic brand. The source of protein is chicken meat, but there is one “but” - it has a dehydrogenated form. This means that the protein in such meat is only 80%. Considering that dehydrated meat is 50% of the feed composition, we can say that in fact the amount of protein in it is lower than when using whole meat.

The composition contains rye bran, there are traces of corn, egg powder, linseed oil.Porcelan Estrudo is enriched with flax seeds (a source of fatty acids), chondroitin and glucohamine (useful for joints and cartilage), yucca shidiger extract (reduces the unpleasant odor of animal urine and feces), probiotics (improved digestion), vitamins, herbs and cranberries (antioxidant effect) taurine.

It is worth noting that the quality of the composition of the product is slightly lower than the quality of the feeds previously considered. Estrudo, of course, is classified as a super-premium class, but with a large "advance". This is due to dehydrated meat, offal, bone meal and corn in the composition.

Among the companies leading this rating, it is worth mentioning the Canadian brand 1st choice. It is often referred to as holistic (high-class elite feed), but since there is no official definition of the latter, in this article we consider it possible to consider this feed as a super-premium. The food is characterized by a rich product line - there are products for 2-month-old kittens and pregnant (lactating) cats, products for adults, as well as food for elderly (over 7 years old) animals.

The manufacturer offers options for castrated and sterilized cats, allergic cats, as well as individuals that require increased attention to the condition of the skin and coat.

The basis of the 1st choice are meat or fish and rice, the latter is one of the best options for carbohydrates. In addition, the composition contains pre- and probiotics, which can strengthen the intestines, improve digestion. Thanks to the balanced antioxidant and vitamin-mineral component, it is possible to reduce the smell of cat urine with the regular use of this food.

The next feed, despite the name’s particularities (the manufacturer uses the term “holistic” in it), is fairly attributed to the premium class. It's about feed Now Natural Holistic. As for the composition, it is grainless. Only boneless meat is used for feed, represented by pieces. The product is rich in fruits and vegetables, minerals and vitamins, does not contain antibiotics and GMOs.

The advantage is the variety of flavors - salmon, turkey, duck, chicken. The meat components are complemented by blackberries, cranberries, peas, pumpkin pulp, carrots, brown algae, and lentils. The manufacturer produces feed only in dry form, which for some breeders can be a minus.

Grain-free super premium, characterized by a balanced composition, should include the product Frank's Pro Gold. Many buyers note the high quality of feed at a relatively low (for feed of this class) price. The composition does not contain GMOs, synthetic ingredients, soy and antibiotics. Protein is represented by meat of lamb, rabbit, turkey, fish, chicken.

The producer, releasing his product, took care of animals of different age categories and the characteristics of their lifestyle. The product line also includes diet food for urolithiasis, diseases of the heart, kidneys and liver in cats.

Another super premium of the highest quality is produced by the company. Brit Care (Czech Republic). Again, the manufacturer captivates with the composition (it is hypoallergenic) and a wide product line. In general, it is similar to the one offered by the manufacturer discussed above. The variety of tastes of this food can compete with the restaurant menu.

It's important not to confuse Brit and Brit Care, as only the latter can boast a meat content of over 40% (more precisely, it depends on taste - if it is fish, then its content is 45%, if meat - 40-42%), which means that it is rightfully considered a super-premium class food. The manufacturer uses rice as carbohydrates. Food cannot be called superfood, because it contains only 1% fat.But it is great for cats that are prone to obesity or have a sensitive intestine.

The basis of English feed Arden grange are meat (up to 70% of the composition) and rice, the product is considered hypoallergenic. Enriched with a vitamin-mineral complex and probiotics, it is well absorbed, strengthens the animal's immunity and is suitable for individuals with sensitive digestion.

There are no attractants in the composition - the so-called feline “drugs”. Attractants mean substances that have harmful chemical impurities and addictive individuals to a particular feed. Being grain-free and low-fat, this food is perfect for cat breeds, prone to fullness, neutered and sterilized individuals, as well as those cats who do not hurt to lose weight.

German manufacturer of super-premium feed boasts consistently high quality Bosch Sanabelle. The product line starts from food for the smallest kittens and ends with food for adults and castrated, leading a sedentary image of animals.

These manufacturers produce food in 2 versions - dry and canned. Continuing the rating, it is worth noting swedish food bozita. The range also includes feed for animals of different ages and lifestyles. The richness of tastes will surprise and delight even the most fastidious pussies - hunting delicacies, fish dishes, meat menu.

American company Hill's produces feed for daily and therapeutic use. According to the manufacturer, the composition is selected by the leading nutritionists of the country, it is balanced and natural. for this reason, feed can often be seen in the lists of holistic.

Italian food is also of the highest quality. Almo nature, 99% of the composition of which is whole pieces of meat or fish. According to the manufacturer, it undergoes gentle heat treatment - it is made after the product is corked in a jar. In addition, the feed passes a three-stage verification system, which allows us to talk about its high quality, high biological value.

Breeders are pleased not only with the variety of tastes (turkey, beef, lamb, duck, chicken, fish delicacies), but also with many forms of release (dry food, juicy moist pieces, tender paste, soufflé).

The composition does not contain stabilizers, synthetic preservatives and GMOs. However, experts point to a certain minus of the product - dry feed is inferior to wet in its nutritional value.

A similar name has another super-premium food - Cat Natural of the Italian brand Monge. The main taste is fish (fish fillet and Thai seafood). These ingredients are combined with rice, dried vegetables and herbs. An important point is that the feed cannot act as the main one, the producer himself indicates that this is a delicacy or an addition to the main feed.

Another super-premium feed worthy of being ranked as the best is Nero Gold. The product is made in the form of dry and wet food for cats of various ages. The animal protein used is turkey, chicken, lamb, venison, and cold cuts. Barley kernels, rice, sweet potatoes, beet pulp can act as carbohydrates. The product is enriched with a vitamin and mineral complex, probiotics.

Legendary feed Animonda Vom Feinsten (Germany) also invariably hits the top. A diverse flavor composition is something worth noting. Pork, rabbit, chicken, salmon, as well as their diverse combinations - these are an incomplete line of tastes. For cats prone to allergies, you should choose products based on rabbit, turkey. The advantage of this brand can be called the care of kittens - a special series of feeds is produced that are suitable for kittens from 4 months. This is a special grain-free series, which is also used for feeding pregnant and lactating cats, elderly individuals.

Appeared relatively recently, but gaining consumer confidence Mi-Mi (Thailand) also worthy of being in this rating. Given the country in which the product is made, it is easy to guess that the main taste is fish and seafood. Salmon, crab, lobster, shrimp, etc. are real delicacies, besides so rich in essential fatty acids.

Canned food can be called fish (seafood) in its own juice, since the composition includes only the main ingredient, broth, a little egg powder and vitamin E (tocopherol) as a preservative.

When choosing food, you should carefully study the packaging. The criteria for a good super-premium feed should be as follows.

• The mass of the product should be indicated on the package, the percentage of its ingredients is indicated.
• The meat content should be at least 40%; ideally, it should not include offal, bone meal, fat, skin, beak and other useless meat substitutes, which are often used in cheaper feeds.
• It should be deciphered what vitamin-mineral supplements are present in the feed, the ratio of BZHU is indicated and caloric content per 100 g of product is calculated.
• Proteins must be of animal origin. They can be mono- or polyprotein and can be obtained from meat, eggs, fish. Offal is allowed. However, if the manufacturer indicates “meat products” in the composition without further decoding, this indicates the use of low-quality proteins. Check this fact will allow the ash indicator - if it is above 6-7%, this means that bone meal is used in large quantities. Such a product cannot be called safe for the health of cats.
• The content of corn and corn gluten should be minimized, ideally completely absent. Corn gluten is usually used in lower grade feed to increase nutritional value and lower production costs. However, for cats, this component is not only completely useless, but also dangerous.
• Do not use synthetic dyes, flavors or stabilizers in super-premium feeds. Taste enhancers are also prohibited.
• Detailing the composition - that is, a percentage indication of the content of key ingredients. In addition, the ingredients in the composition are in descending order. In the first place in a quality product should be indicated meat ingredient. Please note that the mentioned corn gluten should be at the end of the list of feed ingredients. If this is not the case, it is better to refuse the purchase.
• A manufacturer respecting itself and the buyer must indicate on the label the daily rate and its calculation, depending on the weight and age of the pet.

Of course, it is important to pay attention to the brand, the country of origin. For example, the same Royal Canin is produced both in France and in Russia. But in terms of composition, these are qualitatively different products, the foreign option is, of course, a super-premium class feed.

Some people think that medicinal feed is a priori healthier, but this is not so.It is not only useless, but also dangerous to feed them your pet without indications for this and the appointments of the veterinarian.

Castrated and sterilized, as well as lazy by nature, individuals should not be given excessively nutritious and high-calorie foods, this can lead to obesity, heart and liver problems. As a rule, almost every manufacturer produces a special series of products for such a group of cats. It is recommended to purchase it.

There are products that can be given to the "baby" from 1.5-2 months. First, the pet is offered moist food, then they switch to analogues and only after that they treat them with a dry product. The latter, at first, is recommended to soak in water (in no case in milk). Kittens should not be given dry food intended for an adult animal. Firstly, their digestive system may not be ready for this, and secondly, the granules may be too large for the kitten.

If necessary, purchase food for a kitten should consider the products of the following brands.

• Hills science plan - the food has a high protein content (in addition to animal proteins, it also includes vegetable), as well as a pleasant soft texture and taste.
• Josera - a novelty, which, however, has established itself as a quality feed. In addition to the meat ingredient, it contains offal.
• Choice - balanced nutrition for kittens based on meat and fish oil.
• Royal canin - food that can be given to babies from 2 months of age. In addition to the required components, the composition includes a special complex for the formation and strengthening of the animal's digestive system.

Bozita dry feeds received good reviews. On the Internet you can find several reviews that the owners switched to it when the quality of one of the well-known manufacturers of another super-premium feed deteriorated. When using Bozita, the condition of the intestines and the quality of the coat of pets improved. This is confirmed not only by the owners of cats, but also by large breeders of thoroughbred cats. For a change, experts recommend combining dry food with canned food of the same manufacturer.

It should be understood that the selection of food is always a very individual process. The same luxury product may suit one cat and cause serious indigestion and poor health in another individual. So, according to the recall, what happened with Bosch Sanabelle feed. The breeder says he took it for a test. The animal simply refused to eat the first portion, the next caused violation of the stool and deterioration in the quality of the coat. The breeder switched to another super-premium 1st choice product, after which the cat's condition returned to normal.

Positive feedback has feed Arden grange. According to the breeders, it is safe to give it to animals prone to allergies, as well as show cats. Experts confirm that it eliminates the risk of allergies, significantly improves the condition of the skin and coat of the animal. Despite the low calorie content, the food gives a feeling of fullness and replenishes all the needs of the body in micro and macro elements.

Many reviews on the Internet can be found about canned fish. Despite the compositional features and exquisite names given to the products by the manufacturer, some breeders note that not every cat tolerates such a treat. Canned fish and seafood often cause vomiting and a change in the stool of the animal. Therefore, they should not be considered as the main feed.

Owners of thoroughbred cats with snow-white, blue or silver fur should be more careful with products in which eggs are present.The fact is that with its regular use, the shade of the pet's fur coat may change - reddish spots appear on it.

See how to choose the best dry food that is as close to natural as possible in the next video.