In case you’re curious, you can check out our criteria page to find out exactly we concluded this rating.

Composition – Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Luau is good but you’ll need more variety

Tiki Cat’s Luau features chicken as its primary ingredient and only protein source (mono-protein). The dry matter containing a substantial protein content of around 80%. However, we are concerned about the lack of ingredient percentages, as transparency is crucial. On the plus side, the moisture content of 80% aligns with expectations for wet food, promoting hydration.

The food contains sunflower oil, a source of omega fatty acids. But cats, as obligate carnivores, can’t efficiently convert linoleic acid (LA, Omega-6) from plant oils into arachidonic acid (ARA, Omega-6). Therefore, fish oil would be a better choice than sunflower oil as it provides not only ARA but also other Omega-3 fatty acids. We would definitely recommend adding some variety with feeds that feature fish oils, duck, or innards. Another positive aspect is that the ingredient list does not hint towards using any kind of thickener, filler, or sugar. The smell is pretty neutral, and the texture looks like you’d expect from shredded chicken in broth. We’d love some filet pieces for tooth hygiene, though.

Declaration – why not be fully transparent?

The product’s ingredient list is clear, but unfortunately, there are no percentages so it’s hard for consumers to check for nutrient contents. Taurine and choline chloride, which are beneficial to cats’ health, are specifically mentioned. The lack of a fiber source might not be detrimental since cats need a high protein diet, but a small amount of fiber can aid in digestion. It’s also closer to the composition of natural prey which usually has a tiny amount of fiber in their stomachs.

Despite the feeding recommendation on the 2.8 oz. cans being a bit too low, everything seems in order and clear. The one on the 6 oz. can is in line with the daily needs of cats. The feeding recommendation on the 10-ounce can could be clearer. It says to feed 3/4 cans per day per 7 lbs body weight. It would be helpful to split up the groups of body weight into more parts and show a table. To have the cat owner calculate how much food to give your cat is a bit much. The amount recommended is totally fine. But the note to always have fresh water available for your cat and whether this is a complete or supplementary feed is missing.

3. Nutritional levels and balance – On target for a wet food

The minimum crude protein content is 16%, which is suitable for cats. The fat content of 2.6% is reasonable, and there’s lots of moisture for our feline desert descendants. The NFE content is very low with approx. under 1%. There’s 1% of taurine in the dry mass which is more than enough. Unfortunately, none of the amounts of additives for trace elements are disclosed, which we’ll penalize. The same goes for the minerals – calcium and phosphorus should definitely be disclosed because how much of those and how big their ratio is is very important for balanced cat food. And, sadly, the amounts of vitamin supplements are not mentioned either, which, again, makes Tiki Cat Luau lose a point. Lastly, the disclosure of whether their food is cooked separately is not provided. However, given the absence of vegetable content, there is not much to separate.

4. Consumer transparency – little information

We found some content on Tiki’s website that raised questions about their communication. They mention “minimally processed” food but do not directly state that their food falls into this category. Instead, they explain what that means: “Natural nutrients in the ingredients are retained throughout the preparation process”, and then just say “you can usually tell if the product is high quality and minimally processed. See Tiki Pet’s food for yourself below”¹. They then included a video on the same page – a video that has been set to private – leaving open whether or not their products are manufactured in this way that preserves nutrients.

On their FAQ page, they write “Chicken Luau contains natural flavors from Salmon and Chicken”². Yet, no flavor is listed in the ingredients on the Succulent Chicken Luau can label. This discrepancy leaves us wondering if this is the product they were referring to. To date, we have not come across any other “chicken-only” recipe-based feeds from Tiki Cat.

We deduct one point for the inconsistencies in the provided information and the questionable communication regarding the manufacturing process. Apart from these concerns, we found no other issues to raise.

Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Luau – a mixed picture

Supporting shelters, but lacking animal protection efforts

We found Tiki Pets made a food donation worth $ 750,000 of food to U.S shelters in 2020.³ However, we were unable to find any evidence of sponsorships, voluntary work, or community engagement from the brand. The lack of information regarding the living conditions of animals used in Tiki Cat’s food raises some concerns, as transparency in this area is typically an indicator of responsible sourcing.

One aspect of Tiki Cat that we find concerning is their inclusion of a lamb variant. We believe that every animal, even those used for food, should grow up in favorable living conditions. We were unable to find a definitive statement from Tiki Pets regarding their stance on animal testing. This is a matter of concern for us. Lastly, it is worth mentioning that tin cans are predominantly recyclable.

Claims of Sustainable Fish Sourcing

The brand claims that the “raw materials” they use are sourced from sustainable origins. According to their statements, Thailand, where its fisheries are located, is recognized for its robust fishing industry and stringent regulations. They assert that their fisheries are members of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) and actively support initiatives to protect marine environments from pollution and damage. Tiki Cat states that their fisheries hold certification from the International Dolphin Conservation Program. Although it should be noted that this certification specifically applies to Tuna. They also assert that their methods prioritize the preservation of other species, including sea turtles.⁴

Ambiguity in Size and Organizational Culture

In terms of the brand’s size, our research suggests that Tiki Pets has an employee count ranging from 11 to 50, although it appears to be part of Whitebridge Pet Brands, which employs between 200 and 500 people. We were unable to find any indications of an explicitly passionate team or a clear mission statement.

Price/performance – upper mid-range

Our 4 kg (8.8 lbs) neutered indoor cat needs 213 kcal per day which she will get from 268 grams (9.5 ounces) of this feed a day, costing $ 4.47 a day.

At the time of our review, there were only two options of this variant available on Amazon.com, which were a pack of 12 2.8-ounce cans and a pack of four 10-ounce cans. The bigger cans are much cheaper, costing $ 0.47 / ounce ($ 7.52 / lbs while the small cans cost $ 0.71 per ounce ($ 11.36 / lbs). On the best sellers page on Amazon wet cat food ranks from $ 0.12 per ounce (Friskies) to 0.92 per ounce (Purina). The slightly higher cost of this product can be justified when considering that many other U.S.-based brands incorporate fillers, starch, meals, and higher levels of carbohydrates into their products.

Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Luau – Conclusion

Tiki Cat Luau Shredded Meat, Succulent Chicken Recipe in Chicken Consumme seems to provide high-quality animal protein and a beneficial moisture content for hydration. Transparency in terms of ingredients and nutritional information is commendable. The lack of Omega-3 fatty acids suited for obligate carnivors and the ambiguity of meat sources and living conditions of animals are areas for improvement. We recommend mixing different brands to make sure to feed your cat in a balanced way. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a vet for feeding guidelines tailored to your cat’s specific needs.

As part of our test of the mentioned cat food brand, we have reached out to the company to obtain more detailed information about their products. We will update this post as soon as we have additional information.

Our food tests are created independently and are not commissioned by the manufacturers. In order to still be able to feed our own cats, we use partner or affiliate links where we earn from qualified sales. We use the income to be able to continue to present you with up-to-date information of the best quality.

The post Tiki Cat Succulent Chicken Luau Review appeared first on The Cat Edition.

If you’re curious, you can check out our criteria page to find out exactly how the rating was arrived at.

1. The Blue Wilderness chicken dry food composition – we have a lot to point out

The declaration of crude ash is not mandatory for American cat food, although some manufacturers may list it in the guaranteed analysis. In order to calculate anything, we’ll estimate an average of 6.5% of crude ash. Please consider this while checking out the price (caloric content) and the carbohydrate content / NFE. We’re unable to estimate how much of this product is meat as Blue Buffalo has not declared the percentage of any of the ingredients. In dry matter, this food contains about 44% proteins and 25% carbohydrates.

We noted that the only source of animal meat in this product is ‘deboned chicken,’ which is listed as the first ingredient. It’s somewhat surprising to find no offal included in this formulation, despite the rich nutritional value these animal organs can offer. For instance, liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, the heart is abundant in taurine, and kidneys are high in certain B vitamins. If such organ meats were included in the formulation, it could enhance the nutritional value of the food significantly and lessen the need for the additional supplementation of vitamins and minerals. Thus, we encourage the manufacturers to reconsider the product’s composition, potentially reducing the use of three different types of meals, tapioca starch, and dried egg product.

Blue Buffalo’s “Blue Wilderness” Chicken uses unnecessary ingredients

Like many kibble-based cat foods, this product contains a number of ingredients that cats simply don’t need. So settle in with a cup of coffee, as we’re about to dive into an extensive list:

Potatoes

The potato, as a member of the nightshade family, can pose risks to cats due to its content of potentially toxic substances like solanine, nicotine, lectins, and alkaloids. While cooking can reduce these toxins, it also decreases nutrient content. Furthermore, potatoes offer limited benefits to cats as they are rich in carbohydrates, which cats need only minimally and have difficulty processing effectively. The use of such ingredients in cat food doesn’t align with cats’ natural dietary requirements.

Legumes

Just like potatoes, legumes present similar problems in a cat’s diet. They can be harmful when raw and their high carbohydrate content is ill-suited for cats’ minimal carbohydrate needs. With their plant origins and the inevitable nutrient loss from extensive processing for kibble, legumes, too, clearly deviate from a cat’s natural dietary requirements.

• Peas and pea protein. As obligate carnivores, cats have a limited ability to utilize plant-based proteins. Consequently, pea protein, derived from legumes, does not provide essential dietary value for cats, marking it as unnecessary.
• Dehydrated alfalfa meal. Also known as lucerne, it’s valued for its high mineral content. However, the dehydration, grinding, and cooking processes required to incorporate it into cat food can significantly diminish these nutrients. Until there’s scientific evidence supporting the benefits of adding prebiotics to a healthy cat’s diet, the additional fiber content from alfalfa meal is considered unnecessary. Thus, dehydrated alfalfa meal primarily serves as a filler ingredient and is not beneficial for your cat’s well-being.

Natural Flavor

While this might make the food more palatable for cats, it doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits. The specific source of the flavor is also important to consider.

Dried chicory root, salt, sweet potatoes, carrots, vegetable juice for color, blueberries, cranberries, barley grass, parsley, turmeric, and dried kelp.

These ingredients primarily serve as sources of fiber or color. While they may have some nutritional value, they are not essential for cats who are carnivores.

Yucca Schidigera Extract

This is often used to control the odor of cat feces and urine but doesn’t provide significant nutritional value for cats.

Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract.

These are all sources of probiotics, which can aid in digestion. The benefits of probiotics for cats are still being studied and their inclusion in cat food is not necessary.

Plant-based oils

Flaxseed oil and oil of rosemary are both plant-based oils, and as such, they contain types of fats that cats can’t utilize as effectively as animal fats.

• Flaxseed oil is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. While ALA is beneficial for humans and some animals, cats cannot efficiently convert ALA to the forms of omega-3 fatty acids that they can use more effectively, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These latter two forms are found in animal sources, particularly fish.
• Rosemary oil is often used in pet foods as a natural preservative and to provide flavor. While it’s generally considered safe in small amounts, it doesn’t provide substantial nutritional value in the form of fats.

The aroma of this food bears the characteristic scent of typical kibble cat food. It differs from the aroma of human-grade food. As for the texture, it adheres to the standard kibble consistency, lacking any discernible pieces of filet that could provide abrasive action for your cat’s teeth.

2. Declaration – exact naming, missing percentages

Missing percentages of ingredients

While the list of ingredients provided is exhaustive, the lack of any percentages listed creates a challenge in accurately determining the proportions. This lack of transparency raises concerns regarding the overall quality of the feed. When a manufacturer has nothing to hide, they can list all ingredients with their respective percentages. This allows you to make more informed decisions based on the complete picture of what the product contains.

Without specific percentages, we can only make rough estimates of ingredient proportions based on their order in the list. It is reasonable to assume that the first three ingredients contribute the most to the protein content. Therefore the pea protein will likely comprising a significant portion, ranging from one-fourth to one-third of the overall protein content.

However, the absence of precise percentages makes it difficult to determine the true composition of this dry food. This lack of transparency is not indicative of the highest quality standards, even though deboned chicken meat is considered high-quality protein. We would recommend seeking brands that provide comprehensive ingredient information, including specific percentages on their packaging and their product’s website. This way, you can have a clearer understanding of the nutritional profile and make informed decisions.

Feeding recommendation – good, but could be clearer

The listed feeding recommendation for Blue Wilderness is ¼ – ½ cup for cats weighing 5 to 9 lbs (2.3 kg to 4.1 kg), using an 8-oz. measuring cup. Our 4 kg neutered indoor cat needs approximately 212.65 kcal a day, meaning she should eat 57.3 grams of this feed (considering 6.5% crude ash content). If we consider the caloric content provided as 443 kilocalories per cup, we can divide the daily caloric requirement of our cat by the caloric content per cup to estimate the number of cups needed:

212.65 kcal / 443 kcals/cup = 0.48 cups per day

According to this calculation, the feeding recommendation aligns with our cat’s caloric needs. It may appear to be close to the upper limit of ½ cup. But the calculator includes a slight additional “safety” kcal requirement to reduce the chances of underestimating your cat’s calorie needs.

This recommendation could be clearer by splitting the table into more parts. The span of 5 to 9 lbs body weight and ¼ – ½ cup is a little too loose. The specification of whether this cat food is a complete food or a supplementary food is missing.

Please keep in mind that these calculations are based on general estimates. Using a calculator to estimate how much food to give to your cat should be considered as a starting point. Take into account your cat’s specific factors such as age, breed, size, weight, activity level, and overall health. Additionally, whether your cat is neutered or not can also influence their caloric needs. Consult with a cat nutritionist to determine the optimal feeding amount and to tailor it to your cat’s individual requirements.

3. Nutritional levels and balance – hard to tell

Too much NFE content

The NFE content we calculated with the estimated 6.5% ash results in a whopping 22.5%! That’s too much, whether we consider 2% ash (27% NFE) or 8% ash (21% NFE). And if we look at the NFE content for the dry mass, it jumps to 24.7%, which is way over the 10% maximum we think it should be. The list of ingredients does not justify the assumption that the NFE contained are mostly of animal origin (muscle meat and liver glycogen can add quite a lot to the NFE count).

Lack of nutrient transparency

Blue Buffalo fails to specify the quantities of most trace elements, minerals, or vitamins included in their product. Although they have declared the amounts of magnesium and taurine – both in compliance with AAFCO and FEDIAF guidelines – a comprehensive declaration of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, potassium, sodium, iodine, and specific vitamins would enhance transparency.

You may find our approach a tad stringent, but we do subtract one point for each category missing amounts. Simply because we have no way of estimating them. We strive for thoroughness in our review, even if it means deducting points for undisclosed information. After all, transparency is key when it comes to evaluating the quality of cat food.

Blue Buffalo’s “LifeSource Bits”

Last but not least, the trademarked “LifeSource Bits” contain a “precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants”. They’re created using a “cold-formed” process to help retain all beneficial elements, despite the high processing everything else. This is a bit like cooking these components separately to make sure your cat gets all the necessary nutrients.

4. Blue Buffalo’s consumer transparency is questionable at best

Misleading claims about the type of production

The brand’s advertising for their dry extruded cat food, which touts “FORMULATED WITH THE FINEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS,” is potentially misleading. While it implies the use of high-quality, natural ingredients, the product mainly consists of processed components, including dried, cooked, and ground ingredients, various meals, and fibers. The extensive processing this food undergoes, including the dry extrusion process, often involves high temperatures that can affect the nutritional value of the ingredients. Consequently, the claim of using the “finest natural ingredients” does not accurately reflect the product’s actual composition, potentially leading consumers astray, particularly those seeking truly natural cat food options.

Unconvincing ingredient list & advertising

While Blue Buffalo avoids “chicken/poultry by-product meal”, its use of chicken meal as a second ingredient raises eyebrows. Furthermore, the brand’s assurance of “No artificial flavor” is questionable when the ingredient list discloses the addition of “natural flavor”. The requirement for any added flavor, be it natural or artificial, puts the overall quality of the cat food into perspective.

Legumes and soy – a transparency issue

Blue Buffalo’s advertisement stating “no soy” but them using peas makes us wonder about the transparency of the production process. While peas are not allergenic, they are still considered legumes and fall under the category of plant-based ingredients. Emphasizing the absence of soy while incorporating other legumes as the third ingredient on the ingredient list, makes us wonder about the overall accuracy of their claims.

Health benefits of ingredients – unsubstantiated

Blue Buffalo’s claim that their cat food, containing vegetables and fruits like blueberries, cranberries, and potatoes, provides specific health benefits isn’t backed by robust scientific evidence. Interestingly, they supplement the same vitamins and minerals that these ingredients are claimed to provide (vitamins A, C, E, B vitamins, potassium, manganese). The brand’s statement on the health benefits of prebiotic fiber and antioxidants for healthy pets (including cats) is equally unsupported scientifically. This raises concerns about the validity of Blue Buffalo’s communication.

Ingredient amounts – a missing element

Once again, we are unable to discern if any ingredients have been left out due to the lack of declaration regarding the ingredients’ amounts.

5. The Blue Buffalo Brand – size does matter

Mission and passion of employees

The fact that the brand has a high number of employees, specifically 1,700, indicates the scale and scope of its operations. In smaller companies, employees are more in alignment with the company’s mission and when providing cat food we value a certain moral. On the other hand, being a big corporation can aid to animal wellfare:

Blue Buffalo have sponsored multiple events or conferences regarding animal protection and rescue, like the Pet Cancer Awareness Program and the Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team Tribute to Heroes Football Game. Also, they have donated food supplies to several organizations and raised millions of dollars for pet cancer research.^{1, 2}

Sourcing and living conditions of animals is potentially problematic

Blue Buffalo operates production facilities in two US locations – Joplin, MO and Richmond, IN. Yet, their description of using “carefully selected, globally sourced ingredients” lacks clarity regarding the specific origin of the meat in their products. This raises questions about whether the meat is sourced locally or imported, and what the living conditions for these animals might be. Many brands are explicit about their commitment to ensuring good living conditions for animals used in their pet food. Moreover, Blue Buffalo offers cat food variants containing lamb, a choice we find objectionable. We firmly believe that every animal deserves a decent upbringing, even if it’s destined to become pet food.

Unclear stance on animal testing from Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo asserts that they do not engage in, support, or sponsor studies that harm animals. Yet, they stop short of definitively saying “No, we do not do animal testing” as many other pet food manufacturers who reject animal testing outright do. This vagueness leaves us with questions about their testing procedures. Are they invasive? Do they restrict the animals’ living conditions, or even resort to force-feeding? Without clear information, it’s unsettling to speculate about the possibilities.

No “universal recycling symbol”

The absence of a recycling symbol suggests that the brand may not have a clear recycling program or a specific approach to ensuring the recyclability of its packaging materials. This could be a factor in evaluating their commitment to environmental sustainability and waste reduction. Funny they tell you, the potential dog owner, to “[c]hoose compostable poop bags over plastic.”!³

6. Price/performance – upper middle

Our 4 kg (8.8 lbs) neutered indoor cat will need about 213 kcal per day which is contained in 57.2 grams (2 oz) of Blue Buffalo’s chicken dry food. With $ 28.98 per 6 pounds this dry food brings us to a daily cost of feeding our cat of $ 0.61 per day. That’s an okay price, considering it costs $4.83 / lbs on Amazon, and shipping is free. Buying the 12 pound pack instead of the 6 pound one costs you about a dollar less per pound. On the first page of Amazon best selling dry foods you can find dry food between $ 1.36 (Meow Mix) and $ 7.50 (Orijen) per pound, so this product is only slightly pricier than the average diet. If you’re used to buying Iams, Friskies or Purina, this will definitely feel more costly.

Blue Buffalo Chicken Dry Food Review – Conclusion

While there’s no denying the financial power that comes with a brand of Blue Buffalo’s size, and their philanthropic contributions to American pets are commendable, certain aspects of their product line leave room for improvement. Specifically, the quality of their food and their attention to sustainability and animal welfare, particularly with respect to the animals sourced for their meat, could use additional scrutiny.

We believe that a shift in focus might benefit the company and its consumers. Perhaps they could consider investing in more sustainable and animal-friendly production methods.

As a general rule, we wouldn’t advise relying solely on dry food for your cat’s diet due to its lack of one essential nutrient: water. Nonetheless, we appreciate that Blue Buffalo includes real chicken meat as the primary ingredient, at least providing high-quality protein for our feline friends.

As part of our test of the mentioned cat food brand, we have reached out to the company to obtain more detailed information about their products. We will update this post as soon as we have additional information.

Our food tests are created independently and are not commissioned by the manufacturers. In order to still be able to feed our own cats, we use partner or affiliate links where we earn from qualified sales. We use the income to be able to continue to present you with up-to-date information of the best quality.

The post Blue Buffalo “Blue Wilderness” with chicken Dry Food Review appeared first on The Cat Edition.

If you want to know precisely how we build our cat food ratings, take a look at our criteria page and see for yourself.

1. Dynasty Emperor Duck – the composition is flawless

Dynasty Emperor Duck scores with a balanced composition that meets the dietary needs of cats. It contains high-quality ingredients. There is nothing to complain about here, all 10 points are well deserved. The meat content is exactly two-thirds, Dynasty Emperor Duck contains enough moisture and salmon oil and comes without additives – so does not contain any thickeners, fillers, sugar, or unnecessary ingredients.

Something very special, in our opinion, is the good smell and texture, because the food contains, among other things, pieces of filet. This is very close to the cat’s natural diet and provides tooth abrasion, which is usually lacking in wolfed products. Once you have sniffed this food, you will understand how high-quality smells – it reminded us of canned stew.

2. Dynasty Emperor Duck Declaration is almost exemplary

The packaging gives clear and understandable information about the declaration of ingredients. However, no percentages are declared for the meaty necks and offal (“consisting of muscle meat min. 21%, hearts min. 10%, meaty necks, offal”), which limits transparency. Therefore, we deduct one point here. However, we can calculate that these two ingredients account for a maximum of 69% of the duck contained.

The feeding recommendation is spot-on, clear, and includes everything that is necessary and recommended by FEDIAF, the brand has obviously thought this through. Our calculations tell us the mean of Dynasty’s feeding recommendation for cats with 4 kg (8.8 lbs), 235 g (0.52 lbs), is only 3.7% more than our recommended amount of 227 g (0.5 lbs).

3. Nutritional levels and balance – almost perfect

The nutritional content is well balanced, with high-quality protein sources and essential nutrients. In our calculation of trace elements, we noticed that the level of zinc added does not meet the FEDIAF minimum requirements, however, the ingredients like offal presumably contain sufficient zinc (that the included offal naturally contains zinc is also mentioned by Dynasty on the product page).

4. Dynasty’s Consumer transparency is excellent

We found only clear and unproblematic information about the ingredients and the manufacturing process. Dynasty avoid misleading claims and give us no cause for criticism in this area. They describe their food as premium cat food that is gently and separately cooked in a special manufacturing process and without all the “sometimes questionable” additives. We found a clear list of what is not in the food – with consistent wording (“no”), without self-designed “certificates”.

5. The Dynasty brand – strong, but with room for improvement

The brand Dynasty demonstrates a clear commitment to animal welfare and sustainability in the cat food sector. They have a specific product category in their online shop dedicated to animal protection. However, they could be more transparent regarding the names of supported organizations and the specific projects that are being backed.

Dynasty places great emphasis on the good living conditions for all animals used in their food production. An essential part of their philosophy is the refusal to use baby animals, ensuring all animals can lead a long and good life. Moreover, the raw materials come from regional production, supporting a low CO2 footprint and reduced emissions.

Dynasty does not conduct animal testing, and their packaging materials, primarily aluminum cans, are largely recyclable. As a small company, Dynasty passionately represents their values.

Support for local associations, initiatives, volunteering, or sponsorships for animal shelters is not evident. Although we understand that particularly these points can be difficult to master with a small workforce, Dynasty misses two bonus points in the “Brand” category here.

6. Price/performance – reasonable

Dynasty Emperor Duck cat food is of high quality, which justifies a higher price in our opinion. At $ 2.58 per day for a 8.8 lbs (4 kg) neutered indoor cat, this wet food is above average. In comparison, Reveal Natural Wet Cat Food costs $ 0,56 / oz (12 x 2.47 oz cans on Amazon), Purina Friskies is $ 0,14 / oz (32 x 5.5 oz cans on Amazon), and Dynasty Emperor duck lines up in the middle of this spectrum with $ 0.32 / oz (6 x 13.4 oz cans in the Dynasty.pet shop). It is available exclusively through the brand’s own online store, which may mean higher shipping costs compared to ordering from Amazon. However, based on the quality of the food, this additional cost should be seen in context. Consider this food an investment in your pet’s health and well-being – it’s a high-quality option at the higher end of the price spectrum.

Dynasty Emperor Duck Review – Conclusion

Overall, Dynasty Emperor Duck Premium Cat Food is an excellent choice for those who are looking for the best for their cat and are willing to spend a little more for it. Despite minor shortcomings in the declaration and brand transparency, the food scores high marks overall with its quality, excellent composition, and focus on consumer transparency. A purchase recommendation for all who want to keep their cat happy and healthy.

As part of our test of the mentioned cat food brand, we have reached out to the company to obtain more detailed information about their products. We will update this post as soon as we have additional information.

The post Dynasty Emperor Duck Cat Food Review appeared first on The Cat Edition.

Preface

All the information we use for the evaluation comes from the packaging and product pages of the manufacturers. However, please note that this information can only serve as minimum values. It is intended to give you an overview of the quality of different types of food. It is always advisable to remain skeptical and to critically question both the manufacturer’s information and our evaluation.

We can only evaluate what is indicated by the manufacturers on the packaging. The amount and type of information can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some, for example, indicate the calcium, phosphorus, and ratio value, while others do not. However, comprehensive and transparent labeling can be rated positively with regard to the criterion of consumer transparency and can lead to a better result.

In addition, we have introduced the criterion “brand”. We believe that companies that pursue a strong mission and support, for example, animal protection should be positively rated, even if this does not directly influence the quality of the cat food.

All criteria are evaluated considering a healthy, 4 kg (8.8 lb neutered indoor) cat. Please note that this serves as a general guideline and the individual needs of your cat should be taken into account.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

1. Composition

High-quality cat food is characterized by a carefully balanced composition. Here we evaluate the ingredients and their quality. It is important that the food is made from high-quality ingredients that meet the nutritional needs of the cat. This includes a high proportion of meat, the absence of inferior animal components, and the omission of (for cats) unnecessary additives such as sugar, fillers, and vegetable fats. Also, the smell, texture, and visual appeal of the food provide good indicators of quality. A high score in this criterion means the food supports the cat’s well-being and contributes to long-term health with optimal ingredients.

1.1 Protein. The cat food contains a balanced protein content, which corresponds to the recommended minimum value of 33 g / 100 g dry matter (We still consider the neutered (indoor) cat and adhere to the recommended values of the FEDIAF Guideline.

1.2 Meat content. The food convinces with a high meat content of at least 67% (rounded to zero decimal places), which meets the needs of carnivores.

1.3 Protein sources. These should either all come from the same animal or at least from similar animal species or the second source should have a low proportion. Wildly mixed up animals suggest that there are leftovers added to the food.

1.4 Moisture content. With a content of at least 70% water, the product ensures sufficient fluid intake.

1.5 Avoidance of inferior animal ingredients. The cat food relies on high-quality protein sources and does not contain inferior ingredients such as udders, hooves, or feathers.

1.6 Avoidance of unnecessary ingredients. The food does not use unnecessary ingredients such as Yucca Schidigera or catnip. Ingredients are considered unnecessary if there is no evidence that they have benefits for healthy cats. We believe that cat food should be limited to ingredients that have been proven to be beneficial for cats (otherwise, they are considered “unnecessary”).

1.7 Fats/oils. No vegetable fats or oils are used, only fats and oils of animal origin. Various literature suggests that cats can only convert linoleic acid to arachidonic acid to a limited extent, which is why the use of fish oil is often recommended to provide valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids to the cat. For example, coconut oil has been suspected in the past of causing health problems.¹

1.8 No added sugar. The product completely avoids added sugars, including complex sugars (while it is legal to advertise as “without added sugars” even if complex sugars are present, we generally consider sugar unnecessary for cat food).

1.9 No thickening agents. The diet does not contain any thickening agents such as cassia gum, locust bean gum, or similar substances.

1.10 Avoidance of fillers. The product avoids fillers such as cellulose powder.

1.11 Smell. The cat food impresses with a pleasant smell, indicating good quality.

1.12 Texture. The texture of the product appears appetizing and enables optimal dental abrasion due to the included filet pieces.

2. Declaration

It is important that the information on the packaging of cat food is clear and complete. This includes the precise listing of ingredients and their percentages so that you know what is contained in the food. No confusing or ambiguous terms should be used. Clear feeding instructions should also be provided so that you know how much food your cat should receive. The declaration should be transparent and help you, the consumer, assess the quality of the food.

2.1 Declaration. It should not contain vague descriptions of by-products such as “animal by-products” or similar terms.

2.2 Ingredients. All ingredients must be listed, and the percentages should add up to 100%.

2.3 Complete transparency. Provide accurate percentage values for all ingredients. No ambiguous statements force you to guess, such as “rabbit meat 67% (liver, heart, muscle meat 10%)”.

2.4 Use of terms. The term “meat” in the ingredient list does not include other components such as “broth” or “offal.” Meat is also not equivalent to mechanically separated meat.

2.5 Statements. No ambiguous statements such as “pork” without specifying the specific parts (muscle meat, heart, liver, etc.).

2.6 Feeding instructions have five sub-points:
2.6.1 They must not be unclear or incomplete.
2.6.2 The daily feeding recommendation (weight of food per day) must be provided.
2.6.3 A note that water must be available is required.
2.6.4 The distinction between complete and complementary food must be indicated.
2.6.5 The feeding recommendation for a 4 kg (8.8 lb neutered indoor) cat should not deviate more than 10% from the calculated food mass per day to avoid potential undernourishment of the cat.

3. Nutrient content and balance

It is crucial that cats receive a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients in the right amounts. Cats have specific dietary needs such as animal protein, taurine, trace elements, and vitamins. Reviewing the nutrient content and balance in cat food ensures that your cat’s needs are met and that they can lead a healthy and active life. Analyzing this category can identify potential deficiencies or imbalances to evaluate whether the product meets high standards for optimal nourishment.

3.1 NFE content. Nitrogen-free extract substances in high-quality cat food comprise the carbohydrate sources of the food, including animal glycogen sources such as muscle meat and liver. A low NFE content of up to approximately 20% in the dry matter of cat food ensures that cats should not experience digestive or metabolic issues.

3.2 Sufficient Taurine. Taurine is essential for cats, and they can only obtain it through their diet. That means it is better to slightly overdose than to underdose. Excess taurine is simply excreted, and there is no “maximum level” specified by FEDIAF. However, too little taurine is life-threatening. Therefore, if the minimum recommended level by FEDIAF is not reached, there is a deduction of points.

3.3 Trace Elements. All trace elements from the FEDIAF table (if nutritional values are provided on the packaging or product page) are reviewed. This results in 6 sub-points: zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, selenium, and iron. Similar to taurine, there is a deduction of one point for each trace element if the minimum value is not reached.

3.4 Minerals. Here, there are 7 sub-points: calcium, phosphorus, their ratio, potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. One point deduction if the calculated values are too low.

3.5 Vitamins. Similarly, there are 12 points for various vitamins (refer to the FEDIAF table), including A, D3, E, B7 (biotin), other B vitamins, and choline (although strictly speaking, not a vitamin, it is often grouped with the B vitamins due to its similarity).

3.6 Ingredients should be separately cooked. Different ingredients require different cooking times, and often the nutrients of vegetables are depleted due to high temperatures.

4. Consumer Transparency

The aim is to evaluate clear and honest consumer transparency and ensure that companies provide accurate information about their product. This gives consumers the opportunity to make informed decisions and choose high-quality products.

4.1 No use of fake certificates or misleading claims such as “natural” or “made in Sweden” as they do not provide meaningful information.

4.2 No advertising with self-evident claims such as “natural ingredients” as it is misleading.

4.3 Omission of relevant information is penalized, e.g. it is relevant for you and your cat that fillers have been added, but it is omitted.

4.4 Claims not based on facts result in a deduction of points. This applies to both packaging claims and information on the company’s website. An example is claiming that ingredient X provides health benefits to cats when there is no scientific evidence to support it.

4.5 Hidden or disguised ingredients result in a deduction of points. An example would be stating “no added sugars” even though complex sugars are present. Although this is legally acceptable, we consider it morally questionable.

4.6 No false claims about the type of production. If it is claimed that the production is “natural” and “gentle” when it is actually heavily processed food, this is considered a false claim.

5. Brand

The aim is to evaluate the brand in terms of animal welfare, environmental protection, corporate culture, community engagement, animal testing, and the recyclability of the materials used. This rewards companies that take social responsibility and make a positive contribution to society and the environment. For each identified indication, we award a bonus point.

5.1 Mention of donations to rescue stations, animal shelters, or animal and species protection.

5.2 No varieties with animal babies such as calf or lamb.

5.3 Meat comes from animals raised in good conditions.

5.4 Mention of volunteering or sponsorship for rescue stations or animal shelters.

5.5 Mention of regionally sourced meat.

5.6 Mention of environmental conservation measures.

5.7 Passionate vision or corporate culture involving employees.

5.8 Engagement in the community, such as volunteer work, sponsorship, or partnerships with local organizations.

5.9 Clarification that no animal testing has been conducted.

5.10 Information on the recyclability of the materials used.

6. Price-Performance Ratio

This category allows for some flexibility in evaluation. An estimated value is created to determine how expensive the food is compared to the average price per kilogram or per day. Then, based on the results of the other categories, the quality is applied to the price using a factor to evaluate the price-performance ratio. This category does not result in direct point deductions but is derived from the evaluations in other categories.

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