Is meow mix good for cats
Is Meow Mix Good For Cats To Eat It Regularly?
Choosing the right food for your feline friend can be challenging, especially if its one of picky eaters.
Looking for a specific food, either a dry or wet variety, can also be overwhelming. Going through Amazon or Chewy means reading about hundreds of different products, varying in price and flavor options.
In the course of your research, youre likely to stumble upon Meow Mix cat food. Its quite a popular and affordable option. It has many ratings on web stores and offers a diverse range of products.
But, can you be confident that youre providing your cat with high-quality and nutritious sustenance solely based on popularity and affordability? The ideal cat food should be tasty and you want to see your kitty really enjoying it.
However, a cats nutrition is one of the crucial aspects for its health and longevity, therefore, an ideal pet food also needs to be of high quality.
Lets see if Meow Mix is good for cats and whether you should introduce it as a part of your cats regular diet.
Is Meow Mix Good For Cats?
Meow Mix has been on the market for a long time almost 50 years, to be precise. It was introduced in 1974 and, since then, has been selling cat food in many different flavors.
The table below shows five best-selling Meow Mix cat food products on Amazon.
At first glance, anyone will conclude that these products have a very good rating. Im sure many of you will find this enough to make a decision about buying Meow Mix cat food.
However, its necessary to perceive both pros and cons of any product to make an objective judgment.
Lets see the three things about this cat food that make it such a popular choice.
1. Affordability
I believe all of you would like to buy the best products for your pet, including food, toys, and all other items they need.
However, in many cases, these products are quite pricey. Cats also love to eat, so, its necessary to buy cat food pretty often. If you have multiple cats in your household you need to be ready to set aside a decent amount from your monthly budget that will be spent on cat food.
This is where Meow Mix cat food comes in handy. It meets basic feline nutritional needs and has a very affordable price.
2. Product Variety
Meow Mix offers dry and wet cat food, as well as tasty cat treats.
There are different tastes available with this cat food, such as:
Poultry and beef
Chicken and tuna
Seafood and poultry
Salmon
Chicken, turkey, and salmon
Turkey and giblet
Tuna and whitefish
Savory chicken breasts
I believe that even the most pickier eaters will find the one that they like among these diverse choices.
3. Most Cats Really Like It
According to the way most cats react to Meow Mix cat food, one thing is certain: Its definitely a very tasty food!
This can be interpreted as some type of junk food in the feline world. I mean, I would rather enjoy a tasty burger and fries rather than broccoli in most cases. I think most of you can relate to this!
The truth is that Meow Mix is likely to taste better than many other pet foods available on the market.
If you have a cat that isnt so crazy about eating, theres a good chance that Meow Mix will evoke its appetite.
What Are Some Downsides Of Meow Mix Cat Food?
Now, well look at the three characteristics that may be interpreted as potential downsides of this affordable and diverse pet food.
1. Ingredients Quality
The first thing to look out for when choosing a cat food is that it should be based on a meat protein. Three of five Meow Mix best sellers on Amazon contain whole ground corn as a first ingredient.
Of course, corn isnt toxic and theres nothing wrong with your cat eating it. However, it shouldnt occupy the top spot or even a prominent position among the first five ingredients in a cat food.
Meow Mix mostly uses corn and soy protein, while we would love to see meat protein in every cat food.
Although Meow Mix does include some meat protein, it would be a lot better to see it higher in the ingredients list.
Soybean is also a common ingredient in this cat food. According to Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, this ingredient is a good source of protein and essential amino acids.
Still, we expect to see a quality meat-protein as a basic ingredient rather than soybean.
In general, when looking for high-quality food, you should be looking for one containing meat as a first ingredient. Corn and other grains arent desirable among the leading ingredients.
Meow Mix foods feature meal-by-products, such as chicken and turkey by-product meals. These are solid sources of protein, but still not as good as regular meat products.
This cat food contains artificial colors, while we would love to see that its entirely chemical-free.
2. Potential Concerns On Digestive Issues
To get an objective judgment of a product, its necessary to go through customers reviews.
Ive found several comments on Meow Mix causing digestive upset in cats. One customer explained how his cats throw up far more after eating this specific food.
Theres also one that suggests how Meow Mix food caused serious diarrhea in his cat.
Furthermore, theres also a comment on a lot of gassing and cat poop smelling really bad after eating this cat food.
Of course, some cats with delicate stomachs can react to any cat food. This doesnt mean that any cat will develop digestive problems after consuming Meow Mix cat food.
Moreover, there wouldnt be so many high ratings if pet parents found it as a common cause for digestive trouble.
3. A Recall Due To Potential Salmonella Contamination
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, there has been a recall of two lots of Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food in 2021 due to potential salmonella contamination.
Salmonella infection symptoms in cats vary. Some cats dont show symptoms at all, while others can have a high fever, abdominal pain, and severe digestive problems. Sources of this infection include ingestion of some processed food, raw food, or hunting prey like rodents and birds.
Its worth mentioning that the Meow Mix company didnt receive any reports of pet illness. So, the withdrawal of the product was determined in time and potentially serious consequences were avoided.
Should Your Cat Eat Meow Mix Food?
A high-quality cat food, based on fine meat protein, is the type of food thats healthy for your furry friend.
However, just like we dont stick to the healthiest options every moment of our lives, the same flexibility can apply to your cats diet.
Theres nothing wrong with your cat enjoying Meow Mix. This way, you will still let your cat enjoy a tasty meal, especially if it shows it really likes Meow Mix products.
Meow Mix isnt bad cat food or something. It wouldnt have remained a staple in the market for so long if it posed any harm to cats!
Still, I wouldnt recommend that cats with certain health difficulties eat this food solely. The best solution would be to mix a meat-based food, with no artificial ingredients, with Meow Mix cat food.
What Are Some Cat Food Alternatives?
Below is the list of my favorites of both dry and wet foods. These cat foods are based on meat protein and are chemical-free and make a great choice for cats of all ages.
Final Thoughts
Is Meow Mix good for cats?
I would say it has a passing grade, especially for those of you who are on a budget. For those who are less constrained by financial considerations, I would recommend exploring other, pricier options.
This isnt a bad option for cat food, but it contains grains and artificial colors. I would recommend you to allow your kitty to eat it, since the vast majority of cats indeed enjoy this cat food.
Cats with health issues can eat it, too, but their diet should be additionally enriched with food based on natural meat protein.
Meow Mix Cat Food Review of 2024: Recalls, Pros & Cons
Review Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give Meow Mix cat food a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Meow Mix is one of the most popular cat food brands. Its manufactured in Alabama and Thailand, and cats all over the world love it. As their jingle states, cats ask for it by name. Because of its tasty flavor, affordability, and ease of access, Meow Mix is a favorite among cat owners and cats.
Still, Meow Mix isnt necessarily the best option for all cats. Because Meow Mix does not contain the healthiest ingredients, cats with health conditions need healthier brands tailored to their health needs. Nevertheless, many cats have lived long and healthy lives on Meow Mix, making it a great go-to option for healthy cats and homes on a budget.
To learn more about Meow Mix, read on. This comprehensive review tells you everything you need to know about Meow Mix, like its ingredients, recall history, recipes, and more.
At a Glance: The Best Meow Mix Cat Food Recipes:
Meow Mix Cat Food Reviewed
Overall, Meow Mix is a reliable and affordable brand loved by cats worldwide. Although cats love this food, it often contains unhealthy ingredients and plant-based protein, making it a less-than-ideal choice for cats with health conditions. Healthy cats, however, will be more than happy with this food and likely live a long life!
Who Makes Meow Mix & Where Is It Produced?
Meow Mix has a very long history, dating back to 1974. Initially, it was owned by the Ralston Purina Company, which is now called Nestle-Purina. Since then, the brand has been sold to various owners, such as Del Monte Foods.
In 2015, Meow Mix was bought by J.M. Smucker, who integrated it as part of the J.M. Smucker Big Heart Pet Brand line. This line also produces several other cat and dog foods, such as Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance and Rachael Ray Nutrish.
Today, all Meow Mix dry food is produced in Decatur, Alabama, which is also the companys primary facility. The wet cat food, however, is produced in Thailand. Unfortunately, the company does not release information relating to sourcing practices.
Which Type of Cats Is Meow Mix Best Suited For?
Meow Mix is best for healthy housecats with no known health concerns. As we will discuss later, Meow Mix doesnt necessarily have the best ingredients, but generations of cats have been raised on Meow Mix to live long lives. If your cat has no known health concerns, they will likely love Meow Mix.
Which Types of Cats Might Do Better with a Different Brand?
Because Meow Mixs ingredients arent the healthiest, cats with health conditions should eat another brand. Health conditions include cancer, obesity, allergens, or a sensitive stomach. For example, cats with sensitive stomachs should try Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Dry Cat Food instead.
Its vital to talk to your vet if your cat has health conditions. Your vet will direct you towards a healthier brand that targets your cats exact needs.
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients
Most Meow Mix foods have key ingredients in all their recipes. Lets take a look at the ingredients of both dry and wet Meow Mix cat foods.
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Meow Mix is most known for their dry food varieties. Cats seem to love the mix, which is affordable and easy to find at the grocery store. Despite these benefits, the ingredients are not the best. The mix is very carb-heavy, and the ingredients are low-quality.
In many of the dry mixes, corn gluten meal is the primary protein source. Though it is a high-protein ingredient, it is a plant protein cats do not naturally consume. Another plant protein used frequently is soybean meal. Soybean meal comes with more health concerns than corn gluten meal because it is associated with health problems in cats because of its phytoestrogen content.
In addition to plant proteins, meat by-products (like chicken or beef) are used for protein and nutrition. Though meat by-products are cat-safe and better than plant protein, meat by-products are not good quality meat. Some of the more animal-based proteins actually only contain animal fat, not protein.
The number one ingredient in many dry mixes is ground whole corn. It is packed with carbohydrates, which is not suitable for cats. Still, the ingredient is added because it gives the kibble a crunch that cats love.
Finally, Meow Mix dry foods have flavor additives and additional minerals and vitamins. The vitamins and minerals are healthy for your cat, but artificial colors and flavorings can be harmful.
Wet Food
Though the Meow Mix dry cat food is easier for us to serve, cats love the wet food the most. It has a protein base that is mixed in with gravy and other ingredients. Like dry cat food, wet food comes in many flavors, though the ingredients are lacking.
As for the protein source, wet foods rely more on animal protein (like chicken or tuna), which is a good thing. They rarely come with plant protein. As a result, the protein source is much more cat-friendly.
The wet food includes an oil for the gravy or wetness of the can. For example, many fish-based recipes have soil-bean oil, which provides fat and a boost of flavor.
The recipe will be stabilized in different stabilizer ingredients, like guar gum. These ingredients are rarely cat-friendly and are often associated with cancer and other health conditions, especially when the ingredients are degraded.
A Flavor for Every Feline
Meow Mix provides a flavor for every feline. Because Meow Mix has such a long-standing consumer base, they have just about every flavor imaginable. Whether your cat likes tuna or chicken, Meow Mix has an option to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Part of the reason cats love Meow Mix so much is that it has such a high carb and fat content. On one hand, carbs are addictive and make cats feel full. On the other hand, fat tastes delicious, making your cat come back for more.
Poor Ingredient Quality
Even though cats love Meow Mix, that does not mean you need to feed it to them often. As mentioned, cats love Meow Mix because of its high carb and fat content. In any cat diet, protein should be the star of the show, not carbohydrates or fat. Both can make your cat fat and lead to other health issues.
Additionally, much of the protein in Meow Mix food is from poor-quality ingredients. For starters, cats should not eat plant protein. Animal by-products are a better protein source than plant protein, but they arent as healthy as animal protein.
Even when the recipes use animal protein, however, most ingredients are plant-based. This isnt necessarily a critique of Meow Mix alone. Almost all dry cat food varieties are primarily made from plants to get that crunchy texture cats know and love.
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A Quick Look at Meow Mix Cat Food
Pros
- Cats love it
- A large variety of flavors
- Affordable
- Easy to find at the store
Cons
- Does not contain all cat-friendly ingredients
- Fattening
- Low-quality protein sources
Recall History
Meow Mix has one voluntary recall from April 2021, where J. M. Smuckers Co. announced that the Original Choice Dry Cat Food (30-lb bags) could potentially contain salmonella. More details about this recall can be read about here.
In 2015, Meow Mix was found to have the highest mycotoxin mold contamination. These results were found in a study that was crowdfunded by a consumer advocacy group.
In case you were unaware, mycotoxins are created by either mold or fungus, and they typically grow on grains, wheat, and corn. Consuming mycotoxins can lead to acute or chronic illnesses. Small ingestion of mycotoxins over time, for example, can lead to cancer, kidney failure, and liver toxicity.
Reviews of the 3 Best Meow Mix Cat Food Recipes
Here is a look at the top three Meow Mix Cat Food Recipes:
1. Meow Mix Tender Favorites with Real Tuna & Whole Shrimp in Sauce![]()
The Meow Mix Tender Favorites with Real Tuna & Whole Shrimp in Sauce is our favorite. Even incredibly picky eaters love this food and the taste of real tuna and shrimp in a cup.
We love this recipe because it contains more animal-based protein and fat than the dry food varieties. In fact, this recipe is about 78% protein, whereas the other two were only about 39% protein. Plus, this protein comes from animals, not plants.
The biggest downside of this recipe is that cats shouldnt have fish every day. Though it is suitable occasionally, recipes made with chicken or turkey are much more cat-friendly. Still, this is a much more manageable downside since you can limit how much you feed your cat with this recipe.
Calorie Breakdown:
Pros
- Cats love it
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Contains animal-sourced fat
- Contain animal-based protein
- Majority of calories are protein
Cons
- More expensive than dry cat food
- Cats should not have seafood every day
2. Meow Mix Tender Centers Salmon & White Meat Chicken Dry Cat Food![]()
The Meow Mix Tender Centers Salmon & White Meat Chicken Dry Cat Food has a flavor that cats go crazy for. It combines salmon and chicken with a crunchy outer layer and a meaty center. This recipe is high in protein, though cats love it most for its delicious flavor and dual texture.
As for the ingredients, it contains animal-sourced fat. The primary protein source is chicken by-product meal. Although chicken by-product meal is not high quality, it still is better than plant-based protein, which cats have not evolved to eat.
Much like the other dry food variety, this one contains several unhealthy ingredients. For example, it has corn syrup, dye, and other harmful ingredients. All these ingredients are linked to obesity and other health concerns common in cats.
Calorie Breakdown:
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to find at the store
- Cats love it
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Contains animal-sourced fat
- Contains animal by-products for protein
Cons
- Contains a lot of plant ingredients
- Contains animal by-products
3. Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
The Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food is easily the most popular recipe. Using delicious flavors of turkey, salmon, and fish, this original recipe has been loved by cats for generations. It provides a taste that cats cant get enough of.
At the same time, the Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring your cat gets all of the nutrition they need. Plus, it contains animal-sourced fats, which cats need in a healthy diet.
The main downside of this mix is that it isnt made with the best ingredients. Most of the protein comes from corn gluten meal. As we learned above, it is a plant-based protein, not an animal-based protein. Additionally, the fact that it offers the flavors of meat is deceiving. It doesnt contain a lot of animal protein, though it has animal by-products.
Calorie Breakdown:
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to find at the store
- Cats love it
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Contains animal-sourced fat
Cons
- Contains plant protein
- Contains animal by-products
What Other Users Are Saying
Its important to do your research before buying food for your friendly feline. In addition to reading our review, you can read what other users are saying below.
- Petmom My finicky 15-year-old kitty has decided that this is the only food he will eat. I love the bigger size cups and the convenience of the tear-off lid. It has the consistency of tuna, and its very juicy, which is great for kitties who dont like to drink water.
- Kirsten Love this food, as its the only brand/flavor my picky cat really seems to like.
- Amazon As cat owners, its up to us to feed our cats delicious and nutritious food. To ensure that you always feed your feline the best food on the market, always read customer reviews first. You can read some by clicking here.
Conclusion
Meow Mix is an affordable and convenient brand cats love. Though it does not contain the healthiest or cat-friendly ingredients, most healthy cats can live long and healthy lives on this food. If your cat has health conditions, however, we recommend talking to your vet about a cat food specific for your cats needs.
If you are sold on Meow Mix, try the Tender Favorites with Real Tuna & Whole Shrimp in Sauce. Of the recipes we looked at, it had the most animal protein. Just be sure to alternate food since cats should not eat seafood every day.
