In our pursuit of providing the most comprehensive and Unbiased Canidae Cat Food Review In 2023, we delve into the heart of what feline nutrition truly entails. we understand the significance of choosing the right cat food for your beloved feline companion. Canidae, a renowned independent, family-owned pet food company, claims to offer high-quality natural food for cats. But is Canidae truly a wise choice for your cherished pet? Let’s embark on this investigative journey to unravel the truth about Canidae cat food and how it stacks up against our rigorous standards.
We’ve Rated Canidae on What Matters
At Cats.com, we hold ourselves to the highest standards when evaluating pet food brands. Our comprehensive rating system, the Cats.com standard, takes into account various crucial factors, including species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Let’s break down how Canidae fares in each of these six key areas.
Species-Appropriateness – 5/10 While Canidae cat food provides a decent diet for most cats, there are areas where it can improve in terms of species-appropriateness. It scores a 5 out of 10 in this category.
Ingredient Quality – 7/10 Canidae does a commendable job when it comes to ingredient quality, scoring a 7 out of 10. The use of quality ingredients reflects their commitment to providing nutritious options.
Product Variety – 7/10 With a diverse range of dry and wet cat food offerings, Canidae garners a score of 7 out of 10 for product variety. This variety caters to cats of all ages and dietary needs.
Price – 7/10 Affordability is a significant factor for many cat owners, and Canidae strikes a balance between quality and price. It earns a 7 out of 10 for its competitive pricing.
Customer Experience – 9/10 Canidae shines in the realm of customer experience, scoring an impressive 9 out of 10. Positive customer feedback and responsive support contribute to this high rating.
Recall History – 5/10 Canidae has faced recalls in the past, earning it a 5 out of 10 in the recall history category. It’s crucial to be aware of these incidents and consider them when making your decision.
Overall Score: 6.6/10 When all factors are taken into account, Canidae cat food receives an overall score of 6.6 out of 10, which corresponds to a B- grade according to our grading system.
About Canidae
Unbiased Canidae Cat Food Review In 2023 To truly understand a pet food company, it’s essential to delve into its origins. Canidae was born from the friendship of co-founders John Gordon and Scott Whipple, who met as teenagers. Their journey began when Whipple took over the San Dimas Feed Store in California at the age of 19. It was there that the duo identified a gap between what the pet food industry was producing and what consumers truly wanted.
Recognizing this opportunity, they ventured into business, collaborating with pet nutritionists and veterinarians to create their first line of pet food in 1996. Fast forward over two decades, and Canidae now offers nearly 100 formulations of dry food, canned food, and treats for both dogs and cats.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
In 2012, Canidae established the Ethos Pet Nutrition facility in Brownwood, Texas, dedicated to the production of some Canidae wet and dry foods. The facility’s unique feature is its small batch microbrewery approach, reflecting Canidae’s commitment to quality.
While Canidae operates its own manufacturing plant, they also partner with outside manufacturers. The specifics of which recipes are produced in-house versus externally remain undisclosed. However, it is known that the company was still outsourcing manufacturing to Diamond Pet Food after the Brownwood plant’s opening.
Through the Canidae Farms Initiative, the company endeavors to enhance its involvement in growing the ingredients used in their foods. Collaborating with US farmers, Canidae cultivates various crops, including yellow peas, millet, parsley, rosemary, sage, zucchini, pumpkin, and tomatoes. Although Canidae aims to primarily source ingredients through the Canidae Farms Initiative, the volume produced on their company-owned farms remains a small portion of Canidae’s ingredient supply.
Has Canidae Cat Food Been Recalled?
In 2012, Canidae faced a recall due to salmonella contamination. At that time, Canidae outsourced manufacturing to Diamond Pet Foods, a manufacturer serving multiple pet food companies. It remains uncertain whether Canidae continues to collaborate with Diamond following this recall incident.
What Kinds Of Cat Food Does Canidae Offer?
Canidae caters to the diverse dietary needs of cats by offering both dry and wet cat food across three distinct product lines:
- Canidae Limited Ingredient Diet PURE: Tailored for cats with sensitivities, this line features dry recipes with 7-8 key ingredients and wet foods with under 5 key ingredients. They are grain-free and free from corn, wheat, or soy.
- Canidae All Life Stages: This line comprises three grain-inclusive dry cat foods, each formulated to meet the needs of cats at every stage of life, from kittens to seniors.
- Canidae Under the Sun: Canidae’s economy line features single animal proteins and a plethora of fruits and vegetables. It includes both dry and wet foods.
Canidae Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
Unbiased Canidae Cat Food Review In 2023
- CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Elements with Chicken Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Cat Food
- Food Type: Dry
- Price: $3.35 per lb
- Our Grade: C
- Overview: This dry cat food places chicken and chicken meal at the forefront of its ingredient list. With a limited ingredient list containing eight key components, it is ideal for cats with dietary sensitivities. Additional ingredients include turkey meal, potatoes, peas, and chicken fat, providing a balanced nutritional profile. It also includes salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics for digestive support. This food offers moderate protein content with moderate fat and higher carbohydrate content.
- CANIDAE Life Stages All Life Stages Formula Dry Cat Food – Discontinued
- Food Type: Dry
- Price: $0.15 per oz
- Our Grade: C-
- Overview: This dry cat food is designed to cater to cats of all life stages and sizes. Its primary protein source is chicken meal, followed by brown rice, cracked pearled barley, peas, and millet. While these ingredients contribute to the food’s carbohydrate content, they also offer necessary nutrients. The inclusion of chicken fat and various protein sources enhances the overall nutritional profile. However, the food contains a range of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it a well-rounded option for your feline companion.
- CANIDAE Pure Goodness Salmon & Whitefish in Broth Canned Cat Food
- Food Type: Wet
- Price: $0.56 per oz
- Our Grade: C
- Overview: This wet cat food emphasizes salmon and whitefish as its primary protein source. With a limited ingredient list, this recipe offers a simple yet nutritious option for cats. It includes fish broth and vegetable broth, thickened with pea flour, providing a balanced texture. Additionally, dried egg product and “natural flavor” enhance palatability. While it’s high in protein with moderate fat content, the food does have a relatively high carbohydrate content. It contains 71 calories per can or about 24 calories per ounce.
What Do Customers Think Of Canidae Cat Food?
Customer feedback is a vital aspect of evaluating any pet food brand. Canidae has received positive reviews for its products, reflecting the satisfaction of many cat owners. However, it’s essential to consider both positive and negative opinions when making your decision. Here are a few insights from Canidae customers:
Positive Reviews:
- “One of our cats was recently diagnosed with IBD, and we didn’t have the budget to switch both his canned food and his dry food to prescription food, so we decided to try this dry food as a start. We were worried he wouldn’t be a huge fan of this as he’s accustomed to a cheap big brand, but he LOVES it! It seems easy on the tum, and he hasn’t had any IBD flares since switching, so we’re sticking with this brand. We also foster, so we have many cats all on this food and it’s a hit with everyone. The ingredients are quality, the price is excellent compared to similar foods, and it’s made in the USA. Awesome all around!” – Kate, reviewing CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Elements with Chicken Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
- “My cats are on a limited ingredient novel protein diet (canned and dry), and it can be tough to find canned foods they like since they are picky about textures. They love this Canidae food. We are going to try the trout formula next!” – Jessi, reviewing CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Diet Morsels with Cod Canned Cat Food
Negative Reviews:
- “I was really hoping my cats would have liked this, because it’s got great ingredients in it (although protein is a little low and carbs are a bit high). But I did a test with 6 different dry cat foods. This and Evolve Classic are the two dry foods that they totally ignored. Even when I removed all other dry foods, they preferred to starve rather than eat it! I do recommend this food, though, if your cats like it, which is why I’m giving it 3 stars.” – Teri, reviewing CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Elements with Chicken Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
- “I have 3 cats. They have been on Canidae for about 2 years. Something has changed in the formula. I opened the bag and put a dish of it out. They would not have anything to do with it. After 5 days, I went to the local pet store and bought a small bag of Blue Buffalo, and they ate it right away. I trashed the Canidae and will be going a different direction. As soon as I figure out what food they are good with, I will start the auto-ship up again.” – jamycakes, reviewing CANIDAE Life Stages All Life Stages Formula Dry Cat Food
How Much Does Canidae Cat Food Cost?
The cost of Canidae cat food varies depending on the specific product line and type. Canidae cat food generally falls within the premium price range. It is not as budget-friendly as some mainstream brands but is considerably more affordable than top-tier organic or natural brands.
For instance, according to the company’s feeding guidelines for a 10-lb cat, canned food from the “Under the Sun” line would cost approximately $2.52 per day. On the other hand, opting for the “PURE” canned line increases daily feeding costs to over $5.50.
Canidae All Life Stages dry food is more budget-friendly, with a cost of around $0.30 per day, and the “PURE” dry food falls closer to $0.37 per day. These prices make Canidae a competitive option with a good balance of quality and affordability.
Overall, Is Canidae a Good Choice?
In conclusion, Canidae cat food sits in the middle ground between excellent and subpar options. It offers above-average quality, with a focus on using quality ingredients and avoiding artificial additives and vaguely labeled by-products. However, it does have a relatively high carbohydrate content, and the inclusion of some species-inappropriate ingredients might not make it the ideal choice for all cats.
If you’re seeking a solid cat food brand that balances quality and affordability, Canidae is worth considering. While it may not be the absolute standout in the market, it has its merits and is well-received by many cat owners.
Where Is Canidae Cat Food Sold?
Unbiased Canidae Cat Food Review In 2023 Canidae cat food is widely available, both in stores across the United States and Canada, as well as through online retailers. You can purchase Canidae products on popular online platforms such as Amazon, Petco, Chewy, PetFlow, and other online stores specializing in cat food.
Please note that the values in our nutrient charts are automatically calculated based on the guaranteed analysis provided by the manufacturer. These values may not represent typical nutrient content, so it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
About Mallory Crusta Mallory Crusta serves as the Head of Content at Cats.com and holds certification as an NAVC-certified Pet Nutrition Coach. Her role involves producing and overseeing multimedia content across various pet-related domains, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and engagement. Beyond her professional duties, Mallory enjoys skiing, hiking, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She shares her life with two beloved cats, Wessie and Forest.
