Rachael Ray Cat Food Review

Racheal Ray Cat Food may just be one of the most interesting cat food brands out there. It’s not simply because she is a celebrity, but because of the ‘high-profile’ recipes she brings to the mix.

So, while your quest for the best cat food brand continues, and the Racheal Ray Nutrish line may have caught your eye, it’s crucial to get the facts right and ensure it’s a totally worthy buy. Without any delay, let’s delve right in and find out if this brand is worth all the buzz.

Rachael Ray Cat Food Review

Rachael Ray Cat Logo
Overall Score: 4.2/5

Positives

  • • Great variety
  • • Great product value
  • • Long established
  • • Little recall history

Negatives

  • • Limited veterinary products
Whole Star IconWhole Star IconWhole Star IconWhole Star IconHalf Star Icon

Before we jump into our Racheal Ray review on their cat foods products, we’ll briefly go over how we determine this rating and how it compares to some other brands like Royal Canin or Applaws Cat Food, and all our factors we use.

Below, you can read out list of all the factors we use to determine how good of a brand Racheal Ray is:

  • Product variety
  • Value for money
  • Ingredients quality
  • Veterinary products
  • Customer service
  • Recall History

About Racheal Ray Cat Food

Racheal Ray is certainly not the first celebrity to launch a pet food/product line; many before her have tested these waters. However, we know how important it is to monitor what goes into our feline friends’ stomachs and the ingredients to keep out. So, when Ainsworth Pet Nutrition partnered with the popular TV personality and Food Network host, many eyes turned.

The brains behind 9Lives and Meow Mix reached out to Racheal Ray to create a new and exciting pet food line called Racheal Ray Nutrish in 2008, and by 2014, their first natural wet and dry cat food line was already on the market. It’s important to note that Racheal Ray has successfully authored many recipe books, and has substantial background knowledge of what ingredients make a recipe more tasty, palatable, and healthy.

Working closely with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition ensured both parties put heads together to come up with pet food recipes that were not only tasty but healthy and feline-appropriate. It may sound hard to believe, but the brand is committed to producing only high-quality food that caters both to most cat’s palates and the biological needs as well.

Their dry and wet food, which was launched in 2014, boasts a high-protein content made with real meat. That means their recipes certainly cater to cats’ biological needs, as cats naturally need to eat more foods that have high-protein content. There’s an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals, and other essential nutrients to ensure the all-around health needs of every cat are assured.

Pet parents that would like to promote a healthy diet for their cats could benefit from the Racheal Ray cat food line. They have up to seven different product lines to choose from. The dry food recipes include; Zero Grain, Peak Ultra-Premium, and Super Premium, while the wet cat food recipes include Purrfect Broths, Purrfect Entrees, Grain-Free, and Peak Ultra-Premium.

These recipes pack a mouth full of flavor thanks to their quality ingredient choices; moreover, the recipe diversity ensures various cats can also benefit from a brand that seeks to meet the specialized needs of every feline. Picky cats, indoor cats, or felines with sensitive stomachs/digestive issues are not left out. This cat food brand really did its homework when it comes to figuring out the diverse needs and cuisine options for your fluffy friend.

All the Racheal Ray Cat Feed is manufactured in the Ainsworth Pet Nutrition factory in Pennsylvania. The factory has been manufacturing food for more than eight decades, and they are known for uncompromised quality and affordability. Plus, it’s a family-run business that puts

the needs of pets first, rather than completely focusing on making a profit. According to Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, all their ingredients are sourced majorly from U.S, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Another amazing thing about each recipe is that they are all inspired by Racheal Ray’s personal recipes and cuisine style, which put a personal touch on the brand. Plus, each recipe was developed to meet the needs of cats, regardless of their weight and age. To crown it all, Racheal’s ray donates the proceeds earned from this food brand to no-kill shelters around the country to ensure their physical and medical needs are met and constantly improved.

Why Choose Racheal Ray Cat Food?

Every pet parent is looking out for a brand that doesn’t just promise premium quality, but is affordable as well, and can be purchased in the long run. Since the brand introduced its products into the market about ten years ago, it has continued to deliver premium quality wet foods at relatively affordable prices.

The Racheal Ray Brand combines the expertise of an experienced cook and Food Network Host with the knowledge of pet-friendly ingredients by the Ainsworth bringing tasty recipes that are also very nutritious. Each recipe boasts of ingredients that contribute to the healthy growth of kittens and cats, their healthy skin and coat, and an improved immune system.

The feedback on this product is also very positive, as many pet-parents report that they certainly received the value for their money. However, some verified buyers did notice some mistakes or inconsistencies when it came to product labeling. Some recipes that clearly include the ‘corn-free claim seem to have ‘corn gluten meal’ in the same recipe.

Such inconsistencies may be a concern for some. However, the inclusion of corn in cat food should only be a concern when it’s in high amounts. In this case, there are higher percentages of animal protein and only small amounts of corn gluten. Apart from these advantages and this major discrepancy.

Here are some more reasons why the Racheal Ray Cat Food is worth buying

  • Natural Ingredients:

Racheal Ray’s Cat Food Brand boasts of using only natural ingredients in preparing each recipe, which makes their food line much safer for feline consumption. Their ingredients are wholesome and natural and do not contain harmful or artificial ingredients that could pose serious concerns when it comes to your cat’s health. All their formulas, especially the ones reviewed in this article did not contain any artificial additives, colorings, flavors, or enhancers.

Their all-natural recipes are certainly an added advantage for pets and pet parents around the world. No pet family wants to put one of their own in a compromising situation, and artificial

ingredients may only pose health risks to cats, especially felines with food sensitivities and allergies.

  • Healthy protein and fat content

Here’s the truth about cats’ biological needs, they require a diet that’s rich in fats and meaty proteins. Regardless of where they live (indoor/outdoor) a cats digestive system is ‘programmed’ to accept such foods, so it does not matter what your personal diet choice is as a pet parent; vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and the likes, your feline must continue on a high-protein diet. That’s why brands like Racheal Ray’s Cat Food are prioritized over others that compromise on this essential fact.

Humans may survive on a strict vegetable diet, but cats need high-quality meats that could either be raw or appropriately cooked. The recipes reviewed in this article all have a high protein content; they are prepared with real meat or fish, and also feature as the first ingredient, especially in the dry food line. Even in wet food recipes, the protein quality and quantity are prioritized. Most of the Racheal Ray recipes equally contain substantial amounts of healthy fat.

Healthy fat and oils contribute greatly to healthy coat and fur development, alongside other health benefits. They usually incorporate chicken fat, fish fat, or flaxseed oil to ensure the recipe is well-balanced with the appropriate fat content. That means that the recipes have a healthy amount of Omega 6 acids and Omega 3 fatty acids.

However, if you are concerned about a balanced diet, there is no need to worry; just like any professional and reliable brand, the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are incorporated. Amino acids like taurine are included in both wet and dry foods; taurine is very beneficial for vision, heart health, easy digestion, and boosting immunity).

  • Recipe varieties

When it comes to variety, the Racheal ray’s cat food brand gets a big tick for the various recipes that cater to a wide range of cats. There are recipes that are specially prepared for cats that require grain-free food, and others that don’t have such special needs. In addition, some recipes are made for indoor felines, while others are enriched with ingredients that best suit outdoor cats.

They also produce formulas for different ages and stages of life, from when those cute felines are kittens to when they are more advanced in age. They also have special recipes that are simple and nutritious enough for cats with sensitive digestive systems.

The Racheal Ray’s Cat Food Ingredient list.

The ingredient list on every food brand is what determines if pet parents should buy that formula or not. That’s why it’s important to go through the major ingredients included in Rachel Ray’s Cat Food Line. Hopefully, this detailed list will help you determine if this is the right brand for your furry feline friend.

1. Proteins:

Proteins have to be one of the most essential ingredients included in any cat food brand because cats are carnivores, they need meats, poultry, and fish to survive. I guess that gives the Racheal ray’s Cat Food line a big tick because they include a good variety of quality proteins into each formula.

They source their ingredients directly from animal meats, which may sound cruel for animal lovers, but hey, that’s the circle of life. Animal sources like chicken, turkey, duck, fish, and red meat are majorly used. Nutrient-packed fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and trout feature majorly in the fish recipes.

Real meat, chicken, or fish are mainly the first ingredient, followed by meat or chicken meals as the second ingredient. This ensures that each cat gets good amounts of rich protein and amino acids in their diet.

2. Vitamins.

The Racheal Ray dry and wet cat food do not only contain healthy sources of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, they equally incorporate beneficial supplements into their recipes. No cat food brand would survive without adding good amounts of vitamins to their formulas, and it seems Racheal Rays Cat Food line is here to stay, as they include all essential sources beneficial to feline health. Amino acids like taurine feature in practically all the recipes, to ensure an extra-healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.

3. Minerals:

Most Racheal Ray Cat Food recipes include all the necessary minerals like zinc, calcium, iron, thiamine, and more. However, some of the wet foods do not have significant amounts of mineral supplements, as they include more proteins and other carbs. That’s because such recipes are meant to be mixed with dry kibble to provide a tastier, richer, and easily digestible bowl of food.

4. Carbohydrates:

Racheal Ray’s recipes boast of a good variety of formulas that have different doses of carbohydrate content. Most cat food brands go the ‘low-carb’ way, that’s because carbohydrates are really not an essential source of food when it comes to cats. However, we find that Racheal Ray’s recipes have different quantities added in various recipes, but they don’t go beyond the moderate level.

This may be a turn-off for those who believe in very low carb diets for their feline ‘family. However, it’s important to note that all carbohydrate content included in the mix is wholesome, which makes them a lot healthier and more beneficial to most cat’s nutrition. The carbs are easier to digest, gentler to digest, and promote healthy glucose levels in the body.

The major carbohydrates included in the dry and wet recipes are peas, brown rice, potatoes, dried beet pulp, and corn gluten meal. In some other recipes, pumpkin, carrots, cranberries, lentils, are incorporated and serve as a healthy source of antioxidants and fiber.

5. Fats:

Fats are another food source that is essential to the healthy development of cats, regardless of their age. Of course, Racheal Ray’s recipe focuses majorly on healthy fats like Omega 3 and 6, and other healthy fatty acids. They source these essential fatty acids from chicken, chicken fat, fish meal, flaxseed oils, and other healthy sources of Omega fatty acids.

Flaxseeds are the only fatty acid sources that derive their fatty, protein content from plant-based sources. It may not look like a generous source of Omega 3’s and 6’s, however, they are all-natural and healthy sources that certainly provide a healthy dose of fatty acids.

Ray Cat Food Reviewed – Top 5 Foods

1. Rachael Ray Nutrish Complete Natural Dry Cat Food.

Many pet parents may not know this, but indoor cats require a slightly different diet than outdoor cats for obvious reasons. One of the major reasons is simple, outdoor cats are generally more active, plus, they are probably a bit more accustomed to hunting down their own food. So, it would be wise to get a formula with less carbohydrate content, as indoor cats do not need those extra calories to stay active.

Rather, they need more fiber to cater to their digestive needs, especially for felines who cough up hairballs. That’s why the Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken and Salmon Dry Food recipe is perfect for indoor cats. It’s a natural dry cat food recipe that’s packed with tasty proteins like lentils, salmon, and chicken.

Salmon is the first recipe here, so cats that love fishy kibbles will certainly lick their lips after a bowl of this. It’s combined with chicken, which is bred and raised in the US to make a protein-rich recipe most indoor felines will love. In addition to the protein base, a blend of vitamins and minerals is incorporated to make a balanced diet. This recipe is simple, tasty, and packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotics to cater to every cat’s nutritional needs.

Key Ingredients:

– Chicken

– salmon

– Chicken meal

– Lentils

– Dandelion greens

– Cranberries and blueberries.

– Prebiotics

– pumpkin

2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food.

This is another Racheal Ray recipe that’s made with simple ingredients, yet still packs a ton of flavor. The Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is the perfect protein and carbohydrate mix; real chicken and brown rice. With the first ingredients being chicken, chicken meal, and corn gluten meal, it’s a tasty recipe that’s great for growing cats and adult cats.

It’s equally rich in protein, fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals like taurine for optimal vitality. For pet parents who adamantly want to improve pet health and immunity, this is a good formula to rely on. There’s a good amount of healthy protein and fats, with calcium taurine, and Omega-6 acids.

If you have any concerns with harmful ingredients, it should please you to know that this recipe does not contain any artificial chicken-by products, flavors, or colors of any kind. All ingredients are real, natural, and premium-quality and ingredients such as wheat and soy are excluded from the mix as well.

Key Ingredients:

– Farm-raised chicken

– Beet pulp

– Brown rice

– Brewers rice

– Dried peas

– Dried carrots

– Taurine

– Whole flaxseed

– Fish meal

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Grain-Free Variety Pack Wet Cat Food.

One other interesting thing about this brand is the fun twist they put on everything, including the recipe names. The Racheal Ray Nutris Purrfect Entrees Grain-Free Variety Pack comes with sumptuous recipes with a fun name tag on them. The ‘Purrfect’ wet cat food boasts of a mix of real meats, some shredded chicken, ocean-sourced fish chunks, and a tasty sauce on top of it.

Sounds like a real dish, right? That’s probably because Racheal Ray brings so many successful home recipes to life; she combines flavors she would probably use in her own kitchen. Beyond that, these grain-free wet food packs are equally very healthy.

It’s easy on the digestive system, high in protein, very tasty, and loaded with Omega fatty acids, taurine, and other vitamins and minerals. Use this as a meal topper to get your picky cat to eat dry kibble or serve it alone as an appetizer. As an added bonus, each pouch of cat meal comes in cups that make them easy and ready to serve!

Key Ingredients:

– Wild-caught salmon

– Shredded chicken

– Tuna

– Shrimp

– Iron

– Taurine

– Vitamin A

– Omega fatty acids

4. Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

Not every kibble brand gets the right size, texture, or taste, however, the Racheal Ray Peak Grain-Free Dry Cat food claims to have all those options ticked out. The appropriately sized kibbles are certainly noticeable, as smaller kibble sizes mean cats of all ages can eat, chew and enjoy every bite.

It equally means easier digestion, which is great for cats with digestive issues. Beyond the size and texture of these tasty kibbles, there’s also optimal nutritional value. The first ingredient is chicken, backed with other high-quality protein ingredients that make every bite totally worth it. The recipe contains zero filler ingredients or artificial flavors and promises an all-natural bowl of kibble goodness for every bag purchased.

Key Ingredients:

– Chicken

– Trout

– Salmon

– Fish meal

– Chicken fat

– Peas sweet potatoes

– Tapioca

– Turkey meal

5. Rachael Ray Nutrish Tuna Purrfection Natural Grain-Free Wet Cat Food.

It’s important to remember Racheal Ray’s abilities in the kitchen when looking through all her cat food recipes. The Nutrish Tuna Purrfection is just more proof of how personalized each formula is; it’s tuna flakes covered in saucy goodness! Not many cats can resist that. The formula itself is made with simple ingredients, but still delivers on flavor, nutritional value, and texture.

The gourmet-dish-inspired recipe incorporates all natural ingredients excluding meat by-products or fillers. Some natural flavor and spices are added to the mix, including a dash of paprika for extra taste. Vitamins and minerals are also included in this formula, but its first and major ingredient is tuna, which is why it’s still a recipe that’s substantially high in protein.

Key Ingredients:

– Tuna

– Water

– Celery

– Vegetable oil

– Paprika powder

– Iron

– Zinc

– Xanthan gum

– Taurine.

How Much Does Rachael Ray Cat Food Cost?

If there’s one thing the Racheal ray’s Pet Food brand can boast about, it’s quality at a budget price. It’s one of the most affordable cat food brands on the market, which explains why many pet-parents go for it. The price range is somewhat similar to brands like Meow and Friskies, and these are grocery brands. However, for estimated pricing, the Racheal ray’s Cat feed could cost around $0.45 per day to feed a cat that consumes up to 200 calories of dry food a day and $1.55 for wet cat food.

Has Rachael Ray Cat Food Ever Been Recalled?

Since its inception, the Racheal Ray Cat Food has been recalled once, and that was in 2015. It was recalled when high levels of vitamin D were found in multiple recipes formulated by the brand.

Final Thoughts on Rachael Ray Cat Food.

For pet parents that want a reliable and healthy brand at budget-friendly prices, Racheal Ray’s Cat Food Brand is certainly one to consider. However, this celebrity Cat food brand is not without some controversy, especially when it comes to the inconsistencies with ingredient listing.

Plus, while some pet parents love and swear by this brand, others are on the fence about the included ingredients. All in all, the Racheal Ray brand is certainly a pet-friendly brand that markets, healthy, all-natural recipes beneficial for a feline’s health. There are too many positive reviews that attest to their value for money, healthy and tasty recipes, budget-friendly prices, and consistent quality.