Have you ever stood in the pet food aisle, overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, all promising the best for your beloved feline companion? Finding the right cat food can feel like navigating a complex maze of ingredients, claims, and conflicting information. As devoted cat owners, we all want what’s best for our furry friends, ensuring they receive a diet that supports their health, vitality, and longevity. Pure Being cat food is one of the many brands that have emerged promising a focus on natural ingredients and a holistic approach to feline nutrition. But does it live up to the hype?
This review aims to cut through the marketing jargon and provide an objective, in-depth assessment of Pure Being cat food. We’ll delve into the ingredient list, analyze the nutritional content, weigh the pros and cons, and examine real customer feedback to determine whether Pure Being is truly a healthy and worthwhile option for your cherished cat. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clearer understanding of Pure Being cat food and whether it aligns with your cat’s specific needs and dietary requirements.
Understanding Pure Being Cat Food
Pure Being is a brand positioned in the natural and holistic cat food market. The company emphasizes using high-quality, natural ingredients, often highlighting its commitment to excluding artificial additives, fillers, and grains in many of its formulas. The overarching philosophy of Pure Being seems to be to provide cats with a diet that mirrors what they would naturally eat in the wild, prioritizing protein from animal sources and minimizing processed ingredients.
Pure Being offers a range of products designed to cater to different life stages and dietary needs. You’ll typically find both dry and wet food options, often with specific formulations for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. Some lines also focus on addressing specific health concerns, such as weight management or sensitive stomachs.
The manufacturer makes several key claims about its food. These often include being high in protein, grain-free, containing limited ingredients for sensitive cats, and promoting a healthy coat and digestive system. These claims are appealing to cat owners seeking a premium and potentially healthier alternative to conventional cat food. However, it’s crucial to examine these claims critically and determine whether they are supported by the ingredient list and nutritional analysis.
A Deep Dive into Ingredients
Let’s dissect the ingredient list of a popular Pure Being dry cat food formula, for example, the “Pure Being Grain-Free Indoor Advantage Recipe.” Please note that ingredient lists may vary depending on the specific formula.
Typically, you might find ingredients like: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Dried Cranberries, Dried Blueberries, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract.
The presence of chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients is encouraging, as it indicates a significant focus on animal-based protein, which is essential for cats. Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein because moisture has been removed during the rendering process. However, pea protein is often used as a plant based protein source and cats require animal based proteins for optimal health.
Tapioca starch serves as a binder and carbohydrate source. While not inherently harmful, it offers little nutritional value compared to ingredients like sweet potatoes or other fiber-rich vegetables. The inclusion of chicken fat is beneficial as it provides essential fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Natural flavor is a generic term that can be derived from various sources. While it’s generally considered safer than artificial flavors, its specific origin remains unclear. Flaxseed provides omega fatty acids and fiber, while dried cranberries and blueberries offer antioxidants.
DL-Methionine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain proper urinary pH. Choline chloride is important for nerve function, and taurine is a vital amino acid that cats cannot produce on their own and must obtain from their diet for heart and eye health. Dried chicory root acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Vitamins and minerals are added to ensure the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. Rosemary extract acts as a natural preservative.
Now, let’s consider a Pure Being wet cat food, such as the “Pure Being Pate Chicken Recipe.” Ingredients you might typically find include: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Pea Fiber, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Vitamins, Minerals.
Again, chicken and chicken broth are the primary ingredients, indicating a high concentration of animal-based protein and moisture, which is crucial for feline hydration. Chicken liver provides additional nutrients and flavor. Dried egg product is a good source of protein. Pea Fiber is sometimes added to increase fiber content, but has limited nutritional benefit for cats. Guar gum is a thickener. Potassium chloride is an electrolyte. Taurine is added for the cat’s health. Vitamins and minerals are included to meet nutritional requirements.
When evaluating any cat food ingredient list, consider these factors:
Protein Quality
Look for named meat sources (chicken, turkey, salmon) rather than generic terms like “meat by-products.”
Grain Content
If you’re seeking a grain-free diet, ensure that the food doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or soy. Be aware that grain-free doesn’t automatically equate to carbohydrate-free; manufacturers often use alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes or peas.
Artificial Additives
Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin).
Fillers
Excessive use of fillers like corn gluten meal or cellulose can indicate a lower-quality food.
Nutritional Breakdown
The guaranteed analysis provides a snapshot of the food’s nutritional composition. The “Pure Being Grain-Free Indoor Advantage Recipe” dry food typically has minimum levels of: Crude Protein (typically around 36%), Crude Fat (around 16%), Crude Fiber (around 4%), and Moisture (around 10%).
These values are relatively high in protein and moderate in fat, which aligns with the needs of most adult cats. The fiber content is within an acceptable range, though excessive fiber can hinder nutrient absorption.
The caloric content is also an important factor to consider. Typically, the dry food might have around calories per cup. This information is crucial for portion control to prevent overfeeding and maintain a healthy weight.
It’s vital to verify that Pure Being cat food meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for “complete and balanced” nutrition for the appropriate life stage (kitten, adult, or senior). This statement ensures that the food provides all the essential nutrients a cat needs to thrive. If the food does not meet AAFCO standards it should not be a staple food for your cat.
Pros and Cons of Pure Being
Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of Pure Being cat food:
Advantages
Many formulas prioritize high-quality animal-based protein sources, which are essential for feline health.
The brand offers limited ingredient options, which can be beneficial for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.
Pure Being avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which is a plus for owners seeking a more natural diet for their cats.
Some cat owners report positive experiences, such as improved coat quality, better digestion, and increased energy levels in their cats.
Disadvantages
Pure Being cat food can be more expensive than some conventional brands, which may be a barrier for some pet owners.
Availability might be limited in certain areas or retailers.
Some formulas may contain a higher proportion of plant-based protein (e.g., pea protein) than is optimal for cats.
Pickiness can be a factor, as some cats might not find the taste or texture appealing.
What Customers Are Saying
A quick search online reveals a range of opinions about Pure Being cat food.
Many positive reviews highlight the food’s positive impact on their cats’ coat health, digestion, and overall energy levels. Some owners of cats with allergies or sensitivities report that Pure Being has helped alleviate their pets’ symptoms.
However, negative reviews often mention concerns about palatability (some cats simply refuse to eat it), digestive upset in some cats, and the higher price point. Some reviewers express concern about the inclusion of pea protein or other plant-based ingredients.
It’s important to remember that every cat is an individual, and what works well for one cat may not work for another.
Comparable Alternatives
If you’re considering Pure Being but want to explore other options, here are a few comparable brands that also focus on natural ingredients and high-quality protein:
- Blue Buffalo: Blue Buffalo offers a wide range of formulas with a focus on natural ingredients and “LifeSource Bits” containing antioxidants and vitamins.
- Wellness: Wellness cat food emphasizes complete and balanced nutrition with a focus on high-quality ingredients and minimal processing.
- Orijen/Acana: These brands are known for their biologically appropriate diets, featuring high levels of animal protein and limited carbohydrates.
These alternatives offer similar benefits to Pure Being, such as high-quality protein, grain-free options, and a focus on natural ingredients. The best choice will depend on your cat’s individual needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Pure Being cat food presents itself as a potentially healthy option for felines, particularly for owners seeking a more natural diet with high-quality protein sources and limited artificial additives. However, it’s crucial to carefully examine the ingredient list of each formula, considering the protein sources and carbohydrate content. While many formulas prioritize animal-based protein, some may rely on plant-based proteins to a greater extent.
Whether Pure Being is the right choice for your cat depends on several factors, including your cat’s age, health condition, dietary sensitivities, and personal preferences.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if Pure Being is a good fit for your feline friend is to consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your cat’s individual needs and recommend the best diet to support their overall health and well-being. Remember to transition to any new food gradually to avoid digestive upset. With careful consideration and guidance from your vet, you can make an informed decision and ensure your cat receives the nutrition they need to thrive.
