Patrick - Please Eat Your Peas and Carrots
Written: Apr 04 '02 (Updated Apr 04 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Low Magnesium, highly palatable, superior protein sources, higher fiber content
Cons: Expensive, trial this to see if your cat likes it.
The Bottom Line: Worth it to trial a can (every cat's tastes are different)Truly a premium food for elder cats, low ash/magnesium content, high quality formula, extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
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| patriciak's Full Review: Nutro MAX Senior Canned Cat Food |
Nutro Max Senior Canned Cat Food is a food I recently trialed, as my 15 year old "catizen" Patrick (a Cream Lynx Point American Curl) has begun to lose a bit of weight, has decreased energy, has greatly increased his napping. All signs letting me know he needs some special diet and health considerations in his last years with me.
I also have two other cats who are regularly fed wet food for health considerations, this food was tested by all three.
Why Nutro
I was first introduced to the Nutro Max line of cat foods in the show hall, in the days when I showed my American Curls,a rare native to America breed of cat discovered in the early 1980's. I was impressed with this company when they were one of the first to begin preserving their dry cat food with tocopheryls,Vitamin E,and that trust has extended to their canned cat foods.
Nutro Max Cat Senior - The Claims
Per the can label, this food is formulated for cats that are 7 years old or older, and will meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Adult Maintenance.. The food comes in just one flavor choice, Chicken and Lamb Formula which they describe as great tasting. The one size available is 5.5 oz, and it features a convenient, easy to open pop-top. The label is a dignified silver with bold black stripes,the company name is in vivid orange. The product is 100% guaranteed. Contact information and website are listed at the end of this review.
Okay, explain the Peas and Carrots Comment
A full ingredients list and the guaranteed analysis follows this section, you may wish to scroll down to that portion, and then return.
The Taster's Turn
Patrick - I liked the soft, ground texture of this food, it is easier for me to chew. It smells good to me, no fatty smell or taste, and I like the whole peas and diced carrots!
Lyra - oh, I just like it...and I'm too busy to talk about it author's note - unusual, Lyra usually has a comment on everything, especially generous with expressing her opinion about the latest wet food I'm trying to get her to eat.
Tyler - YUM, I could eat this every day.
Non-Taster's Turn
I see no broth or jelly, there is no fat layer congealed on top or the bottom of the ground patty of food. I can see the peas and carrots, and find the smell very pleasant.
Feeding Guidelines
This food may be fed alone as it is formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of your senior "catizen",7 years or older is what is defined as "senior". From the label - if feeding alone, feed one can per 6-8 lbs. of weight. Like any canned food you might purchase for yourself, if you give only a portion of the can to your cat, refrigerate the rest. When using the balance of the can, it is recommended that you bring the food back to room temperature before feeding it to your cat. If you feed your cat a mix of wet and dry cat food, per the label, they recommend a blend of "25% canned to 75% dry food by weight".
Ingredients List and Guaranteed Analysis skip if you just want to get to my final thoughts.
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Beef Liver, Ocean Whitefish, Rice Bran, Lamb, Beef, Rice Gluten, Peas, Rice, Carrots, Peppers, Guar Gum and Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Iodized Salt, Sodium Ascorbate (source of Vitamin C),Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride,Chondroitin Sulfate,Ferrous Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Sulfate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Biotin. This product contains 1060 kcal/kg of ME ME is Metabolizable Energy..or a simpler word is "usable" energy.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min.)...9%
Crude Fat (min.)...5%
Crude Fiber (max.)...2%
Moisture (max.)...77%
Ash (max.)...2.00%
Linoleic Acid (min.)...0.85%
Magnesium (max.)...0.022%
Taurine (min.)...0.05%
Ascorbic Acid (min.)...45mg/kg see note
"Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles".
Final Thoughts & Why You Should Read the Ingredients List
There are no claims on the label, or in the description of this food on the company website, concerning the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for senior cats. But by reading the ingredients list, one sees that it is present in this formulation. These two ingredients are not present in the Nutro Gourmet Classics canned foods (previously reviewed by me) nor in Nutro's Natural Choice(review upcoming). I look forward to seeing if this will make any difference in the stiffness I've begun to see in Patrick who is beginning to have difficulty in leaping up on counters (bathroom only!)or his favorite chair. Another observation after reading the Guaranteed Analysis is that this food has twice the fiber contained in the two flavors of Nutro Gourmet Classics canned food (formulated for adult, not senior cats)and twice that of the one flavor of Nutro's Natural Choices food that I will be reviewing. I believe the increased fiber is a great idea, for helping older cats digestive systems function as they should, without strain.
The Ascorbic Acid (another way of saying Vitamin C) content is more than twice the amount contained in the Gourmet Classics line, and while they do not discuss why they are adding this or its potential benefits, my understanding from cat care over the years, is that this can help with urine acidification, and be a general booster to the immune system. This is just my opinion - please consult your veterinarian for discussion of the benefits, if any, of Vitamin C in your cats diet.
I am impressed with the quality of ingredients. This is not a product made with by-products, or meal (meat or chicken), but with the real meat itself, chicken, beef liver, ocean whitefish, etc. If you didn't read the Ingredients List scroll back up and read the first 13 ingredients - it is impressive in its simplicity. I like this product, and so do Patrick, Lyra and Tyler. We give this product Two Thumbs and Four Paws Up!
You can reach the company by calling them toll free at 1-800-833-5330, or write to them at Nutro Products, Inc., City of Industry, CA 91744. The website is www.nutroproducts.com
Recommended:
Yes
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patriciak
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I will always carry you in my heart, my sweetlings. I miss you so.
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