Navigating the world of cat food can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find a balance between quality nutrition and affordability. 4health, a brand exclusive to Tractor Supply Co., promises premium ingredients at a great value. This review delves into the specifics of 4health cat food, examining its ingredients, product variety, recall history, and customer reception to help you make an informed decision for your feline companion.
The Cats.com Standard: Evaluating 4health
At Cats.com, we assess cat food brands based on several critical factors: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. 4health received the following ratings:
- Species-Appropriateness: 5/10
- Ingredient Quality: 5/10
- Product Variety: 5/10
- Price: 8/10
- Customer Experience: 8/10
- Recall History: 3/10
With an overall score of 5.7/10, 4health falls into the “C grade” category. While it scores well in affordability and customer satisfaction, concerns arise from its recall history and middling scores in species-appropriateness and ingredient quality.
Understanding the 4health Brand
Owned by Tractor Supply Co., a company with roots in agricultural supplies, 4health is positioned as a superior store brand. Tractor Supply Co. has a significant portion of its sales dedicated to pet products, highlighting their commitment to this market. The brand’s marketing emphasizes “Premium Ingredients at a Great Value,” aiming to attract pet owners seeking high-quality food without a premium price tag.
Manufacturing and Sourcing
4health cat food is produced by Diamond Pet Foods, a US-based manufacturer that also creates food for other brands like Taste of the Wild and Canidae. Diamond operates five manufacturing facilities across the United States. While most ingredients are sourced domestically, some, such as folic acid and taurine, may come from China, with a few other ingredients originating from countries like France and New Zealand.
Recall History: A Cause for Concern
4health has been subject to recalls twice. Diamond Pet Foods, the manufacturer, has also experienced multiple recalls across its brands. Specifically for 4health:
- In 2013, a recall was issued for several cat food brands, including 4health, due to potentially insufficient thiamine levels.
- In 2012, a recall encompassed all 4health food manufactured in Gaston, South Carolina, over concerns of potential salmonella contamination.
This recall history is a significant factor to consider when evaluating the brand’s trustworthiness.
4health Cat Food Product Lines
4health offers a diverse range of both wet and dry cat food recipes. Key features across their lines include meat as the first ingredient, the absence of corn, soy, and wheat, and the inclusion of probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- Original Line: Features one dry food recipe for all life stages.
- Grain-Free Line: Comprises 13 products, including four dry foods and nine wet recipes.
- Untamed™: A grain-free sub-line with two dry recipes.
- Special Care Line: Addresses specific health needs like weight management and sensitive stomachs, offering six recipes (two dry, four wet).
In-Depth Recipe Reviews
1. 4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food (Dry)
This chicken-based dry food is formulated for indoor cats, aiming to manage weight with fewer calories and support coat health with omega fatty acids and antioxidants.
Key Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, peas, turkey meal, powdered cellulose, lentils, chicken fat.
Pros: Features named meat as the primary ingredient, free from artificial colors and flavors.
Cons: High in carbohydrates, low in moisture and fat, relies heavily on plant-based ingredients.
Our Grade: C-
2. 4health Grain-Free Whitefish & Potato Formula for Adult Cats (Dry)
This grain-free kibble uses whitefish and fish meal as primary protein sources, supplemented with plant-based ingredients and turkey.
Key Ingredients: Whitefish, fish meal, dried ground peas, chicken fat, turkey meal, tapioca, egg product.
Pros: Utilizes animal-sourced fats, free from artificial additives.
Cons: High carbohydrate content, uses vaguely named “fish meal,” dry food lacks essential moisture.
Our Grade: C-
3. 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth for Cats (Wet)
A standout wet food option, this recipe features fresh chicken, chicken liver, and egg product, in a broth base.
Key Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, water, chicken liver, dried egg product, potato starch, natural flavor.
Pros: Relatively low in carbohydrates, made with named meats, free of artificial additives and carrageenan.
Cons: Contains some plant-based ingredients like potato starch.
Our Grade: B+
Customer Feedback on 4health Cat Food
Customer reviews for 4health are generally positive, with many owners appreciating the brand’s balance of quality and price. Common praises include picky eaters enjoying the food and improvements in cats’ digestion and coat health. However, some negative feedback points to cats disliking the taste or experiencing gastrointestinal issues after switching. Concerns about “shrinkflation”—where product quantity decreases while price remains the same—have also been noted by some long-term customers.
Pricing and Value Proposition
For an average 10-lb cat, 4health’s dry food daily cost ranges from $0.16 to $0.24, making it comparable to budget brands. The wet food is more expensive, at approximately $1.62 per day. Despite its affordable price point, 4health often avoids ingredients found in cheaper economy brands, such as animal by-products and artificial preservatives. Its ingredient profile is comparable to more premium brands like Merrick, but at a significantly lower cost.
Conclusion: Is 4health a Good Choice?
4health presents a compelling option for pet owners seeking an economical yet quality cat food, particularly for those interested in grain-free options. Their wet food recipes are particularly noteworthy for their low carbohydrate content and use of named meats. While the dry food is less impressive due to higher carbohydrate levels and reliance on plant ingredients, it still offers advantages over many budget kibbles by avoiding by-products and artificial additives.
Considering its affordability and the generally positive customer reception, 4health cat food, especially its wet varieties, is worth considering for those prioritizing value without entirely compromising on nutrition.
Where to Purchase 4health Cat Food
4health is an exclusive brand sold at Tractor Supply stores and online via the Tractor Supply website. A limited selection is also available on Amazon.
