Navigating the world of cat food can be overwhelming, with countless brands vying for your attention. Health Extension presents itself as a “super premium” option, emphasizing natural and holistic ingredients. This review delves into the specifics of Health Extension Cat Food, examining its ingredient quality, product variety, pricing, and customer feedback to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your feline companion.
The Cats.com Standard: Evaluating Health Extension
At Cats.com, we assess cat food brands based on six crucial factors: species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Health Extension received an overall score of 7.3 out of 10, earning it a “B” grade.
Ratings Breakdown:
- Species-Appropriateness: 5/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Product Variety: 7/10
- Price: 9/10
- Customer Experience: 6/10
- Recall History: 10/10
Understanding Health Extension
The company behind Health Extension has a long history in pet food manufacturing, dating back to 1963. Formerly known as Vets Choice, the brand rebranded as Health Extension in 2015, focusing on natural and holistic pet nutrition. Their mission is to promote pet health through “super premium ingredients” and a comprehensive range of beneficial nutrients.
Sourcing and Manufacturing Practices
Health Extension sources its ingredients globally, including from the United States, France, Canada, and New Zealand, with a commitment to avoiding ingredients from China. The company highlights an interactive sourcing map on its website for those seeking more detailed information. While most Health Extension cat foods are manufactured in the United States, some canned formulas are produced in Thailand.
Recall History
A significant positive for Health Extension is its apparent lack of any product recalls, indicating a strong commitment to safety and quality control.
Health Extension’s Cat Food Offerings
Health Extension provides both dry and wet food options for cats. While the brand emphasizes meat-based products, many of their formulas are notably plant-heavy, often including ingredients like peas, grains, or other starchy plant components. Across their product lines, Health Extension foods are supplemented with nutraceuticals and additives intended to support overall well-being, such as probiotics, green tea extract, and organic apple cider vinegar.
Top 3 Health Extension Recipes Reviewed
To provide a closer look, three specific Health Extension recipes were analyzed:
1. Health Extension Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (Dry)
This dry food features chicken and chicken meal as primary protein sources. Other protein contributors include dried egg product and menhaden fish meal. Carbohydrate sources include brown rice, oatmeal, flaxseed, potatoes, and berries. The inclusion of chicken fat and herring oil provides essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants is a hallmark of Health Extension foods.
- Pros: Rich in digestible protein, includes beneficial prebiotics and probiotics, free from artificial additives.
- Cons: High carbohydrate content, low moisture content can be a concern for hydration.
2. Health Extension Grain-Free Turkey & Salmon Recipe (Dry)
The primary proteins in this grain-free dry food are deboned turkey and salmon. It also contains chicken meal, chickpeas, lentils, and peas, along with sweet potatoes as a carbohydrate source and binder. Chicken fat and salmon oil contribute healthy fats, while coconut oil is also included. This recipe is notably rich in various plant-based additives, including carrots, seaweed meal, pomegranate, and blueberries. Beneficial additions include prebiotics, probiotics, and colostrum, which can support digestive and immune health.
- Pros: High-quality meat sources, free from artificial preservatives, includes beneficial prebiotics, probiotics, and colostrum.
- Cons: High carbohydrate content due to legumes and sweet potatoes.
3. Health Extension Grain-Free Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe (Canned)
This wet food’s main ingredient is chicken, followed by chicken broth, pumpkin, tapioca starch, and pea protein. The inclusion of pea protein, a concentrated plant-based protein, is a point of contention given cats’ carnivorous nature. Guar gum is used as a stabilizer, which is considered a safer alternative to carrageenan. Supplemental ingredients include apple cider vinegar and coconut oil, along with essential synthetic vitamins and minerals.
- Pros: High moisture content beneficial for hydration, free from artificial additives, low carbohydrate content, calorie-dense.
- Cons: Contains pea protein, which is not an optimal protein source for cats, and receives mixed customer reviews.
Customer Feedback on Health Extension
Customer reception of Health Extension cat food is generally positive, with many appreciating the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients and affordability. On platforms like Chewy, most recipes average around four out of five stars. However, some customers have reported issues with inconsistent product quality, such as off-smells or variations in taste that their cats dislike.
Affordability of Health Extension Cat Food
Health Extension stands out for its competitive pricing, positioning itself as an affordable option compared to other brands offering similar ingredient profiles without artificial additives or by-products. Daily feeding costs are estimated at approximately $0.28 for dry food and $1.95 for wet food for a 10-lb cat.
Conclusion: Is Health Extension a Suitable Choice?
Health Extension offers a compelling value proposition, providing ingredient quality and beneficial supplements often found in much more expensive brands. Their commitment to avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, along with the inclusion of nutraceuticals like herring oil and probiotics, is commendable. However, the brand’s emphasis on plant-based ingredients, leading to a higher carbohydrate content in many formulas, makes it less biologically appropriate for obligate carnivores compared to more meat-focused diets. While it represents a significant step up from many economy cat foods, it may not be the ideal choice for cats with specific dietary needs or those requiring a strictly carnivorous diet.
Where to Purchase Health Extension Cat Food
Health Extension cat food can be found at independent pet specialty retailers across the United States and in select Canadian locations. Online purchasing options include the brand’s own online store, Amazon, Chewy, and PetFlow.
