Hound & Gatos positions itself as a “carnivore’s diet in a can,” emphasizing meat-based recipes that closely mimic a feline’s paleolithic diet with minimal plant-based inclusions. This brand aims to provide a diet suitable for the obligate carnivore that cats are. This review will delve into the brand’s offerings, examining their species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, pricing, and customer reception to determine if Hound & Gatos is a healthy and safe choice for your feline companion.
Evaluating Hound & Gatos: Our Rating System
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. Hound & Gatos has been analyzed and graded according to this standard.
Ratings:
- Species-Appropriateness: 9/10
- Ingredient Quality: 8/10
- Product Variety: 7/10
- Price: 7/10
- Customer Experience: 6/10
- Recall History: 9/10
Overall Score: 7.6/10 (B+)
About Hound & Gatos
Hound & Gatos logo
The philosophy behind Hound & Gatos stems from founder Will Post’s belief that cats and dogs are naturally meant to consume 100% meat, a concept rooted in their wild ancestry. Post’s journey into the pet food industry began after observing his own pets suffer from chronic health issues, leading him to research animal nutrition and develop his own food recipes. He founded LIFE4K9 Pet Foods in 2003, later selling it and launching Hound & Gatos in 2010. In 2018, Gott Pet Products, LLC, known for Charlee Bear natural dog treats, acquired Hound & Gatos.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Hound & Gatos utilizes ingredients sourced from the United States, with the exception of lamb, which is imported from New Zealand. The company partners with a third-party manufacturer in the midwestern United States for production.
Recall History
Hound & Gatos has maintained a clean record with no recalls since its inception in 2010. This consistency contributes to their trustworthiness in the market.
Hound & Gatos Cat Food Product Line
Hound & Gatos offers 13 varieties of paté-style canned cat food. Each formula adheres to a paleolithic dietary model, featuring 100% animal protein with no plant-based protein sources. The primary ingredients consist of meat, water, agar-agar, salmon oil, and a blend of synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Notably, these recipes are free from grains, fruits, vegetables, preservatives, artificial dyes, animal by-products, generic liver, carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, and flavor concentrates.
Most Hound & Gatos foods contain less than 1% carbohydrates on an as-fed basis, with agar-agar serving as the sole carbohydrate source. As a soluble fiber, agar-agar does not break down into sugars, thus not impacting a cat’s blood sugar levels. All Hound & Gatos products are packaged in BPA-free cans.
Top Hound & Gatos Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hound & Gatos Chicken & Chicken Liver Formula | Wet | $0.37/oz | A |
| Hound & Gatos Lamb & Lamb Liver Formula | Wet | $0.50/oz | A |
| Hound & Gatos Turkey & Turkey Liver Formula | Wet | $0.37/oz | A |
#1 Hound & Gatos Chicken & Chicken Liver Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Hound & Gatos Chicken & Chicken Liver Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
This formula features chicken as the primary protein source, with chicken muscle meat and liver combined with chicken broth. Agar-agar, a derivative of red algae, acts as a natural thickening and stabilizing agent. Unlike carrageenan, agar-agar is not associated with negative health effects and is considered a safe binder. The food is fortified with essential synthetic nutrients to compensate for losses during processing and includes salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit skin and coat health and reduce inflammation. This meat-based paté boasts high protein, moderate fat, and minimal carbohydrates. Each 5.5 oz can contains 201 calories (37 calories per ounce).
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Calcium Carbonate, Agar-Agar, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Salmon Oil, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Magnesium Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
- Liked Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil
- Disliked Ingredients: None
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 10%, Crude Fat: 9%, Crude Fiber: 1%, Moisture: 78%, Ash: 2.5%
Dry Matter Basis: Protein: 45.45%, Fat: 40.91%, Fiber: 4.55%
Caloric Weight Basis: Protein: 31.39%, Fat: 68.61%
Pros:
- Virtually free of plant ingredients
- 100% animal protein
- Made without artificial ingredients
- Virtually carbohydrate-free
Cons:
- Some cats may not prefer the flavor.
#2 Hound & Gatos Lamb Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Hound & Gatos Lamb Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
This lamb-based formula is a good option for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, as lamb is a less common protein source. It consists of lamb and lamb liver in lamb broth, stabilized with agar-agar. Similar to the chicken formula, agar-agar serves as the sole binder and carbohydrate source, functioning as a soluble fiber. Salmon oil is included for its omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat and reducing inflammation. Fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this food meets AAFCO nutritional standards. It is a meat-rich food with high protein, moderate-to-high fat, and very low carbohydrates. Each 5.5 oz can contains 187 calories (34 calories per ounce).
Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Agar-Agar, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Magnesium Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
- Liked Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Liver, Salmon Oil
- Disliked Ingredients: None
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 12%, Crude Fat: 8%, Crude Fiber: 1%, Moisture: 78%, Ash: 2.5%
Dry Matter Basis: Protein: 54.55%, Fat: 36.36%, Fiber: 4.55%
Caloric Weight Basis: Protein: 38.18%, Fat: 61.82%
Pros:
- Made with a novel protein source
- Limited ingredient list
- No plant protein fillers
- No artificial ingredients
- Low carbohydrate content
Cons:
- Some cats may refuse to eat it.
#3 Hound & Gatos Turkey Formula Grain-Free Cat Food
Hound & Gatos Turkey Formula Grain-Free Cat Food
The Turkey Formula features turkey and turkey liver as the exclusive protein sources, mixed with turkey broth and stabilized by agar-agar. This binder also acts as the food’s only fiber source. As with other Hound & Gatos products, it’s fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and supplemented with salmon oil for its anti-inflammatory and skin/coat benefits. This meat-based paté is high in protein, high in fat, and virtually carbohydrate-free. A 5.5 oz can provides 191 calories (35 calories per ounce).
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Agar-Agar, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Magnesium Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
- Liked Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Salmon Oil
- Disliked Ingredients: None
Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 10%, Crude Fat: 8.5%, Crude Fiber: 1%, Moisture: 78%, Ash: 2.5%
Dry Matter Basis: Protein: 45.45%, Fat: 38.64%, Fiber: 4.55%
Caloric Weight Basis: Protein: 32.63%, Fat: 67.37%
Pros:
- 100% animal protein
- Limited ingredient recipe
- Virtually free of carbohydrates
- Free of artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Palatability can be inconsistent among cats.
Customer Feedback on Hound & Gatos
Customer reviews for Hound & Gatos are mixed. While many appreciate the brand’s commitment to a species-appropriate, high-meat diet and find it cost-effective for its quality, some cats have refused to eat it, citing an unusual texture or smell. Some customers have noted changes in consistency, describing the food as firm or rubbery compared to a previous silky-smooth texture.
Positive Reviews:
- “I did a lot of research on cat food before settling on this brand. I wanted high protein and no fillers. It has very high quality ingredients and meets the appropriate nutrition profile for cats (who are obligate carnivores) plus it’s more cost effective compared to other brands in its quality bracket. The best thing is that my cats love it and took to it right away. It doesn’t have a bad smell— to me it looks and smells like any other wet pate food I’ve encountered. Definitely a great find!” – Kaitlin Dinmore, reviewing Hound & Gatos Chicken & Chicken Liver Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food.
- “My senior cat loves this so much, he’s now threatening to hold out finishing the other varieties, until he can get more of this one. Haven’t seen him gobble food this fast in years – sometimes have to stop him halfway just to take a breather and make sure it stays down. He’s got all sorts of medical issues, and food he can tolerate and will finish has been an issue the last couple years. Now he’s excited to eat again and licking the plate clean. Winner for us!” – Lynn, reviewing Hound & Gatos Lamb Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food.
Negative Reviews:
- “We’ve had this before and it was a silky smooth consistency. This case is terrible, firm and rubbery. Neither cat will touch it. I’m hoping it’s it’s just this case and not a company wide change. I will find something else that she will hopefully eat.” – Star, reviewing Hound & Gatos Turkey Formula Grain-Free Cat Food.
- “The quality seems good but neither of my cats would eat this, which is a shame because one of them is on a novel protein diet and he could have benefited from having a wet food he likes. Thankfully chewy let me send it back.” – Leigh, reviewing Hound & Gatos Lamb Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food.
Hound & Gatos Cat Food Pricing
Hound & Gatos is priced higher than typical grocery store cat foods but is considered more affordable than other premium brands featuring named meats, low plant content, and no artificial additives. For a 10-lb cat, daily feeding costs range from approximately $2.18 to $3.78. This price point is comparable to some Royal Canin and Iams recipes, while being significantly less expensive than ultra-premium brands like Smalls, Ziwi Peak, and Lotus.
Conclusion: Is Hound & Gatos a Suitable Choice?
Hound & Gatos presents a compelling option for cat owners prioritizing a species-appropriate, low-carbohydrate canned diet. Its high meat content, minimal plant inclusions, and absence of artificial ingredients make it stand out. The brand’s simple ingredient lists and single-protein options are particularly beneficial for cats with sensitive digestion or food allergies. It can also be a suitable choice for diabetic cats requiring a low-glycemic diet and those suffering from IBD.
However, palatability and texture consistency appear to be the brand’s primary challenges, with an estimated 15% of cats reportedly refusing to eat it. As Hound & Gatos strictly adheres to an all-meat, hydrating diet, their product line is limited to paté-style canned foods, which may not appeal to all cats.
Availability of Hound & Gatos Cat Food
Hound & Gatos cat food is available at pet specialty retailers. You can inquire about the brand at your local store or contact the company directly via email to locate an authorized retailer. For online purchases, Hound & Gatos can be found on Chewy and Amazon. For customer service inquiries, you can reach them at [email protected], where they are known for their prompt assistance.
