Cat owners are often faced with the difficult decision of choosing the right food for their felines. Some cats are very picky; some felines also have allergies, while some others are sensitive to certain foods. This becomes a challenge for most cat owners as they would want to treat their furry friends to delicious meals but are constrained due to their cat’s sensitivities. Others simply do not know what food to feed their cats who have these problems. If your cat is fussy or suffers from food allergies or is sensitive to some ingredients, then Canidae cat food products are your solution. The producers of this brand have carefully selected the ingredients to suit every cat’s taste, condition, and every feline owner’s budget. Read our reviews to learn more about its nutritionally dense products.
Canidae Cat Food Review
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | CANIDAE All Life Stages Indoor Formula Cat Food | Check Price on Chewy | 4.0 |
| Best Limited ingredients | CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon Cat Food | Check Price on Chewy | 4.1 |
| Best High-Protein | CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Salmon Dry Cat Food | Check Price on Chewy | 4.1 |
| Best Wet Food | CANIDAE Adore Salmon & Whitefish Canned Cat Food | Check Price on Amazon | 4.3 |
| Premium Pick | CANIDAE Balanced Bowl Chicken & Pumpkin In Gravy | Check Price on Chewy | 5.0 |
| Best Grain-Free | CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Indoor Cat Food | Check Price on Chewy | 3.2 |
| Best for Adult Cats | CANIDAE Goodness For Joints Real Salmon Recipe | Check Price on Chewy | 4.0 |
| Goodness for Digestion | CANIDAE Goodness For Digestion Real Chicken Recipe Adult | Check Price on Chewy | 4.0 |
| Goodness for Skin & Coat | CANIDAE Goodness For Skin & Coat Real Salmon Recipe | Check Price on Chewy | 2.3 |
1 CANIDAE All Life Stages Indoor Formula Cat Food
- Brand: CANIDAE
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Barley
- Calories: 477 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Canidae Life Stages Cat Food is our first pick for this review. The recipes of this quality product are vet recommended and formulated for felines of different ages. This feature saves you the time of having to prepare different foods for your cats based on their age and size. This Canidae kitten food is made without the use of soy, wheat, and corn. The primary source of protein in this staple is chicken which will strengthen your cat’s muscular construction. Another ingredient used in making this product is brown rice. Brown rice is highly rich in nutrients as compared to white rice. Again, the source of fat in the Canidae kitten food is chicken fat, and natural flavor is used instead of artificial preservatives.
Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, White Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Peas, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Turkey Meal, Lamb Meal, Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Ocean Fish Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Sun-cured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Lecithin, Sage Extract, Cranberries, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Sunflower Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Papaya, Pineapple.
2 CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon Cat Food
- Brand: CANIDAE
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Potatoes, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Salmon
- Calories: 480 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon
- Life Stage: All
Next up on our list is CANIDAE Grain Free Pure Cat Food. This Canidae product is prepared using essential recipes to cater to sensitive felines. Crucially, it is made without wheat and corn which are known to cause allergies in some cats. This Canidae Grain Free product is manufactured using seven to ten main ingredients, and these components are very identifiable. It comes in different varieties, and the key ingredient is usually fish or meat. Other Canidae limited ingredient includes sweet potatoes, lentils, and peas. It has antioxidants that help boost your cat’s immune system. Again, it contains omega three and six fatty acids which beautify your feline’s skin. The primary source of fat is chicken fat, and natural flavor is used instead of artificial additives.
Check out our guide on the Best Limited Ingredient Cat Food.
Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Canola Oil, Sweet Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (a Source of Vitamin E).
3 CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Salmon Dry Cat Food
- Brand: CANIDAE
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Whitefish Meal, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Tuna, Chicken & Turkey
- Calories: 523 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon
- Life Stage: All
Moving on to CANIDAE Grain Free Pure Ancestral Diet Cat Food. Cats flourish and develop well on diets that are rich in animal nutrients or ingredients. This Canidae grain free pure variety is prepared using fish and lots of real meat. It has an incredible taste that any cats will crave for and the mixture of the ingredients means that it is suitable for their nutritional and health needs. It is grain-free; as such, it is made without soy and corn. Other parts are pollock, tuna, mackerel, turkey meal, and salmon. The meat is raw-coated, frozen, and later dried to conserve the natural taste. Cats love the natural flavor, and it is also right for their nutritional needs. It also comes in different formulas and sizes to meet your feline’s needs.
Salmon, Tuna, Whitefish Meal, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Dried Egg, Chicken Fat, Suncured Alfalfa, Lamb Meal, Potatoes, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Freeze-Dried Salmon, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract.
4 CANIDAE Adore Salmon & Whitefish Canned Cat Food
- Brand: CANIDAE
- First 5 ingredients: Fish Broth, Salmon, Tuna, Whitefish, Sweet Potatoes
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Tuna
- Calories: 121 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Flavor: Salmon & Whitefish
- Life Stage: Adult
To round up our review list, we have CANIDAE Adore wet cat food. This Canidae grain-free product uses lavish shreds and spicy morsels. It comes in different flavors that will leave your feline asking for more. It is made with a mixture of shrimp salmon, tuna, sardine, whitefish, and chicken and, are all blended in a delicious broth. Also, it is prepared without the use of carrageenan or grains and sold in beautifully designed cans. Again, it is rich in minerals and vitamins, and this helps your cat stay healthy. This dish has a smooth and quality texture. The meat is also naturally flavored, which leaves a great taste in your feline’s mouth. Additionally, this dish is easily digestible and is suitable for felines with food allergies or sensitivities. It also contains additional taurine, which supports your feline’s heart to function correctly and also helps to improve your cat’s eyesight.
Fish Broth, Salmon, Tuna, Whitefish, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potato Starch, Guar Gum, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Reduced Iron, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide), Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Beta-Carotene.
5 CANIDAE Balanced Bowl Chicken & Pumpkin in Gravy
- Brand: Canidae Balanced Bowl
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: chicken broth, chicken, water, pumpkin, tuna
- Primary Proteins: chicken, tuna
- Calories: 60kcal/can
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: wet food
- Life Stage: adult
Designed to offer your cat wholesome food with a ‘home-cooked’ taste, Canidae’s Balanced Bowl is both delicious and nutritious, as this chicken and pumpkin recipe can attest. With a lovely gravy, this moisture-rich wet food formula packs a nutritious punch, without going overboard on ingredients. Using high-quality chicken, boosted by omega-rich tuna and vitamin-packed vegetables, including nutritious sweet potato, this is a mealtime treat that works especially well for senior cats, or kits who can be fussy with their food.
Free from wheat, corn, and soy, as well as carrageenan, this canned food is easy to digest and is also kinder on your cat’s tum. But it is not short of the nutrients your cat needs, including taurine, vitamin B complex, and folic acid. However, it does contain grains – brown rice, in particular. And the calorie levels are sufficient for everyday energy support.
Serve alone or as a topper for crunchy kibble for a mealtime taste and texture sensation for your pampered pet.
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Water, Pumpkin, Tuna, Brown Rice, Sunflower Oil, Pea Protein, Tricalcium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Modified Tapioca Starch, Potato Starch, Potassium Chloride, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Whole Egg, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Zinc Oxide, Nicotinic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Cholecalciferol, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Magnesium Oxide.
6 CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Indoor Cat Food
- Brand: Canidae Pure
- Allergens: canola oil
- First 5 ingredients: tuna, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, lentils, chickpeas
- Primary Proteins: tuna, salmon, menhaden fish
- Calories: 435 kcal/cup
- Flavor: tuna
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
With limited ingredients, balanced nutrition and managed calorie levels, Canidae’s Pure is a perfect choice for your less than active or indoor cat. As he needs less energy intake to sustain his activity levels but still needs nutritious food to keep him healthy, this grain-free recipe ticks all the feeding boxes. First up, he won’t be denied taste, as delicious tuna, salmon and menhaden fish are at the heart of this wholesome recipe. And the whole formula is limited to just eight key essentials.
Alongside the quality protein, which your kit needs for his muscles, metabolism as well as energy, you get vitamin and mineral rich lentils, chickpeas and sweet potatoes. You also get alfalfa, for those phytonutrients and canola oil, which while perhaps not the best oil for cats due to the fat content, is still generally a safe choice for your pet. But just be mindful of how much you feed your cat if he is on the overweight side.
With no grains, wheat, soy, or corn, this recipe is safe for cats who have allergies or sensitivities, and the added probiotics can help to support a healthy digestive system for a happy and mealtime satisfied cat. For more options, check out our detailed review of cat food for indoor cats.
Tuna, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes, Suncured Alfalfa, Canola Oil, Natural Flavor, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Natural Source of Vitamin E).
7 CANIDAE Goodness for Joints Real Salmon Recipe
- Brand: Canidae Goodness
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: salmon, turkey meal, barley, oatmeal, garbanzo beans
- Primary Proteins: salmon, turkey
- Calories: 496 kcal/cup
- Flavor: salmon
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
As one of four needs-based recipes in the Canidae Goodness range, this tasty formula has been specifically designed to help support your pet’s joints and mobility. And, as a balanced meal, it also has all the essentials they need for general good health.
This adult dry cat food uses real salmon as its number one protein, bringing with it those omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are needed for joint health. To boost its joint support properties, the recipe also contains naturally occurring glucose and sulfate, which also helps with healthy cartilage.
With a carefully balanced supply of essential vitamins and minerals, this is a super-tasty dry cat food, which can be served alone or with a wet food topper for an extra treat. A little more expensive, pound for pound than other formulas in the Canidae range, this Goodness recipe is soy, wheat, and corn free, so minimizes any reactions or unpleasant side effects. And, as with many products in the Canidae cat food range, there is an added probiotic to keep their digestion on track as your kit goes about their active day.
Salmon, Turkey Meal, Barley, Oatmeal, Garbanzo Beans, Whole Grain Sorghum, Lentils, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Whole Egg, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Pea Protein, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Dl-Methionine, Iron Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin, Dried Lactobacillus Acidphilus Fermentation Product, Sage Extract, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Papaya, Pineapple, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Manganous Oxide, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Cobalt Proteinate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product.
8 CANIDAE Goodness for Digestion Real Chicken Recipe Adult
- Brand: Canidae Goodness
- Allergens: none noted
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, turkey meal, barley, white rice, peas
- Primary Proteins: chicken and turkey
- Calories: 466 kcal/cup
- Flavor: chicken
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
A cat with a troublesome digestion is not going to be a happy cat and can also become a tricky eater. So, feeding your feline friend a diet that is specifically designed to support their digestion is always a good idea. And, with Canidae Goodness for Digestion, switching up their mealtime with a quality food shouldn’t be expensive.
With easily digestible real chicken at the heart of this tasty recipe, you also get white rice and turkey meal for a tum-friendly diet. With plenty of natural fiber, thanks to the barley and flaxseed, to help keep things moving, you also get the vitamin and mineral essentials, including folic acid, vitamin D and beta carotene. Vet and pet nutritionist formulated, there’s no wheat, corn, or soy to irritate, and a gut-soothing probiotic formula has been included to keep their digestion balanced and working as it should. And as well as enticing your pet to their bowl come feed time, this tasty formula can also make poop time, less of a messy chore.
Chicken, Turkey Meal, Barley, White Rice, Peas, Pea Protein, Dried Whole Egg, Lentils, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Dl-Methionine, Iron Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Lecithin, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Dried Lactobacillus Acidphilus Fermentation Product, Riboflavin, Sage Extract, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Papaya, Pineapple, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Manganous Oxide, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Cobalt Proteinate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product.
9 CANIDAE Goodness for Skin & Coat Real Salmon Recipe
- Brand: Canidae Goodness
- Allergens: dried whole egg
- First 5 ingredients: salmon, turkey meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, garbanzo beans
- Primary Proteins: salmon, turkey and chicken
- Calories: 513 kcal/cup
- Flavor: salmon
- Type: dry food
- Life Stage: adult
Your cat’s skin and coat can be a sign of good health, but it can also indicate an issue. So, feeding them a skin and coat nourishing diet can really help if their condition is less than it should, or their skin shows signs of irritation or allergy.
Canidae Goodness for Skin and Coat aims to bring back the shine and health to your cat by packing in natural omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Essential for all-round skin and coat health, these fatty acids are readily found in this tasty dry food formula’s primary protein, real salmon. Helping to condition as well as create a protective barrier, these essential oils nourish your cat from the inside out. Add in zinc and biotin for a healthy shine and your cat should be back to looking and feeling their best. The Goodness range is also free of known skin and digestive system irritants, such as wheat, corn, and soy.
The beauty about this dry kibble formula is that is also provides balanced and complete nutrition so can replace your cat’s usual mealtime cat food. And with turkey, chicken, skin conditioning oatmeal and a host of tasty carbs and vegetables, you can be sure they are also getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to remain in energetic health.
Salmon, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Garbanzo Beans, Lentils, Peas, Whole Grain Sorghum, Pea Protein, Dried Whole Egg, Chicken Fat, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Dl-Methionine, Iron Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Lecithin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin, Sage Extract, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Papaya, Pineapple, Dried Lactobacillus Acidphilus Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Manganous Oxide, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Cobalt Proteinate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product.
Is Canidae a Good Cat Food?
Overall Canidae is a quality cat food that steps it up as a mid-priced formula. Without any unnecessary fillers and focusing on wholesome ingredients and decent amounts of protein, including real chicken as well as concentrated chicken meal and lamb meal, they offer naturally balanced food at an affordable price.
While not all the ingredients are premium quality, they can give the more expensive cat food brands a run for their money. Canidae also cater well for all life stages as well as kits with allergies, sensitive stomachs and those who need to limit certain ingredients.
However, their dry cat food recipes can be high in fats as well as carbohydrates, meaning they can also be calorific so unless you have an averagely active pet or manage the portions carefully, this range is not quite suited to more overweight cats
The Short History of Canidae Company
Canidae was founded in 1996 by two friends, John Gordon and Scott Whipple. At the age of 19, Whipple was running a pet store in Sam Dimas, California where he hired Gordon to work. The two became firm friends and develop clear ideas as to what was missing from the pet food industry – quality natural pet nutrition that was flavorsome, affordable, and met the needs of consumers.
Working with pet nutritionists and veterinarians, the pair went on to develop their first line in pet food, which launched on the market in 1996. The plan was to provide pet parents with healthy food for their cats and dogs, which while a little more expensive than the lower quality brands, would provide a good alternative to the more premium brands.
Canidae Today
In 2012, Canidae opened its own production facility in Brownwood, Texas where they remain today. While a small facility, this gave the company the chance to quality control batches of food off the production line.
So far, so good, but not all Canidae’s pet food ranges are made at Brownwood. Our Canidae cat food review has found that there’s little information available as to what other production facilities they use in the US.
Today, Canidae remains independently owned and controlled by its two founders. And from its initial line, the company currently sells around 100 cat and dog food products, including dry and canned food as well as pet treats.
Canidae also remains true to its natural ethos – sourcing sustainable ingredients and investing in green agriculture and practices.
Where is Canidae Cat Food Made?
After outsourcing its growing pet food range, Canidae opened its own production plant, the Ethos Pet Nutrition facility, in Brownwood Texas in 2012. One of the smallest pet food production facilities in the US, only some of Canidae’s dry cat and dog food products are made at the site, in small batches.
The company still also outsources production to other pet food manufacturing plants, although it is not known which of its lines and which external sites they use.
Where Do They Source Their Ingredients From?
Canidae state that they source all their ingredients in the US and that their formulas are made in FDA, USDA, and AAFO-approved facilities. All their meat is USDA-inspected, and they also use lamb from New Zealand and duck meal from France.
The company is committed to supporting US farmers who use regenerative and sustainable methods of production, with a goal of sourcing 80% of their ingredients from regenerative agriculture by 2030.
Product Lines – Differences and Which One You Should Choose
With their focus on quality natural ingredients and appropriately balanced nutrition, Canidae is well-suited to active kittens and cats.
Their cat food range also caters for some specific needs, including sensitivities and certain health issues, such as digestion and joints.
The main Canidae Cat Food product ranges to choose from are:
Pure
Available both grain-free and with limited ingredients, Pure follows the natural diet of cat, with quality protein from fish or poultry as the number one ingredient. Suitable for both cats and kittens, the Pure Limited Ingredients range uses whole products and carefully selected ingredients to be its kinder on allergy-prone kits or more sensitive tums.
The range also includes Pure Ancestral, which includes freeze-dried raw toppers, which are a good way to transition to a raw-state diet or add an extra protein punch to your kit’s mealtime.
All Life Stages
Vet formulated, All Life Stages dry food can be fed to all cats, from young kittens to senior felines and is a practical and affordable feeding solution, particularly if you live in a multi-cat household.
High protein and packed with natural flavors to cater for varying nutritional needs, this cat food range is also soy, wheat, corn, and unnecessary filler free.
Adore
Canidae’s popular broth canned cat food range, there’s six wet food recipe options, from delicious chicken to sardine. With a broth base and tasty natural flavor, this canned cat food is easy to eat and digest, and can be combined with Canidae kibble for texture or variety.
Balanced Bowl
A newcomer to the Canidae cat food range, Balanced Bowl is another canned cat food variety, with recipes based on ‘healthy, home cooked meals.’ This cat food range uses high quality protein along with vegetables and rich gravy to provide nutritious meals to all adult cats.
This is also a good meal option for older cats or fussy feline eaters.
Goodness
Another new arrival – Goodness was launched in Spring 2021 – this dry cat food is a health line to support the specific needs of your cat. The Goodness range currently has four cat food varieties: skin & coat, indoor cat, joints, and digestion.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at Ingredients
Canidae’s ingredients are, overall, good quality and the recipes generally balanced and well-thought out with a natural flavor. All their recipes are wheat, soy, and corn free, and you can also opt for grain-free cat food formulas.
Canidae aim to use better fillers too, including peas and potatoes, so you won’t see any filler nasties or unnecessary meat by-products. Let’s take a closer look at Canidae’s main ingredient list:
Protein
Cats are carnivores and so their diet needs to revolve around good quality proteins. And Canidae tends to use several sources of animal protein in their recipes, meaning your cat will be getting a good range of the amino acids they need for their metabolism as well as muscle health.
The typical proteins Canidae use are fresh chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna and whitefish with lamb and duck in some of their recipes; all high quality meat, sustainably sourced. They also include chicken and lamb meal, as well as ocean fish meal and menhaden fish meal, which can give a more concentrated ‘hit’ of the all-important protein.
Percentage wise, Canidae cat food provides between 30% and 35%, which is in a good range for your cat’s diet, although some experts recommend diets of 40% protein as a minimum for optimum health.
Carbohydrates
While carbs, in the form of fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, are not an essential requirement for cats, they do add an extra energy source to their diet, as well as vitamins and minerals. Canidae have some carbs in all their recipes and use selected carbs such as potato starch as healthier fillers in their formulas.
The main carbs you will find in Canidae cat food are brown rice, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, lentils, and chickpeas. However, some of their dry cat food recipes tend to be quite carb-heavy which in turn can make them calorific so perhaps not the best choice of overweight cats.
Fats
Fats not only add extra natural flavor, but healthy fats such as flaxseed and fish oil add essential omega fatty acids needed for your kit’s skin, coat, heart, and general health as well as supporting the development of kittens and young cats.
Many of the Canidae recipes also include chicken fat for a lovely meaty taste.
Vitamins and minerals
To top up the nutritional quota, Canidae also uses their own supplement – HealthPlus Solutions – in all its dry cat food formulas.
HealthPlus contains a mix of probiotics, antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals including taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support their digestive and immune systems as well as their joints, muscles and general health. Some of the recipes also contain live naturally occurring microorganisms, to help support your kit’s gut health.
What They don’t Include:
Designed to be palatable as well as nutritious and kinder on your cat’s system, you won’t find any corn, soy, or wheat (which are often used as fillers) in any of the Canidae pet food recipes.
Depending on your pet’s needs, you can also opt to for one of their grain free foods. The whole range is also free of antibiotics, hormones, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
Ingredients to be Aware of
Looking at the ingredients across the Canidae cat food range, there’s no major red flags when it comes to ingredients. And, as they have options for grain-free and limited ingredients, many of the most common allergens can be avoided if you are dealing with sensitive stomachs.
But as cat owners, there are a few things to be mindful of in Canidae food, including the use of carbs such as potatoes as fillers if your cat is prone to weight gain. And they do use meat meal, which not all cat owners are a fan of, but can be a concentrated source of protein.
Dog Food Recall History
Canidae Pet Foods is noted to have had one recall which involved its dog food range. In 2012, the company recalled four of its dry dog food products due to a potential salmonella contamination at one of its outsourced production plants, Diamond Pet Foods.
The recall was voluntary and intended as a precautionary measure and no products in its cat food range were affected by the salmonella contamination.
Price
While not the cheapest cat food you can buy, Canidae has priced itself well, considering it offers more quality ingredients and formulas than some other cheaper brands. And, as a mid-price range, Canidae Cat Food is an affordable alternative to the high end organic and natural premium brands.
Comparing similar cat food brands, you can expect to pay around $30 for a 10-pound bag of its Grain-free Limited Ingredient formula, while a similar product – Instinct Original – will cost around $36.
Where Can I Buy Canidae Cat Food?
The Canidae pet food range is widely available from physical pet food stores throughout Canada and the United States. They also have distribution outlets in Australia and New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America.
Canidae has a handy find a store locator feature on their website so you can find your local independent pet store that sells their cat food. Canidae cat foods also stocked by all the major online retailers such as Amazon, Chewy, Petflow and Petco.
In a Nutshell, Is Canidae a Good Choice?
If the overall customer cat food reviews are anything to go buy, then yes, Canidae cat food is certainly worth a try. And the range has been formulated with pet nutritionists and is vet approved so the right level of nutrition is there.
The company’s choice to pitch the range mid-price does, however, have its pros and cons. It is a good way to make the transition to more natural cat food more affordable.
However, it cannot quite match the premium natural cat food brands on ingredient quality. And they do use carbohydrates as fillers, which boosts up the calorific content so not always the best choice for obese cats, or cats whose lifestyles are less than everyday active.
Clear Ingredient Listing
What does stack in Canidae’s favor is that their range is free from artificial ingredients and additives, they only opt for natural flavor and their ingredient listing is very transparent. And while they do offer grain free varieties, all their cat food products are corn, soy, and wheat free. The protein percentages are just in the ideal range, and their food caters for all life stages, including senior cats and kittens.
All-in-all, with Canidae you get what you see on the can, and that is natural, wholesome cat food at an agreeable price, and which has your wallet and your kit’s health at heart.
