Choosing the right food for your feline friend is more complicated than it seems, especially with the plethora of brands on the market today claiming to be the best. This is why thorough research and scrutinizing reviews, such as this Applaws cat food review, become indispensable tools in the decision-making process. A deeper dive into the ingredients, nutritional value, and overall quality of cat food can reveal much about a brand’s commitment to animal health and wellbeing. With this in mind, Applaws has garnered attention for its natural, simple approach to cat nutrition, but how does it truly measure up?
In this article, we will explore various aspects of Applaws cat food, including a detailed product lineup that spans both applaws wet cat food and applaws dry cat food options, a comprehensive nutritional analysis, and a candid look at price points. Additionally, we’ll compile customer reviews to gauge user satisfaction and list the pros and cons as seen through the eyes of cat owners and experts alike. Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring Applaws cat food reviews or seeking to make an informed decision, this guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to ensure the health and happiness of your pet.
Brand Overview
History
Applaws was founded in 2006 by two mates named Roger and their friend John, who were driven by a shared passion for improving the quality of pet food. They envisioned a pet food that was made with prime cuts of meat and free from any hidden nasties—something they could trust completely. Their quest led them to human food suppliers who shared their commitment to quality and ethics. This collaboration resulted in the creation of Applaws, a brand that prides itself on using only the finest, ethically sourced ingredients. Since its inception, Applaws has grown significantly and is now a recognized name in over 50 countries, dedicated to enhancing the health and happiness of pets worldwide.
Manufacturing Practices
Applaws’ commitment to quality is evident in its manufacturing practices. The brand’s wet cat foods are produced in human-grade facilities located in Thailand, adhering to stringent EU standards and the British Retail Consortium, recognized internationally for food safety. These facilities ensure that all Applaws products are not only safe but also of high quality. The brand emphasizes transparency in its operations, evident from its pioneering use of see-through packaging in 2010, which reassures consumers about the purity and simplicity of its products. All ingredients used in Applaws cat foods, except for USA-sourced pumpkin, are obtained from Thailand, maintaining a consistent and reliable source chain.
Recall History
Despite its high standards, Applaws has faced challenges, notably in June 2021 when a voluntary recall was issued in the UK for its dry cat food products manufactured by Fold Hill Foods. This recall was linked to a potential association with a bone marrow condition called pancytopenia. The Royal Veterinary College undertook an investigation to determine the cause of this condition, which affected a significant number of cats. Although the Food Standards Agency later confirmed that no causal link was established between the condition and Fold Hill Foods’ products, this incident highlights the complexities and challenges in pet food production and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Product Line-Up
Wet Food
Applaws offers a diverse range of wet cat food products, characterized by their natural and limited ingredient profiles. The lineup includes several varieties such as:
- Chicken Breast in Broth: This product is a simple yet nutritious option, containing only chicken breast, chicken broth, and rice. It is free from carrageenan and additives, providing a hydrating meal with 712 kcal/kg and minimum 14% crude protein.
- Fish Selection in Broth: Options include Tuna Fillet, Ocean Fish, and Tuna Fillet & Shrimp, all served in a tasty broth. These are made with natural ingredients like mackerel and shrimp, offering hydration and rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The Tuna Fillet & Shrimp variant, for example, contains 14% crude protein and only 0.1% crude fat.
These products are ideal for supplementing with Applaws dry food to ensure a balanced diet. They are also noted for being naturally rich in taurine, an essential nutrient for cats.
Dry Food
Applaws provides dry cat food options that focus on high protein and grain-free recipes:
- Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food: The number one ingredient is chicken, making up a formula that includes chicken meal, peas, lentils, and flaxseed. This product boasts a high protein content of 36% and a crude fat minimum of 16.5%. It’s designed to meet the nutritional levels required for adult cats.
- Limited Ingredient Dry Food Varieties: These include options like Chicken & Salmon and Chicken & Turkey, all formulated without grains and using a limited number of ingredients to cater to cats with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.
Special Varieties
In addition to standard wet and dry foods, Applaws offers unique formulations and treats:
- Variety Selection Cat Treats: These treats are 100% natural and available in flavors like tuna loin and chicken filet. They are grain and carrageenan free, providing a high protein snack with minimal fat.
- Bone Broth Complements and Puree Treats: These are designed to enhance hydration and provide a delicious treat. The Bone Broth is available in a 3oz pack, and the Puree Treats are lickable, making them an enjoyable treat for cats.
- Special Diet Packs: For cats with specific dietary needs, Applaws offers products like the Natural Kitten Food and Adult Cat Food in varieties that support grain-free and limited ingredient diets.
Applaws cat food review consistently highlights the brand’s commitment to natural, simple ingredients across its product range, catering to various dietary needs and preferences of cats.
Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients Used
Applaws cat food review emphasizes the simplicity and naturalness of its ingredients, particularly in its wet food products. For instance, the Chicken Breast in Broth contains only chicken breast, chicken broth, and rice. Similarly, the Tuna Fillet in Broth consists of just tuna fillet, fish broth, and rice. These products are 100% natural and free from additives like carrageenan, making them suitable as complementary foods rather than standalone diets.
Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrate Analysis
The nutritional content of Applaws products varies between their wet and dry food offerings. For the wet food varieties, such as the Chicken Breast in Broth and Tuna Fillet in Broth, the protein content is relatively high at 14%, but the fat content is notably low, with chicken recipes containing 0.1% and tuna recipes 0.01%. The carbohydrate content is minimal due to the absence of added fillers. On the other hand, Applaws dry food, like the Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food, contains 36% protein and 16.5% fat, aligning more closely with what is required for a complete and balanced diet in adult cats.
Presence of Controversial Ingredients
One of the key aspects of Applaws cat food is its commitment to avoiding controversial ingredients. The brand prides itself on not using fillers, artificial flavors, or invisible nasties. Their recipes focus on prime cuts of meat, and their wet food is made in facilities that meet the highest human food standards, the British Retail Consortium. However, it’s important to note that while Applaws wet foods are free from synthetic additives, they do not contain essential nutrients like taurine, vitamins, and minerals unless these are naturally present in the main ingredients. This makes it necessary to supplement these wet foods with other complete diet options to ensure your cat receives a balanced nutritional intake.
To give you a clearer understanding of the nutritional composition and ingredient quality of Applaws cat food, here are some detailed tables:
Table 1: Nutritional Content of Applaws Wet Food Varieties
| Product Name | Crude Protein | Crude Fat | Crude Fiber | Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast in Broth | 14% | 0.1% | 2% | 86% |
| Tuna Fillet in Broth | 14% | 0.01% | 2% | 86% |
Table 2: Nutritional Content of Applaws Dry Food Varieties
| Product Name | Crude Protein | Crude Fat | Crude Fiber | Moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Recipe Dry Food | 36% | 16.5% | 4.5% | 9% |
These tables highlight the differences in nutritional content between wet and dry food options, underscoring the importance of combining these for a balanced diet.
Price Analysis
When considering the purchase of Applaws cat food, it’s crucial to analyze its cost-effectiveness and compare it with other brands in the market. Applaws cat food review often points out the distinction in pricing between their wet and dry food options, which can significantly influence your decision based on your budget and your cat’s dietary needs.
Comparison with Competitors
Applaws dry cat food is moderately priced, costing about $0.70 per day to feed a 10-lb cat. In contrast, Applaws wet cat food is more expensive, priced around $0.78 per ounce. This makes it twice as costly as similar offerings from high-end brands like Tiki Cat and Weruva. For example, while you might pay a premium for Applaws, it’s important to note that it is not a complete diet but resembles more a supplementary treat, akin to purchasing an 80-cent can of tuna from the grocery store. This pricing puts Applaws in the higher range, especially when compared to other specialty brands available in supermarkets such as Woolworths or Coles, where it is still considered a good option despite its cost.
Value for Money
The price point of Applaws cat food suggests that it positions itself as a high-quality, meat-based meal comparable to more expensive brands. However, it’s essential to understand that not all high-priced cat foods guarantee superior quality, nor do all low-cost foods imply poor quality. The notion that spending more on cat food now could save on future veterinary bills is a common marketing angle, but it’s not always the case. Applaws cat food review often highlights its reasonable cost and the fact that it offers a simple, meat-based meal without unnecessary carbohydrates, making it a potentially economical choice if you’re looking to reduce your cat’s carb intake.
Table: Price Comparison of Applaws with Other Premium Cat Food Brands
| Brand | Product Type | Price per Ounce | Complete Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applaws | Wet Food | $0.78 | No |
| Tiki Cat | Wet Food | $0.65 | Yes |
| Weruva | Wet Food | $0.60 | Yes |
| Fancy Feast | Wet Food | $0.25 | Yes |
This table illustrates that while Applaws may offer premium ingredients, its cost per ounce is higher than other well-regarded brands, and it does not provide a complete nutritional profile, necessitating additional dietary sources. This aspect is crucial for you to consider when evaluating the overall value for money, especially if you are managing a budget while trying to feed your cat high-quality food.
Customer Reviews
Positive Feedback
Applaws cat food review often receives high praise for its simple and natural ingredients, making it a preferred choice for cats with food sensitivities and specific health issues. Many customers have reported significant improvements in their pets’ health after switching to Applaws. For instance, a user named Jenna H. expressed her relief and satisfaction with Applaws Grain Free Chicken Recipe, noting that it alleviated her cat’s severe allergies. She highlighted the simplicity of the ingredients and the positive changes in her cat’s behavior and health.
Similarly, G. Stucco shared how his elderly Ragdoll, suffering from kidney disease, showed a renewed interest in eating thanks to Applaws Tuna with Sardine Mousse. The high-quality ingredients were a significant factor in his positive review. Another testament to the brand’s impact comes from owners of picky eaters who stated that Applaws is the only food their cats would willingly eat, emphasizing the product’s palatability and quality.
Common Complaints
Despite the positive feedback, some reviews point out critical issues, particularly concerning the product’s labeling and nutritional completeness. A user named ArtemisDeFeisty provided a detailed account of how Applaws Tuna Fillet in Broth, while being additive-free, lacked essential nutrients like Taurine, which led to health complications in her sick cat. She stressed the importance of understanding that Applaws should only be used as a supplemental food, not a complete diet.
Another customer, twopups, expressed disappointment with the texture and presentation of Applaws Tuna with Seaweed Mousse, which differed significantly from expectations set by product images. The firm, gel-coated consistency was unappealing to his cat, leading him to donate the product to a shelter.
These reviews highlight a mix of high satisfaction with the brand’s quality and some critical voices pointing out potential missteps in marketing and formulation. Understanding these nuances can help you make a more informed decision about whether Applaws is the right choice for your cat, considering both its benefits and limitations.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- High Customer Satisfaction: Applaws cat food review consistently shows that it is highly favored for its simple and often single-protein recipes. This makes it an excellent choice for cats with food intolerances or specific health issues, providing a diet that minimizes the risk of allergic reactions.
- Quality Ingredients: Applaws uses high-quality, human-grade ingredients in their products. All recipes are made using premium meat from free-run chickens, and their wet food production meets human food standards, ensuring a lesser risk of contamination and higher safety standards.
- Grain-Free Options: Both Applaws dry and wet cat foods offer grain-free options, making them hypoallergenic and suitable for cats with grain sensitivities. This feature is particularly beneficial for maintaining the health of cats with specific dietary needs.
- Taste and Variety: The brand offers a wide selection of wet foods in various textures and tastes that cats generally love. These products are ideal for use as treats or for adding excitement to your cat’s regular meals, making mealtime more enjoyable for picky eaters.
- Environmental and Social Responsibility: Applaws is committed to sustainability, with over 90% of their packaging being recyclable. They are also a certified B Corp, using their business as a force for good, which might appeal to environmentally conscious pet owners.
Disadvantages
- Nutritional Adequacy: One of the primary concerns highlighted in Applaws cat food reviews is that their wet foods are not nutritionally complete for long-term feeding. This necessitates pairing them with other complete dietary sources to ensure a balanced diet for your cat.
- Cost: Applaws wet cat food is relatively expensive, costing around $0.78 per ounce, which is double the price of similar high-end brands. Considering that these are not complete diets but more akin to treats, the cost per ounce is significantly higher, which might not justify the overall value for some pet owners.
- Dry Food Comparability: While Applaws dry cat food is moderately priced and grain-free, it does not stand out significantly from other products in the same category. If you prefer dry food, it may be worth trying, but it does not come with a strong recommendation compared to its competitors.
- Misleading Marketing: There have been concerns about the marketing of Applaws products, especially the wet foods. Describing them as ‘food’ might mislead some consumers into thinking they are complete diets, which they are not. This has led to dangerous situations for pets who rely solely on these products for their nutritional needs.
By understanding these advantages and disadvantages, you can make a more informed decision about whether Applaws cat food aligns with your needs and expectations for your cat’s diet.
Expert Opinions
Veterinary Reviews
Veterinarians often provide a unique perspective on pet food, focusing on its nutritional adequacy and health implications. In the case of Applaws cat food, the reviews are mixed. On one hand, many veterinarians commend the brand for its high-quality ingredients and simple recipes, which can be particularly beneficial for cats with food intolerances or allergies. For instance, Jenna H. noted significant improvements in her cat’s allergies after switching to Applaws grain-free chicken, highlighting the simplicity of the ingredients and the positive changes in her cat’s health and behavior.
However, there are concerns about the long-term nutritional adequacy of Applaws’ wet foods. As highlighted by ArtemisDeFeisty, these products are often marketed as complete foods but are only suitable for intermittent and supplemental feeding. This has led to serious health issues in some cases, such as a cat developing health problems due to a lack of essential nutrients like Taurine when fed exclusively on Applaws. This underscores the importance of understanding the product labels and ensuring a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients.
Pet Nutritionists’ Feedback
Pet nutritionists focus on the dietary needs and how well a pet food meets these needs based on its formulation. Applaws cat food receives praise for its use of natural and high-quality ingredients. The brand’s commitment to using human-grade ingredients and avoiding artificial additives aligns well with a holistic approach to pet nutrition. This is evident in the positive experiences shared by pet owners, like G. Stucco, whose elderly cat with kidney disease showed renewed interest in eating thanks to Applaws’ high-quality ingredients.
However, nutritionists also echo veterinarians’ concerns regarding the incomplete nature of some Applaws products. While the brand offers excellent supplementary options, they stress the importance of not relying solely on Applaws for a cat’s nutritional needs, especially in wet food forms. The absence of essential vitamins and minerals in some of their recipes means that while the food may be highly palatable and beneficial in some aspects, it should not constitute the entirety of a cat’s diet.
Table: Expert Feedback on Applaws Cat Food
| Expert Type | Positive Aspects | Concerns Noted |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians | High-quality ingredients, beneficial for allergies | Not nutritionally complete for long-term feeding |
| Pet Nutritionists | Natural ingredients, no artificial additives | Requires supplementation for a balanced diet |
This table consolidates the expert opinions on Applaws cat food, highlighting the balance between the high-quality, natural ingredients praised by both veterinarians and nutritionists, and the concerns regarding nutritional completeness. This information is crucial for you as a pet owner, helping you make informed decisions about incorporating Applaws into your cat’s diet while ensuring they receive all necessary nutrients.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Throughout this thorough exploration, we’ve dissected the Applaws cat food review from various angles, discussing its natural ingredients, dietary benefits, and the brand’s commitment to providing high-quality, ethical food options for cats. This scrutinization unveiled a multiplicity of strengths, such as the product’s simplicity, use of premium, human-grade ingredients, and the diversity in their product lineup designed to cater to different dietary needs and preferences. However, it also brought to light some concerns, particularly regarding the nutritional completeness of Applaws’ wet food products and the importance of supplementing them with a balanced diet to ensure felines receive all necessary nutrients for their long-term health and wellbeing.
In summing up, while Applaws cat food review presents an attractive option for pet owners looking for high-quality, grain-free food choices, it’s evident that awareness and careful dietary planning are essential. Applaws offers a variety of products that can significantly benefit your feline companion, especially when used as part of a well-rounded diet. For pet owners seeking further insights into pet nutrition and health, exploring additional resources such as PrescriptPoint can be incredibly beneficial, offering similar articles that guide towards the best care for your pets. Thus, as we consider the applaws cat food review’s insights, it’s crucial to balance enthusiasm for high-quality ingredients with a mindful approach to overall nutritional needs, ensuring our feline friends lead healthy, happy lives.
FAQs
1. Has there been a recall on Applaws cat food?
In June 2021, a recall was issued for Applaws dry cat food produced in the UK. This action was taken because some products manufactured by Fold Hill were suspected to be linked to a severe bone marrow condition known as pancytopenia in cats.
2. Is Applaws cat food considered safe for consumption?
Yes, Applaws cat food is safe to use. It is especially beneficial for pets with gluten intolerance, as it does not contain gluten from cereals and grains, which can trigger skin allergies in some pets.
3. Can cats with kidney disease eat Applaws cat food?
Applaws is an excellent choice for cats with kidney disease. It boasts a high level of natural, digestible animal protein and does not contain cereal protein. This makes it more digestible than other dry food products and results in fewer nitrogen by-products, which are beneficial for the kidneys.
4. What are some of the healthiest cat food brands available?
As of 2024, the top cat food brands include Royal Canin as the best overall, Whiskas for the best value, Purina Gourmet for the best wet cat food, Hills Science Plan Kitten Food for the best kitten food, and Republic of Cats for the best senior cat food.