Pet parents have become increasingly selective when it comes to anything their pets consume. Awareness of the harmful effects of chemicals in processed food have contributed to the growing demand for healthier alternatives.
With this in mind, we have made a Rachael Ray cat food review to help you pick the right food. We have seen celebrities with their pets, and we know that they have some of the most pampered pets in the world.
Knowing that a credible celebrity is feeding the same brand to their beloved pets makes us want to give the same to our own.
Rachael Ray is one of the many celebrities who have launched their own pet product line. In 2008, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition reached out to the famous chef to create a new line of pet food called Rachael Ray Nutrish. Ainsworth has since been bought by J.M. Smucker – makers of 9Lives and Meow Mix.
In 2014, Nutrish launched natural wet and dry cat foods. Not only do pets get high-quality food with Nutrish, animals in need also benefit from its sales. Rachael Ray’s personal proceeds from Nutrish are donated to no-kill shelters all over the country for food and medical needs.
Both of Rachael Ray Nutrish’s dry and wet cat foods come in three and four product lines respectively. The dry cat food lines are: Peak Ultra Premium, Zero Grain, and Super Premium. The wet cat food comes in Purrfect Entrées, Peak Ultra Premium, Purrfect Broths, and Grain Free.
To help you select the best food to suit your cat’s needs, we have reviewed this brand's top-rated variants available on Amazon.com.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”Mary Nielsen ♥” link=”” color=”#ff9900″ class=”” size=”15″]You love what you see? Purrfect! Rest assured that I put these products on the list specifically due to their genuine quality and not for other reasons. I would just like to be transparent with you and inform you that FelineLiving may obtain a share of sales or other monetary compensation from the links on this page. I hope your furry friends will love these reviewed products and that it will spark joy in each pair of feline eyes! [/perfectpullquote]
Rachael Ray Cat Food Comparison
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Ultra Premium Cat Food
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food – Zero Grain
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Wet Cat Food Tuna Purrfection
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PEAK Wetlands Recipe with Real Chicken and Duck in Hearty Gravy
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Rachael Ray Purrfect Broths
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Chicken Dinner
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Rachael Ray Cat Food Review
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Peak Ultra Premium Cat Food
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Cat Food – Zero Grain
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Grain Free Wet Cat Food Tuna Purrfection
- Rachel Ray Nutrish PEAK Wetlands Recipe in Hearty Gravy
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Purrfect Broths
- Rachel Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrees Chicken Dinner
Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Cat Food
This product's primary protein source is real meat or fish. It has no fillers such as corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-products. This dry cat food line has no artificial flavors or preservatives. This dry cat food comes in five variants.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
This Rachael Ray Nutrish Chicken and Brown Rice cat food is protein-packed with US farm-raised chicken. It also has chicken meal which is also a great source of protein and Omega 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and fur.
Brown rice is rich in fiber and promotes healthy digestion. This chicken & brown rice recipe has beet pulp which provides natural probiotics.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Healthier skin and fur. Quite a number of reviews for this chicken and brown rice food noted that the fur on their pets who were suffering from hair loss and skin allergies have grown back.
Some even noticed that the kitties have not vomited any hair balls since switching to this chicken and brown rice kibble.
Improved digestion. Reviews from pet parents of cats with sensitive stomachs state that they noticed a huge improvement in their overall health after feeding them this chicken and brown rice variant.
It seemed to resolve issues such as vomiting. Brown rice gives pets much needed fiber to aid digestion. A few noticed that their kitties’ stools do not smell as much.
Cons
Corn Confusion. This cat food in Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe has no fillers such as ground corn, wheat, or soy. However, some customers are confused as the ingredients list corn gluten meal. The brand has addressed this and stated that corn and corn gluten meal are recognized as two independent ingredients.
According to Nutrish’s direct response to a customer, ground corn are whole kernels that have been dried and ground. Whereas corn gluten meal is an ingredient made from high-protein parts of the corn kernel. Nutrish reasserts that their products are truthfully labeled according to applicable laws set by the FDA.
Conclusion
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe has received many rave reviews. A lot of owners of pets with skin or stomach sensitivities have seen significant improvement in their cats’ health since switching to this chicken and brown rice variant.
While there may be some confusion about the corn gluten meal content of this dry cat food with chicken & brown rice, numerous cat parents believe that they get great value for from Nutrish cat food because of its quality and affordable price.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food – Peak Ultra Premium
Product no longer in production
This grain free dry cat food is nutrient-dense and consists of 40% high-quality protein. Its number one ingredient is chicken or salmon.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Ultra Premium Cat Food – Woodland Catch Recipe
This dry cat food is a great choice for those seeking grain and gluten-free options. The primary source of protein is real chicken. It has trout, salmon, Menhaden fish meal, and chicken fat for natural Omega fatty acids; peas and sweet potato for healthy carbs.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Quality Ingredients. Cat owners love the high-quality, protein-rich ingredients in this cat food. Majority of customers who liked this food for their kitties greatly appreciate the nutritional value of its contents.
Affordable price. A lot of customers find the Peak Woodland Catch Recipe a great value for its price. This high-protein dry cat food costs relatively less than their other grain-free counterparts. This allows pet parents to provide nutritious food without shelling out outrageous amounts of dollars per bag.
Cons
Strong fishy smell. Some customers have noted that this dry food has a very strong fishy smell. While most of them stated that their pets love it, the owners do not particularly enjoy feeding time. A handful of buyers have described the scent as “fresh”, which to them means high meat content.
Conclusion
The Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Ultra Premium Cat Food Woodland Catch Recipe is a highly nutritious dry food that many pets love. Fans of this food especially like the real meat and fish that gives their pets the right amount of protein.
This healthy alternative does not come with a hefty price tag compared to other grain-free cat foods. While it may have a stronger smell than your average cat food, most buyers think that this just means more meat and fish are consumed by their kitties.
Racheal Ray Nutrish Cat Food – Zero Grain
This line is specially-formulated for indoor cats. It contains no corn, wheat, gluten, or soy. As with all of Nutrish’s dry cat food, the number one ingredient is real chicken or fish. It has no poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Zero Grain comes in two variants.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Chicken and Potato Recipe
This grain-free dry cat food contains chicken as its main protein source. The main source of this gluten-free carbohydrates is potato.
A healthy blend of peas and pumpkin gives pets their much-needed fiber for healthy digestion. Zero Grain Chicken and Potato Recipe also has chicken meal for added protein, amino acids, minerals, and Omega 6 fatty acids for healthier muscles, skin and fur.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Helped resolve digestive issues. Grain-free pet food are typically sought after by owners of pets with sensitivities or allergies. A lot of buyers who switched to this brand rave that their pets have stopped, or at least significantly decreased the frequency of their vomiting. Searching for the right food for kitties with special needs is particularly challenging. Finding the right fit gives such a relief for both pet and parent.
Loved even by finicky kitties. The search is over for numerous felines who are very picky but cannot have most foods due to sensitive tummies. Zero Grain Chicken and Potato Recipe gets these kitties excited for mealtime! It even gained some non-feline fans like a wild fox, a racoon, and a hedgehog.
Cons
A bit too crumbly. While a lot of buyers who have senior pets like that the kibble is bite-sized and easy for their pets to chew, some find it too crumbly. A handful of reviews say that the kibble gets crushed too easily, and their pets don’t really like to eat food dust.
Conclusion
Numerous customers have found the perfect food for sensitive felines in the Zero Grain Chicken and Potato Recipe. Not only has it helped restore digestive health for their pets, the kitties seem to enjoy feeding time as well.
The addition of chicken meal gives them even more protein. The feedback from self-confessed owners of finicky eaters has been great as well. However, a few buyers say it is too crumbly for their liking.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Wet Cat Food
Nutrish’s wet cat food are inspired by Rachael Ray’s own recipes. They are made with real meat or seafood cooked in tasty sauce. It is also grain-free and enriched with taurine, vitamins, and minerals.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Grain Free Tuna Purrfection
Made of real flaked tuna, this wet food is extra tasty as it is simmered in a rich savory sauce. Tuna provides protein, amino acids, and omega fatty acids for muscle, skin, and coat health.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Real tuna flakes. Buyers appreciate that this wet food is packed with real tuna meat and not with fillers. Kitties are able to get the protein that they need, and owners are satisfied that they get what they paid for.
Promotes a healthy appetite. Several buyers were very grateful and relieved that they were able to purchase Tuna Purrfection. These customers stated that it has brought their senior pets’ appetites back after a week of not eating and looking very weak. To these pet parents, Tuna Purrfection brought their babies back to life.
Cons
Bones. Some customers found fish bones in the containers. This is a cause for concern among many pet owners as this is potentially a choking hazard or could cause internal problems in the future.
Conclusion
Seeing and knowing that your cats get real tuna flakes in their food, and not just manufactured fillers give great satisfaction to many pet parents. Tuna is quite a popular variant of wet food among cats, and some customers even claim that Tuna Purrfection has brought new life in their senior pets.
However, to some, real tuna means having to inspect the food container thoroughly for any fish bones, or switch to a different brand altogether.
PEAK High Protein Wet Cat Food
This canned wet food has very high protein content as it is made with real chicken or fish. Just like its dry cat food counterpart, Peak High Protein Wet Cat Food has no fillers, grains, or gluten.
PEAK Wetlands Recipe with Real Chicken and Duck in Hearty Gravy
Made of real chicken as its number one protein source, it also includes duck which is naturally rich in protein and iron. Duck is very tasty and also highly-digestible, according to Nutrish’s website.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Flavor. The chicken and duck recipe is a hit among many cats. Cats who have been known to pick at wet cat food or eat only the sauce have licked their bowl clean. Real chicken meat and duck soaked in chicken broth have never tasted better for these cats.
Just the right portion. Repeat buyers stated that the serving amount per container is just right for their cats. Some noticed that their cats are a lot fuller for longer periods of time. One review noted though, that it may be too much for her small cat.
Cons
Container. The PEAK Wetlands Recipe with Real Chicken and Duck in Hearty Gravy comes in convenient single-serve containers. Because it is made of plastic, a lot of customers find it easy to just open the packaging and give it straight to their pets. The clean-up is easier as transferring to a bowl is not needed. However, some have noted that they would prefer a tin can to help reduce the use of single-use plastic.
Conclusion
The PEAK Wetlands Recipe with Real Chicken and Duck in Hearty Gravy is quite a hit among many cats. The pet owners can see real meat and are quite happy knowing they are giving their cats high quality food.
The gravy it is soaked in proves to be a treat to many cats, and it is an additional source of hydration too. Overall, this wet cat food is a great one to try, and the portions are just right for a lot of cats. However, some customers feel that the plastic containers are not necessary, and are not environment-friendly.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Broths
The Nutrish Purrfect Broths are hearty, lickable soups that come in packets. They also have chunks of meats, and is a great way to incorporate more moisture into your cat’s diet.
Rachael Ray Purrfect Broths Classic Salmon Recipe
This hearty broth contains all-natural ingredients such as salmon, tomatoes, and dried carrots. Salmon is a great, highly-digestible source of protein that is rich in Omega fatty acids.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Nutritious, versatile broth. This broth is typically given as a treat or snack by buyers to their cats who need to have more moisture in their bodies. As it is made of fish broth and has real salmon flakes in it, many pet parents know that this is a high-quality soup that is good for their cats’ overall health. Some buyers mix it with their cats’ kibble for an additional source of hydration.
Great flavor. This soupy treat is not only rich in nutrients, but tastes great as well – according to owners of cats who have licked every single drop of this broth.
Cons
Packaging. A handful of customers stated that the chunks of meat get stuck at the bottom of the packet and are hard to get out. Some say they need to use a utensil to get them all out, while one review says it needs a splash of water in the packet so they can pour all contents out.
Conclusion
Purrfect Broths is a hearty soup that’s great as a light snack or treat. It is nutrient-rich and can also be added to kibble for moisture. While it contains meat, it is not meant to be given as a meal by itself as it is mostly liquid. The packaging issue is quite minor, and can be easily resolved with a spoon or water.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Purrfect Entrées
Inspired by recipes from Rachael Ray’s own kitchen, Purrfect Entrées are culinary classics made exclusively for cats. Rich in protein with added vegetables for fiber and vitamins, this wet food is both nutritious and delicious. It comes in 6 appetizing flavors.
Rachael Ray Purrfect Entrées Cravin’ Chicken Dinner
This wet canned food is a great healthy alternative to the average wet cat food. It has real US farm-raised chicken for vital protein, and pumpkin, carrots, and spinach as sources of vitamins and carotenoids to boost your cat’s immune system.
Guaranteed Analysis
Pros
Quality ingredients. High-quality natural ingredients are very important to pet parents who want the best for their kitties. The meat content and fiber-rich veggies are visible in the product so buyers know that they get natural ingredients with every can.
Yummy gravy. The tasty sauce that comes with this food is made of nutritious chicken broth. Many cats enjoy licking the gravy before digging into the food. Some buyers mix this tasty wet food with their cat’s kibble to increase their moisture intake.
Cons
Small portions. Some customers feel that the portions of this wet food are too small compared to other brands.
Conclusion
Majority of repeat customers love the Purrfect Entrée Cravin’ Chicken Dinner because of the visible natural ingredients in every container. The flavor is also a hit among numerous cats. However, some probably cannot get enough as their owners feel that the portions are too small.
Have Rachael Ray Nutrish cat foods ever been recalled?
Yes. In 2015, a number of Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food were recalled due to elevated levels of vitamin D. After tests were conducted, Ainsworth stated that the high levels of vitamin D came from natural levels of the vitamin from some of the fish ingredients used in the products that were affected.
Ainsworth assured the public that they have implemented operational procedures to prevent such occurrences in the future. No recalls or complaints have been reported since.
Summary
Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food is great for pet parents who want to switch pets to healthier alternatives. Not only do they list natural ingredients, the quality of the food can be seen and smelled by owners – especially on the wet food variety. Nutrish is also more affordable compared to other brands that are also marketed as natural, grain-free cat foods. Many owners have noticed significant improvements on their sensitive cats’ health since giving them Nutrish.
As with many celebrity brands, Rachael Ray Nutrish is not without controversy. Numerous customers feel deceived about the corn gluten content of the Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food. This particular line is marketed as free from ground corn and other fillers.
However, it does contain corn gluten meal. According to the company, ground corn is not the same as corn gluten meal- which is derived from high-protein parts of the corn kernel. This, according to them, makes the food correctly labeled according to FDA laws and regulations.
Overall, Rachael Ray Nutrish is a very good brand to try as it has received many positive reviews on ingredients, quality, price point, and results as seen on numerous cats.