"Whiskas" Food For Adult Cats And Kittens: Review, Composition, Range, Pros And Cons, Reviews Of Veterinarians And Owners, Comparison With "Friskas"

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Cat food "Whiskas": types, composition, customer reviews and veterinarians

Whiskas is one of the most popular brands of cat food. Prepared rations have gained prominence for aggressive marketing. Widespread advertising leads to the fact that, unknowingly, many pet owners ruin their pets by purchasing cheap food. The composition of the ready-made diet is categorically unsuitable for cats.

Content

• 1 General information

• 2 Types of feed "Whiskas"

  • 2.1 Kitten food

    • 2.1.1 Dry food
    • 2.1.2 Wet food

  • 2.2 Food for adult cats

    • 2.2.1 Dry food
    • 2.2.2 Wet food

  • 2.3 Food for senior cats

    • 2.3.1 Dry food
    • 2.3.2 Wet food
  • 2.4 Food for sterilized animals
  • 2.5 "Appetizing mix" line
• 3 Composition analysis
• 4 Advantages and disadvantages of feed
• 5 Is "Whiskas" food suitable for all cats?
• 6 Feed cost and point of sale
• 7 Which is better: "Whiskas" or "Friskis"
• 8 Reviews of cat owners and veterinarians

general information

Whiskas is an international brand of cat food. The products are manufactured by the Petcare division of Mars. This corporation also produces Pedigri dog food, Kitiket and Royal Canin.

The logo is present on all packages of "Whiskas" cat food

The products of "Whiskas" belong to the economy class. This means that the proportion of meat in the composition is too small, so ready-made diets should not be used for systematic feeding of cats.

Types of feed "Whiskas"

The company produces 4 types of food: for kittens (from 1 to 12 months), for adult cats (from 1 to 7 years old), for older animals (over 7 years old) and for spayed pets. Additionally, they produce products of the "Appetizing Mix" line. Both spiders and granulated dry food are produced.

The company is ready to offer many different types of feed, but in reality there are no significant differences between them.

The lines contain only daily ready-made rations. There are no medicated feeds. The composition of different products from the same line differs slightly, so it is impractical to consider the list of ingredients for each ready-made diet.

Kitten food

The line of food for kittens contains spiders and filled pads. The first option is better because it is easier for animals to digest a wet product.

Dry food

"Whiskas" pads for kittens with carrots, turkey and milk are suitable for animals from 2 to 12 months. This is due to their texture and relatively high fat content. It is not recommended to give dry food to small kittens up to 2 months, since the dense consistency will provoke indigestion. In extreme cases, the granules are first soaked so that the stomach and mouth are less injured by dry pieces. After 12 months, it is recommended to transfer the pet to a different diet so as not to cause the development of obesity.

The cardboard packaging is not completely sealed and is breathable, so this is a controversial decision

It contains the following ingredients:

• Wheat flour;
• flour of animal origin: poultry meal, turkey meal (turkey at least 4% in yellow, brown and red granules), meat and bone meal;
• rice;
• protein plant extracts;
• animal fat;
• sunflower oil;
• Brewer's yeast;
• vegetables (including carrots at least 4% in yellow, brown and red granules);
• dairy products (including milk powder, at least 4% in pillows);
• vitamins;
• minerals and taurine.

The manufacturer claims the following benefits of the formula:

1. Strengthening the immune system. The composition contains zinc and vitamin E, which help the kitten's body to synthesize its own antibodies after the loss of maternal antibodies obtained with milk.
2. Improving the condition of the coat and skin. Zinc, vitamins A and E and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid help to increase the production of skin secretions. The lipid film retains moisture in the skin and acts as a lubricant that enhances the shine of the coat.
3. Strengthening of vision. Taurine and Vitamin A contribute to normal organ development and prevent the development of eye pathologies.
4. Improved bone health. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen the musculoskeletal system. The risk of getting a fracture is reduced.
5. Digestion normalization. Plant-based ingredients such as cereals and carrots contain fiber that enhances peristalsis and prevents constipation.
6. Cleansing the oral cavity. Dry granules help remove plaque and prevent tartar formation.

There are 2 packaging options: 350 g each and 1.9 kg each. Larger packs are more economical, but if the flow rate is slow, the feed will start to deteriorate due to contact with air. It is more advisable for small kittens to purchase packs of 350 g.

I wouldn't give my kitten that kind of food. I am personally familiar with cases when, after such nutrition, animals developed pancreatitis. Childhood is an important period for a kitten's body. At this time, the formation of many internal systems is completed, so the animal needs enough nutrients. There are too few of them in Whiskas products. The balance is artificially brought to the norm with the help of mineral supplements, fats and vegetable protein, but in fact the nutritional value is low. There is almost no meat. This is the same as feeding a cat with machine oil, calf skin and millet: it seems that there are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, but there are no benefits.

Wet food

Wet food is allowed to be fed to animals from 1 month. The increased water content and soft consistency facilitate digestion. The line includes the following products:

• lamb stew;
• chicken stew;
• salmon stew;
• jelly with veal;
• jelly with turkey;
• pâté with chicken.

Foods differ in texture. The ragout is made of meat pieces with a liquid sauce. In jelly, the sauce is thicker. The paste is uniform in consistency.

It is easier for kittens to eat wet food, as it is easier to chew with milk teeth

The composition is slightly different, so for example, consider the list of ingredients for chicken stew. The feed contains the following components:

• meat and offal (including chicken at least 4%);
• cereals;
• vegetable oil;
• taurine;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

The manufacturer claims the following advantages:

1. The presence of vitamin E in the composition. Tocopherols are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of optimal skin and coat health. Vitamin E is involved in the synthesis of new cells and enhances the production of sebaceous secretions.
2. The presence of calcium. The mineral helps to strengthen bones and teeth.
3. High in zinc and omega-6. The substances cause an increase in the work of the excretory glands, thereby protecting the skin from drying out and peeling.
4. The presence of taurine and vitamin A. Useful substances are necessary for the formation of the organs of vision.

Wet kitten food contains more fat, so it can be used to feed malnourished animals

The packs weigh 85 g. Sometimes you can find packages of several packs on sale. This allows you to save a little bit at the expense of a discount for a bulk purchase.

Large packages are more common in online stores

Not the best option for a kitten. The manufacturer proposes to give ready-made rations from 1 month, that is, practically as the first complementary food. One day, out of my own inexperience, I offered such food to a street kitten taken home. He started vomiting. If there are no other options, it is advisable to give pauchi to animals only after 2 months, when digestion has improved a little. Up to this point, even a single feed can cause serious disruption, including dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, this is fatal.

Food for adult cats

Food for adult cats is produced in 2 versions: wet and dry. It is recommended to give granules only to those animals that independently observe the drinking regime and do not suffer from diseases of the genitourinary system. A cat should consume at least 20–40 ml per 1 kg of body weight per day.

Dry food

The company produces pate pads in 3 flavors: salmon, chicken and turkey and beef and rabbit. Conditionally the food is suitable for healthy animals from 1 to 7 years old.

The range of wet and dry feed "Whiskas" for adult animals is the widest

The composition of different products is identical. Minor differences are related to the meats used. As an example, consider the composition of beef and rabbit pads. The ingredients list contains the following components:

• Wheat flour;
• flour of animal origin: poultry flour, beef flour, lamb flour, rabbit flour (beef, lamb and rabbit at least 4% in red-brown granules);
• plant protein extracts;
• cereals;
• animal fats and vegetable oil;
• dried chicken and pork liver;
• Brewer's yeast;
• beet pulp;
• carrot;
• mineral and vitamin mixtures.

The advantages declared by the manufacturer are the same: the presence of vitamins and minerals in the composition, strengthening the immune system and bones, supporting the development of the organs of vision, etc. There are 3 packaging options: packages of 350 g, 800 g, 1.9 kg and 5 kg.

Once a neighbor, who has 2 cats at home, turned to me for advice. She said that the pets were in a terrible state and asked for help. The animals' hair fell out in shreds, leaving bald patches with itchy red spots. The skin came off in layers. Dandruff was not only on the stomach. I advised to contact the veterinarian, but during the conversation it turned out that the neighbor was giving the cats "Whiskas" food. She was very surprised to find out that it was one of the worst foods, and the next day she started switching animals to a super premium diet. The vet at the examination said that it was a severe allergy, and supported the decision to change the feed. After 2 weeks the cats stopped combing themselves until they bleed, the spots disappeared. A month later, the wounds healed, hair began to grow on the bald areas.

Wet food

According to consistency, wet food is divided into stews, pates, jellies, cream soups and mini-fillets. The cream soup additionally contains dry cream on a vegetable basis. The mini-fillet is similar in consistency to a stew. Flavors include salmon, trout, veal, beef, turkey, etc.

There are no fundamental differences in the composition, therefore, for example, consider jelly with turkey and vegetables. The list of ingredients contains the following items:

• meat and offal (including turkey at least 4%);
• vegetables (carrots at least 4%);
• cereals;
• taurine;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

The advantages declared by the manufacturer are the same. One spider weighs 85 g.

On average, pets need 2-3 spiders to eat

I am glad that in the composition of products of animal origin in the first place, I would not rush to safely call it a full-fledged plus. Once my friend worked at one of the factories for the production of economy-class feed. She said that if people knew what was included in such foods, they would never buy ready-made rations in their lives. I don't know whether to believe it or not, but the general definitions ("meat", "offal", "turkey", "vegetables" and "cereals") are confusing. Among the same offal can be the liver, kidneys or hearts, as well as the bladders or intestines. Many super premium pet food manufacturers and holistic categories list a specific type of ingredient. In the case of Whiskas products, everything is not so transparent. This makes you think: if everything was good in the lineup, the manufacturer would have nothing to hide.

Food for senior cats

The food range for older cats is smaller: it contains only one granular product and 3 types of spiders. Ready-made rations are suitable for animals over 7 years old.

Dry food

The only representative is pillows with poultry pâté. In theory, the porous texture with soft content helps to reduce the strain on the teeth. The pet has to exert less effort in order for the granule to split, which partially prevents damage to the enamel and roots.

A pet may not be switched to another diet if it receives vitamin and mineral supplements as directed by a veterinarian

The feed contains the following ingredients:

• Wheat flour;
• meal of animal origin: poultry meal (at least 4% in brown granules), meat and bone meal;
• protein plant extracts;
• rice;
• animal fat;
• sunflower oil;
• Brewer's yeast;
• vitamins;
• minerals and taurine.

The manufacturer claims that it contains glucosamine, which is necessary for maintaining healthy joints. One of the advantages is a special formula for improving appetite, but the composition of the product is identical to the others. Buyers can only assume what exactly keeps animals interested in the product. Most likely, these are artificial flavors that do not provide any benefit, but can do harm. Theoretically, the calorie content of the feed is lower than that of others, since among the benefits is the maintenance of weight, however, the manufacturer does not report the nutritional value of the product on the website.

There are no large packages on sale. The food is produced in small cardboard packs of 350 g.

The lack of specificity and general wording causes distrust of the company. For example, the manufacturer claims that dry food helps clean teeth from plaque. To do this, special porous granules are produced that do not split when pressed with fangs, but fall inside. Because of this feature, the surrounding particles clean the tooth surface to the roots. I made a small experiment on purpose. In the case of "Whiskas" food, nothing of the kind was observed: the cat simply bit through the granules while eating. Perhaps the manufacturer is not cunning, because such a product also cleans the tips of the canine teeth, but it is difficult to call this a complete care. To keep the cat from losing its teeth by old age, the owners will have to additionally use a special brush for animals.

Wet food

The company produces 3 types of wet food for seniors: chicken stew, lamb stew and veal pate. The composition is almost identical, however, the share of the declared meat component in the pate is much higher compared to analogues: 24% versus 10% and 4% in different types of stews. It also contains no grains.

Wet food is recommended for older animals to reduce the strain on teeth and gastrointestinal tract

For example, consider the composition of a lamb stew. The following items are mentioned in the list of components:

• meat and offal (including lamb at least 4%);
• cereals;
• vegetable oil;
• taurine;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

The benefits are the same as other feeds. The only fundamental difference is the presence of glucosamine and components (possibly flavors) to increase appetite.

Food for sterilized animals

The line contains only dry food. There are 2 flavors to choose from: chicken and veal.

Lack of wet food in the line for sterilized animals is a dubious decision

As an example, consider the composition of chicken feed:

• Wheat flour;
• flour of animal origin (including chicken flour at least 4% in brown granules);
• protein plant extracts;
• rice;
• animal fats and vegetable oil;
• dried chicken and pork liver;
• Brewer's yeast;
• vitamins and minerals.

The manufacturer claims that the prepared diet contains the optimal ratio of substances to maintain the health of the urinary system. However, the company does not specify what exactly contributes to the maintenance of the normal state of internal organs. The composition does not differ from similar products. Perhaps the peculiarity of the food lies in the reduced salt content, but when it comes to the health of the pet, I want not to guess, but to know for sure. The product is produced in packs of 350 g, 1.9 kg and 5 kg.

I do not know how the food for spayed animals differs from the usual one, but I suspect that only by the name. I personally know about 2 cases when cats developed urolithiasis after such a diet, I regularly come across negative comments and reviews. After neutering my pet, the veterinarian told me what the nutrition should be. If this is a ready-made diet, then it should contain a minimum of salt (only for the natural needs of the body and preservation of moisture), the presence of natural preservatives and additives to normalize the acidity of urine is encouraged. It is advisable to prefer wet food, since the liquid promotes timely emptying of the bladder and prevents an increase in the saturation of urine with minerals. This prevents the formation of calculi. Dry food "Whiskas" does not meet these criteria,therefore, it is not recommended to give it to animals after sterilization or castration.

Line "Appetizing Mix"

The line includes 4 types of wet food: chicken and duck with cheese sauce, lamb and beef with creamy sauce, poultry and beef with tomato jelly, and shrimp with salmon and creamy sauce. The composition is almost identical. The main difference lies in the flavorings. Depending on the type of feed, this can be cheese or tomato powder, as well as a milk-containing product.

Tomato jelly with beef and poultry contains the following ingredients:

• meat and offal (including poultry and beef);
• cereals;
• vegetable oil;
• tomato powder;
• taurine;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

Foods of the “Appetizing Mix” line differ from similar products only in the presence of flavoring additives and, possibly, in the percentage of components. If other prepared rations contain minimum content for some ingredients, then there is no specific information in these products.

Composition analysis

The food is almost identical in composition, so it is enough to consider 1–2 samples. For example, let's take a look at the list of ingredients for pads with beef and rabbit for adult cats:

• Wheat flour;
• flour of animal origin: poultry flour, beef flour, lamb flour, rabbit flour (beef, lamb and rabbit at least 4% in red-brown granules);
• plant protein extracts;
• cereals;
• animal fats and vegetable oil;
• dried chicken and pork liver;
• Brewer's yeast;
• beet pulp;
• carrot;
• mineral and vitamin mixtures.

Wheat flour is in the first place. It is a source of vegetable proteins and carbohydrates, which the cat practically does not need. Most of the nutrients are not absorbed by the pet's body, since predators have a short gastrointestinal tract, adapted to digest animal products. Wheat can harm your cat's health. It causes the development of allergies relatively often.

The manufacturer claims that there are no dyes in the food, but this is hard to believe

The only animal products in the composition are flour and liver. The share of the latter is comparable to the amount of brewer's yeast and vegetable oil, so it can be ignored. Flour of animal origin is in second place. It is obtained not only from pure meat, but also from industrial waste, feathers, bones, scales, etc. Such a source of protein cannot be called high-quality. In addition, the proportion of rabbit, lamb and beef does not exceed 4%. Judging by the manufacturer's specification, these varieties are contained only in red-brown granules. In the rest there is a cheaper bird.

In total, the proportion of plant protein extracts, wheat flour and cereals is much higher than the amount of animal flour. This reduces the nutritional value of the product for cats.

Animal fats and vegetable oils help to bring the nutrient balance to the optimum. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not indicate a specific type of products, so the buyer can only guess about their quality. The same goes for cereals.

The benefits include the presence of carrots and beet pulp. These are sources of fiber that aid in digestion and movement of stool. Coarse vegetable fibers cleanse the intestinal walls and remove rotting food particles.

Consider the composition of wet food for kittens (chicken stew):

• meat and offal (including chicken at least 4%);
• cereals;
• vegetable oil;
• taurine;
• vitamins;
• minerals.

Clarification about the minimum proportion of chicken is alarming, because 4% is very little for wet cat food. It is not specified what other sources of animal protein the product includes. The need for the presence of cereals in the finished diet is doubtful, therefore their presence in such an amount (2nd position) is a minus. Vegetable oils can be useful provided that quality raw materials are used and a relatively small amount. The percentage of components and their type are not specified, so the worst should be suspected. Poor quality oils cause indigestion and stress on the pancreas. Taurine, vitamins and minerals are standard feed additives. Their share and type have not been specified, so it is impossible to draw any conclusions.

The composition of the Whiskas feed is more like grain mixtures. These foods are definitely not suitable for cats. For the most part, buyers have to guess about the composition of feed. If you compare "Whiskas" with any product not lower than a super-premium class, the difference will be obvious: there are specific names in the list of ingredients. The best dry food in the entire line is a product for kittens. The difference is that it has a higher proportion of rice than protein extracts from plant extracts (presumably by-products), but it also often causes nausea in animals. A colleague of mine once tried to feed him an emaciated adult cat taken from the street. The animal suffered from vomiting until it was transferred to baby food and "Akana" food.

Advantages and disadvantages of feed

Disadvantages of feed include the following factors:

1. Low in meat ingredients. If it is dry food, they are below the first position. If wet, most of the composition is taken up by water and cereals.
2. No percentage of components. There is no specific information, so buyers cannot be sure about the quality of the feed.
3. Use of substandard ingredients. If these are cereals, then they are not whole or are presented at all as a protein extract. Flour is used as products of meat origin.
4. Lack of specific information. The manufacturer does not indicate the ingredients used. This reinforces the confidence to use substandard components. In addition, this causes inconvenience for cat owners who are prone to allergies.
5. Veiled attempts to deceive. For example, information on cleaning teeth with granules is only partially reliable. You can't find fault here: any dry food removes some of the plaque from the tips of the teeth. However, a real prophylactic product should also cleanse the area near the roots. Buyers, however, perceive these assurances as a guarantee of high-quality plaque removal.
6. Lack of fundamental differences between products. The composition of the feed is almost identical. Most often, the difference lies in the flavorings.
7. The presence of the pesticide pirimiphos-methyl in trace amounts. The violation was revealed during the testing of Roskachestvo. Pyrimiphos-methyl is an insecticide used to treat cereals. In small quantities, the toxin increases the load on the stomach, liver and kidneys, in large quantities it can cause cardiac arrest.

Due to the angular granules, the cat can accidentally damage the palate or gums

Only the relative merits of the feed can be included in the list of benefits. For example, according to the research results, the product is free of pests. In fact, all feed (including economy class) must meet these requirements, so this is not a reason for pride. Cats eat Whiskas products with pleasure and often refuse to switch to other ready-made diets, but this may be the merit of flavors and flavorings.

Is "Whiskas" food suitable for all cats?

In fact, the Whiskas food is not suitable for cats at all. It is strictly forbidden to give it to unhealthy animals. This can cause exacerbation of existing diseases and the development of new ones. Healthy pets have a deterioration in health with prolonged use of the product. Provided there are no pathologies with a single feeding, there will most likely not be negative consequences, but it is not recommended to offer a ready-made diet constantly.

Feed cost and point of sale

The average cost of spiders is 20-25 rubles. The price of dry food depends on the packaging and practically does not differ for products from different lines. The cost of a small (300 g) package is 85–100 rubles, an average (1.9 kg) - 4500–500 rubles, a large (5 kg) - 900–1000 rubles. You can buy food at any pet store or hypermarket.

Which is better: "Whiskas" or "Friskis"

To answer the question of which feed is better, you need to consider the composition of Friskis products. For example, let's take a look at the list of ingredients for a dry ready-made diet for adult cats:

• cereals;
• meat and products of its processing;
• vegetable processing products;
• vegetable protein;
• fats and oils;
• yeast;
• preservatives;
• minerals;
• vitamins;
• dyes;
• vegetables and antioxidants.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which food is worse. Doubtful components and vague wordings are also found in the composition of Friskis products. The share of meat components is also low. There is no fundamental difference in quality.

Friskis food, like Whiskas, belongs to economy class

The cost of "Friskis" is lower. The price of a spider is 15–20 rubles. Small (400 g) packages of dry food cost 70–80 rubles, medium (2 kg) - 300–350 rubles, large (10 kg) - 1400–1500 rubles. However, it should be borne in mind that the purchase of economy-class products means saving on the health of your pet. Late examination and treatment at the clinic can be more expensive. In addition, low-quality feeds have low nutritional value, so animals need more of them than super-premium or holistic food.

The owners were divided. Some argue that the food needs to be selected individually, because some cats are better suited to "Whiskas", others - "Friskis". Other pet owners say it's best to avoid both.

Reviews of cat owners and veterinarians

Whiskas food does not meet the needs of animals. It contains too many cereals and little meat, the manufacturer does not indicate the type of ingredients and uses raw materials of dubious quality. It is strongly advised not to consider economy class foods as pet food and upgrade to super premium or higher.