1st Choice "Fest Choice" Cat Food: Review, Composition, Range, Pros And Cons, Reviews Of Veterinarians And Owners

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

1st Choice Cat Food

Dry food "First Choice" occupies a niche between low-quality economy products and representatives of the holistic class. The manufacturer classifies ready-made rations as super-premium, which conditionally allows them to be used for good nutrition of animals. However, the information does not always correspond to reality, so you should be guided by the composition.

Content

• 1 General information

• 2 Types of feed "First Choice"

  • 2.1 Food "First Choice" for kittens

    • 2.1.1 Wet food
    • 2.1.2 Dry food

  • 2.2 Food "First Choice" for adult cats

    • 2.2.1 Wet food
    • 2.2.2 Dry food
  • 2.3 Food "First Choice" for older cats
• 3 Analysis of the composition of the feed "First Choice"
• 4 Advantages and disadvantages of feed
• 5 Is "First Choice" food suitable for everyone?
• 6 Feed cost and point of sale
• 7 Reviews of pet owners and veterinarians

general information

Dry food "First Choice" belongs to the super-premium class products, that is, it occupies the 3rd quality position out of possible 4. The production plants are located in Canada, which increases the confidence in ready-made rations. PLB International claims their products meet all the requirements of the American Association for Feed Control (AAFCO).

The logo is present on all 1st Choice food packages

The manufacturer also produces a line of "First Choice" for dogs. Another brand of the company is Pronature. Super premium and holistic feeds are produced under this brand.

Types of feed "First Choice"

The assortment includes products for kittens, adult cats and senior animals. Additionally, the manufacturer produces dry and wet prepared rations, as well as food for pets with special needs.

Food "First Choice" for kittens

For kittens, 2 types of food are produced: dry granulated and canned food.

Wet food

There are 2 types of wet food "First Choice" for kittens: with tuna and with tuna and chicken. They differ only in the types of meat used and in the overall percentage of animal products in the composition.

The ingredients list for tuna wet food contains the following items:

• tuna (44.5%);
• yucca;
• sunflower oil;
• vegetable broth.

Wet food with tuna and chicken contains the following components:

• tuna (31%);
• chicken (7%);
• yucca;
• sunflower oil;
• vegetable broth.

In the latter feed, the proportion of meat ingredients is lower, but the reason for this decision by the manufacturer is unclear. Chicken is added in small amounts to enhance the flavor. The main component is tuna. It contains protein, vitamins A, B and E groups, and a number of minerals and unsaturated fatty acids. This contributes to the formation of the central nervous system and the immune system. Omega-3 and omega-6 vitamins and fatty acids improve the condition of the coat and skin by retaining moisture in cells and stimulating the sebaceous glands. Yucca improves digestion and helps reduce fecal odor.

Wet food has a very liquid consistency

Canned food contains a lot of water. This can hardly be called an advantage or a disadvantage. On the one hand, it is important for the animal to get enough fluid for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing damage to the mucous membranes and preventing the formation of calculi in the urinary system. On the other hand, the proportion of meat residue is ultimately small, so the pet may need several cans to saturate.

The manufacturer does not directly state that the feed is a delicacy, but the marks "additional" and recommendations indirectly indicate this

Wet food cannot be used as the main or only food. The manufacturer warns that the animal can be given up to 2 cans per day along with a dry ready-made diet. This is due to the meager content of nutrients: with regular canned food, the pet will receive less of a number of vitamins and minerals from vegetables, offal and red meat. Wet food is given to kittens as a treat or supplement to the main diet.

The average cost of 1 can (85 g) is 80–100 rubles. Due to the high percentage of broth, regular use of canned food is impractical. I don't buy First Choice wet food for my cats. There is nothing special about canned food, and the price is high. The cost for 1 kg reaches 1000 rubles. For the same money, you can buy a kitten, for example, salmon, finely chop and add vegetable broth. The only question is the availability of free time. If it is not there, then some elite meat delicacy will still come out cheaper and better in composition. For example, 50 g of chicken fillet with Organix cod cost an average of 100 rubles. And no water.

Dry food

Dry food "First Choice" for kittens is suitable for animals aged 2 to 12 months. In addition, it is allowed to give weakened, emaciated and pregnant cats due to the relatively high calorie content (376 kcal per 100 g) and the protein content (30%) and fat (20%).

The dry food contains the following ingredients:

• fresh chicken (17%);
• chicken flour (17%);
• rice;
• chicken fat preserved with a mixture of natural tocopherols (vitamin E);
• pea protein;
• dried egg;
• American herring flour (menhaden);
• brown rice;
• specially processed kernels of barley and oats;
• hydrolyzate of chicken liver;
• beet pulp;
• pea fiber;
• whole flax seed;
• salmon oil (source of DHA);
• dried tomato pulp;
• potassium chloride;
• lecithin;
• choline chloride;
• salt;
• calcium propionate;
• calcium carbonate;
• yeast extract (source of mannan oligosaccharides);
• taurine;
• sodium bisulfate;
• DL-methionine;
• chicory extract (source of inulin);
• iron sulfate;
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• L-lysine;
• zinc oxide;
• sodium selenite;
• alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E);
• a nicotinic acid;
• yucca shidigera extract;
• calcium iodate;
• manganese oxide;
• D-calcium pantothenate;
• thiamine mononitrate;
• riboflavin;
• pyridoxine hydrochloride;
• vitamin A;
• cholecalciferol (vitamin D3);
• zinc proteinate;
• biotin;
• dried mint (0.01%);
• dried parsley (0.01%);
• green tea extract (0.01%);
• manganese proteinate;
• vitamin B12;
• cobalt carbonate;
• folic acid;
• copper proteinate.

The manufacturer mentions the following benefits of the formula:

1. High calcium content. The mineral contributes to the normal development of the musculoskeletal system.
2. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids. They improve the state of the central nervous system and accelerate adaptation to new conditions.
3. The presence of prebiotics. They contribute to the development of normal intestinal microflora and improve digestion.

The composition leaves an ambiguous impression. The first 2 items are meat components, but one of them is fresh, the other is flour. During the preparation of dry food, the water from the meat is evaporated. There is less liquid in cereals, so their percentage rises. Flour is not the best source of protein.

There is only one type of dry food "First Choice" for kittens, so if you are allergic to chicken, you will have to consider other products

Herbal components include both cereals and peas. They contain carbohydrates and proteins, but kittens do not need them in that amount. The grains used (oats, rice and barley) are relatively safe and are less likely to cause allergies than corn and wheat.

The feed contains functional additives. Mint, parsley and green tea extract freshen the breath. Yucca reduces fecal odor. The pulp of tomato and beetroot cleanses the intestines and prevents the entry of toxins from rotting food particles into the blood.

In general, First Choice feed can be called a solid average. At one time I gave it to my cats when they were small, due to the lack of special ready-made diets for kittens in the lines of most holistic-class products. When the veterinarian told me that quality feed is generally suitable for all healthy animals of any age, we switched to Akana. The cat's coat immediately became softer and shinier.

Food "First Choice" for adult cats

The range of food for adult cats over 1 year old is the widest. It contains over 10 titles. The company produces granulated food and canned food.

Wet food

The company produces the following types of wet food:

• tuna with squid and pineapple;
• tuna with tilapia and pineapple;
• tuna with pineapple;
• tuna with shrimp and pineapple;
• tuna with sea bass and pineapple;
• tuna with papaya;
• tuna with chicken and pineapple;
• tuna with chicken and papaya;
• tuna with chicken and kiwi.

The composition of the products is approximately the same, so it is enough to consider one sample. Let's take a wet food with tuna, squid and pineapple as an example. It contains the following components:

• tuna (45.5%);
• squid (4%);
• pineapple (4%);
• yucca;
• sunflower oil;
• vegetable broth.

In general, the composition resembles wet kitten food. The content of meat components is slightly higher. Therapeutic supplements are yucca and fruit. Little, but for canned food this is a standard situation. The proportion of squid is minimal. They are used as a flavoring and flavoring additive, like other meats in various types of wet food.

The advantages of wet food include the fact that various additives (including fruits) are visible to the naked eye

The main source of protein is tuna. This helps provide the cat with unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols. Additionally, papaya or pineapple is included. They not only contain vitamins, but also help remove hairballs from the stomach. This prevents the development of intestinal obstruction, which is especially important for pets with a thick or long coat. Kiwi helps to regulate the acidity of urine.

The disadvantages of wet food for adult cats are the same as those of similar products for kittens. They cannot be used as the main diet.

Dry food

The line of dry food "First Choice" contains the following formulas:

1. Hypoallergenic. Duck is used as the main component, which causes intolerance less often than chicken. The composition does not contain cereals. This further reduces the risk of developing allergies. The disadvantages of the feed include the minimum meat content. The only meat component among the first 5 items is fresh duck (17%), the share of which decreases 4–5 times after the liquid has evaporated. For cat food, this is a very low indicator, therefore, it is advisable not to use the product for good nutrition.

   

   The product really relieves allergy symptoms, but with such a low amount of animal proteins, it can cause a general deterioration in health.

2. Urinari. The food reduces the risk of kidney and bladder calculus and helps dissolve struvite by controlling urine acidity. Cranberries help lower the pH of the fluid and have a mild diuretic effect, preventing congestion. The minimum concentration of magnesium reduces the risk of calculus. Fresh chicken and chicken flour are used as the main ingredients. The composition contains corn, so the product is not suitable for allergy sufferers. The food can be fed to sterilized animals. Calorie content is 362 kcal per 100 g, which helps to maintain a normal weight.

   

   Despite the presence of natural antioxidants, the composition contains salt, and its amount is not specified

3. Healthy skin and coat. The main ingredients are fresh salmon and herring flour. They contain tocopherols and unsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to the formation of a lipid film on the skin. This protects the cat from negative environmental factors (ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, etc.) and helps to retain moisture in the cages. Some of the greasy secretion gets on the coat and makes it shiny. Peeling and itching disappear.

   

   The manufacturer recommends giving the product to cats no older than 10 years; most likely due to the high fat content (20%)

4. For neutered cats. The main sources of protein are chicken flour and fresh chicken (14% each). The proportion of meat components is low, but the feed does not contain cereals, therefore it is hypoallergenic. The calorie content of the product is 354 kcal per 100 g. This is a low figure, so the food is suitable for the prevention of obesity. The disadvantages include the absence of cranberries or other oxidants in the composition. The food does not prevent calculus formation.

   

   It is better to give food to cats, not to cats, because for the latter, urolithiasis is a great threat due to the narrow urethra

5. Weight control. The formula can be used to prevent obesity in spayed cats. It differs from the previous feed by the presence of cereals in the composition and very low calorie content - only 319 kcal per 100 g. The product is not recommended for cats with normal weight or malnutrition.

   

   This product should be used in courses due to its poor composition

6. For fastidious cats. The proportion of meat components in the feed is higher: it contains 17% fresh chicken and the same amount of flour from it. Some cats like this ratio more than the standard (about 14-15%). However, the ash content of the feed is 8.5%, which can repel the animal. The optimal level is no more than 7%, otherwise a bitter taste appears. The product has a high calorie content (377 kcal per 100 g) and can be used with a slight deviation in body weight from the norm.

   

   Food is not recommended for cats over 10 years old

7. Vitality. A universal formula for healthy animals without special needs. The manufacturer claims that the food helps maintain optimal urine pH. Prebiotics in the composition improve digestion. Caloric content - 368 kcal per 100 g, which meets the needs of pets without deviations from the norm. The product is distinguished by a relatively high content of meat components: 17% chicken flour and fresh chicken flour. The composition contains cereals.

   

   Vitality dry food does not have any special properties and contains a standard set of vitamins, minerals and therapeutic additives: tocopherols, magnesium, omega-3, etc.

From the entire line, I would single out hypoallergenic food, the "Urinari" formula and diets for weight control. The first one I once advised to get a friend, when her cat had such a strong itch that he combed himself to bald patches. He, of course, cannot replace a nutritious diet, but it helps to quickly get rid of symptoms, indirectly confirm the diagnosis and give a little respite for choosing a new feed. PH and weight control formulas can be used in courses. This will help to avoid the development of obesity or kidney stones and nutritional deficiencies.

Food "First Choice" for elderly cats

Only dry food is produced for elderly animals. It is also suitable for inactive house cats as it is low in calories and helps control weight. Due to the low fat content (15%), the energy value of 100 g is only 353 kcal.

The product includes the following components:

• fresh chicken (17%);
• chicken meal (17%) (natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin);
• rice;
• brown rice;
• specially processed kernels of barley and oats;
• pea protein;
• chicken fat;
• preserved by a mixture of natural tocopherols (vitamin E);
• dried egg;
• hydrolyzate of chicken liver;
• beet pulp;
• whole flax seed;
• pea fiber;
• dried tomato pulp;
• salmon fat;
• potassium chloride;
• lecithin;
• calcium carbonate;
• choline chloride;
• salt;
• calcium propionate;
• sodium bisulfate;
• yeast extract;
• taurine;
• chicory extract;
• DL-methionine;
• L-lysine;
• iron sulfate;
• collagen peptide;
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• zinc oxide;
• sodium selenite;
• alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E);
• glucosamine sulfate;
• a nicotinic acid;
• chondroitin sulfate;
• yucca shidigera extract;
• L-cystine;
• calcium iodate;
• manganese oxide;
• L-carnitine;
• D-calcium pantothenate;
• thiamine mononitrate;
• riboflavin;
• pyridoxine hydrochloride;
• vitamin A;
• cholecalciferol (vitamin D3);
• biotin;
• dried mint (0.01%);
• dried parsley (0.01%);
• green tea extract (0.01%);
• zinc proteinate;
• vitamin B12;
• cobalt carbonate;
• folic acid;
• manganese proteinate;
• copper proteinate.

The content of meat components in food for elderly cats is relatively high compared to most pelleted products "First Choice", but it is not enough for the predator's body. In fact, the percentage of protein ingredients of animal origin is lower than the stated 34% due to fresh chicken. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth positions are occupied by plant components that are not particularly valuable for the feline organism. With their help, the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is brought to normal.

Despite the age mark, the manufacturer also suggests giving this food to inactive domestic cats.

The manufacturer claims that the feed contains glucosamine and chondroitin. These are useful substances that are necessary for maintaining the normal condition of ligaments, tendons and cartilage, as well as for the production of inter-articular fluid and protection of the musculoskeletal system from degenerative processes. However, chicken meal is used as a source of glucosamine and chondroitin, so in reality, this food is not much different from others in terms of health improvement.

Analysis of the composition of the feed "First Choice"

For the analysis, we will analyze in detail the composition of one of the dry feeds. We will not consider canned food, since they have a meager list of ingredients. They are not used as a main course.

For example, let's take Fest Choice Vitality as a sample. It includes the following components:

1. Fresh chicken (17%). It's better than just "chicken" or "poultry", but worse than dehydrated meat. Carcasses, offal and individual parts of the animal's body are used, so the quality of the ingredient can be either high or low. After evaporation of the water, the proportion of chicken will drop to 3-4%.
2. Chicken flour (17%). In the original English language, this ingredient is listed as "chicken meal", which corresponds to "chicken meal" and not "chicken meal". This is a marketing ploy that borders on cheating the buyer. While the quality of meat flour can be low or high depending on the raw material, and in general the component is similar to dehydrated meat, then chicken flour is a questionable ingredient.
3. Figure: Beneficial in small amounts due to its carbohydrate and fiber content, but in this case it is used as a cheap bulking agent. Cereals should not represent the bulk of a cat's diet. Rice is better tolerated by the animal's body than corn or wheat, so the food is safe for pets prone to allergies.
4. Pea Protein. It is safer than soy, since it is less likely to cause allergies, but its presence in the composition is questionable. Pea protein is often used as a cheap protein source. Plant amino acids are much less assimilated by the cat's body.
5. Chicken fat preserved with a mixture of natural tocopherols (vitamin E). A standard ingredient found in most similar products. It is commendable that the manufacturer indicates the source of origin of the component.
6. Beet pulp. Contains plant fiber, helps cleanse the intestines and promotes the development of natural microflora.
7. Brown rice. Better than a standard product. Unpolished rice contains minerals (potassium, calcium and magnesium) and plant proteins. It is gluten-free, so the food is less likely to cause allergies in animals. However, this is still a cereal, and its presence in the composition is undesirable.
8. Specially processed kernels of barley and oats. They are really just crushed barley ("Pearled barley") and oatmeal ("Oat Groats"). An unusual name in Russian is a marketing ploy that increases the attractiveness of additional types of cereals in the composition.
9. Dried egg. Contains animal proteins and B vitamins. Not a bad ingredient.
10. Chicken liver hydrolyzate. It is used to increase the palatability and aroma appeal of the feed. The component is natural, therefore it does not pose a threat to life and health.
11. Whole flax seed. Elite component. Whole flaxseed is better than just flaxseed because the seed is used in its original form. This saves more nutrients. Flaxseed is primarily used to support gastrointestinal health. Mucous substances envelop the inner membranes and prevent damage. Additionally, the seeds stimulate digestion and improve peristalsis.
12. Salmon fat. Good ingredient. Contains unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), which have a beneficial effect on all organs, including the brain, central nervous system and the immune system.
13. Dried tomato pulp. Virtually no nutrients, but a source of fiber. Cleans the intestines.
14. Pea fiber. In small quantities, it helps to improve digestion.
15. Potassium chloride. A safe emulsifier that helps to give the feed a specific texture.
16. Yeast extract (source of mannan oligosaccharides). Contains prebiotics and polysaccharides. The latter improve immunity.
17. Yucca Shidigera extract. Helps to kill bacteria, therefore, reduces fecal odor and normalizes digestion.
18. Dried mint (0.01%), dried parsley (0.01%) and green tea extract (0.01%). Theoretically freshening breath. Since cats do not chew food thoroughly, the effect is questionable.

It also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. In fact, feed should be positioned between premium and super premium. It contains therapeutic additives, there are practically no potentially hazardous substances, but it does not meet the needs of the feline body. Predators need meat, not cereals. There are no quality sources of animal proteins in the feed. The proportion of meat components is artificially overstated due to fresh chicken.

Ideally, the proportion of meat components in the animal's diet should be about 80%; in 1st Choice dry food, their amount in dehydrated form barely reaches 20-25%

Doubts are also caused by taurine in the composition. His presence is a disadvantage and a virtue at the same time. In the complete absence of a component in an animal, the state of the organs of vision and the immune system worsens. In a quality feed, taurine is not included in the composition separately, since it is present in meat components. Its presence indicates an insufficient proportion of ingredients of animal origin.

Doubtful marketing moves cause distrust of the manufacturer. They border on cheating the customer as “chicken meal” and “chicken meal” are 2 completely different ingredients. They try to present the presence of barley and oats as an advantage of the product, but in reality it is a disadvantage. Fresh meat in the first place in the list of ingredients is also undesirable, as it creates a false impression among customers.

Advantages and disadvantages of feed

The benefits of a feed include the following factors:

1. The presence of a percentage of components. This helps to assess the composition and quality of the product. The availability of specific information is credible.
2. The presence of grain-free feed in the line. Vegetable diets are less likely to cause allergies. They usually contain more nutrients, but in this case, the proportion of meat components is approximately the same. Cereals are replaced with potatoes.
3. A wide range of. It is easier for buyers to choose the best product for their pet, taking into account the characteristics and needs.
4. Meat components in the first positions. There are feeds in which the proportion of animal products is even lower, so this can still be called an advantage.
5. Meager selection in terms of the types of meat used. Most of the products contain chicken and fish; duck is present in the cereal-free hypoallergenic food. If the animal is allergic to all these types of meat, you will have to choose a different food.

The disadvantages of the product include the following factors:

1. Attempts to deceive the buyer. This is not yet a scam, but changing component names and trying to portray flaws in a different light are misleading.
2. Relatively low meat solids content. The proportion of fresh product decreases after evaporation of the water, and additional waste is present in chicken flour: bones, beaks, claws, etc.
3. High proportion of cereals. In most feeds, they occupy several of the high positions. In total, this is more than the amount of meat.
4. Not all therapeutic foods can be used for their intended purposes. For example, theoretically, hypoallergenic food should be a complete diet, but it cannot be used for a long time due to the almost complete absence of meat in the composition.
5. Wet foods are identical to each other. Only the taste is different. No food with low or high calorie content, various therapeutic additives, etc.
6. There are no natural antioxidants in most foods. Tocopherols and rosemary could help reduce the proportion of salt in the feed. Excess sodium negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and urinary systems.
7. The presence of a potentially dangerous preservative in the composition. The manufacturer uses sodium bisulfate (E222) to extend the shelf life of products. The preservative is also added to sausages and processed fruits, but it is assigned the third degree of danger. With prolonged use and accumulation of a substance, gastrointestinal disorders, calculi in the kidneys, dental defects and allergic reactions may occur.

I used to buy First Choice food because of my inexperience, and the choice was not great. It was difficult to find holistic-class products in pet stores, and I did not trust Internet resources at that time. Nothing bad happened to cats, after all, it's better than "Whiskas" or "Royal Canin". However, there is nothing particularly good in the stern. Now I would not buy it because of its weak composition and overpriced. On average, 1 kg costs 500 rubles. (600 rubles for grain-free formulas), but for the same money you can find a better option. Fest Choice food should be bought only for animals with very sensitive digestion, which are not suitable for holistics. By using barley, peas, oats and rice, the risk of allergies is reduced.

Is "First Choice" food suitable for everyone?

Conditionally, the food "First Choice" can be given to any healthy cats, however, due to the low proportion of animal proteins, it can provoke the development of diseases. It is advisable to prefer holistic-class products or natural food.

Holistic feed contains more than 50% of animal ingredients, including dehydrated and fresh meat, as well as offal

If you have any health problems, you should consult a veterinarian. The food may not be suitable for animals with kidney disease, gastrointestinal tract and allergies.

Feed cost and point of sale

The bulk of dry food is produced in small (907 g), medium (2.72 kg) and large (5.44 packages). The average price is 550 rubles, 1400 rubles. and 2500 p. respectively. In the case of grain-free feed, the cost is higher: 1750 rubles. for 2.72 kg and 3000 rubles. for 5.44 kg. Canned food (85 g) costs 80–100 rubles.

The food is not sold in regular supermarkets. It is not found in all pet stores. It is easier to order First Choice products via the Internet. The manufacturer's website has a map on which stores selling feed are marked, but they are present only in some localities.

Reviews of pet owners and veterinarians

First Choice feeds do not belong to the lowest quality products, but they do not reach the ideal balance. The key advantage is that the manufacturer does not include the most dangerous additives that are used in other ready-made diets (wheat, soy, corn, etc.). However, the proportion of meat in products is small, so it is advisable to prefer a different feed.