Friskis Food For Cats: Review, Composition, Range Of Friskas, Pros And Cons, Reviews Of Veterinarians And Owners

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

Friskis cat food

Friskis is a complete food for cats. This means that the products are safe for animal health and can be used for continuous feeding. In fact, "Friskis" can pose a threat to the health of pets.

Content

• 1 General information

• 2 Types of feed "Friskis"

  • 2.1 Food "Friskis" for kittens

    • 2.1.1 Dry food
    • 2.1.2 Wet food

  • 2.2 Food "Friskis" for adult cats

    • 2.2.1 Dry food
    • 2.2.2 Wet food

  • 2.3 Specialized line

    • 2.3.1 Dry food for domestic cats
    • 2.3.2 Dry food for sterilized cats
    • 2.3.3 Dry food for hairball control
• 3 Analysis of the composition of the feed "Friskis"
• 4 Advantages and disadvantages of Friskis feed
• 5 Is Friskis food suitable for all cats?
• 6 Feed cost and point of sale
• 7 Reviews of pet owners and veterinarians

general information

Friskis feeds belong to the economy class and represent the least quality ready-made animal feeds. These products are manufactured by Nestle's Purina division. The corporation also owns the brands Felix, Purina One, Pro Plan, Gourmet, Darling and Cat Chow. The company specializes in the production of low-quality budget feed.

The logo is present on all products of this brand

Friskis feeds in assortment and composition resemble the Whiskas line - its main competitor. The company manufactures a variety of flavored, flavored, wet prepared rations and granulated foods. There are no treatment lines in the assortment, but there is food for animals with special needs.

Types of feed "Friskis"

Nestlé products are divided into 3 categories: food for kittens and adult cats, as well as a specialized line. The latter includes preventive ready-made diets.

Friskis food for kittens

For kittens, the corporation produces dry and wet food. The latter is preferred due to its more natural texture and increased water content.

Dry food

The manufacturer recommends giving dry food "Friskis" with milk, vegetables and chicken to kittens from 1 to 12 months. It is important to transfer animals to dry ready-made rations gradually, otherwise digestive upset will occur. For small kittens (up to 2 months old), it is advisable to soak the granules before eating. This makes the chewing process easier and speeds up product transition. Kittens are too dense in consistency and low humidity levels are repulsive, so there is a high chance of refusing food.

Despite the manufacturer's recommendations, it is advisable to refrain from feeding with a granular product for up to 1.5-2 months

The product contains the following components:

• cereals;
• meat and products of its processing (including chicken);
• vegetable protein;
• vegetable processing products;
• fats and oils;
• yeast;
• preservatives;
• fish and products of its processing (including tuna);
• minerals;
• vitamins;
• vegetables (dried green peas);
• milk and its processing products (skim milk powder);
• colorants and antioxidants.

The manufacturer highlights the following benefits of the formula:

1. The presence of vitamin E. Tocopherols are essential for the final formation of the immune system and protection against bacteria and viruses. Vitamin E helps to create a protective lipid membrane on the skin and avoid the negative effects of aggressive environmental factors.
2. The presence of protein. Amino acids are required by cats to form internal organs and tissues. The state of the muscular corset and the musculoskeletal system depends on the balance of proteins.
3. The increased content of minerals and vitamin D. This helps to maintain the normal condition of teeth and bones.
4. The presence of taurine. The substance takes part in the regulation of the activity of many systems and organs, but it is most important for the health of the heart and eyes.

In reality, the merits sound rather controversial. Vitamins and minerals are found in any feed, this is true even for economy class products. Friskis has a high protein content (35%), but this is achieved due to cereals and their processed products. These are not substances that are suitable for cats. Predators assimilate only a fraction of them. In addition, plant-based proteins place a greater strain on the digestive tract than foods of animal origin that are more natural for cats.

Irregularly shaped multicolored pellets are a typical and potentially dangerous marketing ploy for cheap feed.

A number of important amino acids are missing from plant components. Taurine is one of them. The substance is not added separately to high-quality feed, since it is contained in the main components of the finished diet: meat and offal. The presence of taurine as an additional ingredient indicates a lack of animal products in the composition.

I don’t give Friskis food to my cats. Its composition is more reminiscent of compound feed for birds and is not suitable for predators. My friend's kitten almost died due to a malfunction of the pancreas after eating Friskis food. In addition, it is doubtful that this is a product for kittens, that is, in theory, the most useful and nutritious in the entire line. If he has such a poor composition, then the rest of the food is definitely not suitable for pets.

Wet food

There is only one type of Friskis wet food for kittens. On the packaging there is a mark "with chicken", but the manufacturer does not specify which types of meat are used in production and in what quantity, so it is impossible to say something unequivocally.

The following positions are marked in the composition:

• meat and products of its processing (including chicken);
• cereals;
• fish and products of its processing;
• minerals;
• Sahara;
• vitamins;
• amino acids.

Doubt is the absence of specific names of ingredients, the presence of cereals in second place and the presence of processed products in wet feed. This indirectly indicates the use of low-quality raw materials: meat of dead animals, internal organs, waste, etc. The clarification “including chicken” is also alarming, because, judging by the name of the feed, it should occupy a large share in the composition or even be the only animal product.

Wet food is more suitable for kittens in consistency, but not in composition: the use of low-quality meat, cereals and sugar can lead to the rapid development of gastrointestinal pathologies

The proportion of cereals in the cat's diet should be minimized or completely removed from the menu. Predators have a short gastrointestinal tract, which is adapted to digest meat. Vegetables, fruits and grains enter their body only from the stomachs of the victims. There they are in a semi-digested form, which makes the task easier. Fruits and vegetables can be present in small amounts in a cat's diet for vitamin enrichment, cereals to cleanse the intestines with fiber, but the second position is too much. In the case of Friskis feed, grains are used as a cheap filler.

The manufacturer proposes to use wet food "Friskis" as a nutritious food without being combined with other products. In fact, such a diet will quickly lead to the development of diseases, since there are no therapeutic additives and many useful substances in wet food. Only vitamins A and D3, iron, iodine, manganese, copper, zinc and taurine are added in pure form. Cereals and meat contain sodium, calcium, magnesium and other substances, but it should be borne in mind that processed products are used in production. The proportion of minerals and vitamins in them is low.

Against the background of the shortcomings, the advantage of the feed indicated by the manufacturer looks like a mockery. It is stated that the prepared diet contains a lot of proteins (8%), which are required for healthy growth of a kitten. For comparison: Meowing Heads canned food contains 11% protein. At the same time, turkey (70%) and its broth (28%) are in first place. There are no grains that help artificially inflate the performance. My neighbor fed her cat when he was little, only with spiders "Whiskas" and "Friskis". He was very thin. The hair fell out in shreds, the skin peeled off, the animal combed itself until it bleeds. Typical symptoms of protein deficiency. His condition improved dramatically when he was switched to super premium dry food.

Friskis food for adult cats

For adult cats, the company produces wet and dry food.

Dry food

There are 3 types of Friskis dry food for adult cats: with meat and healthy vegetables, with meat, chicken and liver, and with a rabbit and healthy vegetables. The presence of the clarification "with meat" in the names is alarming, since there should be meat in cat food in any case. Not the fact of its presence in the composition should be indicated, but the variety.

Let's consider one composition for example. Let's take the simplest formula as a sample - with meat and healthy vegetables. The feed contains the following ingredients:

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

With a detailed examination of the composition, it becomes obvious that there is no specifics in the list of ingredients. This allows the manufacturer to change it depending on the market situation. For example, use different types of cereals in several batches. This is most dangerous for cats prone to allergies. Animals often develop intolerance to wheat and corn, so the producer should inform the potential buyer about the presence or absence of these cereals.

Even the packaging shows multi-colored granules - a sign of poor quality

The percentage of vegetables in the composition varies between the amount of antioxidants and dyes, i.e., presumably it is up to 1%. For a feed with meat and healthy vegetables, this is very little. By-products take a higher position, but with equal success the manufacturer may have in mind the pulp or partitions, seeds, peels and tops.

The balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates should be considered separately. Friskis food contains 30% amino acids. This is normal, but most of the protein comes from plant foods. Fat in feed is only 10%. Adult animals need 15–20% of them for normal health. Lack of fat causes deterioration of the coat and skin and a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. This can lead to the development of blood clotting disorders and fatty liver disease.

Wet food

Several types of wet food are produced under the Friskis brand. The product list contains ready-made rations with salmon, rabbit, lamb, beef, turkey, duck, liver and chicken.

For example, consider wet food with duck. It contains the following ingredients:

• meat and products of its processing (of which ducks 4%);
• cereals;
• minerals;
• Sahara;
• vitamins.

Duck acts as a flavoring agent. The rest of the composition is most likely taken by cheaper protein sources. At best, this is chicken, at worst, industrial waste. The latter is more likely, since the company indicates processed products in the composition.

It is highly recommended to use wet food together with dry food or supplement the diet with natural products

The presence of minerals and vitamins allows us to call the product a complete ration, but in reality it is advisable not to use it as the main diet. Proteins in the feed are even less than in the analogue for kittens: only 6.5%. Fat 2.5% with an average of 5-7% from other manufacturers.

The presence of sugars in the composition is puzzling. They are obtained from glucose and fructose residues. Sugar is supposedly used as a cheap source of energy and carbohydrates, as well as a colorant, but is not suitable for cats. It lacks vitamins, proteins and minerals. Excess sugar can cause diarrhea and allergic reactions in cats, so it is potentially harmful. I noticed that animals that eat wet Friskis food have flowing eyes and itchy red spots on the skin. To eliminate the symptoms, it is enough to change the feed to at least a premium class. Many people blame chicken for allergies, although in reality this may be a reaction to sugar, because the body of a predator is not able to fully process it. For cats, it is a toxin.

Specialized line

The line includes 3 products: improved dry food for domestic cats, a ready-made diet for sterilized cats and food for preventing the formation of wool lumps in the stomach. Let's consider each sample separately.

Dry food for domestic cats

The food is suitable for adult animals. The manufacturer claims that the product contains garden herbs and chicken, which is what the name suggests.

Only green peas are shown on the package, although the name contains a collective definition of "garden greens"

The dry food contains the following ingredients:

• cereals;
• meat and products of its processing (including chicken);
• vegetable processing products;
• vegetable protein;
• fats and oils;
• vegetables (dried green peas);
• yeast;
• minerals;
• vitamins;
• preservatives;
• dyes;
• antioxidants.

The manufacturer highlights the following benefits of the formula:

1. The presence of fiber. Plant fibers cleanse the intestines and help remove hairballs from the stomach. Fiber helps to normalize beneficial microflora.
2. The correct balance of minerals. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide accurate information on the concentration of each trace element, so we can only take our word for it. In theory, the food helps to reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones, but this is possible only if the concentration of certain minerals (for example, magnesium) is reduced. This will help prevent oversaturation of urine and the formation of calculi.
3. The presence of chicory in the composition. The manufacturer claims that the ingredient helps to reduce fecal odor, but chicory is not actually on the list of ingredients.

The definition of "garden greens" hides peas. This is better than cereals, since beans are less likely to cause allergies and contain more protein, but this is hardly a full advantage. Elite pet food uses peas in small amounts instead of cheap fillers to improve digestion. The beans themselves do not contain anything unusual, so they do not deserve a separate mention in this case. The composition already contains enough fiber (cereals in the first place), and the presence of unnamed preservatives, antioxidants and dyes negates all efforts to improve health.

Dry food for sterilized cats

Food for spayed animals should contain fewer calories and minerals. This is important for the prevention of obesity and urolithiasis. Purina offers a ready-to-eat rabbit and healthy vegetable diet for this purpose.

Dyes in the composition are a dubious decision, since they can irritate the tissues of the urinary system

Dry food contains the following ingredients:

• cereals;
• vegetable protein;
• meat and products of its processing (including rabbit);
• vegetable processing products;
• fats and oils;
• yeast;
• minerals;
• vitamins;
• preservatives;
• vegetables (dried green peas);
• dyes;
• antioxidants.

The manufacturer highlights controversial points as advantages:

1. The presence of vitamin E. Tocopherols are indeed beneficial as they improve the condition of the skin and coat, but they are found in all complete feeds.
2. Balanced protein and fat content. In theory, this can reduce calories and prevent obesity, but in reality, the manufacturer simply saves on ingredients. The share of meat components is reduced, and the share of plant proteins is increased. This helps to visually maintain a standard concentration of amino acids (30%), but the qualitative proportion of substances is reduced compared to other feeds. The fat content is only 8%. This is 2-3 times lower than the norm.
3. The correct balance of minerals. In theory, this reduces the likelihood of developing an ICD, but in reality, the manufacturer does not provide specific information. Natural antioxidants, most likely, are not used by the company, otherwise they would be mentioned in the composition, so the salt concentration is presumably high.

Peas are again hiding under the name "healthy vegetables". This leads to suspicions about not entirely honest marketing moves. There is even less meat in the food for neutered cats than in the rest. It only occupies the third position. Most likely, if we subtract the share of water and processed products, the share of dry residue will be 1–2%. For cat food, this is a disgusting indicator: the norm is 60-80%.

Lack of caloric data in the case of obesity prevention feed is a dubious decision. I would not buy "Friskis" at least because it is impossible to plan a diet with excess weight. In addition, a low fat content practically guarantees the development of joint diseases. I know of a case when a Scottish cat ate dry food "Friskas" for neutered animals, and at the age of 9 began to limp on both hind legs. Due to the lack of fat, pets become lethargic and irritable, constantly freezing and poorly seeing.

Dry food for hairball control

In theory, in order to prevent the formation of hairballs, specific plant fibers should be present in the composition of the food, which will help to capture the hairs and bring them out before the appearance of dense formations and the development of intestinal obstruction. Usually, for these purposes, producers add beet pulp, chicory and fruits. Purina offers a chicken and vegetable formula.

Marketing ploy again: all the benefits on the packaging come from one generally mediocre ingredient found in most premium and super premium feed

The dry food contains the following ingredients:

• cereals;
• meat and processed meat products (10%, chicken at least 4%);
• vegetable protein extract;
• oil and fats;
• plant products (4% sugar beet pulp);
• preservatives;
• minerals;
• yeast;
• dyes;
• vitamins;
• vegetables (0.17% dried vegetables, equivalent to 1% vegetables);
• antioxidants.

In this case, the food is as stated: it really helps to prevent the formation of hairballs. For these purposes, beets are used. The differences in the formula include the presence of a percentage of the components. This is commendable, but the full names of the ingredients are still missing. In addition, 10% of the meat components are not enough.

Analysis of the composition of the feed "Friskis"

For a complete analysis, we will analyze the composition of wet and dry feed. Let's start with the first one.

The complete wet food "Friskis" with duck in gravy contains the following components:

1. Meat and meat products (of which 4% ducks). There is no specific information, so there are doubts about the quality of the ingredient. If the producer had nothing to hide, he would indicate the type of meat.
2. Cereals. Another vague name. It can hide both whole grains and production waste (for example, parts of the shell). High quality ingredients (brown rice, oats, barley) or potentially hazardous corn and wheat can be used as cereals.
3. Minerals. Controversial component. It is preferable to indicate each substance with its share.
4. Sahara. Potentially harmful ingredient, the presence of which in wet food is inappropriate. Perhaps it is necessary to give a more pronounced brown color and mask the cereals.
5. Vitamins. The presence of a common definition is undesirable. It would be better if the manufacturer provided specific information.

It is impossible to assess the composition due to the lack of precise definitions. The presence of grains and sugar in wet food is doubtful. The quality of the components is poor.

Allergy secretions leave characteristic stains on the coat near the inner corners of the eyes

Let's consider the composition of Friskis dry food for adult cats with meat and healthy vegetables. The list of components contains the following items:

1. Cereals. The ingredient comes first, which indicates its use as a cheap filler. This is unacceptable for cat food.
2. Meat and products of its processing. Dubious component. Neither grade nor type of fabric is specified. Possibly, the composition of the food changes with each batch, which is dangerous for cats prone to allergies.
3. Vegetable processing products. Similar to herbal protein extract. Unwanted ingredient in cat food as its source is unknown.
4. Vegetable protein. Unwanted ingredient.
5. Fats and oils. There is no source of origin.
6. Yeast. Commonly used as a source of B vitamins and for flavor enhancement. Doubt is the absence of a component type. It can be either baker's yeast harmful to cats or brewer's yeast.
7. Preservatives. Helps prevent premature food spoilage. In this case, the type of preservative is not specified, which causes mistrust.
8. Minerals. Common names in the composition are undesirable.
9. Vitamins. It would be better if the manufacturer indicated the type of substances and their amount.
10. Dyes. Undesirable and potentially hazardous ingredient. Cheap dyes often cause allergic reactions and irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa.
11. Vegetables. In theory, they contain vitamins and fiber, but the common name suggests that they are not using whole fruits, but waste. The ingredient is in the penultimate place, so it can be ignored: there will be little benefit from it.
12. Antioxidants Same as preservatives. It is not entirely clear why the manufacturer splits them into 2 positions.

If the food had to be rated on a ten-point scale, I would give it a maximum of 2. There is meat. Perhaps even 1% or a little more in pure form. This is where the positive aspects of the composition end. I have often observed allergies in cats that eat Friskas food. And this is logical, because the manufacturer does not even indicate the type of components and can use different ingredients. This is the same as writing in the composition "synthetic, vegetable and animal products." Laconic and uninformative, but not to find fault.

Advantages and disadvantages of Friskis feed

The only advantage of the feed is its low cost. On average, the cost of Friskis products is 3–4 times lower than the price of ready-made super-premium and holistic rations.

Disadvantages of feed include the following factors:

1. Low fat content. In most Friskis feeds, it is 8-10%.
2. Low meat content. The manufacturer claims 10% in one of the feeds, but taking into account the use of low-quality raw materials and processed products, in reality it is even lower.
3. Use of questionable components. This is indicated by general wording. The presence of sugar also causes distrust.
4. No specific information. Due to the lack of an accurate list of ingredients, it becomes more difficult for pet owners with allergies to make choices.
5. The presence of pesticides in the feed. According to the results of the research of Roskachestvo, the presence of piperonyl butoxide was revealed. The substance is classified as moderately hazardous and, if absorbed into the body, may cause impaired motor activity, prostration and discharge from the eyes.
6. Inconsistency with the reality of the information specified by the manufacturer. A study by Roskachestvo revealed a low content of fat and arachidonic acid. The latter is present in meat, which indirectly indicates its almost complete absence.
7. Doubtful marketing moves. The manufacturer indicates as advantages those factors that do not correspond to reality. The company is also trying to present conventional feed additives in a more favorable light.
8. Lack of wet food in the specialized line. For sterilized animals, at least partial nutrition with canned food and pates is preferable. This helps to get more fluid and prevent the urine from becoming saturated.

Long-term use of Friskis feed can lead to the development of diseases due to the critically low level of animal proteins and fats. It is advisable to avoid the use of these prepared rations.

Is Friskis food suitable for all cats?

It is advisable not to give Friskis food to cats. It can cause discomfort even after a single use. The product does not meet the biological needs of predators. In healthy animals, ready-made diets are more likely to cause disease. In the presence of pathologies or a tendency to their occurrence, it is strictly forbidden to feed "Friskis". This applies to breeds with poor health: Persian and Scottish cats, Sphynxes, etc.

I often hear objections that someone's animal has lived for 10 or even 15 years on the Friskis stern. I am horrified by this argument, because the pet could have lived much longer if it was fed better food. And when it turns out later that the pet has been suffering from baldness, diarrhea or blood in the urine all these years, it becomes uncomfortable. If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to urgently change the feed and consult a veterinarian. Even the absence of obvious signs of disease does not guarantee good health, therefore, it is advisable to examine cats that eat Friskis every 3–6 months for prevention.

Feed cost and point of sale

Spiders (85 g or 100 g) cost 15–20 rubles on average. The cost of dry food for kittens and adult cats is 85 rubles. for 400 g, 380 p. for 2 kg and 1600 rubles. for 10 kg. The price of products from a specialized line is slightly higher: 85 rubles. for 300 g and 380 rubles. for 1.5 kg. You can buy food at most pet stores and hypermarkets.

Reviews of pet owners and veterinarians

Friskis feed is a potentially hazardous product for animal health. This is little better than fasting, because there are practically no fats and meat in the prepared diet. Additional doubt is raised by the use of generic formulations, marketing moves and sugar.