"Savar" (Savarra) 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

Cat food "Savarra"

Savarra feeds are ready-made rations produced in Great Britain especially for Russia. Domestic and foreign specialists took part in the development of the product formulation. As a result, it was possible to create a formula that can compete even with some holistics.

Content

• 1 General information

• 2 Types of feed "Savarra"

  • 2.1 Savarra Kitten
  • 2.2 Savarra Sensitive Cat
  • 2.3 Savarra Light / Sterilized Cat
  • 2.4 Savarra Indoor Cat
  • 2.5 Savarra Hairball Control
  • 2.6 Savarra Adult Cat
• 3 Analysis of the composition of the feed "Savarra"
• 4 Advantages and disadvantages
• 5 Is Savarra food suitable for all cats?
• 6 Feed cost and point of sale
• 7 Reviews of pet owners and veterinarians

general information

Dry food "Savarra" is produced by Golden Acres by order of an individual entrepreneur from Russia. In part, these products can be called domestic, since both the development of the formula and the sale mainly take place on the territory of the Russian Federation. Representatives of the company classify feeds as super-premium, however, due to the balanced composition, many people mistakenly classify ready-made diets as holistic.

There are several variations of the logo, but it is present in one form or another on all Savarra food packages.

Savarra is a relatively young brand. The first shipments of feed arrived in stores in 2014. At first, the coverage of sales was small, so products reached many cities later: after 1–2 years. Despite this, the Savarra brand is trustworthy, as ready-made rations are subject to strict control by European organizations.

Types of feed "Savarra"

The company produces only dry food. The line includes standard and preventive ready-made diets, but no medicinal ones. They produce specialized products for both kittens and adult cats.

Savarra kitten

Dry food is suitable for kittens from 1 to 12 months of age. First, it should be given not in its original form, but in a soaked form: this promotes better assimilation. A small kitten may not chew dry granules. Even if the animal does not refuse to eat, a sharp change in the consistency of food can cause indigestion and the development of diseases of the digestive tract. Dry food can be given to pregnant and lactating cats to replenish the reserves of nutrients and harmonious development of kittens.

The appearance of the food packaging has undergone changes as part of the rebranding, but the work has not been completed yet, so the ready-made rations for kittens look the same

The key benefit of the formula is the use of turkey as the main meat component. This is a dietary meat that is well absorbed by the feline body. The product contains vitamins A and E, which help to improve the condition of the skin, coat, nervous system, etc. Despite the use of dietary meat as a basis, the calorie content of the feed is relatively high - 384 kcal per 100 g. This helps to maintain normal weight and provide the animal's body energy.

The composition contains the following ingredients:

• fresh turkey meat;
• dehydrated turkey meat;
• brown rice;
• rice;
• oats;
• turkey fat;
• Brewer's yeast;
• peas;
• flax seeds;
• natural flavor;
• salmon oil;
• vitamin A (retinol acetate);
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate);
• amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
• iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
• amino acid chelate of manganese hydrate;
• amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
• methionine;
• taurine;
• Yucca Shidigera;
• Apple;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• seaweed;
• cranberry;
• blueberries.

Cranberries and blueberries help animals to avoid the development of urolithiasis and infectious pathologies of the urinary system. This is due to the normalization of the acidity of the urine. In such an environment, struvite-type calculi form worse and the reproduction of microbes slows down. Apples, carrots and tomatoes contain vegetable fiber that helps cleanse the intestines and stomach of food debris and wool lumps. Yucca Shidigera reduces fecal odor. Flax seeds protect the walls of the gastrointestinal tract from damage due to the mucous enveloping substances.

In general, the composition of the feed is not bad. It can be recommended if there are financial constraints or a high protein diet is not suitable for the animal. Doubt is caused by the presence of vitamins and trace elements as separate additives, as well as the presence of a natural flavor. It would be better if the manufacturer indicated exactly what he means. It is unlikely that the amount of meat in the dry matter is 77%: despite the statements of the company, most of the ingredients are water, which evaporates during cooking. Cereals come out on top. However, the feed does not cause developmental abnormalities. I gave it to 2 kittens, then painlessly transferred them to the Grandorf holistic rations. No digestive disorders were observed, no allergic reactions.

Savarra Sensitive Cat

This dry food is suitable for adult cats with sensitive digestion and allergies. In most cases, the product helps to eliminate or reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. A ready-made diet reduces the risk of indigestion, skin itching and flaking, and blood and mucus in the stool. Remember, however, that sensitive digestion is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Its appearance can accompany a number of gastrointestinal diseases. It is important to first get tested to find the cause of the symptoms, then adjust the diet based on the results.

Dry food is not able to help in all cases: it is not curative, therefore it does not always eliminate the cause of digestive disorders

This food for sensitive cats contains the following ingredients:

• fresh lamb meat;
• dehydrated lamb;
• brown rice;
• rice;
• dehydrated salmon meat;
• turkey fat;
• dehydrated eggs;
• peas;
• natural flavor;
• Brewer's yeast;
• flax seeds;
• salmon oil;
• vitamin A (retinol acetate);
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate);
• amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
• iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
• amino acid chelate of manganese hydrate;
• amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
• methionine;
• taurine;
• Yucca Shidigera;
• Apple;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• seaweed;
• cranberry;
• blueberries.

The key difference is the use of lamb as the main source of animal protein. It rarely causes allergies and is well accepted by the body. Lamb meat contains a lot of selenium, which helps to improve the functioning of the immune system. Additionally, the composition contains therapeutic additives: apple, tomatoes, carrots, yucca, flax seeds, etc. Salmon oil and meat contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids that are required for the correct functioning of many internal organs and systems: nerve endings, brain, gastrointestinal tract etc. The manufacturer included only one type of cereals - rice. It rarely causes allergies, which in most cases relieves symptoms.

The disadvantages of feed include the presence of dehydrated eggs. In the case of healthy animals, it is a good source of protein. Nutrients from eggs are easily absorbed by cats. However, this is a potential allergen as it contains avian protein. If the animal is allergic to it, changing the diet will not help. My friend faced such a situation: in spite of the fact that she alternately gave the cat different types of Savarra food, the pet's fur was falling out, and the itching worried. It turned out that such a reaction appears in the animal to many foods. Unless the cheap ones are sometimes suitable, but the friend did not want to feed the pet with cereals and dubious offal. After a visit to the veterinarian, it turned out that the cat was allergic to bird protein. The animal was transferred to "Akana" feed with fish. After a month, everything returned to normal.

Savarra Light / Sterilized Cat

Savarra for spayed and overweight cats helps to normalize body weight and urine acidity. Turkey is used as the main source of animal proteins, which belongs to dietary meats. It is lower in fat than chicken for natural and safe weight loss. The cat is not deprived of other nutrients and receives enough protein. The calorie content of the feed is only 349 kcal per 100 g.

The food helps to lose weight, but it does not always cope with the prevention of diseases of the urinary system

The feed contains the following ingredients:

• fresh turkey meat;
• dehydrated turkey meat;
• brown rice;
• rice;
• oats;
• peas;
• natural flavor;
• flax seeds;
• turkey fat;
• vitamin A (retinol acetate);
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate);
• amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
• iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
• amino acid chelate of manganese hydrate;
• amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
• methionine;
• taurine;
• Yucca Shidigera;
• glucosamine;
• methylsulfonylmethane;
• chondroitin;
• L-carnitine;
• Apple;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• seaweed;
• cranberry;
• blueberries.

Cranberries and blueberries make the urine more acidic, which prevents struvite formation. L-carnitine helps to normalize fat metabolism and appetite, as well as accelerate lipid breakdown. Chondroitin and glucosamine strengthen cartilage, lubricate joints and prevent damage to the musculoskeletal system, which is especially important for overweight animals.

Food "Savarra" for spayed cats and overweight animals cannot be used as a therapeutic food if the pet has already begun to form calculi. This is due to the specificity of the disease: different stones are formed at different acidity. When the pH drops too much, calcium oxalates begin to precipitate. To control the condition of the animal, it is advisable to use other foods after the permission of the veterinarian.

Savarra Light / Sterilized Cat is probably the only food in the line that I cannot recommend. Personally, I have never encountered cases of the development of ICD because of it, but the concentration of calcium (1.83%) and phosphorus (1.37%) in it is close to the maximum (2.5% and 1.6%). In other feeds, the content of trace elements is lower. For example, in Organix Adult Cat (Chicken, Duck, Salmon), the proportion of calcium is 1.3%, and phosphorus is 0.8%. Not all cats can feel comfortable on ready-made rations "Savarra", therefore, it is advisable to monitor the health of the animal and at least once every 1-2 months a prophylactic urine test.

Savarra Indoor Cat

The manufacturer uses duck as the main source of animal protein. It contains a large amount of unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which improve the state of the cardiovascular system, activate the brain and make the animal more active. Duck meat has a high concentration of vitamin A. It is needed to maintain eye health and skin hydration.

The food copes well with the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, but it is better for overweight cat owners to choose a ready-made diet for spayed animals

The feed contains the following ingredients:

• fresh duck meat;
• dehydrated duck meat;
• rice;
• oats;
• turkey fat;
• peas;
• natural flavor;
• flax seeds;
• salmon oil;
• vitamin A (retinol acetate);
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate);
• amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
• iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
• amino acid chelate of manganese hydrate;
• amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
• methionine;
• taurine;
• Yucca Shidigera;
• Apple;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• seaweed;
• cranberry;
• spinach.

It contains spinach as an additional source of plant fiber. This is a good solution because indoor cats are less mobile, which makes them more likely to have digestive problems. Fiber helps to stimulate the movement of feces through the intestines.

Savarra Indoor Cat is generally good food, but not suitable for all cats. Pets that live indoors are not as active as those on the street or those who visit the street. As a result, pets can gain weight. This process is especially accelerated towards old age: at my colleague's cat, at first for 1.5 years, she ate Savarra food without any negative consequences, then suddenly began to gain weight. In six months, she gained 0.7 kg, and the weight did not stop. I had to transfer the animal to another feed of the same brand. The calorie content of Savarra Indoor Cat is 389 kcal per 100 g. This is a fairly high figure, so you need to make a choice between the products of the line taking into account individual characteristics. Another disadvantage is the lack of glucosamine and chondroitin, which would be useful for sedentary cats for the prevention of joint diseases.

Savarra hairball control

During licking, cats involuntarily grab hairs with a rough tongue and swallow them. As a result, the coat can clump into tight clumps and interfere with normal digestion. In some cases, it even leads to partial or complete blockage of the intestines. Savarra Hairball Control dry food combats this in 2 ways: it contains enough unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins to prevent hair loss. Additionally, the composition contains several sources of fiber. Plant fibers promptly remove the hairs outside, preventing them from falling into dense lumps.

The food is not suitable for cats with sensitive digestion due to the high content of coarse plant fibers

The dry food contains the following components:

• fresh duck meat;
• dehydrated duck meat;
• rice;
• oats;
• peas;
• alfalfa;
• natural flavor;
• flax seeds;
• turkey fat;
• salmon oil;
• vitamin A (retinol acetate);
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate);
• amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
• iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
• amino acid chelate of manganese hydrate;
• amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
• methionine;
• taurine;
• Yucca Shidigera;
• Apple;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• seaweed;
• cranberry;
• blueberries.

The food contains additives standard for the line (apple, carrot and tomato), which contain vegetable fibers in their chemical composition. Alfalfa is also included in the list of ingredients. This is a controversial component, especially if it sits in sixth place. The plant can be used as a cheap source of protein. It contains phytoestrogens and saponins. The former can provoke the occurrence of hormonal disorders. Saponins interfere with normal metabolism. Alfalfa is not the most useful and safe ingredient for cats, so the food is not suitable for all animals. The risk of developing complications is minimal, but it is present, since plant components act on animals more than on humans.

Savarra adult cat

Savarra Adult Cat is a versatile dry food for adult cats. It is suitable for animals without special needs. The product contains general therapeutic additives for the line, but there is nothing new or special in it. Caloric content is 375 kcal per 100 g. This is an average figure that helps to maintain a normal weight for most cats.

Standard dry food "Savarra" is the best choice if the cat has no health problems.

The dry food contains the following ingredients:

• fresh lamb meat;
• dehydrated lamb;
• brown rice;
• rice;
• dehydrated salmon meat;
• oats;
• turkey fat;
• peas;
• dehydrated eggs;
• Brewer's yeast;
• flax seeds;
• natural flavor;
• salmon oil;
• vitamin A (retinol acetate);
• vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol);
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate);
• amino acid chelate zinc hydrate;
• iron amino acid chelate hydrate;
• amino acid chelate of manganese hydrate;
• amino acid chelate copper hydrate;
• methionine;
• taurine;
• Yucca Shidigera;
• Apple;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• seaweed;
• cranberry;
• blueberries.

The manufacturer highlights the general benefits of the feed: support for the health of the cardiovascular system, improvement of intestinal microflora, normalization of digestion, etc. The information is true. For example, in small quantities, peas help normalize digestion and create an optimal environment for the development of microflora.

Savarra Adult Cat is a solid middling. The manufacturer does not limit the proportion of trace elements, fats (18%) and other nutrients, so the cat receives them in sufficient volume. Lamb helps to avoid the development of allergies if the animal has an intolerance to chicken. Unfortunately, the composition contains eggs and turkey fat, so if you react to bird protein, you will have to consider another food. The pluses include the presence of salmon meat. It is not available in all foods in the range. Salmon meat improves your pet's overall health and appearance. When my sister had a question about which food from the line is better, she first gave her cats Savarra Indoor Cat for a month, then switched to Savarra Adult Cat. It was experimentally found that the condition of the coat on the last forage is better. However, it depends on the individualtherefore, other cats may have little or no change.

Analysis of the composition of the feed "Savarra"

The formulations of the feed are very similar and differ in the meats and therapeutic additives used, so one feed will suffice. Let's take a ready-made kitten diet as an example.

The feed contains the following components:

1. Fresh turkey meat. Good ingredient. The name indicates that not by-products and production wastes are used, but pure meat. The word "fresh" indicates the absence of preliminary heat exposure and the use of preservatives.
2. Dehydrated turkey meat. The same as fresh meat, but the water was previously evaporated. This ingredient has one advantage: its proportion and position in the composition will not change after cooking. In the case of fresh meat, water evaporates in the process, so its actual amount in the final product may be low.
3. Brown rice. It is an unpolished grain. It has a higher content of B vitamins and a low glycemic index. Brown rice is better for animals that tend to be overweight, because it does not cause sudden spikes in blood glucose. Food with it allows you to feel full longer. Additionally, brown rice is practically gluten-free. This is a good option for allergic cats.
4. Figure: The presence of cereal in the first positions is in itself undesirable, but rice is not the worst ingredient. It rarely causes allergies and is well digested by cats. Rice is better than wheat or corn.
5. Oats. It is less likely to cause allergies and has a low glycemic index. The ingredient is often included in diets for diabetics or overweight cats.
6. Turkey fat. A rare but healthy ingredient. It contains a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, selenium, choline and vitamins D and E. It is commendable in itself that the manufacturer does not use a chicken analogue or substances of unknown origin.
7. Brewer's yeast. Contains a lot of B vitamins and improves digestion. Brewer's yeast is better than baker's yeast, since it does not cause side reactions. It is doubtful that the ingredient is in 7th place. In this case, it could be used as an additional source of protein.
8. Peas. In small quantities, it helps to improve digestion. It has a low glycemic index, therefore it does not provoke the development of obesity. Contains plant fibers, which are needed in small amounts by cats for proper digestion.
9. Flax seeds. A useful ingredient. The seeds contain mucous substances, omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, soluble fiber, etc. They can replace supplements in the form of nutrients in their pure form. They are often included in the composition of vitamin and mineral complexes.
10. Natural flavor. The supplement improves the attractiveness of the cat food and helps to improve the appetite of the fastidious animals. The disadvantages include the lack of a specific name for the ingredient.
11. Salmon oil. It is a valuable source of unsaturated fatty acids. The ingredient has a moderate positive effect on the entire body.
12. Vitamin A (retinol acetate), vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate). It is commendable that the manufacturer ensures that the daily norms of nutrients are satisfied, but natural sources of vitamins are preferable, since in this form they are better absorbed.
13. Amino acid complex (zinc, iron, manganese and copper). Better than trace elements in their pure form, because when combined with amino acids, the body perceives substances as biologically related. However, the presence of the compounds in their natural form is desirable.
14. Methionine and Taurine. These are amino acids that cats need to maintain normal vision and liver health. It is good that they are present in the feed, but their presence in their pure form indicates a lack of animal components, since methionine and taurine are found in meat.
15. Yucca Shidigera. Therapeutic additive. Helps suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and reduce fecal odor.
16. Apple. A source of pectin, a natural thickener. In small quantities, the substance helps to normalize stool consistency and removes toxins from the intestines.
17. Carrot. A source of fiber and beta-carotene, which is further converted in the body to vitamin A.
18. Tomatoes. Contains antioxidants and B vitamins, as well as vegetable fiber.
19. Seaweed. Used as a source of iodine. Algae is believed to improve digestion with long-term use, but this has not been proven.
20. Cranberry. Contains astringents and ascorbic acid. Helps control urine pH.
21. Blueberries. It contains vitamins, but they are poorly absorbed by the cat's body. The main task of blueberries in feed is to oxidize urine.

The light color of the granules indirectly indicates an excess of cereals in the composition

In general, the composition is good. The first positions are occupied by meat, there are many therapeutic additives. Substances in pure form are represented by amino acid compounds. The disadvantages include the high content of cereals and plant components. Rice and oats occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions, which in total exceeds the amount of fresh and dehydrated meat. Cereals are practically not beneficial for cats, since they are absorbed by the predator's body with difficulty. Their presence is acceptable only in small amounts as a source of fiber and carbohydrates. However, for super-premium feed, this is the norm, so this is only a conditional disadvantage.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages are the following factors:

1. Compliance with the content of the declared information. In the course of research by Roskachestvo, no deviations were found.
2. The presence of a zip-fastener. It helps keep feed fresher for longer due to limited oxygen supply.
3. Relatively high meat content compared to other super-premium feeds and lower than Savarra. The meat in the first and second positions is a good result. The products are inferior to some holistics, but this is to be expected.
4. Almost complete absence of allergens. Contains no wheat, corn, soy or gluten. Eggs are present, which can cause allergies in some cats, but this is rare.
5. Several types of dry food. The wide assortment is not made for appearance: ready-made diets really differ in composition and set of preventive additives. In most cases, the feed does its job.
6. Using quality ingredients. The composition does not include offal or whole carcasses, but meat. If it is fat, the source is indicated. The meat is used fresh.
7. Relatively low cost. Compared to other super-premium brands, the price of Savarra feeds differs by 10-30%.

The disadvantages include the following factors:

1. High content of calcium and phosphorus. It does not exceed the norm, but the concentration is close to the borderline. In some animals, this can provoke the development of diseases.
2. The presence of cereals in the composition. This is fine for super premium feed, but I would like to see a grain-free formula in the lineup, even if it is relatively expensive.
3. The presence of vitamins, minerals and acids in the form of supplements. Natural nutrients are better absorbed by the body.
4. Lack of percentage of ingredients. The key disadvantage of Savarra feed. The manufacturer claims that about 70% of the composition is occupied by meat components, but the buyer cannot verify this. In addition, fresh meat comes first. Its actual proportion in the finished dry food will decrease due to water evaporation. There is less liquid in cereals, they are located immediately after the meat, so their total amount is probably higher.
5. May cause adverse reactions in some cats. This happens very rarely, but alfalfa can still cause hormonal imbalance.
6. May deteriorate ahead of schedule. This was found out in the course of research. Most likely, few antioxidants and preservatives were added to the feed. On the one hand, this is good, since synthetic substances can harm the body. On the other hand, spoiled food is no less dangerous, since bacteria begin to multiply in it. In case of premature spoilage, the granules go rancid, so the cat may refuse food if the bag has been opened for a long time.

The controversial factors include the use of mainly one type of meat in feed. This prevents the occurrence of allergic reactions and helps to calculate the irritant in case of development of individual intolerance, but the pet does not receive a varied set of amino acids, vitamins and microelements. This is compensated by additives, but I would like to see nutrients in their natural form.

Is Savarra food suitable for all cats?

Savarra food is not suitable for all animals. It is necessary to take into account not only the features of health and physique, but also some errors in the composition. Excess calcium and phosphorus can provoke the formation of calculi in the urinary system. This does not mean that the pet will inevitably develop health problems, but there is such a possibility, especially if the animal has previously eaten other foods and is used to a different balance of trace elements. It is recommended that you get tested regularly to monitor your cat's condition.

Feed cost and point of sale

The average cost of feed "Savarra" is 350 rubles. for 400 g and 1350 p. for 2 kg. On sale you can find large packages of 15 kg. They cost 8500–8700 rubles. This makes it possible to reduce the average price of 1 kg from 700-900 rubles. up to 550-600 rubles. Buying large bags can be disadvantageous if there is only one cat in the house. Food deteriorates quickly, so large packages are only suitable for owners of nurseries or shelters.

The site contains a map, which shows the addresses of stores selling feed "Savarra". Their type is marked there (wholesale, retail or online market), which is very convenient for buyers: no need to look for a supplier for a long time and clarify whether they will be able to sell only 1–2 packages.

Reviews of pet owners and veterinarians

Dry food "Savarra" in quality is actually located between the super-premium class and the holistic category. They are suitable for good nutrition, but in some animals they can cause the development of ICD. However, it is better than most products in the same class or below. Also, diets are hypoallergenic and can reduce the severity of manifestations of intolerance in animals.