1. 9Lives
Why Avoid: 9Lives is one of the more well-known low-cost cat food brands, but its formulas often include low-quality ingredients like meat by-products, corn, and soy. These ingredients don’t provide the high protein and nutrients that cats need as obligate carnivores. Moreover, some 9Lives products are criticized for containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which aren’t ideal for feline health. Legal Actions: While 9Lives has not faced major legal action or recalls, it has received consumer complaints about the quality and safety of its products. In some cases, people have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of consuming processed pet foods filled with fillers and chemicals. However, no direct legal actions or recalls have been linked to 9Lives on a large scale.
2. Friskies (by Purina)
Why Avoid: Friskies has been criticized for relying heavily on artificial additives and low-quality ingredients. Common ingredients in Friskies products include meat by-products, grains like corn and wheat, and artificial colorings. These ingredients can be harder for cats to digest and don’t align with their natural dietary needs, which should focus on high-quality animal protein and fat. Legal Actions: In 2018, Friskies (under the Purina brand) faced a recall of some of its wet food products after they were found to contain low levels of zinc, which could potentially harm pets. This recall was tied to manufacturing issues that led to a problem with ingredient contamination, though it wasn’t linked to deliberate misconduct. There have also been multiple lawsuits and consumer complaints regarding misleading advertising about the food’s nutritional benefits.
3. Meow Mix (by Big Heart Pet Brands)
Why Avoid: Meow Mix has become widely available due to its low price, but the quality of its ingredients leaves much to be desired. Many Meow Mix varieties contain excessive amounts of corn, soy, and wheat, which are not ideal for a cat’s digestive system. Additionally, the meat content is often unclear and can include meat by-products, which are lower in nutritional value compared to whole meats. Legal Actions: Meow Mix was involved in a recall in 2015, where some of its wet food products were found to have been contaminated with mold. This recall followed consumer complaints and reports of pets experiencing vomiting and other symptoms after consuming the affected food. Meow Mix settled with some consumers, who claimed their cats had suffered health issues due to the contamination. There have been no other major lawsuits, but this incident damaged the brand’s reputation.
4. Iams
Why Avoid: Iams is often marketed as a premium brand, but it is notorious for containing low-quality ingredients, such as corn gluten meal, soy protein isolate, and chicken by-products. Cats need animal protein, and many Iams formulas rely too heavily on plant-based proteins, which are less digestible and nutritionally complete. The use of artificial additives and fillers further detracts from the nutritional value of their food. Legal Actions: Iams has faced criticism for its use of animal testing in the development of its products, which has led to backlash from animal rights groups. While there have been no major legal actions directly involving Iams’ pet food, the brand’s testing practices have been heavily scrutinized, and it has had to deal with consumer protests over the ethical treatment of animals.
5. Pedigree
Why Avoid: Pedigree is primarily a dog food brand, but it also produces cat food that is widely available. The ingredients in Pedigree’s cat food often include corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and by-products from animals that do not meet the standards of high-quality protein sources for cats. These fillers offer little nutritional value to cats, who need meat-based protein for optimal health. Additionally, Pedigree products can contain artificial preservatives and additives that are not necessary for feline nutrition. Legal Actions: Pedigree faced a significant scandal in 2008 when melamine, a toxic chemical, was discovered in some of its pet food products. The chemical had contaminated ingredients sourced from China, resulting in a massive recall of Pedigree’s food. While the brand did not face extensive legal repercussions, the recall hurt its reputation, and some consumers sued for damages after their pets became sick or died as a result of ingesting contaminated food.
6. Science Diet (by Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
Why Avoid: Science Diet is often recommended by veterinarians, but some of its products include questionable ingredients, such as corn, wheat, and meat by-products, which are not ideal for a carnivorous animal like a cat. While the brand does have prescription diet options for specific health issues, the regular varieties may not offer the best nutrition, as they tend to rely on fillers and grains, which are not part of a cat’s natural diet. Legal Actions: Hill’s Pet Nutrition experienced a major recall in 2019 when several of its prescription diet foods, including those intended for cats, were found to have dangerously high levels of vitamin D. The excess vitamin D caused kidney failure in some animals. Hill’s faced lawsuits from pet owners who reported adverse health effects in their pets, and the recall was seen as a significant failure in quality control. The company eventually settled and took measures to improve its production standards.
7. Royal Canin
Why Avoid: Royal Canin is marketed as a premium brand, but its products frequently contain grains such as corn and wheat, which are difficult for cats to digest. Additionally, Royal Canin’s foods often feature meat by-products and other low-quality ingredients. While the company does offer specialized diets for cats with health concerns, its regular offerings may not provide the most optimal nutrition for cats. Legal Actions: There have been no significant lawsuits against Royal Canin, but the company has been criticized for the use of animal by-products and unclear sourcing practices. Animal rights groups have expressed concern over how the brand sources its ingredients. Royal Canin has also faced questions about whether its products live up to the “premium” label in terms of ingredient quality.
8. Nutro
Why Avoid: Nutro is another brand that positions itself as a “natural” pet food option, but some of its formulas contain animal by-products, corn gluten meal, and other low-quality fillers. Although Nutro claims to provide high-quality, nutritious food for pets, its reliance on plant-based ingredients and synthetic additives may not meet all of a cat’s nutritional needs. Some of Nutro’s recipes also contain artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT, which can be harmful over time. Legal Actions: In 2015, Nutro faced a class-action lawsuit when it was alleged that the brand misrepresented its food as being “natural,” even though it contained artificial preservatives and low-quality ingredients. The lawsuit claimed that Nutro’s marketing was misleading and that consumers were not getting the quality they were promised. The case was settled, with Nutro agreeing to make changes to some of its labeling and marketing practices.
9. Alpo (by Purina)
Why Avoid: Alpo primarily makes dog food, but it has also produced low-quality cat food products. Many of Alpo’s offerings are loaded with corn, soy, and other fillers, as well as meat by-products. Cats, being obligate carnivores, require animal-based proteins, and Alpo’s use of plant-based fillers does not meet their dietary needs. Legal Actions: Alpo faced recalls due to contamination with melamine in 2007, which affected various pet food brands under the Nestlé Purina umbrella. The contaminated food led to a recall, as well as public backlash. While no significant lawsuits were filed against Alpo specifically for its cat food, the recall damaged its credibility and trust with consumers.
10. Gravy Train
Why Avoid: Gravy Train’s pet food, which includes both dog and cat food options, contains low-quality ingredients like corn and meat by-products. Additionally, it is often packed with artificial flavors and preservatives, making it an unhealthy choice for cats. Gravy Train has a reputation for being a cheap, low-quality brand that doesn’t prioritize the nutritional needs of its pet food consumers. Legal Actions: Gravy Train was involved in a major recall in 2018 when it was revealed that some of its pet food contained pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug. The discovery of this drug in pet food caused widespread concern, as pentobarbital is toxic and can lead to death. The brand faced backlash and a lawsuit from consumers who claimed their pets were harmed by the contaminated food. While the company settled the legal claims, the scandal hurt its reputation significantly.
Conclusion
These brands should generally be avoided due to their use of low-quality ingredients, potential health risks, and, in some cases, legal actions or recalls tied to food safety issues. It’s always best to choose brands that focus on high-quality animal-based proteins and are transparent about their sourcing and production practices. For better options, consider premium brands like Orijen, Wellness, or Blue Buffalo, which tend to have higher nutritional standards and better quality control.