Our Verdict
The 4health Grain-Free dry product range is made of two recipes which both receive 4-stars.
This dry product range has meat or fish as its first ingredient.
It is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO cat food nutrient profiles for the maintenance of cats.
Pros
- Contains taurine
- Contains probiotics
- Meat or fish are the primary ingredients
- Grain-free
- No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
- Limited ingredients
The table below shows each recipe in this range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| 4Health Grain-Free Adult Indoor Chicken Formula | 4 | M |
| 4Health Grain-Free Adult Whitefish & Potato Formula | 4 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
4health Grain-Free Adult Indoor Chicken Formula was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
4health Grain-Free Adult Indoor Chicken Formula
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Chicken, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, peas, turkey meal, ground miscanthus grass, lentils, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural flavor, ocean fish meal, flaxseed, sodium bisulfate, DL-methionine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, L-carnitine, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, zinc proteinate, vitamin E supplement, niacin, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, potassium iodide, calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, sodium selenite, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid. contains a source of live (viable), naturally occurring microorganisms
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 8%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is chicken. Chicken is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”.1
Chicken is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The second ingredient is chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
The third ingredient is garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. Like peas, beans and lentils, the chickpea is a nutritious member of the fiber-rich legume (pulse) family of vegetables.
Garbanzos contain about 22% protein, something which must be considered when evaluating the total protein reported in this food.
The fourth ingredient is peas. Peas are a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, they’re rich in natural fiber.
However, peas contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this cat food.
The fifth ingredient is turkey meal. Turkey meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh turkey.
The sixth ingredient is miscanthus grass, also known as elephant grass. Miscanthus is a non-GMO source of crude fiber.
The seventh ingredient is lentils. Lentils are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.
However, lentils contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this cat food.
The eighth ingredient is chicken fat. Chicken fat is obtained from rendering chicken, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken fat is actually a quality ingredient.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
With notable exceptions….
The inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition, an essential amino acid for cats associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eye sight, and is crucial for maintaining good health in cats.
This recipe receives a 4–star rating.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, 4health Grain-Free Adult Indoor Chicken Formula recipe looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 35.6%, a fat level of 14.4% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 42%, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 41%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 36.7% and a mean fat level of 17.2%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 38.1% for the overall product line, alongside a fat-to-protein ratio of 47%.
This means the 4health Grain-Free dry product line contains near-average protein, above-average carbs and above-average fat when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
4health Grain-Free product range is packed with nutrients that are essential for your cat’s overall health and well-being.
Has 4health cat food been recalled in the past?
Yes, 4health has had two recalls.
In 2012, Diamond Pet Foods, which makes 4health, recalled all 4health foods manufactured in Gaston, South Carolina, due to potential salmonella contamination.
In 2013, Diamond recalled several cat food brands, including 4health, due to potentially insufficient thiamine levels.
You can view a complete list of all cat food recalls since 2021 here.
To stay on top of any cat food product recalls, sign up for our free email alerts, here.
About
4health is a pet food company owned by Tractor Supply Company, a home and ranch company based in Tennessee.
This company was founded in 1938 as a mail-order tractor part supplier. However, it has now grown to sell a wide variety of products including pet food and supplies. 4health brand is one of its biggest selling products made by Diamond Pet Foods.
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Article reviewed by
Veterinarian
Dr Georgia Jeremiah has a first class honors degree in comparative pathology with field experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, studying disease processes in a multitude of species.
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