Our Verdict
The Catit Nuna dry product range is made up of two recipes with ratings varying from 2 to 2.5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 2.5 stars
This range of food is unusual due to insects being listed as the first ingredient. Protein content is average and plant-based proteins are used, which needs to be considered when evaluating the protein levels.
Pros
- Reasonably sustainable ingredient list
- Good price
Cons
- Plant based proteins are included
- Protein content is relatively low
- Carbohydrate levels are high
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Herring Recipe | 2 | A |
| Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Chicken Recipe | 2.5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Herring Recipe 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.
Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Herring Recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Black soldier fly larvae, hydrolyzed yeast protein, herring meal, millet, peas, lentils, sunflower oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), natural chicken flavor, hulled sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, dried whole egg product, dicalcium phosphate, salt, calcium carbonate, dried algae (natural source of dha), dl-methionine, l-lysine, potassium chloride, disodium phosphate, choline chloride, taurine, rosemary extract, niacin supplement, zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, l-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate (source of vitamin C), vitamin E supplement, D-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, vitamin A supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, calcium iodate, sodium selenite, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 5%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is black soldier fly larvae, a high-protein feed meal derived from the dried larvae of the black soldier fly.
The second ingredient is hydrolyzed yeast protein. Hydrolyzed yeast is defined by AAFCO as a concentrated, non extracted, partially soluble yeast digest.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of saccharomyces cerevisiae cells creates hydrolyzed yeast. Hydrolyzed yeast contains approximately 35% protein and can be used as a palatant to enhance the flavor of cat food.
The third ingredient is herring meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, herring meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.
Fish meal is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations. 1
The fourth ingredient is millet, a gluten-free grain harvested from certain seed grasses. Millet is hypoallergenic and naturally rich in B-vitamins and fiber as well as other essential minerals..
The fifth and sixth ingredients are peas and lentils which are both a quality source of carbohydrates. And like all legumes, they’re rich in natural fiber.
However, they contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this cat food.
The seventh ingredient is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3’s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
The eighth ingredient is natural chicken flavor.
We’re pleased that the flavorings used are natural. Flavorings are used to make the foods more appealing and tasty for our cats.
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.
This food contains chelated minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better cat foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Catit Nuna Insect Protein & Herring Recipe looks like a below-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%.
As a group, the brand features a near-average protein content of 35.6% and a near-average fat level of 14.4%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 42% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 41%.
This means this Catit range contains near-average protein, near-average carbohydrate and near-average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
This range of dry food features insects listed as the first ingredient. Protein, carbohydrate and fat content are all near-average when compared to other dry cat foods. Plant based proteins are used, so this needs to be considered when evaluating the protein levels.
Has Catit cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Catit Cat Food has not had any product recalls.
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
Catit was founded in 1999 by the Hagan Group, a family-owned company, largely known for its interactive cat toys, pet fountains, and cat furniture.
Its headquarters are in Baie-d’urfe, Quebec, and its food is manufactured in Canada. Ingredients are regionally sourced with the exception of Gold Fern line of air-dried foods which sources some proteins from New Zealand.
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
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