Our Verdict
Farmina N&D Pumpkin dry product range is made of two recipes which all receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 4.5 stars.
This range provides a high level of protein from good quality meat sources listed as the first ingredient. N&D Pumpkin are low in carbohydrates and are formulated specifically to help treat constipation and hairball-prone cats.
Pros
- Contains high protein which is from animal sources
- Contains functional fiber
- Relatively low carbohydrate content compared to other dry foods
Cons
- Expensive versus other dry cat foods
- Low moisture levels
The table below shows each recipe in the range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Farmina N&D PumpkinQuail, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Recipe | 4.5 | M |
| Farmina N&D PumpkinQuail, Pumpkin and Pomegranate - Neutered Adult recipe | 4.5 | M |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Farmina N&D PUMPKIN quail, pumpkin and pomegranate 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.
Farmina N&D PUMPKIN quail, pumpkin and pomegranate recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Quail, dehydrated quail protein, pea starch, chicken fat, dried pumpkin, dried eggs, herring, dehydrated herring protein, fish oil (from herring), dried carrot, alfalfa meal, inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, yeast extract (source of manno-oligo-saccharides), dried pomegranate, dried apple, dried spinach, psyllium husks and seeds, dried sweet orange, dried blueberry, sodium chloride, dried brewers’ yeast, turmeric, aloe vera extract.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1.8%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is quail. Quail is a collective name for a group of very small game birds. Quail is a rich protein contributor within a diet. As a game bird, when compared to chicken there is usually a higher fat contribution from Quail. Other differences within the vitamin and mineral profile include an increase in copper, iron and zinc supplied from Quail meat, alongside vitamins B1, B2, A and C.
The second ingredient is dehydrated quail protein. Dehydrated Quail Protein, a dehydrated product made from Quail, a group of very small game birds. Dehydrated Quail Protein is a protein concentrate making it a useful ingredient in dog foods to supply a source of high quality protein and its component amino acids.
The third ingredient is pea starch, a paste-like, gluten-free carbohydrate extract probably used here as a binder for making kibble. Aside from its energy content (calories), pea starch is of only modest nutritional value to a cat.
The fourth 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.
The fifth ingredient is dried pumpkin. Pumpkin is a nutritious addition high in complex carbohydrates, beta-carotene and dietary fiber.
The sixth ingredient is dried eggs, a dehydrated powder made from shell-free eggs. Eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.
The seventh ingredient is herring. Herring is a fatty marine fish naturally high in protein as well as omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life.
The eighth ingredient is dehydrated herring protein. Dehydrated herring is considered a meat concentrate and contains significantly more protein than fresh herring.
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.
However this food also 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.
We also note that it contains dried brewer’s yeast, which can be a controversial item. Although it’s a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to . This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular cat is allergic to the yeast itself.
Recipe star rating 4.5
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Farmina N&D Pumpkin – Lamb, Pumpkin and Blueberry – Neutered Adult recipe looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 47.8%, a fat level of 21.7% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 22.4%.
As a group, the brand features an above-average protein content of 48.9% and an above-average fat level of 16.8%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 26.2% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 35%.
This means this Farmina N&D Pumpkin range contains higher than average protein, lower than average carbohydrate, higher than average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
This range provides recipe choices which are well balanced and nutritious. The first ingredient in each recipe is high quality meat, providing a good source of protein. The carbohydrate level and moisture content is low, whilst protein is high.
The Cat Food Advisor recommends this cat food.
Has Farmina cat food been recalled in the past?
No. To the best of our knowledge, Farmina cat foods has never had a product recall.
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
In 1965 Francesco Russo founded Russo Mangimi, a company which specialized in animal nutrition.
In 1999, the company’s focus shifted to the pet food industry – its aim was to develop foods based on scientific studies around pet well-being. It then teamed up with Farmina, an English company, which specialized in food research and formulation.
Mangimi’s manufacturing facilities are based in Europe and Farmina foods are mostly sourced from Italy.
Sources
Best cat 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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