Nature’s Protection Superior Care (Dry) Review

Nature’s Protection Superior Care dry cat food is made up of three recipes which each receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 2.5 stars.

This range’s main source of protein is herring meal, a quality and palatable protein source, high in omega 3 fatty acids. It is hypoallergenic, easily digestible, perfect for weight control, and a great source of vitamin D, B, E, and minerals.

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.

Recipe and Label Analysis

Nature’s Protection Superior Care White Cats Grain Free with Herring for Adult All Breeds 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.

Ingredients Analysis

The first 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 second ingredient is dried potato, a dehydrated item usually made from the by-products of potato processing. In most cases, dried potato can contain about 10% dry matter protein which can have a slight effect on our estimate of the total protein content of this recipe.

The third ingredient is pea protein, what remains of a pea after removing the starchy part of the vegetable. 

Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label — a factor that must be considered when judging the meat content of this cat food.

The fourth ingredient is peas, which 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 poultry fat. Poultry fat is obtained from rendering, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.

Poultry fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life.

However, poultry fat is a relatively generic ingredient and can be considered lower in quality than a similar item from a named source animal (like chicken fat).

The sixth ingredient is potato protein, the dry residue remaining after removing the starchy part of a potato.

Even though it contains over 80% protein, this ingredient would be expected to have a lower biological value than meat.

And less costly plant-based products like this can notably boost the total protein reported on the label ± a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this cat food.

The seventh ingredient is dried plain beet pulp, which is a controversial ingredient, a high fiber by-product of sugar beet processing.

Some denounce beet pulp as an inexpensive filler while others cite its outstanding intestinal health and blood sugar benefits.

We only call your attention here to the controversy and believe the inclusion of beet pulp in reasonable amounts in most cat foods is entirely acceptable.

The eighth ingredient is flaxseed, one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Provided they’ve first been ground into a meal, flax seeds are also rich in soluble fiber.

However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this cat food.

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 recipe contains brewer’s dried yeast, which can be a controversial item. Dried yeast contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients. Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system. Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies.

This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular cat is allergic to the yeast itself. In any case, unless your cat is specifically allergic to it, we feel yeast should be considered a positive addition.

This food also contains taurine. 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. 

We view the presence of taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.

Nutrient Analysis

Based on its ingredients alone, Nature’s Protection Superior Care White Cats Grain Free with Herring for Adult All Breeds looks like a below average dry product.

The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 32.3%, a fat level of 14% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 45.8%.

As a group, the brand features an below average protein content of 31.9% and a mean fat level of 14.3%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 45.8% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 45%.

This means that Nature’s Protection Superior Care dry cat food contains lower than average protein, higher than average carbohydrate, near-average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.

Has Nature's Protection cat food been recalled in the past?

No.

You can view a complete list of all cat food recalls since 2021 here.

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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

Nature’s Protection cat food is manufactured by Akvatera which has been operating since 2004. Akvatera is a Lithuanian company that exports its products to more than 50 countries in Europe, Asia and the U.S.