Our Verdict
Northwest Naturals raw frozen product range is made up of seven recipes with ratings varying between 4 and 5 stars. The average rating of the range overall is 5 stars
This range of food lists either animal meat, or fish, as the first ingredient. Carbohydrate is low and each recipe is rich in fat and moisture making this food a good diet option.
Pros
- First ingredient is animal meat, or fish
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Cons
- More expensive than some cat foods
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Naturals Beef & Trout Protein Boost Recipe | 4 | A |
| Northwest Naturals Chicken Protein Boost Recipe | 5 | A |
| Northwest Naturals Duck Protein Boost Recipe | 5 | A |
| Northwest Naturals Rabbit Protein Boost Recipe | 5 | A |
| Northwest Naturals Trout Protein Boost Recipe | 4 | A |
| Northwest Naturals Turkey Protein Boost Recipe | 5 | A |
| Northwest Naturals Whitefish Protein Boost Recipe | 5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Northwest Naturals Chicken Protein Boost 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.
Northwest Naturals Chicken Protein Boost Recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Chicken, chicken necks, chicken hearts, chicken liver, egg, gelatin, dulse powder, dried kelp, ground flaxseed, organic psyllium husk powder, salmon oil, inulin, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, taurine, vitamin B supplement, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, vitamin E supplement, copper proteinate, mixed tocopherols (as preservative). vitamin D3 supplement.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 4%
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 and chicken necks. Raw chicken neck consists of muscle meat and bone and contains optimal levels of both protein and natural calcium.
The third ingredient is chicken hearts. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, heart tissue is pure muscle — all meat. It’s naturally rich in quality protein, minerals and complex B vitamins, too.
The fourth ingredient is chicken liver. Liver is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The fifth ingredient is egg. Eggs are easy to digest and have an exceptionally high biological value.
The sixth ingredient is gelatin, a colorless, flavorless, translucent, brittle substance that’s irreversibly derived from the collagen found in the skin and bones of animals.
Although it consists mostly of protein (98-99% non-essential amino acids), gelatin is of only limited nutritional value to a cat.
The seventh ingredient is dulse powder. Dulse is a type of seaweed. It is a source of iodine and potassium, as well as protein and fiber.
The eighth ingredient is dried kelp, a dehydrated form of seaweed also known as alginate. Kelp is most likely used here as a thickening or gelling agent.
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.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Northwest Naturals Chicken Protein Boost Recipe looks like an above-average frozen product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 50%, a fat level of 32.1% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 9.9%.
As a group, the brand features an above-average protein content of 42.6% and an above-average fat level of 32.8%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 16.6% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 92%.
This means this Northwest Naturals raw frozen range contains higher than average protein, lower than average carbohydrate, higher than average fat, when compared to typical raw frozen cat food.
Final Word
This range of food offers high levels of protein derived from animal meat and fish. Each formula offers a species appropriate diet.
The Cat Food Advisor recommends this food.
Has North West Naturals cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Northwest Naturals has not had a cat food product recall. However, in early 2018, it did issue a recall of its 5lb frozen dog food chubs due to potential listeria contamination. For full details about this recall, see the Dog Food Advisor.
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
Northwest Naturals was founded in 2004 as Morasch Meats.
The cat food is manufactured in the company’s facility in Portland, Oregon and theingredients are sourced from the United States, France, and 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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