Our Verdict
The Virus product range is made up of four recipes with ratings varying from 4 to 5 stars. The average rating of the whole range is 4.5 stars
Verus wet food is canned and the formulas are created for all life stages. This food contains proteins that are antibiotic and hormone-free. Protein levels are high with named animal meat listed as the first ingredient. All recipes are free from meat by-products, fillers or synthetic chemical preservatives.
Pros
- High in protein
- Contains animal protein
- Low in carbohydrate
Cons
- Some recipes are high in carbohydrates
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 |
|---|---|---|
| VēRUS Feline Chicken & Liver Paté Formula | 4 | A |
| VēRUS Feline Turkey, Chicken & Fish Paté Formula | 4 | A |
| VēRUS Feline Chicken Paté Formula | 5 | A |
| VēRUS Feline Turkey Paté Formula | 5 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
VēRUS Feline Chicken Paté Formula 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.
VēRUS Feline Chicken Paté Formula
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Chicken, chicken liver, chicken broth, tricalcium phosphate, natural flavor, taurine, magnesium proteinate, carrots, agar-agar, salt, dried spinach, sun cured alfalfa, choline chloride, dried cranberries, zinc proteinate, potassium chloride, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, manganese proteinate, organic sunflower oil, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, thiamine mononitrate, calcium carbonate, niacin supplement, vitamin E supplement, vitamin A acetate, D-calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, biotin, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 1%
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 liver, an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The third ingredient is chicken broth. Broths are of only modest nutritional value. Yet because they add both flavor and moisture to a cat food, they are a common component in many wet products.
The fourth ingredient is tricalcium phosphate, a beneficial source of calcium and phosphorous. In addition, this additive is used in wet foods as an emulsifier — an agent designed to disperse a food’s fats more evenly in water.
The fifth ingredient is natural flavor. Natural flavors doesn’t give us much information about the particular ingredients included in this cat food for flavoring purposes.
We’re pleased that the flavorings used are natural, but more details are required to give any further information about these natural flavoring ingredients. Flavorings are used to make the foods more appealing and tasty for our cats.
The sixth ingredient is 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.
The seventh ingredient is magnesium proteinate. Magnesium proteinate is a chelated mineral, which means that magnesium has been chemically attached to protein. This makes it easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better cat foods.
The eighth ingredient is carrots, they are rich in beta-carotene, minerals and dietary fiber.
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, VēRUS Feline Chicken Paté Formula recipe looks like an above-average wet product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 54.5%, a fat level of 36.4% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 1.1%.
As a group, the brand features an above-average protein content of 47.7% and an above-average fat level of 28.4%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 15.9% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 59%.
This means that Verus wet cat food contains higher than average protein, lower than average carbohydrate and higher than average fat, when compared to typical wet cat food.
Final Word
This range of recipes provides a high level of protein and a good source of animal protein. Good quality ingredients are used which are EU-certified and this food is human grade, so fit for human consumption.
The Cat Food Advisor recommends this food.
Has Verus cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Verus cat food has no history of 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
VēRUS Pet Foods was founded in 1993 by Russell Armstrong. Its ingredients are sourced from Europe and all suppliers are (EU)-certified.
The company’s pet foods are manufactured in EU-certified facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Its dry food is manufactured in upstate New York, while the canned formulas are made in South Dakota (blue labels) and New Zealand (green and cat-faced labels).
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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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