Deciding if Wholehearted is Right for Your Feline Friend

As cat owners, we all want what’s best for our furry companions. We know that diet plays a huge role in our cats’ health and wellbeing, which is why it’s so important to choose a high-quality cat food. Wholehearted Dry Cat Food has become an increasingly popular option, but how do you know if it’s the right choice for your cat? This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when deciding if Wholehearted is the best formula for your feline friend.

I’ve been feeding my cat, Luna, Wholehearted for a few months now and have done extensive research to determine if this is the healthiest and most nutritious diet for her. As a cat mom, I want to make sure I’m making the best decision for my kitty, while also keeping her taste preferences in mind. It can be tough choosing a cat food with so many options on the market, but having the right information makes the decision easier. Keep reading for an in-depth look at Wholehearted Dry Cat Food, including its key benefits, how it compares to competitors, ingredients information, health impacts, feeding guidelines, reviews, and more – everything you need to decide if it’s the right formula for your cat!

An Overview of Wholehearted Cat Food

Wholehearted is a natural dry cat food made by Taste of the Wild. It contains no grain, corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. The formulas feature real, high-quality proteins like trout, salmon, chicken, duck, quail, venison and roasted bison as the first ingredients.

Wholehearted aims to mirror a cat’s natural diet with recipes inspired by their ancestral diets in the wild. This results in grain-free, protein-rich formulas with fruits, vegetables and legumes providing natural sources for key nutrients. Their recipes are made in the United States with trusted, globally sourced ingredients.

Wholehearted comes in a variety of dry food recipes tailored to different life stages, activity levels and dietary needs:

• Kitten formulas: Chicken & Lentil Recipe, Trout & Salmon Recipe
• Adult formulas: Chicken & Lentil Recipe, Trout & Salmon Recipe, Duck & Lentil Recipe, Quail & Lentil Recipe
• Senior formulas: Trout & Salmon Recipe, Chicken & Lentil Recipe
• Indoor formulas: Trout & Salmon Recipe, Chicken & Lentil Recipe
• Weight Management: Trout & Salmon Recipe

No matter which recipe you choose, you can feel good knowing Wholehearted is made with premium natural ingredients and free of fillers and artificial additives. But how does it stack up against other top cat food brands? Let’s find out!

Comparing Wholehearted to Other Cat Food Brands

When researching cat foods, you’ll quickly find there are tons of options from various brands. So how does Wholehearted measure up against its competitors in the natural and grain-free cat food space? Here’s a brief overview:

• Taste of the Wild: Since Wholehearted is Taste of the Wild’s grain-free recipe line, the formulas are very similar in terms of high-quality ingredients and nutrition. The main difference is that Wholehearted contains fewer ingredients overall.
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness: Like Wholehearted, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a protein-rich and grain-free cat food. The biggest differences are that Blue Buffalo contains some proprietary blends in its recipes while Wholehearted relies on simple whole food ingredients. Wholehearted may have a slight edge when it comes to quality and nutrition.
• Wellness CORE: Both Wellness CORE and Wholehearted are grain-free with a focus on natural ingredients and high protein content. Wellness CORE does offer a wider variety of recipes tailored to specific needs. However, Wholehearted may have simpler and easier to digest recipes.
• Merrick Backcountry: Merrick Backcountry recipes are also grain-free and high in protein like Wholehearted. Merrick does include some gluten-free whole grains in their recipes while Wholehearted is strictly grain-free. This makes Wholehearted a good choice for cats with grain allergies.

When comparing price points, Wholehearted falls somewhere in the middle – more affordable than premium brands like Wellness CORE, but pricier than budget foods. Overall, Wholehearted holds its own when compared to top cat food competitors and offers excellent quality and nutrition for the price.

Deciding if Wholehearted is Right for Your Kitten

Kittenhood is such an important life stage for our fur babies as they grow and develop. Choosing the right food to support their needs is essential to setting them up for a lifetime of good health. So is Wholehearted a good choice for kittens? Let’s go over the key factors to consider:

• Protein levels: Kittens need very high protein levels to support their rapid growth and lean muscle development. Wholehearted kits are formulated with a guaranteed minimum of 38% protein from chicken, trout and salmon. This helps kittens build strong muscles.
• Digestibility: Since kittens have sensitive stomachs, easily digestible ingredients are crucial. The limited ingredient recipes of Wholehearted kitten food makes it gentle on kitty tummies.
• Nutrient profile: In addition to protein, kittens need higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and taurine. Wholehearted formulas are optimized with kittens’ nutritional needs in mind.
• Texture and size: Kittens do best with small, crunchy bits they can chew and digest easily. The small kibble size and crispy texture of Wholehearted suits kittens perfectly.
• Transition ease: Sudden food changes can upset kittens’ digestion. Wholehearted overlaps key ingredients like chicken and fish with many kitten foods, making transitions smooth.

The high protein, digestibility, nutritional balance, texture and simple recipes make Wholehearted an excellent choice for nourishing growing kittens. Be sure to follow feeding guidelines on the kitten formulas for proper amounts based on your kitty’s age and weight. With Wholehearted, you can ensure your kitten gets the tailored nutrition she needs in her early months and years.

Where to Buy Wholehearted Cat Food

Once you decide to purchase Wholehearted Cat Food, you’ll want to know the best places to buy it. Here are some tips for where to find Wholehearted formulas for your cat:

• Pet stores: Check popular pet retail chains like Petco, PetSmart and Pet Supplies Plus. Many times, they’ll have deals or sales on Wholehearted that can save you money.
• Local pet boutiques: Ask at local independent pet supply shops or natural food stores. They frequently carry premium brands like Wholehearted.
• Veterinarian offices: Some vet offices sell pet foods including Wholehearted. They may offer discounts for existing patients.
• Online: Order directly from Wholehearted’s website or retailers like Chewy, PetFlow, or Amazon. Opt for recurring delivery to save time and money.
• Tractor Supply Co.: For those located near farm supply stores, Wholehearted is usually available in-store at very competitive pricing.

No matter where you purchase, always check expiration dates and inspect packaging closely. Buy smaller bags if your cat is new to Wholehearted until you confirm they like it. With so many retailers carrying it, you should have no problem finding and buying an option that fits your budget.

Key Ingredients in Wholehearted Cat Food

When looking at any cat food, the ingredients list is one of the most important factors to review. Real, natural ingredients are crucial for your cat’s health and nutrition. Here are some of the key ingredients found in Wholehearted formulas:

• Protein sources: Chicken, salmon, trout, duck, quail, venison and bison top the ingredients lists, providing essential amino acids. They are lean proteins to support muscle growth.
• Grains: Wholehearted is 100% grain-free so you won’t find corn, wheat or soy. Grains are replaced with more digestible carb sources.
• Fruits and veggies: Full of antioxidants and fiber, ingredients like sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, cranberries, spinach and carrots add key nutrients.
• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas and navy beans serve as an additional source of plant-based protein and carbohydrates. They also add important dietary fiber.
• Digestive enzymes and probiotics: Added to support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. This keeps your cat’s gut balanced.
• Natural flavorings: Only natural flavorings derived from real food sources are used for palatability. No artificial flavors or masking agents.

The short, simple ingredients lists make it easy to understand exactly what’s in Wholehearted food. With real proteins, fiber-rich fruits and veggies and digestion-supporting additives, these recipes mirror homemade cat food.

Feeding Guidelines for Wholehearted Dry Cat Food

Figuring out how much Wholehearted dry food to feed your cat is easy thanks to the helpful feeding guidelines on their packaging and website. Here are some general feeding recommendations based on your cat’s weight, life stage and activity level:

• Kittens (up to 1 year): Kittens need to eat more frequently to support growth. Feed 1/2 – 2/3 cups per 3 lbs of body weight, split over 3-4 meals per day.
• Adult cats: Feed 1/4 – 1/2 cups per 5 lbs of body weight, split between 2 meals per day. Cats should maintain an ideal weight as adults.
• Senior cats (11 years +): Feed 1/4 – 1/3 cups per 5 lbs of body weight, split into 2 daily meals. Reduce calories if needed to prevent weight gain.
• Active/working cats: Feed towards the higher end of recommendations to meet energy needs. Nursing mothers also need more food.
• Overweight cats: Feed towards lower end of recommendations and consult your vet on proper calorie intake for weight loss.

When first transitioning to Wholehearted, start on the low end of the recommendations and monitor your cat’s weight, energy levels and waistline. Adjust amounts gradually. Work with your vet to fine-tune quantities to keep your cat at optimal nutrition and health.

Answering Questions on Wholehearted Ingredients

Choosing a pet food goes beyond just reading the label – you want to understand the purpose of key ingredients and how they impact your cat’s health and nutrition. Here are answers to some common questions about the ingredients in Wholehearted formulas:

Is Wholehearted grain-free?

Yes, all recipes are 100% grain-free and wheat-free. They replace grains with digestible carbohydrates like lentils, peas and sweet potatoes.

Does Wholehearted contain fillers?

No. Their short ingredient lists don’t contain cheap fillers like corn, soy, powders or by-products.

Is it high in protein?

With guaranteed minimums between 32 – 38%, the recipes are all high protein to support muscles and energy.

Does Wholehearted contain artificial preservatives?

Never. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols are used instead to keep food fresh.

Does Wholehearted contain artificial colors or flavors?

No artificial colors, flavors or masking agents are used. Only natural flavorings are included.

Is Wholehearted made in the USA?

Yes, all Wholehearted formulas are manufactured in the United States.

Reading labels closely and understanding ingredients gives you confidence in the quality of Wholehearted. With no questionable additives or fillers, you can feel good about feeding their recipes.

Transitioning Your Cat to Wholehearted

Switching your cat to a new food always needs to be done gradually so as not to upset their digestive system. Follow these tips to transition your cat seamlessly to Wholehearted:

• Mix a small amount of Wholehearted (25%) into your cat’s current food to introduce the new flavors and textures.
• Gradually increase the ratio of Wholehearted over 2-3 weeks until it makes up 100% of meals.
• Keep an eye on litter box habits to ensure stools stay firm. Slower transitions may be needed for sensitive stomachs.
• Try to transition protein sources gradually too, like from chicken to fish recipes.
• Ensure your cat is eating enough during the transition – appetite changes can sometimes occur.
• Offer wet food or broths if your cat seems hesitant about texture or crunchiness.
• Give your cat’s digestive system 4-6 weeks to fully adapt to the new food before making judgments on health impacts.

Be patient and go slowly during transitions. This gives your cat time to start enjoying the great taste and digestibility of Wholehearted for long term health. Monitor stool quality and energy levels closely. Consult your vet if any severe issues arise.

Checking for Recalls on Wholehearted Cat Food

Any pet parent knows that our top priority is feeding safe, high-quality food to our furry family members. We want to choose brands we can trust, which is why it’s important to be aware of any recalls related to pet foods. Here’s what you should know about Wholehearted cat food recalls:

• No brand-wide recalls: Wholehearted has not had any brand-specific recalls involving all recipes or formulas according to FDA databases.
• May 2019 taurine-related recall: This voluntary recall involved some Taste of the Wild products, including select lots of Wholehearted grain-free recipes, due to potential taurine deficiencies. Taurine supplements were added to address this issue.
• Good manufacturing processes: The facilities where Wholehearted is made follow strict safety procedures and have extensive quality control testing to minimize risks.
• Rigorous ingredient standards: All ingredients used in Wholehearted come from trusted suppliers with thorough monitoring for quality and contamination risks.
• Sign up for alerts: Check the Wholehearted website regularly or sign up for recipe alerts to stay updated on any future recalls or formula changes.

While isolated recalls can happen with any brand, Wholehearted’s strong manufacturing standards help minimize these risks overall. Focus on recalls tied directly to specific recipes or date codes for your individual cat’s food.

Reviews of Wholehearted Cat Food from Pet Owners

Looking at real-life reviews from other cat owners who have used Wholehearted food can help give you a better feel for pros and cons. Here’s an overview of what pet parents who have used Wholehearted are saying:

• Highly-rated recipes: The majority of reviews rate Wholehearted 4 stars and above, praising the quality, results and value.
• Improved digestion: Many reviewers mention firmer stools, less litter box issues and better absorption of nutrients after switching recipes.
• Shinier coats: Owners notice improvements to skin, coat shine and less shedding thanks to the omega fatty acids.
• Picky cats love it: Even finicky eaters seem to enjoy the natural flavors and textures of Wholehearted recipes.
• Affordable price: Most pet owners say Wholehearted prices are affordable compared to similar high-protein, grain-free foods.
• Good for weight maintenance: Several reviewers with overweight cats saw a healthy weight reduction after transitioning to the Wholehearted recipes.

While every cat’s preferences and results may vary, the majority of feedback from real-life use is very positive. This can give you added confidence if considering switching your own cat to Wholehearted.

Supporting Feline Health with Wholehearted Nutrition

One of the biggest benefits of feeding Wholehearted is the impact their recipes can have on your cat’s overall wellbeing and longevity. Here’s how Wholehearted provides complete and balanced nutrition tailored to your cat’s needs:

• Protein-rich: With guaranteed minimums between 32-38%, the high protein supports lean muscle mass and an active lifestyle.
• Grain-free: Eliminating grains reduces risk for allergies/intolerances and makes recipes highly digestible.
• Limited ingredients: Each recipe contains only a select number of whole food ingredients. This simplicity minimizes risk of GI issues.
• Antioxidant-rich fruits & veggies: These superfoods pack a nutritional punch to support immune health. Natural fiber aids digestion.
• Balanced omega fatty acids: These healthy fats from fish and plant sources give your cat soft, shiny fur and skin.
• Species-appropriate: Recipes are modeled after the types of small prey cats are evolved to eat, resulting in optimal nutrient absorption.
• Made in the USA: Their American-made recipes adhere to strict quality standards for maximum nutritional value and safety.

Feeding Wholehearted provides peace of mind knowing your cat is getting tailored nutrition to live their healthiest life from the inside out.

Pricing and Budgeting for Wholehearted Cat Food

Pet parents want to provide quality nutrition for their cats but also need to stay within their budget. Here’s what to expect in terms of Wholehearted cat food prices:

• Dry cat food: Approximately $13 – $18 for a 5 lb bag, $25 – $35 for 11 lb and $50 – $60 for 22 lb bag.
• Kitten formulas: Run about $1 – $2 higher per 5 lb bag since they contain more protein and nutrients.
• Canned/wet food: Canned Wholehearted is $2.50 – $3 per 5.5 oz can. Cases of 24 cans run $55 – $65.
• Price per day: Depending on your cat’s size and feeding amount, expect to budget $0.50 – $1 per day to feed Wholehearted dry food.
• Subscriptions/autoship: Sign up for regular automated deliveries from retailers like Chewy or Amazon to save 15-20%.
• Sales: Watch for occasional sales, especially during holiday weekends where you may save 10-15% or get free shipping.

For the high quality and nutritional benefits, Wholehearted is competitively priced, especially compared to boutique or prescription formulas. Budget-friendly pet parents will appreciate that this premium cat food is accessible for tight wallets!

Is Wholehearted Suitable for Kitties with Allergies?

Cat allergies to foods like grains, chicken, beef or fish are unfortunately common. This can make finding an appropriate food for your affected feline extra challenging. The good news is that Wholehearted offers some hypoallergenic and limited ingredient recipes that may be suitable for cats with food allergies:

• Limited ingredient diets: Formulas like the Duck & Lentil Recipe keep ingredients simple. This makes it easier to identify triggers.
• Novel proteins: Venison and bison recipes provide protein sources many cats have never eaten before to avoid allergic reactions.
• Grain-free: With no gluten-containing grains, Wholehearted may help cats with grain allergies.
• Digestibility: The highly digestible recipes result in less GI inflammation that can aggravate food allergies.
• Natural ingredients: No artificial additives means less risk of adverse reactions.

As with any new food for a cat with allergies, be sure to transition recipes slowly and watch closely for symptoms like itching, stool changes or excess shedding. Work with your vet to identity ingredients your particular cat may be sensitive to. Overall, the simplicity of Wholehearted makes it a good potential option to try for cats with dietary allergies.

How is Wholehearted Packaged and Where is it Produced?

When it comes to choosing the best cat food, it’s not only about the ingredients themselves – we also want to know about safety standards and protocols during production and packaging. Here are some details on how Wholehearted cat food is packaged and manufactured:

• Made in the USA: All Wholehearted recipes are manufactured at facilities located in the United States.
• Third-party safety audits: The factories undergo extensive safety inspections and audits by organizations like the FDA.
• High-quality packaging: Formulas are packaged in thick, durable bags or cans to prevent leakage and maintain freshness.
• Minimal oxygen exposure: Packaging uses modified atmospheric technology to remove oxygen and extend shelf life.
• Food-safe materials: All packaging and cans conform to FDA guidelines for materials that are safe for pet food surfaces.
• Date coding system: Best by dates appear in an easy to decipher format to know when each bag or can was produced.
• Safety record: No major recalls or contamination issues have been documented from Wholehearted production facilities.

When produced and packaged safely in the USA, you can have assurance that Wholehearted’s quality control yields a fresh and nutritious product your cat will love.

Protein Content Breakdown in Wholehearted Recipes

We know cats thrive on high protein diets. So just how much protein is packed into Wholehearted recipes? Here’s an overview of the guaranteed minimum protein levels:

• Kitten formulas: At least 38% minimum protein from chicken and salmon.
• Adult chicken recipes: 34% minimum protein in chicken and lentil formulas.
• Adult fish recipes: At least 36% protein guaranteed in the trout and salmon recipes.
• Adult exotic/game meat recipes: 32% minimum protein in the duck, quail, venison and bison recipes.
• Senior recipes: Chicken and fish recipes deliver 34-36% minimum protein for less active, aging cats.
• Wet cat food: Canned Wholehearted contains at least 10% minimum protein content.

With protein primarily sourced from delicious whole prey meats, Wholehearted supplies the ample protein cats need in bioavailable forms their bodies are designed to thrive on. This supports lean muscle mass and active lifestyles.

Calorie Content of Wholehearted Cat Food Recipes

In addition to meeting protein requirements, balancing calories is important for maintaining your cat’s ideal weight and body condition. Here is the typical calorie content for Wholehearted formulas:

• Kittens: Around 475-500 calories per cup to fuel growth and development.
• Adult maintenance: Approximately 425-450 calories per cup for cats with moderate activity levels.
• Weight control: The Trout & Salmon recipe contains just 370 calories per cup to promote weight loss.
• Senior/less active: The Senior formula has only 335 calories per cup for less active adult cats.
• Canned formulas: Canned Wholehearted contains about 250-300 calories per 5.5 ounce can.

Wholehearted offers recipes appropriate for every life stage and activity level. Monitor your cat’s body weight and adjust portion sizes to keep their calorie intake tailored to their needs for peak fitness.

Proper Storage and Handling of Wholehearted Cat Food

To get the maximum freshness and nutritional value from Wholehearted cat food, be sure to store and handle it properly. Here are some storage tips:

• Store unopened food in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes.
• After opening, keep bags tightly sealed and store in a container in your pantry to maintain freshness.
• Write the date opened on bags and can lids and use within 6 weeks for peak quality.
• Discard any food that is past expiration dates, smells spoiled, looks discolored, clumpy or moldy.
• Keep food in its original bag or can until you’re ready to use it. Don’t mix old and new food.
• Keep all food preparation and storage areas clean to prevent contamination.
• Throw away any uneaten wet food after 15 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerate unused portions.

Following basic food safety practices ensures your cat gets the full benefits from their Wholehearted diet. Consult packaging for complete storage instructions. With proper handling, Wholehearted will stay fresh for your cat to enjoy.

Finding Deals and Coupons for Wholehearted Cat Food

As a pet parent, saving money is always appreciated! Here are some tips for finding deals on Wholehearted cat food:

• Check Wholehearted’s website for any current promotions, coupons or rebates. Sign up for their newsletter to receive special offers.
• Look for discounts from online retailers like Chewy, Petflow and Amazon. Set alerts to be notified of sales.
• Frequent pet stores that offer loyalty programs and point systems to earn discounts on future purchases.
• Buy larger bags which offer a lower per pound price point. Freeze portions if you have a small cat.
• Join a pet product community like Chewy’s Autoship or Amazon’s Subscribe and Save for extra savings on recurring deliveries.
• Ask your vet – some offices receive coupons directly from brands like Wholehearted to share with clients.
• Purchase in-store from retailers like Petco and PetSmart during their frequent sales and promotions either online or in local stores.

With a bit of strategic shopping, you can save money while still providing your feline the quality nutrition of Wholehearted recipes. Be sure to check dates and buy only what you can use before it expires.

Nutritional Analysis: What’s in Wholehearted Cat Food?

When it comes to the best diet for your cat, you want to dig into the precise nutritional makeup of any cat food you’re considering. Here are the key nutritional facts for Wholehearted dry and canned cat food:

• Protein: 32-38% minimums, from quality sources like trout, duck, chicken, and venison.
• Fat: 15-18% from chicken fat, salmon oil and flaxseed. Provides omega-3s and 6s.
• Fiber: 5-6% from fruits, veggies, legumes. Promotes digestion and gut health.
• Moisture: 10% for dry food, 78% for canned formulas. Cats need ample water.
• Calcium: 1.1-1.4% for proper bone development and strength, especially in kittens.
• Phosphorus: 0.9-1.2% to balance with calcium for bone and tooth health.
• Taurine: 0.15-0.25% to support heart function and vision. Cats cannot synthesize their own taurine.
• Vitamins/Minerals: Formulas are supplemented with essential vitamins (A, B, D, E) and minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium.

With guaranteed analysis percentages, high-quality ingredients and nutritional supplements when needed, Wholehearted tick all the boxes for complete and balanced cat nutrition.

Is Wholehearted Good for Senior Cats?

As cats reach their senior years, their nutritional needs change and they become more sensitive to certain ingredients. That’s why it’s smart to look for a diet specifically tailored to aging felines. Here’s how Wholehearted can support the wellbeing of senior cats:

• Fewer calories: With only 335 calories per cup, the Senior recipe prevents unwanted weight gain.
• Reduced phosphorus: Limiting phosphorus protects aging kidneys and organs.
• Moderate protein: The 34% protein in the Senior recipe gives aging muscles support while being gentle on internal organs.
• Joint supplements: Added glucosamine and chondroitin support mobility.
• Easily digestible: Limited ingredients and fiber promote regular digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Antioxidant-rich: Superfoods like blueberries support immune function and general health.
• Palatability: Stronger smells and flavors entice waning appetites in senior cats.

The specialized nutrition profile makes Wholehearted Senior dry food an excellent choice for helping your aging kitty stay active and maintain a healthy weight into their later years. Consult your vet on the ideal food regimen as your cat reaches this life stage.

The Bottom Line on Feeding Wholehearted Cat Food

When it comes down to it, Wholehearted checks off all the boxes for a high quality cat food at a reasonable price point:

• Natural, recognizable ingredients
• High amounts of quality animal proteins
• Completely grain-free recipes
• Limited ingredients and novel proteins for cats with allergies
• Nutrient-rich fruits, veggies, legumes and supplements
• Formulas tailored for every life stage and dietary need
• Made in the USA with stringent safety standards
• Protein-packed nutrition to help maintain ideal weight
• Excellent digestibility and fiber content
• Affordably priced compared to competitors

With proven results backed by countless positive reviews, Wholehearted offers superior nutrition and value. For cat owners seeking a protein-rich, natural diet, Wholehearted is a great choice that outperforms many premium brands. If your kitty’s needs align with what Wholehearted offers, you can feel confident you’ll be feeding a diet to optimize their health and happiness.