Finding the Purrfect Grain Free Food for Your Feline Friend

As a cat owner, you want to give your furry friend the best diet possible to keep them happy and healthy. More pet parents are switching to grain free cat food to reduce allergies, intolerances, and other health issues caused by grains. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food to decide if it’s the purrfect choice for your cat.

What is Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food?

Wholehearted is a pet food company launched in 2003 that focuses on premium natural nutrition. Their grain free line of cat food features recipes crafted with quality proteins and digestible carbohydrates.

According to Wholehearted, their grain free recipes are designed to mirror your cat’s natural ancestral diet. That means high amounts of animal-based proteins and limited carbohydrates from peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes.

Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food comes in a variety of product lines including dry food, wet food, treats, and supplements. Their recipes are free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and flavors.

Key Benefits of Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food

Switching to a grain free diet offers many benefits for cats including:

• Improved digestion – Grains can be difficult for some cats to digest properly leading to upset stomachs. Grain free food eliminates this problem.
• Reduced food allergies – Grains like corn and wheat are common feline allergens. Removing grains reduces allergy symptoms like itching, ear infections, and skin irritation.
• Increased nutrients – Grain free formulas have more room for quality animal proteins and oils that provide a nutrient dense diet for optimal health.
• Better weight management – Due to higher protein and lower carbohydrates, grain free diets help cats feel fuller longer so they eat less and maintain a healthy weight.
• Higher moisture content – Many grain free recipes have added moisture to support hydration and urinary tract health.

Wholehearted’s grain free line offers all these benefits to promote your cat’s wellbeing. Their recipes are protein-packed to satisfy feline appetites and support lean muscle mass. Plus, each formula is supplemented with fruits, veggies, and natural additives for complete nutrition.

Ingredients in Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food

When choosing a pet food, the ingredient list is incredibly important. Here are the main ingredients in Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food:

Animal Proteins

Wholehearted grain free recipes start with quality proteins like chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, duck, and egg. Animal proteins provide essential amino acids to build and repair cells, muscles, organs, and more.

Cats are obligate carnivores meaning they must eat meat in their diet. Wholehearted includes generous amounts of animal proteins to meet this requirement.

Digestible Carbohydrates

While proteins are the star of grain free cat food, carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, peas, chickpeas, lentils, and potatoes are included for energy and fiber.

These are considered low glycemic and less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar compared to grains. They provide a balance of nutrients plus vital prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion.

Fruits and Vegetables

Natural fruits and veggies add key vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Wholehearted grain free recipes contain superfoods like blueberries, cranberries, parsley, pumpkin, spinach, and more.

Produce adds protective plant compounds and micronutrients cats wouldn’t get from meat alone.

Healthy Oils and Fats

Essential fatty acids from fish oils, flaxseed, and other oils provide energy, enhance skin and coat, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function.

Wholehearted grain free cat food contains omega oils and medium chain triglycerides for optimal nutrient absorption.

Natural Flavors and Additives

To make their recipes tasty and nutritionally complete for cats, Wholehearted adds feline-friendly natural flavors, probiotics, and supplements not found in raw meat.

Ingredients like guar gum, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, vitamin E, zinc, and iron improve the diet’s digestibility, palatability, and nutrition.

So in summary, Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food provides the ideal balance of quality animal proteins, digestible carbs, fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and functional additives to meet your cat’s needs.

Is Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food Good for Cats?

With a closer look at the ingredients and nutrition it provides, it’s clear Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food is an excellent option for cats. Here’s why:

• Generous amounts of animal proteins cats need
• Limited in grains and carbohydrates
• Contains prebiotic fibers for digestive and immunity benefits
• Free of common feline allergens like corn, wheat, soy, etc.
• Natural fruits and vegetables provide phytonutrient antioxidants
• Omega fatty acids support skin, coat, joints, brain, and overall health
• Probiotics improve digestion and promote a healthy microbiome
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
• Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and functional supplements cats require
• Provides a species-appropriate diet close to a feline’s natural biological needs
• Most cats enjoy the tasty flavors
• Allows owners to feed wet, dry, or a combo to suit their cat
• Veterinarian recommended and clinically formulated
• Produced in the USA following strict quality control and food safety standards

The majority of customer reviews for Wholehearted grain free formulas are very positive. Most cat owners say it helps resolve digestive issues, picky eating, allergies, and fur/skin problems. Their cats enthusiastically eat this food and maintain a healthy weight.

So based on the high quality ingredients, stellar nutrition, and glowing reviews – Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food is a very good choice for your cat.

Where to Buy Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food

Wholehearted cat food is sold both online and in select pet retail stores. Here are some of the best places to buy Wholehearted grain free cat food:

• Amazon – Large selection of Wholehearted grain free formulas with free 2-day shipping for Prime members
• Chewy – Frequently runs promotions and autoship discounts on Wholehearted cat food
• PetFlow – Offers 20% off your first Wholehearted order for new customers
• PetSmart – Many brick-and-mortar locations carry Wholehearted grain free dry and wet cat food
• WholeheartedPet.com – Purchase directly from the manufacturer to get the best prices, coupons, and product information
• Local pet stores – Ask your independent pet supply shop if they stock Wholehearted grain free recipes

Wherever you choose to buy, be sure to compare prices between retailers and take advantage of any promotions or sales. Sign up for brand newsletters to receive updates on discounts and coupons for Wholehearted cat food.

Cost of Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food

As a premium natural brand, Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food costs between $15 to $35 for a 4 to 5 pound bag of dry food. Cans of wet food range from $1.50 to $2.50 per 5.5 ounce can.

The price varies based on the recipe, protein source, retailer, and package size. For example, exotic proteins like venison or duck may cost more than chicken or turkey recipes. Buying in bulk bags or cases can also lower the per pound price.

Here are some average costs for Wholehearted’s most popular grain free recipes:

• Dry Food: $25 for a 4 lb bag; $45 for an 11 lb bag
• Canned Food: $16 for a case of 12 5.5 oz cans; $48 for a case of 24 5.5 oz cans
• Freeze Dried: $13 for a 5 oz bag; $28 for a 14 oz bag

While Wholehearted grain free is pricier than average grocery store cat food, it offers significantly higher quality. When you factor in the health benefits of grain free nutrition, it’s worth spending a little more.

Consider the cost per serving – not just the sticker price. Feeding a nutrient dense diet like Wholehearted can reduce vet bills down the road.

Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food Flavors

Wholehearted crafts delicious recipes cats love in a variety of protein sources and flavors.

Dry Food Flavors:

• Chicken & Turkey Recipe
• Salmon & Chicken Recipe
• Duck & Lentil Recipe
• Venison & Chickpea Recipe
• Chicken & Shrimp Recipe
• Turkey, Duck & Quail Recipe
• Cod, Sole & Shrimp Recipe

Canned Food Flavors:

• Chicken & Liver Pate
• Salmon Pate
• Seaside Medley Stew with Shrimp & Sole
• Turkey & Duck Stew
• Venison & Quail Stew
• Beef & Chicken Pate
• Turducken Stew

Freeze Dried Options:

• Chicken Stew morsels
• Salmon Pieces

No matter what flavors and textures your cat enjoys, Wholehearted has a recipe to satisfy even the pickiest palate. Consider feeding a combo of proteins and rotating through different recipes to add variety.

Is Wholehearted Grain Free Good for Kittens?

Wholehearted grain free recipes are all life stage formulas suitable for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. Their protein-packed dry and wet foods provide the right nutrition to support growing kittens.

At a minimum of 38% protein, Wholehearted grain free kits meet the increased protein demands of kittens and nursing mothers. The digestible carbohydrates, prebiotic fiber, and natural vitamins/minerals also benefit your kitten.

The smaller, bite-sized kibble pieces are designed for a kitten’s smaller mouth and jaws. This makes it easier for them to crunch and chew.

However, kittens may need additional calories compared to adult cats. Check with your vet on exactly how much to feed your kitten to ensure they receive sufficient nutrition for growth and development.

For the best start, consider a Wholehearted grain free all life stages recipe specifically created for kittens. The increased calories and optimal protein and fat levels will nourish your growing kitty.

Nutritional Value of Wholehearted Grain Free

Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food provides excellent nutritional value from quality ingredients and proper formulations to meet feline dietary requirements.

Here are some key nutritional specs:

• Protein – Min 38% dry food; Min 11% canned food
• Fat – Min 18% dry food; Min 6% canned food
• Fiber – Max 5% dry food; Max 2% canned food
• Moisture – Max 10% dry food; Min 78% canned food
• Calories– 3,600 kcal/kg in dry food; 1,000 kcal/kg in canned food
• Carbs – Max 35% dry food; Max 7% canned food
• Ash – Max 9% in dry and canned food
• Taurine – 0.15% minimum in dry and canned recipes
• Vitamins & Minerals– Formulated to meet AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles

By meeting or exceeding AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles, Wholehearted provides complete and balanced nutrition including sufficient levels of all essential vitamins and minerals.

Are There Any Recalls on Wholehearted Cat Food?

According to our research, there are no recalls affecting any Wholehearted Cat Food products to date. This is excellent news for pet parents!

Wholehearted is produced by US-based Champion Petfoods who uphold rigorous quality control and food safety standards. Their state-of-the-art kitchens in Wisconsin manufacture all recipes in small batches monitored for safety and quality.

This careful approach helps prevent any contamination or nutrient issues leading to a recall. While recalls can happen in the pet food industry, responsible companies like Wholehearted take every measure to avoid them.

As a brand focused on natural nutrition with nothing to hide, Wholehearted prides themselves on quality and transparency. If any future recall ever did occur, they would notify consumers immediately.

Does Wholehearted Grain Free Help with Allergies?

Yes, Wholehearted’s grain free recipes can significantly help cats with food allergies and intolerances. Common food allergens for cats include:

• Grains – corn, wheat, soy, rice, barley
• Chicken and poultry
• Beef, pork, and other mammalian meats
• Fish and shellfish
• Eggs
• Dairy

By removing allergenic grains like corn, wheat, and soy, Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food eliminates a major source of allergies for many cats.

Their recipes also avoid ingredients like artificial additives, preservatives, and flavors that can trigger skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress in sensitive cats.

Instead, novel proteins like venison, duck, salmon, and rabbit provide hypoallergenic alternatives. For cats with multiple food allergies, a limited ingredient recipe with just one protein and carbohydrate source may be the best solution.

Under veterinary guidance, an elimination diet trial is the safest way to diagnose food allergies in cats and find an optimal diet free of triggers.

How to Store and Handle Wholehearted Cat Food

To preserve freshness and nutritional value, follow these tips for storing Wholehearted grain free cat food:

• Store unopened dry food bags and cans in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes.
• Opened dry food bags should be kept in an airtight container. A gallon size zip top bag works great. Press out excess air before sealing.
• Leftover canned food should be refrigerated and used within 5-7 days. Cover the can or transfer portions to a sealed container.
• Check “best by” or “use before” dates and follow a first-in-first-out system when feeding.
• Avoid moisture getting into opened bags of dry food which can cause mold.
• Dry food can be frozen in air-tight bags for 2-6 months to preserve freshness. Allow to thaw gradually before feeding.

By storing and handling Wholehearted grain free cat food properly, you’ll retain nutrients and minimize waste. Don’t feed expired or spoiled food which could make your cat sick.

Does Wholehearted Grain Free Improve Cat’s Skin and Coat?

Yes, the balanced nutrition in Wholehearted’s recipes can lead to notable improvements in your cat’s skin and coat health.

Here’s how Wholehearted grain free cat food helps transform skin and coats:

Omega Fatty Acids – Wholehearted contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from natural fish oils, flaxseed, and other sources. These oils nourish skin and coats from the inside out.

Digestibility – Easy to digest protein and limited ingredients reduce GI issues that manifest as skin/coat problems. Healthy digestion equals healthy skin.

Prebiotics – Sources like chicory root provide prebiotic fiber to feed beneficial gut bacteria. This supports the gut-skin connection.

Antioxidants – Fruits, veggies, and supplements give an antioxidant boost to reduce inflammation and skin damage.

Hydration – Increased moisture, especially in canned recipes, helps keep cats well-hydrated for supple skin.

Allergy relief – Eliminating grains and common allergens brings relief to itchy, irritated skin caused by food sensitivities.

With improved digestion, hydration, microbiome balance, and reduced allergens – Wholehearted grain free cat food creates visible improvements in dull, dry coats and irritated skin conditions. The healthy fats further enhance the benefits.

What Do Reviews Say About Wholehearted Grain Free?

The majority of verified reviews for Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food are very positive from delighted cat owners. Here’s what real customers are saying:

• “This is absolutely the best cat food I’ve found. My cat gobbles it up and has so much more energy now. Her coat has never looked better!”
• “I switched my Siamese from a fancy boutique brand to Wholehearted grain free and her tummy troubles cleared right up! She loves the taste too.”
• “My vet recommended this brand for my allergy prone kitty. On Wholehearted grain free, his chronic ear infections finally went away. It’s a miracle food!”
• “I’ve tried every trick to get my picky eater to eat with little success. Wholehearted is the first food she devours every time I put it out!”
• “For the price, you can’t beat the quality. My cats’ coats are softer, digestion is better, and their overall health has improved.”
• “I love that I can get a high protein, grain free recipe without unhealthy fillers or by-products. My cats are thriving on this.”
• “I mix the dry and canned formulas together to add a little moisture. It keeps my cats hydrated and they go nuts over the flavor.”

Are There Both Wet and Dry Options?

Yes, Wholehearted grain free recipes come in both dry kibble and canned/wet formulas providing options to suit your cat.

Dry Food

Wholehearted Grain Free dry cat food features crunchy kibble in recipes like Chicken & Turkey, Salmon & Chicken, and Venison & Chickpea.

Benefits of dry food include:

• Helps scrape away tartar from teeth
• Can be left out all day for free feeding
• Provides crunch cats enjoy
• Often more economical than canned

Wet Food

The grain free canned line includes pates and stews in recipes like Turkey & Duck, Salmon, and Beef & Chicken.

Benefits of wet food include:

• High moisture content – up to 78%
• Softer texture easier for some cats to chew
• Strong aroma many cats find irresistible
• Can add extra hydration to diet
• Comes in convenient single serve cans

For the healthiest results, feed a rotation of both Wholehearted dry AND wet grain free recipes. Mixing the textures gives cats variety while utilizing the unique benefits of each type.

How Often and How Much to Feed

Follow these general feeding guidelines for Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food:

Dry Food

• Feed adult cats 1/2 cup to 1 cup of dry food per 6 – 8 lbs of body weight, divided into 2-3 meals daily.
• Kittens need 1.5 to 2 times more food per pound of body weight to support growth. Feed kittens 3-4 times a day.
• Adjust amounts based on your cat’s age, activity level, and if they need to gain or lose weight.
• Provide clean, fresh water at all times, especially when feeding dry food.

Wet Food

• Feed adult cats 2-4 (5.5 ounce) cans per day divided into 2-3 meals.
• Kittens may need about double the amount of canned food per pound of body weight.
• Limit wet food portions to what cats will eat at one sitting before refrigerating leftovers.
• Rotate feeding both dry and wet recipes for balanced nutrition.

Monitor your cat’s body condition and energy levels and make adjustments so they maintain optimal weight and health. Talk to your vet if you’re unsure about feeding amounts.

What Makes Wholehearted Grain Free Special?

There are several key things that make Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food a stand-out choice:

Natural Nutrition Philosophy – Wholehearted’s core mission is providing natural, biologically appropriate nutrition free of corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives.

Specialty Proteins – Unique proteins like venison, duck, cod, and turkey give allergy prone cats great alternatives.

Mix of Wet and Dry – Gives cat owners flexibility to feed kibble, cans, or a combo to suit their cat.

Veterinary Recommended – Wholehearted recipes are formulated in consultation with vets and PhD nutritionists.

Digestive Care – Prebiotics, probiotics, and gentle fiber support healthy digestion in cats.

Made in the USA – Manufactured in company-owned US-based kitchens under strict quality control.

Great Feedback – Satisfied customer reviews show the brand has earned the trust of cat owners.

If you’re looking for a natural, veterinarian-backed grain free diet using quality ingredients – Wholehearted delivers on all counts!

Is Wholehearted Grain Free Organic?

While Wholehearted grain free recipes contain organic ingredients, they are not certified organic formulas.

Getting pet foods certified organic requires organic processing facilities which increases costs. However, Wholehearted adheres to organic practices:

• Sources organic vegetables, fruits, and supplements when possible
• Uses Non-GMO verified ingredients with no genetically engineered components
• Avoids use of toxic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, and antibiotics
• Sustainably sources seafood following preservation guidelines

So while not certified organic, Wholehearted grain free cat food emphasizes organic nutrition to the greatest extent possible. Their kitchens follow natural standards.

If you prefer 100% certified organic cat food, there are some specialty brands offering those options on a smaller scale. But they come at a very high price.

For most cat owners, Wholehearted provides excellent natural nutrition and quality using responsibly sourced ingredients without an official organic certification. At a more reasonable price point than small-batch organic brands.

Do Vets Recommend Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food?

Yes, many vets recommend and approve of Wholehearted grain free cat food formulas. The brand meets the nutritional criteria vets look for:

• High protein levels (~40% in dry food) to meet cats’ needs
• Limited carbohydrate ingredients and grain free recipes
• Natural ingredient list free of by-products, fillers, and artificial additives
• Proper calcium and phosphorus ratios for bone health
• Nutritional supplements to avoid deficiencies
• Balanced fatty acid levels from quality animal sources
• Highly digestible ingredients and prebiotics to support GI health
• Flavors and textures cats love to enhance palatability

Wholehearted grain free recipes are formulated by PhD pet nutritionists and veterinarians. The brand has earned the trust and recommendation of many vets.

Ask your own vet for their opinion of Wholehearted. Many consider it a quality choice for cats with grain allergies, IBS, urinary issues, picky eating, and other health conditions. The natural nutrition provides benefits cats need.

Transitioning Your Cat to Wholehearted Grain Free

Switching your cat to Wholehearted grain free or any new food requires some transition time. Here are tips for a smooth transition:

• Slowly transition over 5-7 days, mixing in increasing amounts of the new food. This gives their digestion time to adapt.
• Keep mealtimes and frequency the same during transition. Divide daily food portions to contain 25%, 50%, then 75% new food.
• Ensure your cat still eats their full calorie requirement over the transition. Tempt with added warm water or low sodium broth if needed.
• For kittens, go more slowly over 10-14 days since their digestion is more sensitive.
• Monitor litter box and appetite. Slow down if loose stools or decreased eating occurs.
• Once on 100% new food, observe energy level and coat health. Adjust amounts if your cat loses or gains weight.

With a patient, gradual switch, your cat can transition well to Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food. Their system just needs time to adjust to the new protein sources and fiber content.

Are There Any Promotions for Wholehearted Cat Food?

As a premium brand focused on quality over quantity, Wholehearted doesn’t offer as many regular promotions like big retailers. However, here are some ways to save:

• Check the Wholehearted site for occasional coupons and exclusive subscriber promos. Sign up for their email list.
• Watch for sitewide sales around major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, etc. Stock up during sales.
• Retailers like Chewy, PetFlow and Amazon run promotions like 20% off first purchase or $10 off larger bags.
• Buy in bulk on large bags of dry food or cases of canned food. The per ounce or per meal price is discounted for larger formats.
• Consider autoship subscription for regular deliveries with 5-10% discount on every order. Makes life easier!
• Resist constant diet switching for deals. Stick to one formula that works for your cat’s needs.

Although Wholehearted is not the cheapest option, focusing on quality nutrition will reward you through excellent health and fewer vet bills. For deals, watch retailers and buy larger formats.

Does Wholehearted Support Digestive Health?

Absolutely! Wholehearted grain free recipes are designed to support healthy digestion in cats.

Features aiding digestive health include:

• Limited ingredients to reduce stomach upset and food intolerances
• Easily digestible carbohydrates like chickpeas, peas, sweet potato
• Natural prebiotic fibers like chicory root to feed good gut flora
• Direct-fed microbial strains to serve as probiotic supplements
• Yucca schidigera extract to decrease stool odor
• Palm oil for smooth stool formation and ideal stool quality
• Highly bioavailable protein sources for nutrient absorption
• Moisture rich canned food to keep cats hydrated

By sticking to simple whole food ingredients, including prebiotics/probiotics, and limiting grains and fillers – Wholehearted grain free recipes create ideal digestive health and regularity.

Cat owners say it resolved chronic issues like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and gassiness in their cats. The natural nutrition just seems to agree with most cats’ stomachs and GI tracts.

The Wholehearted Decision: Yay or Nay?

After reviewing all the facts and buyer feedback, Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food is a resounding “YAY!”

From the quality ingredients and transparent sourcing to the stellar nutrition and reviews – Wholehearted grain free checks all the boxes.

It provides natural, protein-focused nutrition free of low-quality grains and filler ingredients that plague many other brands.

The unique formulas give cats variety using novel proteins like venison, duck, cod, and rabbit to reduce allergies. And mixing dry and wet foods caters to your cat’s preferences.

Perhaps most importantly, Wholehearted grain free delivers visible improvements in cats’ health, digestion, skin, coat, weight and happiness based on customer reviews.

While premium-priced, consider this an investment in your cat’s long-term wellbeing. The old adage “you get what you pay for” applies here.

Your cats can’t tell you what food makes them feel their best. But you can speak with your wallet and choose quality nutrition like Wholehearted Grain Free Cat Food. Their natural recipes nourish cats and delight pet parents – earning this brand a resounding PURR of approval!