Who Makes Stella And Chewys Cat Food And Where Is It Produced
Stella and Chewys food was started by pet owner Marie Moody. Having already adopted one dog, Stella, from a local charity shelter, she returned and adopted a second, Chewy, in 1997. Chewy was a sick puppy, and Marie took the nutritional advice given to her by the vet to give her new rescue a better diet. Specifically, she started feeding a raw diet. Chewy recovered and Marie found that both her rescues thrived on this raw food recipe.
In 2003, Stella and Chewys was launched from a small kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. The company has grown significantly since then and its main factory is now located in Wisconsin. They have expanded to include cat food and while they only manufactured raw food in the early days, they have expanded their product line to include other foods and dietary plans too.
They aim to meet the budget and dietary requirements of a wider range of pet owners and pets.
Stella and Chewys states that its food is manufactured in the USA using ingredients that are sustainably and ethically sourced. This means that the ingredients do not necessarily come from the USA, but that they are put together in the Wisconsin food plant.
The Best Senior Cat Food: A Guide To Feeding Your Older Cat
Hootie, a 15-year-old shelter cat living in Salt Lake City, Utah, faced a tough road to adoption. Not only was he surrounded by younger, cuter cats, but the poor little guy looked sickly and unwell. His coat lacked luster, and he had no energy to greet prospective adopters. But thanks to veterinary care from Best Friends Animal Sanctuaryand the best senior cat food to meet his special needsthat road to adoption became a lot easier.
After moving from a city shelter to Best Friends, Hootie was diagnosed with age-related kidney disease and immediately was put on extra fluids and a diet to help manage his illness. He started to feel and look better. And when foster mom Amy Rohman Needham brought Hootie home to recuperate, his personality blossomed.
He came with a lot of burps and sneezes, but he was just the sweetest guy, she says.
With his kidney disease managed on the special diet, Hooties heath continued to improve, so he returned to Best Friends to find a forever home. Thats when Kelly Smith fell in love. With open arms, the graduate student and animal lover welcomed Hootie into her family, which included another rescued cat named Bonnie.
Hootie and Bonnie love me just because I exist, and they are happy to see me regardless of how my day went, Smith says. Its made my life so much better. I cant believe I got so lucky.
Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food
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Nutro Ultra Adult is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Beef, duck, lamb, fish, small breed, large breed, puppy, senior and more
- Price: $$
This Nutro formula derives most of its meat protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 16% fat and 49% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Available in a wide range of flavor and recipe options. One of our top value picks.
Sample buyer reviewI have 5 dogsranging in different sizes and breeds. This is the ONE food I can get them all to eat without having to buy a bunch of different brands or formulas. Thank you Nutro!
This Go! Carnivore formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, turkey and salmon meals, as well both chicken and turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 18% fat and 36% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Free of GMO ingredients and loaded with meat. A rare find. Highly recommended.
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About Stella & Chewys
The Stella & Chewys story starts in 2003, shortly after company founder Marie Moody adopted an Airedale-Shar-Pei mix named Chewy. After Chewy was diagnosed with distemper, Marie started preparing a raw diet for both Chewy and her other dog, Stella. In between jobs and inspired by the way her pups thrived on a fresh diet, she started delivering homemade raw food to pet guardians around New York City.
The raw food was a hit with New York pet people and soon Stella & Chewys was one of the best-known raw pet food companies in the industry.
Mimics A Cats Wild Diet
One of the great benefits of feeding a raw food diet is that it can more closely mimic the natural diet of a wild cat. Wild cats would be obligate carnivores, and so pet cats are also obligate carnivores. This means that they must get protein from meat sources. Cats cannot live on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Whats more, a cat would feast almost solely on meat. They would hunt rodents and small animals as well as birds. They would not only consume the meat of their prey, but they would also eat everything including the organs and even some of the bones.
In this way, a cat would eat some small amounts of fruit and vegetable, grass, and other ingredients, because they would be present in the stomach of rodents and other meals.
Stella and Chewys has diversified its range but has stuck to the principle of offering a cat-appropriate diet that is suitable for an obligate carnivore like your cat.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken and Rice is one of 23 kibble recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Puppy, large breed, small breed, senior, lamb, fish and more
- Price: $
This Life Protection example derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 16% fat and 50% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A top-rated, grain-inclusive kibble. One of The Advisors most popular recommendations.
Sample buyer reviewMy dog is a very picky eater with a sensitive stomach and this food has done wonders for him. Hes finally eating as much as he should without stomach issues and its made him almost a brand new dog. I tried a few different foods with him but this seemed to give me the best results
Stella And Chewys Chick Chick Chicken Freeze
Stella and Chewys Chick Chick Chick Freeze-Dried Raw Food is an all-natural recipe that lists its primary ingredients as being chicken, chicken liver, and chicken gizzard. Additional ingredients include organic fruit and vegetables that fortify the ingredients with extra vitamins and minerals. The overall protein level is 45%, which is higher than most other foods but is common in freeze-dried raw food like this.
The food can be rehydrated by adding half a cup of warm water for each cup of dry food. Allow the food to mix for one minute before feeding. This can help ensure that your cat is getting the moisture it requires, and if you feed dry, do ensure that you provide plenty of water with each meal.
The ingredients are high quality but the food is expensive. The kibble, or morsels, are large, and more sensitive cats will struggle to eat the pieces easily. The high level of protein means that this is a rich food so you should take care to introduce it slowly to avoid vomiting and other GI complaints.
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Dry Cat Food: Overview
Dry food for cats is a relatively new product in the US. With the invention of extrusion in pet food processing in the 1950s, it became possible to mass-manufacture kibble with a much longer shelf life than a fresh or canned food diet. But like anything, the more its processed, the fewer naturally-occurring nutrients remain. And it has a lot of additives to keep it palatable to cats. It is true that a dry food diet is not biologically correct due to the low moisture content. Many pet owners supplement with canned wet food or use other means to get their kitties to drink more water.
There are many high-quality and premium brands of dry food on the market with high-quality protein, low carbohydrate content, and while they cost considerably more than cheaper kitty food, you dont have to feed your cat as much of it.
Some cats prefer cheap dry cat food as its all theyve known and like human junk food junkies, they like the taste of the carbohydrates, flavors, and other ingredients manufacturers add to make it appealing.
It can be challenging to find an affordable solution that gets your cat the high-quality protein content and the moisture she needs in her diet.
Forms of Commercial Dry Cat Food:
Understanding Cat Food Labels
Now that we understand the basic nutrient requirements of an adult cat, lets take a look at the basic guidelines for cat food and who regulates them.
In the United States, pet foods are overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Center for Veterinary Medicine, notes Dr. Fascetti. They rely on the NRCs expertise for information about specifically what pet foods should contain to ensure their safety and efficacy.
The FDA requires that pet food manufacturers include certain information on their labels, including proper listing of ingredients and the manufacturers name and address. Some states have adopted more specific regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . Those include feeding instructions, guaranteed analysis and a nutritional adequacy statement. Lets look more closely at each of these:
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Stella And Chewys Maries Magical Dinner Dust Cage
Stella and Chewys Maries Magical Dinner Dust Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food Topper contains, as its main ingredients, duck, turkey, turkey liver, and salmon.
The recipe is free from grains, does not contain peas, which are often used as a cheap alternative to grain, and as well as being used as a dry food topper to enhance the nutrition and flavor of your cats favorite kibble, can also be fed on its own.
It can be fed dry but is best rehydrated with warm or cool water. The recipe is high in protein, with a 35% protein ratio and it has a good combination of omega-3 and omega-6 acids. The food is rich to most cats so you will have to take it slowly. It is also expensive compared to other foods. It can also turn to mush when mixed with water, so mix carefully to avoid creating a fish soup.
Consisting primarily of cage-free duck and wild-caught salmon, Stella and Chewys Stella Solutions Skin & Coat Duck & Salmon Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food can be fed as a topper, which is a good way of enhancing your cats existing food while avoiding the high cost of feeding this freeze-dried raw food alone.
If you are looking for a high protein freeze-dried food, however, this is a high-quality option. The ingredients have been chosen to give your cat a big boost on omega-6 fatty acids, which are especially good for coat and skin conditions.
- Can turn to mush
Writing Their Own Rules: The Problem With The Cat Food Industry
Americans are discovering that the lack of adequate regulation has resulted in food that may be slowly killing their beloved pets, whether through chronic diseases, allergies, malnourishment, or dehydration.
We are not completely against commercial food, as there are many great products on the market. Many companies are finally meeting the demands of pet parents who want to feed their cats a healthier diet. Feeding your cat a more appropriate diet wont have to break the bank either.
However, it hasnt always been that way. Many of the big guys in the commercial pet food industry continue to show very little regard for the lives of animals who eat their products. Public opinion has been so heavily influenced by the pet food industry that most pet owners no longer consider feeding the kind of diet kitties in the past enjoyed and thrived on. Scraps, raw ingredients, and raw diets are seen with suspicion and maligned as harmful, risky, or people food and not suitable for animals.
- The cat food industry heavily influences or outright subsidizes the US veterinary education systems nutritional training.
- Regulations, government oversight and approval processes for cat food are pretty much written by the companies and entities who make it.
- The industry has a vested interest in continuing to push grain-based cat food vs. meeting the science-based nutritional needs of cats
The Pet Food Industrys Controlling Influence on Veterinary Nutritional Science & Prescription Diets
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Our Guide To Cat Food: Dry Food Emphasis
Its easy to be overwhelmed walking into a pet food store or shopping online, confronted with so many choices, so many studies, and so many conflicting opinions.
Sadly, shopping for pet food is intended to be confusing. The general regulations regarding pet food continue to be heavily influenced by the manufacturers of cat and dog food. And while there are hundreds of brands on the shelves and online, most of it in the US is made by the same group of manufacturers. These companies mass-produce food thats very similar, with variations in formulas, packaging, and marketing strategy.
You probably know what a friend or family member feeds their cat. Maybe they buy bags of cheap kibble right off the shelf at the grocery store shelf, or perhaps they cook human-grade meals for their cat all week long. What is right for your kitty and lifestyle?
Our team has done the hard work and hundreds of hours of research for you. Based on scientific studies, data, testing, and interviews with our own trusted vets, our guide will help you make informed choices on cat food. Learn what goes into cat food, how to read labels and the pet food industrys role in defining standards. In this review and guide, were covering dry food.
Sustainably Sourced Animal Proteins
Stella & Chewy Raw Coated Dry Cat Food is made from responsibly sourced animal proteins! Wild-caught fish and cage-free poultry is always the first ingredient making this food 65% – 70% animal protein which supports your natural carnivore.
Your cat will benefit from this nutrient-rich kibble which guarantees probiotics for optimal digestion and is taurine fortified. These formulas feature omega fatty acids for a shiny, healthy coat and is completely grain and potato free. Stella uses the finest ingredients in their Vet approved formulas and cooks them safely in the USA.
Country of origin: Manufacturer:
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Whole Earth Farms Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Whole Earth Farms Adult recipe is one of 2 kibble recipes included in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Other recipes: Small breed, turkey, salmon, pork, beef, puppy and more
- Price: $
- See both available recipes
This Whole Earth Farms product derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken and turkey meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 47% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
A quality yet affordable, grain-inclusive kibble made by Merrick. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI recently switched to this food due to the recent controversy over Grain Free. This was the only affordable food I found with quality ingredients listed. My dogs love it and it will be the only food I fees from now on.
This Holistic Select formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh salmon, as well as anchovy and sardine meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
An exceptional grain-free dog food offering numerous recipe and flavor options. Highly recommended.
Features We Arent Crazy About
- The food is not offered in a dry formula.
Earthborn Grain Free CatalinaCan Cat Food is an excellent holistic diet for even the pickiest feline. Complete with high-quality protein as well as highly digestible ingredients that also include delicious flavors for your kitty.
Holistic health is about focusing on the overall body of your cat vs. just the parts. Therefore this food is a great comprehensive option for cars with allergies and the overall health of your cats.
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The Real Science Diet:
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet requires nutrients found in other animals. They can certainly ingest plant matter but their bodies cannot properly metabolize nutrients from it.
Cats are not vegans and never have been. Excessive carbohydrates in their diets will put their bodies under stress. A diet based solely on plant-based protein will leave them without essential amino acids. Ever wonder why some cats get smaller as they age? Our felines require specific types of protein to maintain blood glucose requirements, and if they do not get enough of it, their body will break down its own muscles and organs to obtain it.
A biologically appropriate diet isnt a fad. Its how every other cat in the world eats.
- Your cats jaws open and close up and down with a lateral mandibular swing, meaning food is not chewed and ground down as a herbivore or omnivore creature like a cow might.
- Her eating style means tearing her food and gulping it down with little to no chewing.
- She has a short digestive tract for fast digestion and expelling with little to no fermentation
- Your cat has a low thirst drive as in the wild shed get most of her water from prey, which is usually between 65%-75% water
The ideal diet for your cat contains:
- Low carbohydrates
- High level of quality protein
- Minimal preservatives and additives