Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is cheap cat food healthy? Why is some cat food so affordable?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 21 days old | 9 lbs

Hi, we had a dry cat food product only here in Philippines Special Cat dry food. It has high bases on meat and no corn gluten or soy. It also has low magnesium to avoid kidney stones. This products was made from Italy and it launched in 2015. This Special Cat became so popular because it seems so healthy and it's very cheap. I am just wondering why it is so cheap. People said that their cats seems very healthy to this food. Is cheap products supposed to be unhealthy?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on March 21, 2018

Generally speaking you are correct, cheap food are usually not very healthy. you did not mention the name of the product so i cannot tell you if it is good or bad, please provide the name of the food in your next question and i will do my best to try and analyse it.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

What's the best affordable healthy cat food for indoor/outdoor cats? Dry or wet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think the Purina Pro Plan diets are very good and also affordable. Both dry and wet diets are equally good in general especially for younger cats. I prefer wet food in older cats when I am concerned about kidney disease just to increase the water content in the diet. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

Help me find high-quality cat food after a bad brand experience.

Wellness, Weruva and Royal Canin are all good choices. When it comes to a canned food, look for one with a named protein source of animal (not plant) origin. Choose a food that comes from the can looking like a hockey puck. Avoid foods with gravies or sauces. These are typically higher in carbs which can predispose a cat to obesity. Avoid meat meals, by-products as well as store or discount brands. These latter two contain low quality ingredients and more fillers.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Fussy cat? Best affordable wet food & how much to feed daily?

I personally recommend feeding Mila Iams. It's an excellent quality food but it's not as expensive as brands such as Royal Canin and Hill's Science diet. You can also see if Purina ProPlan is affordable for you, that's another excellent food. Each food has a different daily requirement, so I would read the label on the food package and feed her according to that. I hope this helps :-)

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Is Mera Country Taste chicken dry food safe for my cat's kidneys?

I am not familiar with any foods that cause kidney disease - if that was true it wouldn't be sold any more! Cats in general are prone to developing kidney disease as they get older. When that happens, we often change them to a different diet that is lower in protein and has some difference in minerals to decrease the load on the kidneys.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What's the best affordable and high-quality wet cat food for my cat?

Brands I recommend include Royal Canin, Hill's Science diet, Purina ProPlan, and Iams. The first three brands are a little pricier, but they are very high quality. Iams is also high quality, but it's at a more reasonable price. If you are looking at a supermarket brand of wet cat food, I recommend Purina. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What wet food brands are best for my senior cat on a budget?

Hello, and thank you for your question. The most important thing to look for in a pet food is an AAFCO label, which tells you that the diet went through either a clinical trial or met a certain minimum standard when formulating the diet. This will ensure that the diet is complete and balanced. As far as specific brands, I like Royal Canin and Science Diet as reliable, high quality pet store brands. They do have specific wet diets for senior cats. I hope this helps, and that Lilly is happy and healthy!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Friskies vs Whiskas: Which affordable cat food is right for my cat?

I would feed whichever brand your cat(s) prefer. Both diets do meet the minimum standards for nutrition and are fine as long as your cat doesn't have any health issues like urinary crystals or stones. You are providing them adequate nutrition and it is important they eat what they prefer and you can reasonably afford.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share