4health Canned Cat Food

Everything You Need to Know About This Affordable Canned Cat Food Brand

As a cat owner, I know how important it is to feed my furry friend a nutritious diet that keeps him healthy and happy. But with so many cat food brands on the market, it can be tricky figuring out which one is best.

Recently, I came across 4health canned cat food and was intrigued. 4health is the store brand for Tractor Supply Company, and promises to deliver complete and balanced nutrition at an affordable price point. But does it live up to the claims? I decided to try it out for my cat and do some research on the ingredients, reviews, and overall quality of the brand.

Here is the ultimate buying guide with everything you need to know about 4health canned cat food!

Ingredients in 4health Canned Cat Food

The first thing I looked at was the ingredient list, since this gives you a good idea of the overall quality of the food. 4health canned cat foods contain protein-rich ingredients like chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, and liver. They also include healthy carbohydrates like potatoes and peas.

Many of the formulas are grain-free, getting their carbohydrates from lentils, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas instead. This is great for cats with grain sensitivities. The foods also contain natural flavorings and guar gum as a thickening agent.

One thing I really like is that 4health does not use any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in their cat food. The ingredients seem simple, natural, and nutritious.

Allergy-Friendly Formulas

Cats with food allergies or sensitivities need specialized diets made with a limited number of ingredients. The good news is 4health offers canned recipes made with novel proteins like venison, duck, rabbit, and trout that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

They also have a line of grain-free canned foods that replace grains with digestible carbohydrates like chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes. This is great for cats that don’t tolerate grains well. Talk to your vet if you think your cat has a food allergy.

How Does It Compare to Other Brands?

4health canned cat food provides comparable quality to big name brands like Iams, Purina, and Hill’s Science Diet. The ingredient lists are very similar, focusing on real meats, healthy carbohydrates, and natural flavorings.

The biggest difference is that 4health is significantly more affordable than many competitor brands. You get the same nutrition and quality for a fraction of the price.

Some cat owners say they’ve had difficulty transitioning finicky cats to 4health. So it may not be the best choice for very picky eaters. But for most cats, 4health offers quality nutrition they love at mealtime.

Where to Buy 4health Canned Cat Food

The only place to purchase 4health cat food is at Tractor Supply Company stores or on the Tractor Supply website. It is the store brand for Tractor Supply. A 24-pack of 5.5 oz cans costs around $25-35 depending on the recipe.

You can use the store locator on the Tractor Supply website to find a location near you. They also offer free shipping on online orders over $49 if you want cat food delivered right to your door.

Is 4health Canned Cat Food Grain-Free?

4health offers both grain-inclusive and grain-free canned cat food recipes. The grain-free formulas get their carbohydrates from lentils, chickpeas, sweet potatoes and other digestible sources.

Some of the grain-free recipes include:

• 4health Grain Free Indoor Cat Recipe
• 4health Grain Free Whitefish & Trout Recipe
• 4health Grain Free Duck & Lentil Recipe

Grain-free diets are a good choice for cats with grain allergies or those who tend to get digestive upset from grains. Always transition slowly to a grain-free diet over several days.

Benefits of Feeding 4health Canned Cat Food

There are many benefits to feeding your cat 4health canned cat food:

• Nutritionally complete and balanced: 4health cat food contains all the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals your cat needs.
• High protein recipes: With up to 11% protein from quality meat sources, 4health supports strong muscles and an active lifestyle.
• Grain-free options: Cats who can’t tolerate grains do well on the 4health grain-free canned recipes.
• Affordable pricing: You get quality nutrition at a fraction of the price of premium cat food brands.
• Natural ingredients: No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors means you can feel good about what you’re feeding your cat.

How Much Does 4health Canned Cat Food Cost?

One of the best aspects of 4health is that it costs significantly less than many competitor brands. A 24-pack of 5.5 oz cans costs between $25-35. That comes out to just over $1 per can!

Here’s how it compares:

• 4health canned cat food: $1.04 per 5.5 oz can
• Purina Friskies canned: $1.50 per 5.5 oz can
• Hill’s Science Diet canned: $2.50+ per 5.5 oz can

You get the same nutrition for much less with 4health. It’s great quality cat food at a budget-friendly price.

Is 4health Safe for Kittens?

4health canned cat food is safe for kittens once they are weaned and ready for solid food, usually around 4-6 weeks old. Make sure to choose a kitten formula, like 4health Kitten Recipe.

Kitten food has extra nutrients for growth and development that adult cat food doesn’t provide. It contains more protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus.

When introducing 4health canned food, mix a small amount with the kitten’s current food and gradually transition over 4-7 days. This helps avoid digestive upset. Provide wet food softened with water or kitten milk replacer initially.

What Do Reviews Say?

4health canned cat food earns positive reviews from most cat owners:

“My cats LOVE this food. Great quality for the price.”

“I switched my cat to 4health grain-free and his skin allergies cleared up. And he likes the taste too.”

“Happy I found an affordable cat food that still has quality ingredients and nutrition.”

“I recommend 4health canned cat food to all my friends. My fussy cat actually eats it!”

Some negative comments mention issues transitioning picky cats or quality inconsistencies between batches. But overall most cats seem to readily eat and digest 4health canned food.

Is 4health Good for Senior Cats?

The 4health Senior Cat Recipe is well-suited for older cats over 7 years old. It has increased protein and fat to maintain lean muscle mass as cats age. Fiber is also boosted to support digestion.

This pate-style food is easier for senior cats to chew and swallow. It also contains joint support ingredients like glucosamine and omega fatty acids. The lower calorie count helps prevent weight gain.

Any wet food is good for senior cats since it has extra moisture. Be sure to transition slowly between old and new food. Overall, the 4health Senior Cat Recipe has the right nutrition for maturing felines.

Does 4health Contain Artificial Additives?

One of the best things about 4health canned cat food is that it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This means you don’t have to worry about controversial additives like BHA, BHT, or caramel coloring.

The formulas stick to simple, high-quality ingredients like real meat, digestible carbohydrates, and natural flavorings. 4health steers clear of artificial junk.

Calorie Content of 4health Canned Food

Here are the calorie counts for some popular 4health canned cat food recipes:

• Chicken & Liver Pate: 177 kcal/5.5 oz can
• Salmon & Potato Stew: 154 kcal/5.5 oz can
• Grain Free Trout & Salmon: 185 kcal/5.5 oz can
• Kitten Formula: 292 kcal/5.5 oz can

These are moderate calorie counts compared to other canned cat foods. You can feed one 5.5 ounce can per 3-4 pounds of body weight daily for weight maintenance. Adjust amounts based on your cat’s unique energy needs.

Is 4health Canned Cat Food Made in the USA?

4health canned cat foods are produced within the United States at facilities in Kansas, South Dakota, and other Midwest states. The company sources most ingredients from North America as well.

Some cat owners prefer to feed diets made domestically since production standards tend to be more stringent. USDA certified facilities must follow strict regulations. With 4health you can feel good knowing it’s made stateside.

Flavor Variety

4health canned cat food comes in an array of flavors to please even finicky felines:

• Chicken & Liver Pate
• Salmon & Potato Stew
• Trout & Salmon Pate
• Turkey & Chicken Stew
• Beef & Chicken Pate
• Chicken & Ocean Fish Pate

There are also protein-specific recipes using duck, rabbit, venison, trout, and whitefish. Texture varies between pate, stew, and shreds. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a 4health flavor your cat goes wild for!

Transitioning Your Cat to 4health

When introducing any new food, it’s important to transition slowly over 7-10 days. Here are some tips for switching your cat to 4health canned food:

• On day 1, mix a small amount (25%) of the new 4health food into your cat’s current food.
• On day 2, increase the ratio to 50% new food, 50% current food.
• On day 3, shift to 75% new food, 25% current food.
• On day 7, you should be feeding 100% new 4health cat food.
• Watch your cat’s stool consistency throughout the transition. Slow down if any digestive upset occurs.
• Make sure your cat is eating enough by keeping track of daily intake.
• Offer enticing toppers like bone broth, parmesan cheese, or freeze-dried meat treats to encourage eating.
• If needed, extend the transition period a few extra days. The key is taking it slowly.

Be patient and give your cat time to get used to the new 4health food. It may take a couple weeks for him to fully embrace the flavor and texture.

Why Choose 4health Canned Food?

Here’s a quick recap of the benefits of 4health canned cat food:

• High-quality protein from real chicken, salmon, trout, and more
• Grain-free recipes for cats with food sensitivities
• Natural ingredients with no artificial additives
• Affordable pricing compared to big brands
• Nutritionally complete with everything cats need
• Made in the USA at American facilities
• Positive reviews from most cat owners

For quality nutrition without the premium price tag, 4health canned cat food is a great choice! It provides balanced nutrition in a convenient canned form cats love.

Supporting Digestive Health

Many cats suffer from occasional digestive woes like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, or hairballs. 4health canned recipes have nutrients that support healthy digestion:

• High moisture content: Wet food has an abundance of water to aid hydration and prevent constipation. The moisture softens food in the stomach for easier digestion as well.
• Moderate fiber levels: Blends of soluble and insoluble fiber regulate digestion and promote regularity.
• Prebiotic fibers: Ingredients like dried chicory root nourish probiotic gut bacteria.
• Omega fatty acids: Found in fish recipes, these healthy fats reduce inflammation in the GI tract.

Feeding 4health canned food provides all the nutrients cats need for optimal digestion and waste elimination. The moisture and fiber are particularly beneficial.

Any Recalls?

I always check for any recalls associated with a pet food brand before purchasing. Fortunately, 4health canned cat food has never been recalled or had any safety issues, which gave me confidence in the brand.

Some cat owners do report quality inconsistencies between batches. Make sure to inspect each case for things like:

• Improper sealing
• Dented or damaged cans
• Abnormal appearance or smell
• Signs of spoilage

If any cans seem suspect, contact the Tractor Supply Company customer service team for a refund. But overall, 4health canned cat food has a good track record when it comes to safety and quality control.

Feeding Guidelines

When first transitioning to 4health canned food, start by following the feeding guidelines on the package:

• Kittens (4-12 months): One 5.5 oz can per 2-4 lbs body weight daily
• Adult cats: One 5.5 oz can per 5-9 lbs body weight daily
• Senior cats: One 5.5 oz can per 4-8 lbs body weight daily

Adjust amounts based on your cat’s age, size, and activity level. For example, a 10 lb adult cat would eat half a can per meal. Feed two meals daily.

Cats should consume around 25-35 calories per pound per day. The calorie counts on the 4health labels help you determine proper portion sizes. Monitor your cat’s body condition and adjust food as needed to maintain an ideal weight.

Protein Content

To support strong muscles and organ function, cats need a minimum of 25% protein in their diet. 4health canned cat foods contain 7-11% protein, which meets feline requirements when fed exclusively.

The protein comes from quality sources like chicken, turkey, salmon, trout, and liver. There is also taurine, an essential amino acid, added to the recipes.

4health provides ample protein levels to keep your cat’s muscles, immune system, heart, and brain in prime condition. The formulas are nutritionally complete for cats at all life stages when feeding the recommended portions.

The Bottom Line

Looking at the ingredients, pricing, and reviews, 4health seems to offer quality canned cat food with balanced nutrition. The fact that it’s made in the USA and free of artificial additives is a major bonus.

While premium brands have fancier marketing and packaging, 4health holds its own when it comes to nourishing cats. The affordable price point appeals to me as well.

Based on my research, 4health canned cat food receives my feline nutritionist stamp of approval. I recommend giving it a try, especially for cat owners on a budget. Stick to the transition guidelines and see if your furball enjoys the flavor and texture.

Have you fed your cat 4health canned food? What were your experiences with it? Let me know in the comments below!