Our Verdict
Lifetime dry product range is made up of three recipes which each receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 3 stars
This range of kibble contains animal meat and fish, although the protein content is below average. Some formulas contain plant-based proteins too which need to be considered when evaluating the protein levels in this food.
Pros
- Contains animal meat protein
- Includes fish meat
- Added vitamins and minerals
Cons
- High in carbohydrate
- Includes plant-based protein
The table below shows each recipe in the range including our rating and the AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Chicken, Turkey & Oatmeal Cat Recipe | 3 | A |
| Lifetime Indoor Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe | 3 | A |
| Lifetime Salmon & Oatmeal Indoor Cat Recipe | 3 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
Lifetime Chicken, Turkey & Oatmeal Cat Recipe was selected to represent the other products in the line for a detailed recipe and nutrient analysis.
Label and nutrient data below are calculated using dry matter basis.
Lifetime Chicken, Turkey & Oatmeal Cat Recipe
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Chicken and turkey meal, oatmeal, whole barley, whole brown rice, chicken and turkey fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), menhaden fish meal, flaxseed, natural flavours, dried plain beet pulp, herring oil (dha), choline chloride, calcium sulphate, potassium chloride, dl-methionine, salt, phosphoric acid, taurine, calcium carbonate, dried chicory root, yeast extract, yucca schidigera extract, vitamin E supplement, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid), minerals (zinc sulphate, ferrous sulphate, copper sulphate, manganese sulphate, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, iron proteinate).
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is chicken. Chicken is considered “the clean combination of flesh and skin… derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken”. 1
Chicken is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
The second ingredient is turkey meal. Turkey meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh turkey.
The third ingredient is oatmeal, a whole-grain product made from coarsely ground oats. Oatmeal is naturally rich in B-vitamins, dietary fiber and can be (depending upon its level of purity) gluten-free.
The fourth ingredient is whole barley. Barley is a starchy carbohydrate supplying fiber and other healthy nutrients. However, aside from its energy content, this cereal grain is of only modest nutritional value to a cat.
The fifth ingredient is whole brown rice, a complex carbohydrate that (once cooked) can be fairly easy to digest. However, aside from its natural energy content, rice is of only modest nutritional value to a cat.
The sixth ingredient is chicken and turkey fat. Chicken and turkey fat is obtained from rendering chicken and turkey, a process similar to making soup in which the fat itself is skimmed from the surface of the liquid.
Chicken and turkey fat is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for life. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing, chicken and turkey fat is actually a quality ingredient.
The seventh ingredient is menhaden fish meal. Because it is considered a meat concentrate, fish meal contains almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.
Menhaden are small ocean fish related to herring. They’re rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. What’s more, in their mid-depth habitat, menhaden are not exposed to mercury contamination as can be typical with deep water species.
This item is typically obtained from the “clean, dried, ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings” of commercial fish operations. 2
The eighth ingredient is flaxseed. One of the best plant-based sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is particularly rich in soluble fiber.
However, flaxseed contains about 19% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this cat food.
From here the list goes on to include a number of other items. But to be realistic, ingredients located this far down the list (other than nutritional supplements) are not likely to affect the overall rating of the product.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Lifetime Chicken, Turkey & Oatmeal Cat Recipe looks like an average wet product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 34.4%, a fat level of 13.3% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 44.2%.
As a group, the brand features a below-average protein content of 34.8% and a near-average fat level of 14.1%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 43.1% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 41%.
This means this Lifetime range contains lower than average protein, higher than average carbohydrate and higher than average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
Lifetime cat food has been crafted by animal nutritionists and each recipe is 100% complete and balanced using single meat proteins from Canadian sources. The range is free from corn, wheat, soy or meat by-products.
Has Lifetime Kibble (Dry) cat food been recalled in the past?
No. Lifetime has not had any product recalls.
You can view a complete list of all cat food recalls since 2021 here.
To stay on top of any cat food product recalls, sign up for our free email alerts, here.
About
Lifetime cat food is owned by a company called Trouw Nutrition, which in turn is owned by Nutreco – a leading animal nutrition company founded in 1994.
Based in Ontario, Canada, the company develops and manufactures companion animal products under the brand names of Lifetime and Wholesome Blend.
Ingredients are sourced from Canada wherever possible.
Best cat foods
Cat Food Advisor is reader supported. If you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
We uphold the highest editorial standards when creating the authoritative content pet parents rely on and trust.
Every piece of clinical content on the Cat Food Advisor is reviewed by our certified Veterinary Advisory Board, which consists of licensed veterinarians and medically certified specialists.
Our reviews are completely independent; we are not paid by any pet food company to promote their products favorably. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration. For more information see our Disclaimer & Disclosure page.
