Our Verdict
NutriSource Element Series grain-free dry cat food is made up of two recipes which each receive the Cat Food Advisor rating, 4 stars.
This food provides a high animal protein diet which includes proprietary prebiotics and postbiotic liquid lactobacillus fermentation product to support digestion and healthy gut function.
Pros
- High in protein
- First two ingredients listed as fish, or animal protein
- Contains prebiotics
Cons
- Contains plant based protein
- Limited range
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NutriSource Element Series Classic Catch Grain Free Haddock, Trout & Cod Blend | 4 | A |
| NutriSource Element Series Scenic Meadow Grain Free Turkey, Duck & Rabbit Blend | 4 | A |
Recipe and Label Analysis
NutriSource Element Series Classic Catch Grain Free Haddock, Trout & Cod Blend 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.
NutriSource Element Series Classic Catch Grain Free Haddock, Trout & Cod Blend
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Haddock, trout, cod, whitefish meal, pollock meal, menhaden fishmeal, lentils, sunflower oil, pea starch, garbanzo beans, natural flavors, porcine plasma, sweet potatoes, brewers dried yeast, yeast extract, tapioca starch, miscanthus grass, porcine gelatin, dried pumpkin, potassium chloride, salt, dried carrots, inulin, dl methionine, choline chloride, dried cranberries, minerals (calcium carbonate, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, sodium selenite, manganese proteinate and ethylenediamine dihydroiodide), vitamins (vitamin A acetate, vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, niacin, d-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement), yucca shidigera extract, dried tomato pomace, preserved with tocopherols, taurine, lactic acid, preserved with citric acid, rosemary extract, yeast culture, dried aspergillus niger fermentation extract, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, and dried bacillus subtilis fermentation extract.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 3.2%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is haddock. Haddock is a saltwater fish found in the North Atlantic. As a cousin of Cod, Haddock is a lean fish, lower in oils and fats than oily fish such as Mackerel and Salmon. Haddock is high in protein, supplying approximately 16.5g/100g fresh.
Haddock is a source of polyunsaturated and particularly omega 3 fatty acids, but at much lower levels than seen in oily fish. Minerals, such as selenium and phosphorus are present in Haddock. Overall, we view Haddock as a quality ingredient.
The second ingredient is trout which is a marine and freshwater fish naturally high in protein.
The third ingredient is cod, Cod is a lean fish, found in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Cod is high in protein, supplying approximately 16g/100g fresh. Cod is a source of polyunsaturated and particularly omega 3 fatty acids, but at much lower levels than seen in oily fish such as Mackeral and Salmon.
Minerals, such as selenium and phosphorus are present in Cod, as well as B vitamins. Overall, we view Cod as a quality ingredient.
The fourth ingredient is whitefish meal, a marine or freshwater species native to Canada and the California coast.
The fifth and sixth ingredients are pollock meal and menhaden fishmeal Pollock is a type of marine fish native to the North Atlantic. 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. 1
Because it is considered a meat concentrate, pollock meal and menhaden fishmeal contain almost 300% more protein than fresh fish itself.
The seventh ingredient is lentils. Lentils are a quality source of carbohydrates. Plus (like all legumes) they’re rich in natural fiber.
However, lentils contain about 25% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this cat food.
The eighth ingredient is sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is nutritionally similar to safflower oil. Since these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and contain no omega-3s, they’re considered less nutritious than canola or flaxseed oils.
Sunflower oil is notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
There are several different types of sunflower oil, some better than others. Without knowing more, it’s impossible to judge the quality of this ingredient.
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.
This recipe has six notable exceptions.
First, brewers dried yeast, which can be a controversial item. Although it’s a by-product of the beer making process, this ingredient is rich in minerals and other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to . This may be true, but (like all allergies) only if your particular cat is allergic to the yeast itself.
In any case, unless your cat is specifically allergic to it, yeast can still be considered a nutritious additive.
What’s more noteworthy here is that brewers yeast contains about 48% protein, a factor that must be considered when judging the actual meat content of this cat food.
Next we find, taurine, an essential amino acid for cats associated with the healthy function of heart muscle and eye sight, and is crucial for maintaining good health in cats.
We view the presence of Taurine in this recipe as a positive addition.
This food also includes tomato pomace, which is a by-product remaining after processing tomatoes into juice, soup and ketchup. Many praise tomato pomace for its high fiber and nutrient content, while others believe it’s often used as an inexpensive pet food filler.
As the presence of fiber in a cat’s diet is shown to have great importance, we view the inclusion of tomato pomace in this food as a positive.
We also note the inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
Next inulin. Inulin is a starch-like compound made up of repeating units of carbohydrates and typically sourced from chicory root.
Not only is inulin a natural source of soluble dietary fiber, it’s also used to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in a cat’s digestive tract.
Finally, this food includes chelated minerals that have been chemically attached to protein. This makes them easier to absorb. Chelated minerals are usually found in better cat foods.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, NutriSource Element Series Classic Catch Grain Free Haddock, Trout & Cod Blend looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 46.9%, a fat level of 16.5% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 28.7%.
As a group, the brand features an above-average protein content of 47% and a mean fat level of 17%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 28.1% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 36%.
This means this NutriSource Grain Free Dry range contains higher than average protein, near-average carbohydrate and near-average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
This food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with naturally occurring L-Arginine, taurine, DL-methionine and choline chloride to support heart health and other important systems. Each formula is high in protein and moisture to promote good muscle development and digestion.
Has NutriSource cat food been recalled in the past?
No. NutriSource cat food has not been recalled.
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
NutriSource was founded in 1964 by Darrell Nelson. The company is based in Perham, Minnesota. It is part of the KLN family of brands which is headed by CEO Kenny Nelson.
As a US-based brand, NutriSource manufactures its foods in company-owned facilities in Perham, MN.
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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.
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