Our Verdict
Wysong Optimize dry cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor rating, 4 stars.
This range of food lists quality animal based protein as the first ingredient in each recipe. Protein levels are higher than average and carbohydrate content low, so this food offers a balanced diet.
Pros
- Good quality animal protein
- Low in carbohydrate
- Grain-Free
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Low moisture content
- Limited range
Each recipe includes its AAFCO nutrient profile: Growth (kitten), Maintenance (adult), All Life Stages, Supplemental or Unspecified.
Wysong Optimize product line includes three dry cat foods.
| Product line | Rating | AAFCO |
|---|---|---|
| Wysong Optimize Beef Heart & Liver | 4 | U |
| Wysong Optimize Chicken | 4 | U |
| Wysong Optimize Wild Caught Salmon | 4 | U |
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Recipe and Label Analysis
Wysong Optimize Beef Heart & Liver 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.
Wysong Optimize Beef Heart & Liver
Estimated Dry Matter Nutrient Content
Protein
Fat
CarbsCarbohydrates
Beef heart, beef liver, green lipped mussel, cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, swiss cheese, romano cheese, shiitake mushroom, cordyceps mushroom, maitake mushroom, reishi mushroom, lion’s mane mushroom, turkey tail mushroom, king trumpet mushroom, antrodia camphorata mushroom, sodium bicarbonate, calcium lactate, potassium citrate, salt, aloe vera gel concentrate, chicory root, yeast extract, dried yeast, milk protein, apple, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried lactobacillus lactis fermentation product, dried bacillus licheniformis fermentation product, dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product, dried aspergillus niger fermentation product.
Fiber (estimated dry matter content) = 0.5%
Red denotes any controversial items
Ingredients Analysis
The first ingredient is beef heart. Although it doesn’t sound very appetizing to us humans, heart tissue is pure muscle — all meat. It’s naturally rich in quality protein, minerals and complex B vitamins, too.
The second ingredient is beef liver. This is an organ meat sourced from a named animal and thus considered a beneficial component.
The third ingredient is green lipped mussels. Mussels are clam-like animals notably rich in glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients proven to support long-term joint health.
The fourth ingredient is cheddar cheese. A protein-rich, lactose-free dairy product high in calcium and other healthy nutrients.
The fifth, sixth and seventh ingredients are monterey jack cheese, swiss cheese and romano cheese. All are protein-rich, lactose-free dairy products high in calcium and other healthy nutrients.
The eighth ingredient is shiitake mushroom. Shiitake mushrooms are an edible mushroom which are often categorized as an medicinal mushroom due to reported benefits to increasing lifespan and liver health, alongside many other areas.
Studies are ongoing, however, Shiitake mushrooms are a source of dietary and prebiotic fibers and plant based compounds, such as polyphenols, polyamides and glutathione.
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.
There are two notable exceptions in this recipe.
The inclusion of dried fermentation products in this recipe. Fermentation products are typically added as probiotics to aid with digestion.
However, this recipe contains dried yeast which can be a controversial item. Dried yeast contains about 45% protein and is rich in other healthy nutrients.
Fans believe yeast repels fleas and supports the immune system.
Critics argue yeast ingredients can be linked to allergies. 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, we feel yeast should be considered an addition.
Nutrient Analysis
Based on its ingredients alone, Wysong Optimize Beef Heart & Liver recipe looks like an above-average dry product.
The dashboard displays a dry matter protein reading of 45.8%, a fat level of 29.2% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 17%.
As a group, the brand features an average protein content of 45.5% and a mean fat level of 35.4%. Together these figures suggest a carbohydrate content of 11.1% for the overall product line, alongside a fat to protein ratio of 83%.
This means this Wysong Cat Food Optimize range contains above-average protein, below-average carbohydrate, above-average fat, when compared to typical dry cat food.
Final Word
Wysong foods are made of high-quality products containing essential vitamins and minerals which is reflected in our 4 star rating.
Has Wysong cat food been recalled in the past?
No, Wysong has never had a cat food recall. However, in 2009, the company did recall some of its dog foods, due to possible mold exposure. The senior recipe, maintenance recipe, and synorgon product were all affected. You can read more about it on the Dog Food Advisor.
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
Wysong corporation is a family run business that was established in 1979 by Dr Randy Wysong.
Wysong is a US company based in Midland, Michigan. Its ingredients are sourced from the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and Japan, with synthetic amino acids sourced from China.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Content Director
Julia Ogden, is a former journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in content marketing; specializing in writing for people as well as a Google algorithm.
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