Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Purina Cat Chow Naturals Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Purina Cat Chow Cat Food Review

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give Purina Cat Chow Naturals Cat Food a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

Purina Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food is a premium cat food from a company well known for making high-quality food across all of their lines. We feel that this is a great alternative to your cat’s regular food, and you can purchase several versions of the Naturals line, including original, grain-free, hairball, and healthy weight. Each one has a formula that is beneficial to your indoor cat.

Keep reading while we take a deep dive into the Purina Cat Chow Naturals cat food to help you learn more about it to see if it’s right for your pet. We’ll take a look at the ingredients and discuss which ones to look for when choosing food for your pet so you can make an educated purchase.

divider single cat paw oct 2024

At a Glance: The Best Purina Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food Recipes:

Image Product Details
Our Favorite Cat Chow Naturals Original Dry Cat Food Cat Chow Naturals Original Dry Cat Food
  • Complete balanced meal
  • Omega fats
  • Taurine
  • Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor with Real Chicken & Turkey Hairball Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor with Real Chicken & Turkey Hairball
  • Hairball control
  • Taurine
  • Omega fats
  • Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain-Free with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain-Free with Real Chicken Dry Cat Food
  • Omega fats
  • Taurine
  • No corn
  • Kitten Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food Kitten Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food
  • Chicken as the very first ingredient
  • Omega fats
  • Formulated with natural ingredients just for kitten companions
  • divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Cat Food Reviewed

    Who Makes Purina Cat Chow Naturals Cat Food, & Where Is It Produced?

    The Purina company makes Cat Chow Naturals as part of its extensive cat food line. Purina is more than 90 years old, and it’s a subsidiary of Nestle, with its home base in St. Louis, Missouri. It also makes Purina Pro Plan, Friskies, and Fancy Feast, among several others. It’s the largest pet food manufacturer in the United States and the second-largest in the world, so they have the experience required to create healthy cat food.

    Which Types of Cats Is Purina Cat Chow Naturals Best Suited For?

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals has a formula for indoor cats to help them get the nutrition they need without adding weight and leading to obesity, and there is a grain-free version to help cats with allergies or weight issues and another kind to help get rid of hairballs. There is even a kitten chow suitable for younger cats that need extra protein to grow.

    Which Types of Cats Might Do Better With a Different Brand?

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals contains several corn ingredients, so some varieties may not be the best choice for overweight cats. The hairball with weight control formula as well as the grain-free is the better choice. Some cats may also prefer other foods’ flavor, so if your cat is finicky and refuses to eat, you will need to select another brand. If your cat has a medical condition, like a urinary tract infection, or a skin allergy, your vet might prescribe a special food to eat while the condition clears up. We recommend following your doctor’s instructions and returning to this brand when you are able.

    bengal cat about to eat from the cat bowl
    Image Credit: PhotodriveStudio, Shutterstock

    Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good & Bad)

    Meat First Ingredient

    All of the Purina Cat Chow Naturals line have real meat, like chicken or salmon, listed as its first ingredient. Meat as the primary ingredient makes sure your pet gets a high-quality protein with plenty of flavors. Many other brands use a by-product as the first ingredient, and while it’s not necessarily bad, it’s a dried and ground meat that likely sat for several years, losing its flavor.

    Complete & Balanced Nutrition

    Every variety of Purina Cat Chow Naturals provides your cat with a complete and balanced meal suitable for indoor cats. Indoor cats don’t see as much activity, so their diet needs to be adjusted to prevent weight gain while still getting the nutrients it needs to survive. The Naturals varieties accomplish this without sacrificing flavor by making real meat the number one ingredient.

    Omega Fats

    The Purina Cat Chow Naturals varieties all have omega fat fortification. Omega fats can help your cat have a shinier, healthier coat that will help reduce shedding and prevent dandruff. Omega fats help reduce inflammation which can ease arthritis pain and any injuries that might have occurred. It also helps boost the immune system, which will help stave off disease before it strikes. Omega fats can come from several sources, but Purina uses fish oil or flaxseed oil, both great sources.

    Siamese cat eating from a bowl
    Image Credit: catinrocket, Shutterstock

    Taurine

    Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, and you can only find it in animal proteins. Purina Cat Chow Naturals makes sure your cat receives this nutrient in all varieties. Cats can only make a small amount, and the rest must come from their diet. Too little taurine and your cat can experience retinal degeneration and other problems with their eyes. Having whole meat listed as the first ingredient helps ensure that your cat gets enough taurine.

    Corn

    Corn is the only ingredient we wish was not in the Purina Cat Chow Naturals varieties. Cats are strict carnivores, so they don’t require corn, soy, or other plant-based ingredients. Corn is one of the most genetically modified foods on earth, and it digests quickly and turns to sugar so it can lead to weight gain. However, cats seem to like it, and many will refuse to eat grain-free food, especially if you don’t get them started early in life. Many cat treats have corn ingredients, so maybe that’s why they like it so much.

    Hepper NomNom - Spill Proof Elevated Cat Bowl
    • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
    • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
    • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

    Feeding your cat a high-quality diet is important for keeping them healthy and happy. But it goes beyond the food you choose; the dishes they use also matter. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite for its unique, five-star design that protects from whisker fatigue and promotes good posture which also aids in better digestion. As an added bonus, it’s beautifully crafted and offers a modern take on the traditional cat bowl that fits seamlessly with all home stylings. Learn more about the NomNom by clicking here.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

     

     

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    A Quick Look at Purina Cat Chow Naturals Cat Food

    Kitten Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food

    Pros
    • Omega fats
    • Taurine
    • A complete and balanced meal
    • Real meat first ingredient
    Cons
    • Contains corn

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    Recall History

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals was last recalled in 2011 due to possible salmonella contamination. Since that date, there have been no other incidents. In fact, most of Purina’s food brands are relatively free of recalls. We highly recommend frequently checking in with the FDA recall website to stay aware of any recalls as they occur and ensure that you are feeding your pet a healthy diet.

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    Reviews of the 3 Best Purina Cat Chow Naturals Food Recipes

    1. Cat Chow Naturals Original Dry Cat Food

    Cat Chow Naturals Original Dry Cat Food

    Cat Chow Naturals Original Dry Cat Food is the original version of this food, and for many people, it’s still the best. It has real chicken and salmon listed as the first ingredient, and it also provides your cat with essential omega fats and taurine to help your pet maintain a healthy coat, reduce inflammation, and keep eyesight and brain function working at peak performance. You can get it in different-sized bags, so it’s a little less expensive if you have several cats, and the formula is suitable for cats of all ages.

    Our cats enjoy this food, and the only problem we have is the corn it contains. If your cat likes to eat a lot, this brand can contribute to weight gain.

    Calorie Breakdown:

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Review

    Pros
    • Complete balanced meal
    • Omega fats
    • Taurine
    • The chicken and salmon main ingredient
    Cons
    • Contains corn

    2. Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor Hairball & Weight Control Adult Dry Cat Food

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor with Real Chicken & Turkey Hairball & Weight Control Adult Dry Cat Food

    This recipe is similar to the original version, but it contains ingredients to help manage weight and reduce or eliminate hairballs. This variety contains chicken or turkey as its top ingredient, and there are no artificial colors or preservatives. This variety contains a natural fiber blend to help remove hairballs and help balance the digestive system. It also has omega fats and taurine like the original version.

    The downside to the hairball control variety is the same as the original version. Corn is one of the main ingredients which can lead to weight gain and more frequent eating.

    Calorie Breakdown:

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor Review

    Pros
    • Hairball control
    • Taurine
    • Omega fats
    • Chicken or turkey main ingredient
    Cons
    • Contains corn

    3. Purina Cat Chow Grain Free, Natural Dry Cat Food, Naturals with Real Chicken

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Grain-Free with Real Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food

    Purina Cat Chow Grain Free, Natural Dry Cat Food, Naturals with Real Chicken is another variety that is similar to the original recipe but eliminates the grains like corn and wheat. It still provides your pet with a balanced meal fortified with taurine and omega fatty acids. This variety is perfect for cats struggling with their weight or those suffering from a corn allergy.

    While we are glad there is no corn in this brand, they replace it with meat by-products, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s dried and ground meat, often several years old and sourced from other countries with lower pet food standards.

    Calorie Breakdown:

    Purina Cat Chow Naturals Original Review

    Pros
    • Omega fats
    • Taurine
    • No corn
    • Chicken or turkey main ingredient
    Cons
    • Meat by-products

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    What Other Users Are Saying

    We searched the internet to find out what other people were saying about Purina Cat Chow Naturals, and this is what we found. You can look some of them over for yourself by clicking here.

    • Most people say their cats love this food, but many others say their cats won’t eat it.
    • Most people like the low cost of this food.
    • Most people appreciate the different varieties.
    • Some people say the formula has changed for the worse.
    • A few people mentioned that it helps reduce the odor in the litter box.

    divider cats oct 2024

    Conclusion

    We feel that Purina Cat Chow Naturals is a good middle-of-the-road food for many people. There is a good chance your cat will eat it, and while the ingredients aren’t the best, there are plenty worse. There are no harmful chemical preservatives or dyes, which are the cause of many allergies, and each variety has real meat listed as the first ingredient. It contains taurine and omega fats, and the different varieties make sure you can get a good match for your cat. It’s a great choice for picky eaters and is easy to find at most grocery stores.

    We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and it has convinced you to give this brand a try. If we have helped improve your cat’s dinner, please share this review of Purina Cat Chow Naturals on Facebook and Twitter.

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Can Cats Eat Cornbread? Health Facts & FAQ

    It’s a constant temptation to occasionally give our cats some of our food just as a little treat. After all, a lot of...

    Can Cats Eat Cornbread

    Can Cats Eat Sardines? Health Benefits & FAQ

    Does your cat come running after the sound of a cracking can of sardines? Most felines are attracted to these tiny fish and...

    Can Cats Eat Sardines

    Can Cats Eat Dog Treats? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    If your cat accidentally got into your dog’s treats, it’s normal to be a little alarmed. The good news is that, in most...

    Can Cats Eat Dog Treats

    Can Cats Eat Pecan Pie? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

    Pecan Pie is a delicious dessert traditionally served in the United States during the winter and fall. It is mouth-wateringly sweet and contains...

    Can Cats Eat Pecan Pie

    More related

    Can Cats Eat Tapioca

    Can Cats Eat Tapioca? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

    If you’re wondering if your kitty can lap up a bit of your tapioca pudding without getting sick or poisoned, you’ve come to...

    Homemade Dry Cat Food Recipes

    5 Homemade Dry Cat Food Recipes

    When it comes to sorting through the brands and styles of cat food on the market, you might be a bit confused about...

    vet checking a cat's stomach

    6 Surprising Cat Digestive System Facts (Vet Verified)

    Approximately a third of US households keep cats, making them the second most popular species of pet after dogs. But very few of...

    Open Litter Box VS Closed Litter Box

    Open vs. Closed Litter Box: Main Differences, Pros & Cons

    Your cat is an important member of your family, so you want everything to be perfect for him, from food to toys and...

    Keep reading

    Will a Cat Purr When They’re Dying? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    Unfortunately, losing our pets is one of the many things in life that owners will have to face. Aside from saying goodbye to our feline companions, is it essential to know what their behaviors are like before they go? Maybe...

    Sick cat in animal hospital

    Can Cats Drink Buttermilk? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

    Cats eagerly lapping up milk is a picture etched in most of our minds from old movies and children’s books. Milk used to be considered healthy for cats until we gained better knowledge and understanding of our beloved companions’ dietary...

    Can Cats Drink Buttermilk

    Can Cats Eat Turmeric? Vet-Approved Benefits & Advice

    Cats may be carnivores, but they sometimes like to munch on plant foods like carrots and bananas. They might snatch our almost-finished muffin from the table when we are not looking. They might even scrounge around in the garbage to...

    Can Cats Eat Turmeric

    How To Reduce Cat Shedding: 7 Proven Methods

    Unless you have a hairless breed like a Sphynx, as a cat owner, dealing with shedding and loose hair is just part of your life. While you can’t stop the fact that cats create hair, you can do something to...

    hand holding cat shedded hair

    Can Cats Have Asthma? Vet-Approved Causes, Signs, & Treatment Tips

    Though it hasn’t been as extensively studied as asthma in humans, cats can indeed get asthma. Feline asthma can range from mild to life-threatening, and the signs vary from acute to chronic respiratory problems. It’s an inflammatory disease of the...

    tabby cat looking sad or sick lying on bed

    Can Cats Be Trained Like Dogs? Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

    Cats are independent creatures that like to do things on their own terms. However, they are also highly intelligent and can learn to do many things that we want to teach them. But can cats be trained like dogs can?...

    young woman training cat in the kitchen

    Do Cats Gain Weight in the Winter? Vet Approved Advice

    Humans tend to gain weight in the winter because it’s much harder to get your daily exercise when stepping outside might cause you to slip, fall, and eat the icy pavement. Cats also tend to gain weight during the winter,...

    Neva Masquerade cat in the snow

    Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? 6 Vet-Approved Reasons

    Chances are that while you’re reading this article, it’s probably quite likely that your cat(s) are sleeping: on your lap, in the sink, next to the cozy cat bed that you purchased specifically for your kitty. Cats spend an excessive...

    cat sleeping on the patio