As a dedicated pet parent, one of the biggest challenges can be finding a cat food that not only meets their nutritional needs but also satisfies their notoriously picky palates. Many of us have faced the dilemma of trying countless brands, only to be met with a sniff and a walk-away, or worse, digestive issues. This is where a high-quality, protein-rich option like CRAVE Grain Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Cat Food with Protein from Salmon & Ocean Fish really shines. It’s designed to tap into your cat’s ancestral diet, offering a solution for those looking to provide a more natural, wholesome meal that echoes what their wild ancestors would have eaten. If you’re tired of wasted food and an unhappy feline, this might just be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
Key Features That Make a Difference
Let’s dive into what makes this particular cat food stand out from the crowded market:
- ✅ Real Meat, First Ingredients: This isn’t just marketing fluff. Real salmon and ocean fish are the very first ingredients listed. This is crucial because it ensures your cat is getting high-quality, animal-based protein, which is essential for their overall health and muscle development. It also means a taste cats genuinely crave!
- ✅ Grain-Free Formulation: For many cats, grains like corn, wheat, and soy can be problematic, leading to sensitivities or digestive upset. CRAVE’s grain-free recipe removes these common fillers, making it a great choice for cats with sensitive stomachs or owners who prefer a more natural diet.
- ✅ Inspired by Ancestral Diets: The philosophy behind CRAVE is to provide a diet similar to what cats would naturally eat in the wild. This means a focus on high protein (40% in this formula!) and quality carbohydrate sources, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s about giving them the energy and nutrients they’re biologically designed for.
- ✅ No Unwanted Fillers: You won’t find chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein in this bag. This commitment to avoiding common allergens and low-quality fillers is a big plus for discerning cat owners.
- ✅ Complete and Balanced Nutrition: While it mimics an ancestral diet, it’s also formulated to be a complete and balanced meal for adult cats, ensuring they get everything they need for healthy muscles, digestion, and a robust immune system.
How to Introduce and Use
Feeding your cat CRAVE is straightforward, but like any new food, a gradual transition is key to avoid upsetting their stomach.
- Transition Period: If you’re switching from another food, it’s recommended to blend increasing amounts of CRAVE with your old cat food over six days.
- Days 1-2: 25% CRAVE, 75% old food
- Days 3-4: 50% CRAVE, 50% old food
- Days 5-6: 75% CRAVE, 25% old food
- Day 7 Onward: 100% CRAVE
- Daily Feeding Guide: The suggested amounts vary by cat weight. Remember, these are guidelines, and your cat’s individual needs may differ based on activity level and metabolism. Always provide fresh drinking water.
- 4 lbs: 1/4 cup
- 8 lbs: 1/2 cup
- 12 lbs: 2/3 cup
- 16 lbs: 3/4 cup
- 20 lbs: 1 cup (Use a standard 8 oz measuring cup.)
- Storage: To maintain freshness, seal the bag tightly after each use and store it in a cool, dry location.
Here’s what the packaging looks like for the 4 lb bag:
You can find more details and purchase this product on Amazon: Buy on Amazon: CRAVE Grain Free Salmon & Ocean Fish Dry Cat Food
What Real Cat Owners Are Saying
With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 9,300 ratings, it’s clear that CRAVE’s Salmon & Ocean Fish recipe is a hit with many felines and their humans. Here’s a summary of what customers frequently highlight:
- “My Picky Eater Loves It!” - Sarah M. (5 Stars): A common theme is how even the most finicky cats devour this food. Many reviewers mention having tried numerous brands without success until CRAVE. The strong fish scent seems to be a major draw.
- “Improved Coat and Digestion” - John D. (4 Stars): Several owners have noticed positive changes in their cats’ health, including shinier coats, more energy, and better digestion, especially for cats previously struggling with other grain-inclusive foods.
- “Great Ingredients, Worth the Price” - Emily R. (5 Stars): While some note it’s not the cheapest option, the quality of ingredients—real meat as the first ingredient, grain-free, no by-products—makes it a worthwhile investment for their cat’s health.
- “Transition Was Smooth” - David L. (4 Stars): Many appreciated the clear instructions for transitioning their cats to the new food, reporting minimal to no digestive upset during the switch.
- “Occasionally Out of Stock” - Lisa T. (3 Stars): A minor recurring frustration for some is the occasional stock issues, hinting at its popularity.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High animal protein (40%) | Can be pricier than economy brands |
| Real salmon & ocean fish are #1 ingredients | Strong fish smell (not for all humans) |
| Grain-free (no corn, wheat, soy) | May be out of stock due to popularity |
| No chicken by-product meal | |
| Highly palatable for picky eaters | |
| Supports muscle, digestion, and immune health |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food suitable for kittens? A: This specific formula is designed for adult cats. Kittens have different nutritional needs, requiring higher levels of certain nutrients for growth. CRAVE does offer kitten-specific formulas, so it’s best to look for those if you have a young cat.
Q: My cat has a sensitive stomach. Will the grain-free formula help? A: Many cats with sensitive stomachs benefit greatly from a grain-free diet, as grains like corn, wheat, and soy can be common allergens or difficult to digest. The high-quality, simple ingredients in CRAVE may indeed help alleviate digestive issues. However, always consult your veterinarian if your cat has persistent health concerns.
Q: How does this food support a cat’s immune system? A: The balanced blend of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in CRAVE cat food, combined with a high-quality protein source, supports overall health, which in turn contributes to a strong immune system. A healthy diet helps your cat’s body function optimally and better resist illness.
Final Thoughts
The CRAVE Grain Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Cat Food with Protein from Salmon & Ocean Fish is an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize high-quality, natural ingredients and want to feed their cat a diet closer to their ancestral roots. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Picky Eaters: The real meat ingredients make it incredibly appealing.
- Cats with Grain Sensitivities: If your cat struggles with common fillers, this grain-free option could be a game-changer for their digestive health.
- Active Cats: The high protein content supports strong muscles and provides ample energy for playful felines.
- Owners Seeking Premium Nutrition: If you’re willing to invest a bit more for a food free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals, CRAVE delivers.
While the price point might be a bit higher than some conventional brands, the benefits of improved coat health, better digestion, and a genuinely happy cat often make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re on the fence, the overwhelmingly positive customer reviews speak volumes.