As any cat owner knows, the quest for the perfect cat food can feel like a never-ending journey. You’re not just looking for something they’ll eat; you’re looking for something that keeps them healthy, their coat shiny, and their digestion on track. I’ve been through my fair share of brands with my own finicky feline, dealing with everything from outright food rejection to sensitive stomach issues. That’s why I was so interested to try Purina Pro Plan’s High Protein formula—it’s a name that comes up again and again in cat communities, often praised as a game-changer.
After several weeks of feeding this to my cat, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts on whether it lives up to the hype.
Key Features That Stand Out
This isn’t just another bag of kibble. Purina has packed some serious science-backed nutrition into this formula.
✅ High-Protein with Real Chicken: The very first ingredient is real chicken. This is crucial because cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on animal-based protein for strong muscles and energy.
✅ Digestive Health Support: It’s fortified with natural prebiotic fiber and live probiotics. In simple terms, this helps feed the good bacteria in your cat’s gut, promoting a healthy digestive system and, hopefully, fewer litter box surprises.
✅ Nourishes Skin and Coat: Thanks to Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids, this food is designed to improve skin health and give your cat’s coat a beautiful, healthy sheen. I definitely noticed my cat’s fur felt softer after a few weeks.
✅ Immune System Boost: It’s rich in antioxidants, which are essential for supporting a robust immune system and helping your cat fight off illness.
How to Switch Your Cat’s Food
If you decide to give this a try, remember that cats have sensitive systems. A sudden change in diet can lead to stomach upset. Purina recommends a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days.
- Days 1-3: Mix 25% Pro Plan with 75% of their old food.
- Days 4-6: Adjust the mix to 50% Pro Plan and 50% old food.
- Days 7-9: Move to 75% Pro Plan and 25% old food.
- Day 10: You can now feed 100% Pro Plan.
Pro Tip: Purina suggests “free choice” feeding, meaning you leave the food out for your cat to graze on throughout the day. Always make sure a clean bowl of fresh water is available.
What Are Customers Saying?
With a 4.7-star rating from over 8,900 reviews, it’s clear I’m not the only one impressed.
- Sarah T. (5/5 stars) mentioned her “extremely picky” senior cat finally started eating enthusiastically again after she switched to this food. She was relieved to find something nutritious that her cat actually loves.
- David L. (5/5 stars) raved about the change in his long-haired cat’s coat. He noted it was “visibly shinier and softer” and that he’d seen a significant reduction in hairballs since making the switch.
- Jessica M. (4/5 stars) agreed that the quality is excellent and her cats do well on it, but she wished the bag was resealable to maintain freshness, a common frustration among pet owners.
The overwhelming consensus is that this food is highly palatable and delivers noticeable results in coat health and digestion.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Real chicken is the first ingredient | ❌ Higher price point than many supermarket brands |
| ✅ Fortified with probiotics for gut health | ❌ Contains grains (corn, wheat) which may not suit all cats |
| ✅ Improves skin and coat health | ❌ The bag is not resealable |
| ✅ Highly palatable for most picky eaters | |
| ✅ Trusted, veterinarian-recommended brand |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this food grain-free? A: No, the Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Formula is not grain-free. It contains rice, corn gluten meal, and wheat flour. While many cats digest these grains perfectly well, if your cat has a known grain sensitivity or allergy, you might want to look at one of Purina’s grain-free options instead.
Q: My cat is extremely fussy. Is it worth the risk? A: Based on countless reviews, this food is a big hit with picky cats. However, every cat is an individual. I’d recommend starting with a smaller bag, like the 3.5 lb option, to see if your feline friend approves before committing to the large 16 lb bag.
Q: How big are the kibble pieces? A: The kibble is small, round, and easy for most adult cats to chew. It’s not overly hard, making it suitable for cats of various ages, including seniors who might have more sensitive teeth.
Final Verdict
The Purina Pro Plan High Protein Cat Food is an outstanding choice for the average cat owner who wants to provide premium nutrition without navigating the complexities of boutique or prescription diets. It’s especially well-suited for owners struggling with picky eaters or those looking to improve their cat’s coat health and digestion.
If you prioritize a grain-free diet for your pet, this specific formula won’t be the right fit. But for everyone else, it’s a reliable, high-quality food that delivers on its promises and is beloved by thousands of cats and their owners.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Buy on Amazon.