Six Fish for Cats

Full Review of Six Fish Cat Food by Orijen

Nutritional Analysis

The ideal nutrition for a cat is a high amount of protein, a medium amount of fat. Cats do not require carbohydrates in their diet. However, they can safely consume small amounts of carbohydrates with minimal effect.

Carbohydrate Content Analysis

Cats use carbohydrates as a simple energy source. Cats do not require carbohydrates in their diet and they are commonly added to reduce cost and increase shelf life. As the chart above displays, a maximum of 20% of Orijen Six Fish Cat Food calories are derived from carbohydrates. Please note that this is the maximum amount of carbohydrates as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of carbohydrates is likely to be a lot lower. This is significantly below average for a Dry Cat Food.

Despite being significantly below average, this carbohydrate proportion is still above ideal. That being said it is a satisfactory level especially given this is an overestimate. The source of this carbohydrate content is a range of legumes such as Chickpeas. These are considered one of the better sources of carbohydrates.

Protein Content Analysis

Cats use Protein for growth, development, and maintenance. Excess protein can be burned as calories. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 38% of Orijen Six Fish Cat Food calories are derived from protein. Please note that this is the minimum amount of protein as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of protein is likely to be higher. This is significantly above average for a Dry Cat Food.

This is a very satisfactory protein proportion and should be sufficient for the majority of cats. This protein is sourced from a very wide range of fish ingredients including Mackerel, Herring, and Flounder. Fish such as this are considered high-quality sources.

Fat Content Analysis

Cats use Fat for a concentrated energy source. In addition, fats also play a role in development and maintenance. As the chart above displays, a minimum of 42% of Orijen Six Fish Cat Food calories are derived from Fat. Please note that this is the minimum amount of fat as calculated by the guaranteed analysis. In reality, this value of fat is likely to be a lot higher. This is above average for a Dry Cat Food.

This is a very satisfactory level of fat and should be more than sufficient to forfill the energy needs of the most active of cats. This fat is from the huge range of fish ingredinets. Not only does fish contain high-quality conventional fat but it also contains high levels of the Omega Fatty Acids which are known to provide a range of health benefits.

Calorie Density

Overall Orijen Six Fish Cat Food contains an average of 4060 kcal/kg or 463 kcal per 8oz. cup.

Disclaimer

Once again please note that the values in this section are calculated using the products guaranteed analysis. The guaranteed analysis only lists the minimum and maximum values and as a consequence, these can sometimes be an inaccurate representation. As a rule of thumb, most cat foods will contain slightly more protein and considerably more fat than their guaranteed analysis. This will have the knock-on effect of reducing the relative amount of carbohydrates present. However also note that every cat food is different and some will be considerably closer to the guaranteed analysis than others.

Guaranteed Analysis – Orijen – Six Fish Cat Food

Pet foods in the United States are legally required by the AAFCO to have a guaranteed analysis on their packaging. A guaranteed analysis must display certain nutritional information. This is similar to how nutritional values are now commonly displayed on food for human consumption. The information that must be displayed includes Crude Protein, Crude Fat, Crude Fiber, and Moisture. Some guaranteed analysis will contain additional information. The guaranteed analysis for this product is listed below.

Ingredient Analysis

The ingredients of a pet food are displayed as a list in descending order. Those listed at the start of the list make up the majority of a pet foods content. Therefore the quality of these core ingredients is the most important factor in determining the quality of a pet food. However, later ingredients should not be ignored, especially if they are deemed potentially dangerous or harmful.

In-Depth Meat/Fish Ingredient Review

The meat ingredients of a cat food are probably the most important ingredients. Orijen Six Fish Cat Food contains more than ten sources of meat or fish.

The primary fish source present is Mackerel. Mackerel is considered a high-quality source of protein. It contains very high levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid. In addition, it contains high levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Unfortunately, Mackerel contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Mackerel. However given that Mackerel is the first listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

The secondary fish source present is Herring. Herring is considered a high-quality source of protein. The Vitamin B12 is extremely abundant in Herring. In addition to this, similar to other fish, Herring is very rich in the Omega 3 Fatty Acid. Unfortunately, Herring contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Herring. However given that Herring is the second listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

Another fish source present is Flounder, Flounder is considered a high-quality source of protein. It is known for being a  particularly lean source of protein in comparison to other fish. However, it does contain high levels of salt and lower levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid than other fish. Unfortunately, Flounder contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Flounder. Given that flounder is the third listed ingredient, its proportion will be relatively high after the cooking process.

Another fish source present is Redfish. Redfish is considered a high-quality source of protein. Redfish is not a commonly known fish but that doesn’t mean it is nutritionally poor. Just like other fish, it contains high levels of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid and to add to this it has high levels of potassium. Unfortunately, Redfish contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Redfish. However given that Redfish is the fourth listed ingredient, its proportion will still be relatively high even after the cooking process.

Another fish source present is Monkfish. Monkfish is considered a high-quality source of protein. Monkfish has high levels of the minerals phosphorus and selenium. Unfortunately, Monkfish contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Monkfish. Given that Monkfish is not one of the primary ingredients, its proportion will not be relatively high after the cooking process.

Another fish source present is Hake. Hake is considered a high-quality source of protein. Hake is lower in the Omega 3 Fatty Acid than some other fish but still contains more than traditional meat. Hake is also known to contain lower levels of mercury compared to other ocean fish.  Unfortunately, Hake contains a high concentration of water. Much of this water is evaporated during the cooking process leaving a lesser proportion of Hake. However given that Hake is not one of the primary ingredients, its proportion will be relatively low after the cooking process.

Another fish source present is Mackerel Meal. Mackerel Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Fish Meal is a concentrated form of fish that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Mackerel Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Mackerel but in higher concentrations. This includes the high levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12.

Another fish source present is Herring Meal. Herring Meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Fish Meal is a concentrated form of fish that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Herring Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Herring but in higher concentrations. Herring most abundant mineral is Vitamin B12.

In-Depth None-Meat Ingredient Review

Orijen Six Fish Cat Food contains Peas, Lentils and Garbanzo Beans (also known as chickpeas). These are all members of the legume family of vegetables. Legumes are famous for having a relatively high amount of protein for a vegetable. Legumes also contain a high amount of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Pet foods often use legumes as a replacement for grains in grain-free pet food. Protein from vegetables such as legumes should not be a replacement for protein from meat. Instead, it should act as an additional protein source.

Pumpkin is a high-quality vegetable ingredient and a beneficial addition to a cats diet. Pumpkin contains high levels of a variety of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Potassium. However, Pumpkin is probably best known for the Dietary Fiber it can contribute. This fiber can improve and regulate digestion. Finally, Pumpkin does not contain significant levels of plant-based protein. This lack of protein prevents Pumpkin being used solely to inflate protein levels like other vegetables, such as Peas, often are.

Dried Chicory Root or Chicory Root Extract is an additive or supplement to cat food. It can provide a range of health benefits including soluble fiber to enable regular passage of stool, probiotics to aid and promote digestion, as well as potentially eliminate or prevent intestinal worms. While these benefits are not fully proven, there is strong evidence behind them. The proportion of Chicory Root used in most cat food recipes is tiny and does not contribute meaningful nutrition. Find out more in Dried Chicory Root In Dog Food.

Full Ingredient List – Orijen – Six Fish Cat Food

Whole atlantic mackerel, whole atlantic herring, whole atlantic flounder, whole acadian redfish, atlantic monkfish, whole silver hake, mackerel meal, herring meal, blue whiting meal, herring oil, whole green peas, whole navy beans, whole red lentils, alaskan cod meal, pollock meal, sunflower oil, whole pinto beans, whole chickpeas, natural fish flavor, whole green lentils, whole yellow peas, safflower oil, lentil fiber, freeze-dried cod liver, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, whole carrots, whole apples, whole pears, dried kelp,  pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, choline chloride, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), copper proteinate, chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.

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