Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Turkey Food Review

Last year, my cat Sophie became disinterested in her food; she simply didn’t want it anymore. Determined to find her something she would enjoy, I embarked on a journey of research into various brands. Among the many options I explored, I discovered Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Turkey. This is my review of this formula.

Has Tiki Cat Had Any Recall?

As of April 2024, there have been no recalls for any of the Tiki Cat formulas.

Ingredients of Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Turkey

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid), Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Meal, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Rosemary Extract.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein 36.0% min – Crude Fat 16.0% min – Crude Fiber 5.0% max – Moisture 10.0% max- Vitamin A 25500 IU/kg min – Vitamin E 180 IU/kg min – Folic Acid 2.7 mg/kg min – Vitamin B12 0.12 mg/kg min – Taurine 0.17% min – Omega 3 Fatty Acids 04.4% min – Omega 6 Fatty Acids 2.8% min.

Examining The First Five Ingredients of Tiki Cat Born Carnivore

• Chicken (2 stars): The actual amount of real meat may be less, as chicken meat tends to lose water (up to 84%), and protein content during cooking. Chicken is a better ingredient when used in wet food formulas. The good thing is that the following ingredient is Chicken Meal which is much higher in protein.
• Chicken Meal (5 stars): This is a concentrated chicken meat in a granular form, achieved by removing water weight during processing and pulverizing the resulting meat, leading to a higher protein content compared to fresh chicken.
• Peas (5 stars): Peas provide essential nutrients, including vitamins and fiber, supporting overall health and digestion. Their moderate protein content and low glycemic index make them a beneficial ingredient for cats, contributing to muscle development and blood sugar management.
• Turkey Meal (4 stars): A concentrated protein source, containing less fat than chicken meal. Turkey, like chicken, offers essential amino acids crucial for muscle development and feline health, although it is less flavorful than chicken.
• Chickpeas (2): Chickpeas, like other legumes, are a source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They also contain various vitamins and minerals beneficial for feline health. However, cats may have difficulty digesting legumes like chickpeas due to their higher fiber content.

Conclusion About the First Five Ingredients

Some ingredients on the list have received a high rating according to Pet Food Ingredients Revealed, indicating a good quality formula. However, Premium cat food formulas typically prioritize animal proteins nearer the start of the first ingredients. This could be improved as follows:

• Adding an animal protein as the ingredient #3: Such as herring or other low-mercury fish, chicken gizzards, beef, or similar. Cats don’t need carbs as the main source of energy. According to Dr. Chris Bessent’s article on simplefoodproject.com, cats use protein as their primary energy source and only a very small percentage of carbs represented by fruits, seeds, berries, and leafy greens. That’s why placing a carb as the fifth ingredient would have been ideal.

• Replacing Chickpeas with Peas in the ingredient #5: Peas are a more digestible carbohydrate for cats, providing the same nutritional profile while adding the starch content needed to form the dry cat food kibble.

Does Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Recipe Have Avoidable Ingredients?

This formula contains a duplicated source of copper, with both copper proteinate and copper sulfate listed. According to Truth About Pet Food, a Secret Shopper questioned some cat food manufacturers about this duplication. One manufacturer’s response (which appears to be the most candid) was that copper sulfate is included as a more cost-effective form of copper to meet the required copper content in the formula. The question is: why not use only copper proteinate? Copper sulfate doesn’t have the same bioavailability and absorption as copper proteinate. This could result in some traces of copper sulfate not being fully absorbed by the pet’s body, leading to possible health issues in the long term.

Palatability: Did Tiki Cat Pass My Cat’s Testing?

As I mentioned earlier, I got various types of dry cat food for Sophie so she could choose her favorite formula. They were all healthy options. One of the choices I offered was Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Turkey Meal. However, Sophie never seemed to take a liking to it. So I decided to introduce her to the other option I had on hand, which was Farmina. To my delight, Sophie showed a clear preference for Farmina. Due to having bought a large 6-lb bag of Tiki Cat, I wanted to give it another chance, so I set out both Tiki Cat Born Carnivore and Farmina side by side. Once again, Sophie made her choice, favoring Farmina. So the answer is no, Tiki Cat didn’t pass my cat’s palate testing.

My Cat Choosing Farmina over Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken

Pros and Cons of Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Dry Food

The pros and cons after an extensive research of this formula and my personal experience with my cat.

Pros

• Grain-free formula, free from rice, corn, soy, or wheat
• Contains three animal proteins within the first five ingredients
• High protein content at 36%
• Low-glycemic carbohydrates, excluding potatoes or tapioca
• Includes pumpkin to support cat digestion

Cons

• Two main carbs (peas, chickpeas), but animal proteins should come first.
• Chickpeas are not easily digested by cats
• Duplicated form of copper, where copper sulfate could be omitted.
• Palatability may vary, as some cats may not find the taste of this food appealing.
• The triangular shape of the kibble can cause practical issues with some automatic cat feeder dispensing mechanisms, as it may get stuck in the gear due to its irregular shape.

Why Trusting My Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Review?

With over a decade of meticulous research and firsthand experience in choosing the finest formulas for my cat, Sophie, I’ve compiled a selection of top-quality dry cat food reviews. Drawing from reputable sources such as AVMA publications, and insights from experts like Cailin Heinze and Lisa Newman, I’ve ensured professional guidance in my selections. Sophie’s good health and vitality serve as a testament to the efficacy of my choices. I remain steadfast in my commitment to her well-being and will continue to prioritize only the best for her.

My Final Thoughts About Tiki Cat Born Carnivore

After a thorough analysis of the ingredients and observing its effects on my cat, I’ve arrived at a mixed conclusion. On one hand, Tiki Cat Born Carnivore formula surpasses many others with its protein and carbohydrate sources, offering complex carbs with a low glycemic index and quality proteins like chicken and turkey. However, the inclusion of both copper sulfate and copper proteinate, along with the potentially difficult-to-digest chickpeas, leaves me hesitant to fully endorse it. Additionally, my cat’s reluctance to eat the kibble further complicates my overall assessment of this formula.

Do I recommend Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Turkey?

Tiki Cat presents a mix of pros and cons typical of many cat food formulas. If you’re seeking a premium dry cat food with healthy mineral balance, this may not be the ideal choice. However, for those prioritizing a grain-free formula with high protein content and low-glycemic carbs at a reasonable price, Tiki Cat Born Carnivore Chicken & Turkey offers a decent option. This statement considers feeding a healthy cat in a medium term feeding, for up to a year. Tiki Cat is available in three sizes – 3 lb at $16.19 (Amazon), 6 lb at $27.54, and 12 lb at $39.89 (Chewy) – providing flexibility to suit various needs.

Regardless of the formula chosen, remember to complement your cat’s diet with both wet and dry food, along with ensuring a constant supply of fresh water. Best of luck!