Introduced in 1986, Purina One has over three decades of experience in manufacturing “premium” pet food, making it one of the oldest brands in the market. Marketed as natural, high-quality cat food, it is often recommended by veterinarians at least partly thanks to the brand’s wide offer of specialized recipes, including foods formulated for hairball control and for sensitive stomachs. But with so many Purina brands to choose from (Beyond, Pro Plan, Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, and more), how is Purina One any different and why should you choose it for your cat?
To help answer that question, we give you our unbiased Purina One Cat Food Review. Here, we examine five of the brand’s most popular recipes in detail and talk about the company itself, including their history, why you may want to give this brand a try, and more.
Purina One Cat Food Review
1 Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Adult Cat Food
Specifically formulated for indoor cats to help minimize hairballs and maintain a healthy weight, Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Adult Cat Food features real turkey as the number one ingredient, plus a host of nutritious grains, legumes, and veggies.
Although packed with tasty ingredients, this food contains 10% less fat than other formulas, making it ideal for weight management. The added nutrients like omega-6 fatty acids help promote hair and skin health, while the natural fiber blend from grains aids in digestion and helps minimize hairballs. It’s worth mentioning that this recipe contains corn, chicken by-product meal and soybean meal – while not the best-quality ingredients one could ask for in cat food, we don’t mind them for two reasons: corn is incredibly easy to digest and provides extra fiber needed for hairball control, while the other two ingredients help increase the protein content without overwhelming the sensitive stomach of indoor cats. Overall, this is a nicely balanced and one of the healthiest dry cat foods that fits virtually everyone’s budget, making it a good choice for most indoor cats.
You may also like our guide on the Best Cat Food for Indoor Cats.
Real turkey as the main protein source
38% protein, 9% fat, 5.1% fiber
10% less fat than other formulas for a healthy weight
Helps minimize hairballs
Supplemented with vitamins, minerals and omegas
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Model: 00017800144094
- Weight: 22 pounds
2 Purina ONE True Instinct Adult Cat Food
For kitties (and pet parents) who cannot stand grains in cat food, Purina ONE True Instinct Grain-Free may be the best choice. Made with chicken as the main ingredient, this dry formula contains 35% of protein, which is plenty for both indoor and outdoor pets. Unlike some Purina One recipes, this formula does not include any poultry by-products nor grains, making it a fine choice for sensitive cats.
This adult cat meal is a combination of crunchy and tender bites to provide texture variety and entice picky eaters. While tasty, the ingredients list is simple – chicken and chicken meal are the basis of the recipe, and there are canola meal, soybean meal, dried egg product and beef fat for those extra nutrients. The meal is 100% nutrition, meaning that every ingredient has nutritional value and contributes to whole body health. Of course, the formula is also enriched with important minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, including vitamins E and A for bright eyes, omega 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat, and taurine for a healthy heart.
Real chicken is the main protein source
35% protein, 14% fat, 2% fiber
Grain-free and by-product free
A combo of crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels
Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Model: 00017800170581
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
3 Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Cat Food
Specifically crafted for cats with sensitive stomachs, Purina ONE Sensitive Systems Adult Dry Cat Food contains ingredients that provide the right nutrients to support the immune system and easy digestion. Featuring real turkey as the main ingredient, the recipe provides 36 grams of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth and maintenance as well as a healthy heart.
Aside from turkey, the formula also contains turkey by-product meal and soybean meal, both of which are nutritious and easy to digest, as well as oatmeal and whole corn for that much-needed fiber content. Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are also a part of the ingredients list, all beneficial for overall health and well-being of cats. The recipe comes in bite-sized bits that have a crunchy texture to promote dental health. Like most Purina One foods, this formula too is free from all artificial additives – highly important for sensitive cats.
Check out our review of the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs.Real turkey makes the basis of the recipe
34% protein, 13% fat, 4% fiber
Whole corn and oats for extra fiber content
Supplemented with vitamins and minerals
Easy to digest, crafted for sensitive cats
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Model: 00017800179188
- Weight: 22 pounds
4 Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula
Purina One Healthy Kitten Food is commonly recommended by veterinarians because it promotes growth and development and particularly brain development thanks to its high DHA (type of an omega-3 fatty acid) content.
Made with chicken, which makes up the basis of the recipe, this food contains 40% of protein, which is a pretty high amount to help support the needs of growing kittens. Aside from this, it also contains chicken meal and chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, as well as corn, carrots and peas. To provide that high DHA content, the formula includes fish oil, which is not only great for proper brain development, but also healthy skin and coat. The kibble has a crunchy texture which is useful for controlling and eliminating soft plaque. It’s worth noting that this Purina One Chicken and Rice cat food (the kitten version) does contain some additives, in particular, caramel color and liver flavor, which greatly help increase the palatability of the food (even the pickiest of eaters should love it!), but may not be ideal for sensitive kittens.
Real chicken is the main protein source
40% protein, 18%, 2.5% fiber
High in DHA to help support brain development
Enriched with important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
Extra crunchy texture helps minimize plaque buildup
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Model: 178604
- Weight: 16.2 pounds
5 Purina ONE Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
For kitties who prefer wet cat food and some variety in their diet, Purina ONE Grain Free Cat Food Pate Variety may be an excellent option. This is a moisture-rich formula with either real meat, fish or poultry as the main ingredient, so it’s highly palatable plus great for increasing fluid intake.
Some of the ingredients that this variety pack boasts include beef, whitefish, fish, chicken, turkey, and of course, added vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition. While grain-free, all of the formulas contain some added natural flavor which helps increase the palatability of the food. This means they’re pretty much guaranteed to be liked even by the fussiest of cats, however, they may not be ideal for highly sensitive cats. Overall, this is a simple wet food that makes for a great topper or a meal on its own.
Made with either real meat, poultry, or fish
Simple but nutritious recipes
Fortified with minerals, vitamins and other nutrients
Makes for a great topper/mixer but can also be used on its own
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Model: 017800178150
- Weight: 3.04 ounces
Purina One Cat Food Review Buying Guide
If some of the Purina One recipes seem like something your kitty would enjoy and you’re considering purchasing one or two formulas, this buying guide is for you. Here, we take a closer look at the company, talk about the ingredients they typically use, as well as the reasons why you may want to give this brand a try. We also list some of the major pros and cons of feeding Purina One cat food, so stay tuned until the end!
Company Information
Purina One is a brand of premium pet food that is (like all Purina brands) owned by Nestle Purina Petcare. The ONE stands for Optimal Nutrition Enhancement and is typically characterized by their first named ingredient being a type of meat, poultry or fish.
While the Purina company has been in existence since 1894, Purina One was the brand’s first venture into the world of premium pet food. Introduced in 1986, Purina One has over thirty years of experience in crafting and manufacturing cat and dog food, which is why the company generally enjoys a special status in the eyes of both regular consumers and veterinarians. Another thing that makes Purina One so popular is their affordable pricing – although they offer a wide range of products, including special formulas for urinary health, reducing hairballs, and more, their prices are always budget-friendly.
The brand also engages in a lot of pet welfare programs and has contributed to research that aims to make pets live better lives. For instance, they have invested over $19 million n pet welfare and pet communities across the US. They have also donated around 6 million pounds of pet food, litter, and treats to animal shelters and welfare organizations in need.
Find out more about Cat Food for Hairballs.
Why Choose this Brand?
- Abundance of positive reviews: Purina is considered a trusted brand because their products are highly spoken of by both veterinarians and pet owners. They have gained popularity because their meals tend to be simple but nourishing and well-tolerated by most cats and dogs. In general, they seem to do what they say they do, so both owners and their pets like the outcomes. The brands with the most positive reviews seem to be Purina One, Beyond, and Pro Plan Veterinary Diets.
- Complete nutrition: All of the formulas that Purina One offers are 100% complete and balanced, so guaranteed to support your cat’s overall health. The ingredients are typically high to average quality, but you’ll always find meat, poultry or fish as the first and main ingredient. All the nutrients are also in the optimal amounts, and each recipe contains all the micronutrients needed for feline well-being.
- Variety: This brand understands that cats are different and will have varying dietary requirements. They make up for it by providing a mixture of formulas including adult, kitten and sensitive so that every cat can get what they need. There are also moist and crunchy textured meals to cater to different preferences.
- Affordable price: While marketed as the premium cat food, Purina One tends to be quite affordable, which is obviously something we can all appreciate. Is it the cheapest cat food though? No, definitely not; however, for the quality of the formula, this is a very reasonably priced brand. For instance, although it’s very similar to Beyond and Pro Plan, Purina One is the most economical of the bunch.
Ingredient Analysis
When deciding whether or not to buy a certain cat food brand, the first thing to look at is the ingredients list on their recipes. So, how does Purina One fare here?
- Typically, the main ingredient in all Purina One recipes is a type of meat or fish like turkey, beef, or whitefish, serving as the primary protein source and making up the majority of the diet. This is great news because cats are natural carnivores and need animal protein for healthy growth and development. Protein also comes in handy for muscle growth, as well as proper heart function.
- The next primary ingredient in most of their formulas is a grain of some sort, but not all recipes actually contain them as there is a specific grain-free line for cats sensitive to grains. Generally though, grains provide carbohydrates, giving cats the energy to run around and play, and they’re also rich in fiber which is helpful for gentle digestion. Most Purina One foods contain corn as the main grain, although oatmeal can also be found in some recipes.
- All of the meals in this line also include all the necessary vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that contribute to the cat’s general wellness. Vitamin E, for instance, which is excellent for vision is always present, and so are omega-6 fatty acids which promote skin and coat health. Another nutrient that can be found in all One recipes is taurine.
- As for fat sources, they differ from recipe to recipe, however, most formulas contain animal fat such as chicken or beef fat or even fish oil, all of which are highly beneficial for feline health and well-being. Some recipes also contain plant oils such as canola oil.
Pros & Cons
- High in Protein: All of the recipes contain meat, poultry or fish as the first and main ingredient, which is great news for our carnivore feline pets. Aside from real meat, most recipes also contain named meat by-products, which while not everyone's favorite, are actually highly nutritious and easy to digest.
- Complete and balanced: Each and every formula is enriched with important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, providing complete and balanced nutrition for both adult cats and kittens.
- Variety: Different cats of different ages and dietary needs have the opportunity to have their preferences met because of the variety available.
- Reasonable price: although marketed as a premium cat food brand, Purina One foods are quite affordable, making them highly popular among pet parents.
- Some of the recipes contain added colors or flavors which may not be ideal for cats with compromised immune systems.
- Many formulas contain soybean meal and corn gluten meal, which although not unhealthy, are not exactly highly nutritious for carnivore cats.
