The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula scores 2.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 78% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (moderate — 63% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Jul 2026
How this score is made
This score isn’t a hand-wavy impression: it reads what the label actually prints — the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and AAFCO adequacy statement — and runs it through the same algorithmic rubric as every other product. No brand pays for placement, and there are no affiliate links on reviewed products.
Is The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula dry cat food good?
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula is a dry cat food rated 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. The recipe lists most animal ingredients by name and features real muscle meat as a primary protein source. However, most minerals are supplied in inorganic forms that may be less well absorbed. This recipe is free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Includes a fair number of clearly named animal ingredients.
- Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.
Cons
- Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 38% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22% |
| Est. Carbs | 27% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Ash | 8% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 34% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20% |
| Est. Carbs | 25% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 7% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (38% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats usually benefit from higher protein than dogs, so confirm the food is complete for cats and fits the cat's life stage.
- Fat is Super High (22% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is very energy-dense; cats with pancreatitis, digestive disease, or weight concerns need case-specific veterinary guidance.
Ingredients Analysis
44 of 44 matched
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1 Chicken Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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2 Corn Gluten Meal
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Produced during wet milling of corn by separating protein from the starch. It contains 60% of protein, a relatively inexpensive source to boost up the protein level of pet foods.
Why Notice?
High level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
Allergen Concern
Made with corn, which is one of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
Digestion Concern
A high dose of plant-based protein is hard for digestion and offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
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3 Brewers Rice
(Detected): Brewer Rice
CarbsDescription
Small milled fragments (5/164 of an inch) of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. “Dust” and “floor sweepings” from rice.
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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4 Chicken Fat
FatDescription
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Whole Ground Corn
CarbsDescription
A grain that is often referred as "cheap filler" in pet foods, mainly due to its high carbs content and low to moderate nutrition profile.
Why Concerned?
A controversial filler with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
One of the most reported ingredients to be the likely cause of allergies. This could be due to the undiscovered contaminants within corns. Contrary to the real situation, studies show that the chance of getting corn allergy is 14% and only accounts for 3% of allergies.
Digestion Concern
It is high in cellulose, which is an insoluble fiber that is hard to digest.
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6 Digest of Chicken and Fish
Food AdditiveDescription
Flavor enhancer from hydrolyzed chicken and fish.
Why Concerned?
Processed flavor enhancer from mixed sources.
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7 Powdered Cellulose
CarbsDescription
The substance provides strength and rigidity to plants, which are mostly made of insoluble fiber. It is commonly added to pet foods to reduce the calorie content for the "weight management" type.
Why Notice?
Unspecified plant products made of unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Digestion Concern
Dogs and cats lack the enzymes capable of digesting cellulose. A high level of fiber could interfere with the digestion of protein and other minerals.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made up of cheap and unwanted fiber by-products. However, from our research, most cellulose used in pet food is made up of pine trees.
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8 Fish Meal
Animal ProteinDescription
A dehydrated form of unnamed fish. It is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh fish on dry matter basis.
Why Notice?
It does not state what kind of fish is used to make the ingredient. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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9 Brown Rice
CarbsDescription
Whole grain rice with its bran and germ remained, high in carbs and fiber. Studies have shown that rice bran depletes taurine in cats, which is an essential amino acid.
Why Concerned?
A common filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
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10 Tomato Meal
OthersDescription
Dehydrated ground tomato, used as a fiber and nutrient source.
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11 Brewer´s Yeast
(Detected): Brewer Yeast
Plant Protein ConcentrateDescription
Made from fungus and often used to make beer, a rich source of minerals such as selenium. B-complex vitamins, and chromium. It contains around 40% protein.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient, some believe it can support the immune system, while others say it can be linked to allergies and bloating. However, no scientific research can provide a concrete conclusion.
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12 Canola Oil
FatDescription
Oil extracted from canola seed, high in omega 6 fats and contains a small amount of trans-fats which is not optimal for health.
Why Concerned?
A controversial, less optimal choice of fat.
Digestion Concern
High amount of plant-based fat is not easily digested by dogs / cats, can cause obstruction and gastrointestinal upset.
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13 Dried Egg Product
Animal ProteinDescription
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
Why Concerned?
A less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
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14 Salt
OthersDescription
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
Why Concerned?
A controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
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15 Sodium Bisulfate
Food AdditiveDescription
A chemical mixture classified as a corrosive sterilizer, often used to control contamination of Salmonella.
Why Notice?
A food additive that might cause health issues.
Uncertain/Risky
It was banned from use on fruits and vegetables in the US. It could cause irritation in the mouth, diarrhea, and vomitting.
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16 Potassium Chloride
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
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17 Calcium Carbonate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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18 Dl-methionine
SupplementDescription
Added to balance the amino acids profile of pet foods with limited amounts of meat protein. Meat / fish naturally contains methionine, which does not require extra supplements. It is sometimes used to help support urine acidification.
Why Concerned?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein). However, it could imply the lack of meat protein - usually in lower quality pet foods.
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19 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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20 Yucca Schidigera Extract
CarbsDescription
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
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21 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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22 Green Tea
OthersDescription
One of the most healthy tea in the world. It contains catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help prevent radical damages to the body and offer many health benefits.
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23 Zinc Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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24 Zinc Animo Acid Chelate
(Detected): Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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25 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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26 Vitamin A Acetate
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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27 Vitamin D3 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
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28 Vitamin E Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
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29 Taurine
SupplementDescription
An essential amino acid (building blocks of protein) to maintain a healthy brain and heart functions.
Why Prefer?
A safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
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30 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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31 Ascorbic Acid
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
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32 Calcium Pantothenate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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33 Manganous Oxide
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
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34 Manganous Amino Acid Chelate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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35 Vitamin B12 Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
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36 Thiamine Mononitrate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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37 Copper Sulfate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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38 Copper Amino Acid Chelate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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39 Riboflavin Supplement
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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40 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
SupplementDescription
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
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41 Folic Acid
SupplementDescription
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
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42 Calcium Iodate
SupplementDescription
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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43 Cobalt Carbonate
SupplementDescription
Cobalt is essential for the synthesis of vitamin B12. This is an inorganic form of cobalt, which has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
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44 Sodium Selenite
Food AdditiveDescription
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
Why Concerned?
A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Digest of Chicken and Fish, Fish Meal appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Plant protein is worth closer review for cats: Corn Gluten Meal may raise the listed protein percentage without meaning there is more meat.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Corn Gluten Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Meal.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Powdered Cellulose, Fish Meal, Sodium Bisulfate have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Ground Corn have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 78%
- Unnamed 22%
Strong clarity: 78% of The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 22% use vague terms such as "meat meal" and 0% are by-products. Named protein ingredients let you verify the source and check for allergens.
Contributing ingredients
Named
Unnamed
Animal Protein
Moderate- Animal 63%
- Plant concentrate 36%
- Auxiliary 1%
Mixed protein sources in The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula: 63% animal, 0% whole plants, and 36% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula dry cat food Review
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 3 stars, with high ingredient transparency and moderate animal protein content. It has clear strengths alongside a few trade-offs worth weighing.
Best for
- Owners who want clearly named protein sources
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
- You need to know the exact animal source of every protein
- You're avoiding plant-protein concentrates like pea or soy isolate
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 78% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Plant-protein concentrates appear in the top 10 ingredients: Corn Gluten Meal.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 38% protein, 22% fat, 27% estimated carbohydrates.
- 63% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula good for cats?
Mostly — The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula is a solid mid-tier choice at 3 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, pairing high ingredient transparency with moderate animal protein content. It shows real strengths alongside a few trade-offs, so weigh the ingredient list against your cat’s needs — allergies, life stage and protein preference.
Does The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula does not include Dairy or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula contain Egg?
Yes — according to the printed ingredient list, The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula contains Egg. Pets with a known Egg sensitivity should generally avoid this recipe, or check with a veterinarian first. Moesonson flags allergens directly from the label’s ingredient panel, so this reflects what the manufacturer actually declares.
Does The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula does not include Legumes or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Does The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula does not include Nuts or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid that trigger here. Recipes do get reformulated, though, so re-check the packaging before feeding — Moesonson’s reading reflects the label at analysis time.
Is The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula grain-free?
No — The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Grains (gluten-free). That mainly matters for pets with a diagnosed grain sensitivity or allergy; most cats tolerate grains well as an energy source. If your cat must avoid grains, choose a recipe without these ingredients.
What are the main protein sources in The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula?
The main animal proteins in The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula are Chicken Meal, Digest of Chicken and Fish, Dried Egg Product. Each is named by species on the printed ingredient list — a protein-clarity strength in Moesonson’s scoring, because named sources let you verify what your cat is eating and avoid specific proteins when managing food allergies.
