Let’s be honest—finding a cat food that’s healthy, affordable, and doesn’t get the side-eye from your cat? It’s a lot harder than it should be. That’s what led me to try I and Love and You. I’d seen the brand before (the name definitely sticks with you), but I never gave it a real shot until recently.
In this review, I’ll share what I found—what’s actually in the food, which flavors worked at my house, and whether I think it’s worth the price. If your cat’s a little picky or you’re just trying to upgrade from the usual store-brand stuff, this might be the middle ground you’ve been looking for.
What Is “I and Love and You” Cat Food?
I and Love and You is a Boulder-based pet food company that’s all about clean ingredients, meat-first recipes, and ditching the junk (no by-products, no fillers, no artificial weirdness). You’ll see them on Chewy, Amazon, and even in Target or the grocery store.
Honestly, I used to skip over it thinking it was just another trendy brand. But after reading the label—and realizing they actually walk the walk—I figured I’d test it with Snickers, my resident food critic (and feline).
What’s in It (and What’s Not)
The ingredient list is what first made me take a second look. Most of their dry and wet recipes start with real meat like chicken or salmon. You’ll also find flaxseed, probiotics, and essential nutrients like taurine and omegas for coat health.
Some recipes include legumes (peas, chickpeas) or potatoes instead of grains, which is common in grain-free foods. It’s worth noting if your cat has a sensitive tummy—but Snickers had no issues, even with a quick switch.
Curious to try it? Start with a single bag of Salmon & Trout or a wet food variety pack to test the waters without overcommitting.
Food Options: Dry, Wet & Treats
I and Love and You offers a decent variety, especially if you’re looking for grain-free options. We tried one dry food and a couple wet food cans to see what stuck.
- Dry Food: Called Naked Essentials. Simple formulas with real meat first and no corn, wheat, or soy.
- Wet Food: Pâtés and stews with fun names like “Purrky Turkey” and “Chicken Me Out.” Some are a bit chunky, others smooth.
- Treats: We skipped the treats this time, but they do exist!
The wet food texture was hit-or-miss in our house, but the turkey pâté was a clear winner. Snickers licked the plate clean—twice.
Pros & Cons (From a Cat Parent Perspective)
- Pros: Real meat first. No junky fillers. Decent price for the quality. Widely available online and in stores.
- Cons: Some cats might be sensitive to peas or potatoes. Wet food textures vary a lot. Not the cheapest.
If your cat is picky (like mine), you might need to try a couple flavors to find the magic one. But once you do, it’s smooth sailing.
Heads up: If your cat’s into fishy flavors, this salmon & trout dry food tends to win over even the picky ones.
Is It Actually Good for Cats?
Yes, especially for healthy adult cats that don’t need prescription diets. The ingredients are solid, the meat content is decent, and the brand isn’t hiding behind marketing fluff. If you need limited ingredients or want to skip grains, this is a pretty cat-parent-friendly pick.
That said, always check labels—they do have a few different lines, and not every formula is the same.
Price & Availability
It’s not bargain-basement cheap, but it’s also nowhere near the price of boutique brands. Think mid-range: more than Friskies, less than Open Farm.
You can find it on Amazon, Chewy, Target, Whole Foods, and some pet stores. Look for coupons or subscribe-and-save deals to bring the price down.
What Other Pet Parents Are Saying
Scrolling through Chewy and Amazon reviews, I saw a lot of cats that loved the food—especially the fish flavors. Many people mention shinier coats and better digestion. The main complaints? Some cats didn’t like the smell or ignored the food altogether. So… yep, sounds like cats.
Best Varieties to Try First
Start small. Pick one dry and one wet to test before committing to a full case or large bag.
Why try it? High in protein, fish-forward, and seems to be a fan favorite among picky eaters.
Why try it? Smooth texture, limited ingredients, and lots of happy online reviews.
How to Switch Without Upsetting Your Cat’s Stomach
If you’re transitioning your cat to I and Love and You from a different food, go slow. A sudden switch can upset their stomach—especially in cats with sensitive digestion. The general rule is to mix in the new food gradually over the course of 7 to 10 days.
Start with 75% of your cat’s current food and 25% new. After a couple of days, shift to 50/50, then 25/75, and finally 100% new food. Keep an eye on your cat’s litter box, appetite, and energy levels during the transition. If you notice any loose stools or skipped meals, slow down and hold at the current mix for an extra day or two.
Snickers handled the switch like a champ—zero issues. But I’ve had other cats in the past who needed extra time (and a little boiled chicken as a topper) to fully commit. Every cat’s gut is different.
Final Verdict
I and Love and You feels like a solid middle-ground brand. It’s better than a lot of grocery store picks, but you won’t spend a fortune like you might with boutique brands. The ingredients are clean, the flavors are varied, and there’s a good chance you’ll find something your cat actually likes.
Just be ready to test a few textures. If your cat does well with it, this might become your new go-to.
FAQs
Is I and Love and You cat food good quality?
Yes. It usually starts with real meat and includes added nutrients, probiotics, and no artificial fillers.
Where is it made?
In the USA, though sourcing varies by recipe. Always check the specific product label.
Has it ever been recalled?
As of now, there are no major recalls on record. Still, it’s smart to check the FDA recall database regularly.
Is it good for cats with allergies?
Some formulas are better than others for sensitivities. Look for limited ingredient options and avoid common allergens like peas or poultry if your cat reacts to them.
How does it compare to Blue Buffalo?
Pretty close in price and ingredient quality. Some cats prefer one over the other. If you like Blue Buffalo but want to try something new, this is a natural switch.
