I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much from Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food when I first saw it on the shelf. Celebrity branding, glossy packaging — it looked more marketing than nutrition. I’ve also been burned before by pet foods that claimed to be “natural” but turned out to be loaded with fillers or mystery ingredients.
But after hearing a few fellow cat parents say it helped their cats with digestion, weight maintenance, and coat health, I decided to try it myself. And honestly? I was pleasantly surprised — and so was Snickers.
Curious? These are the exact dry and wet formulas I tested — both available on Amazon:
First Impressions: Ingredient Quality That’s Better Than Expected
The first thing I checked (as always) was the ingredients. The dry formula I tried — Indoor Complete — does start with real chicken, which is always a good sign. It also includes lentils, pumpkin, flaxseed, and dried beet pulp for added fiber and digestion support.
That said, it’s not a grain-free or filler-free food. It contains brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal, and peas, which some cats may not tolerate well — especially if they have sensitive stomachs. But for my cat, it caused no issues, and I appreciated that it avoided artificial preservatives and used real meat as the first ingredient.
The wet food — I used the Chicken Lovers variety pack — was also a hit with Snickers. The shredded texture was easy for her to eat, and the flavor clearly passed her test. It wasn’t overly smelly or messy for me, which is always a bonus during feeding time.
Is Rachael Ray Cat Food Good for Cats?
If you’re looking for something healthier than bottom-shelf grocery brands but still need to stay within budget, Rachael Ray Nutrish hits a sweet spot. It’s not a premium holistic food, but it doesn’t pretend to be. What it offers is real meat, targeted nutrients, and decent protein at a price point that works for multi-cat households or cost-conscious pet parents.
The Indoor Complete formula includes fiber-rich ingredients like beet pulp and pumpkin to help with digestion, along with added taurine for heart health and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin. These basics matter more than flashy superfoods — and Nutrish covers them well.
Most recipes avoid wheat and soy, though some — like the Indoor Complete dry formula — do include corn gluten meal and legumes, so it’s worth checking the label closely if your cat has specific allergies.
Quick Nutrish Highlights
- Real meat first: Chicken, turkey, or salmon as the first ingredient
- No wheat or soy: Most recipes avoid these common allergens
- Indoor formulas: Includes digestion support with beet pulp & pumpkin
- Balanced nutrients: Taurine, omegas, and essential vitamins included
- Watch for: Some formulas include corn gluten meal and legumes
- Wet food choices: Shreds & stews, gourmet entrées, broths, and pâté available
Any Downsides to Watch For?
If your cat has a very sensitive stomach or known food allergies, you’ll want to scan the label closely. While most formulas skip wheat and soy, a few include corn gluten meal, peas, or lentils that might not sit well with every cat.
Rachael Ray Nutrish offers several types of wet food, including shreds in gravy, gourmet-style entrées, broth toppers, and pâté. While I only tested the Chicken Lovers pack, these other lines give you options if your cat prefers broth-style meals or a classic pâté texture. The selection isn’t as extensive as what you’d find from premium brands, and options like single-protein or grain-free recipes are limited. Still, for cats that enjoy shredded chicken in savory sauce, the Chicken Lovers variety pack is a great place to start — and Snickers had no complaints.
What About the Rachael Ray Cat Food Recall?
This comes up a lot in search — and understandably so. In 2018, some Nutrish dog food formulas were recalled due to elevated vitamin D levels. However, there have been no known recalls involving the Nutrish cat food line.
I still recommend checking the FDA’s pet food recall list occasionally, no matter what brand you use. It’s a simple habit that can save a lot of worry.
How Does It Compare to Other Cat Foods?
When compared to other grocery store brands like Meow Mix, Friskies, or 9Lives, Nutrish is a noticeable step up in terms of ingredient quality and nutritional value. You’re getting real meat, fewer questionable additives, and more attention to things like digestive support and hairball control.
No, it won’t compete with Orijen or Tiki Cat — but it doesn’t cost $60 a bag either. For the price, it’s surprisingly balanced. It’s also widely available in stores and online, which is helpful if you need something convenient and consistent.
Where to Buy Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food
These are the formulas I tested with Snickers — and she happily cleaned her bowl every time.
Is Rachael Ray Cat Food Right for Your Cat?
For cat parents on a budget who still care about what goes into their cat’s bowl, Rachael Ray Nutrish offers real value. It won’t win any awards for exotic ingredients, but it delivers on the basics: real protein, balanced nutrition, and wide availability.
In my house, it became a dependable option — affordable, gentle on digestion, and something my cat would actually eat. And judging by how quickly Snickers cleaned her bowl, I think she’d agree it’s a win.
Want more reviews and nutrition guides? Browse all of our Cat Food articles here.
Rachael Ray Cat Food FAQs
Is Rachael Ray Nutrish good for cats?
Yes — Rachael Ray Nutrish offers balanced nutrition with real meat as the first ingredient in most recipes. It’s a step up from many grocery store brands, though it’s not as premium as some specialty foods. If your cat doesn’t have allergies to corn gluten or legumes, it can be a good everyday option.
Has Rachael Ray cat food ever been recalled?
No recalls have affected the Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food line. There was a 2018 recall for certain Nutrish dog foods due to elevated vitamin D, but cat recipes were not involved. It’s still a good idea to check the FDA’s pet food recall list periodically.
What formulas of Rachael Ray Nutrish cat food are available?
Nutrish offers several dry food options, including Indoor Complete and Longevity, as well as wet food choices like Chicken Lovers, Purrfect Entrées, Purrfect Broths, and Purrfect Paté. I personally tested Indoor Complete (dry) and the Chicken Lovers pack (wet).
Is Rachael Ray Nutrish grain-free?
Not all formulas are grain-free. The Indoor Complete recipe includes brewer’s rice and corn gluten meal. If you need grain-free options, check labels carefully — some Nutrish wet foods and select dry lines may be grain-free.
