Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes
Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes scores 2.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is protein clarity (high — 90% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named); its weakest is animal-protein content (moderate — 67% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources).
Rating
Updated Sep 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes dry cat food good?
Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes is a dry cat food rated 2.5 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. This recipe is free from Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish but contains Gluten grains, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- Some non-animal ingredients are not clearly identified, which reduces formula transparency.
Nutrition Breakdown
| Protein | 30% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10% |
| Est. Carbs | 44% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Ash | 10% |
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 27% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9% |
| Est. Carbs | 40% |
| Fiber | 6% |
| Moisture | 10% |
| Ash | 9% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (30% 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 Medium (10% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. This is a moderate energy-density signal for many cats, but total calories and body condition still matter.
Ingredients Analysis
19 of 20 matched
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1 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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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 Wheat Flour
CarbsDescription
The most common inexpensive filler in lower-grade pet foods. Other than carbs and fiber, it does not contain important nutrients for dogs / cats.
Why Concerned?
A common filler with gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach.
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4 Bread Crumbs
(Detected): Breadcrumbs
CarbsDescription
Dried bread crumbs, a processed grain-based filler.
Why Concerned?
A processed grain filler of unnamed/mixed origin.
Allergen Concern
Contains gluten, which is one of the most common allergens that can cause skin rashes, itchiness, and irritation.
Digestion Concern
Gluten intolerances can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, may result in diarrhea and discomfort stomach. A high level of plant-based protein is not easily digestible.
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5 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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6 Chicken Liver Powder
Animal ProteinDescription
A concentrated powder from chicken livers, rich in vitamin A, B12, iron, and flavor.
Why Prefer?
Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.
- 7 Beef Powder
No match found in database
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8 Animal Fat
FatDescription
Leftover fat during the production of unknown animal meat meal.
Why Notice?
Unspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
Uncertain/Risky
Could be made from any animals, including "4-D animals" (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter). Contaminated meats can lead to severe illnesses.
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9 Fish Oil
FatDescription
Oil derived from fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA.
Why Concerned?
Fish oil is beneficial but the unnamed source makes quality assessment difficult.
Uncertain/Risky
Unnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
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10 Tuna
Animal ProteinDescription
A saltwater fish high in protein, omega 3 fats, and B vitamins. Most tuna contains a high level of mercury, which is linked to many health issues.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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11 Bonito Flakes
Animal ProteinDescription
Thin shavings of dried bonito fish, rich in protein, omega-3s, and umami flavor.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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12 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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13 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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14 Oligosaccharide
(Detected): Oligosaccharides
PrebioticsDescription
Known as FOS, a type of fiber derived from chicory roots, beets, or cane. It is added as prebiotics for good bacteria growth in the colon, which aids digestion.
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15 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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16 Minerals
SupplementDescription
A general term for mineral supplementation, specific sources not identified.
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17 Amino Acids
SupplementDescription
Building blocks of proteins, usually added to improve the protein quality and amino acid profile of pet foods.
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18 Vitamins
SupplementDescription
A mixture of vitamins supplements to ensure the complete nutrition profile of pet food.
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19 Rosemary Extract
CarbsDescription
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
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20 Green Tea Extract
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.
Tips
- Cat formula needs review: cats rely heavily on animal protein, and this label does not show strong named animal protein near the top.
- 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, Animal Fat, Fish Meal.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Animal Fat, Fish Oil, Fish Meal, and 1 more have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Flour, and 1 more have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 90%
- Unnamed 10%
Strong clarity: 90% of Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 10% 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 67%
- Plant concentrate 33%
- Auxiliary 1%
Mixed protein sources in Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes: 67% animal, 0% whole plants, and 33% plant-protein concentrates. The recipe combines meat with notable plant-protein signals.
Contributing ingredients
Animal
Plant concentrate
Auxiliary
Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes dry cat food Review
Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes is a solid mid-tier dry cat food at 2.5 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 has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- 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 90% 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: Gluten grains, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Fish Meal.
- On a dry-matter basis: 30% protein, 10% fat, 44% estimated carbohydrates.
- 67% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes good for cats?
Mostly — Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes is a solid mid-tier choice at 2.5 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes contain Dairy?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes contain Egg?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes does not include Egg or closely related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes contain Legumes?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes contain Nuts?
No — based on the printed ingredient list, Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes grain-free?
No — Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes is not grain-free: the printed ingredient list includes Gluten grains. 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 Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes?
The main animal proteins in Nippon Pet Food Combo Pure Hairball Control Tuna Flavor with Chicken and Bonito Flakes are Chicken Meal, Chicken Liver Powder, Tuna. 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.
