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Absolute Holistic

Air Dried Beef & Venison

CatAir-Dried

Rating

★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5.0 / 5
Protein Clarity

Protein Clarity

This measures how clearly the protein sources are identified on the label. "High" means ingredients like "chicken" or "salmon" are listed by name, so you know exactly what your pet is eating. "Low" means vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" are used, making it harder to know what's really inside.

Why does clarity matter?

According to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), pet food labels must follow specific naming standards. When a product uses a named protein like "chicken" it must contain at least 25% of that ingredient. Vague terms like "meat by-products" have no such minimum and can include lower-quality parts from any animal source — making it impossible to know what your pet is actually eating or to identify allergens.

References

AAFCO Ingredient Standards
High
Animal Protein

Animal Protein

This estimates how meat-forward the protein sources are from the ingredient label. Named animal proteins count strongly, plant protein concentrates count strongly against the score, and whole plant ingredients with some protein count more lightly. A "High" score means the recipe appears mainly animal-protein led. A "Low" score means the label shows a stronger reliance on plant protein signals.

This is an ingredient-label heuristic, not an exact lab measurement of protein grams.

Why does animal protein matter?

1. Contains irreplaceable essential nutrients Taurine and Arginine — which cats need to stay healthy — are only found in meat. Plants contain none at all.

2. Plant proteins are poorly utilized by the body Even though plant proteins (like corn gluten meal) may show 92.9–96% apparent digestibility, that does not mean high bioavailability. They lack adequate Lysine (only 1.7% vs. the ideal 6–7%) and contain phytic acid that blocks mineral absorption.

References

PMC: Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? Deng & Swanson (2020): Cats Have Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared to Dogs
High

Is Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison air-dried cat food good?

Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison is a air-dried cat food rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong 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, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Meal but contains Red meat, Shellfish.

Allergy Highlights

Contains:

Red meatShellfish

Free From:

Gluten grainsGrains (gluten-free)DairyEggLegumesNutsPoultryFishUnknown Meal

Pros

  • Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
  • Contains organ meats that provide natural vitamins and minerals.
  • Includes plant ingredients that can provide fiber and natural antioxidants.

Cons

  • Relies mostly on inorganic mineral supplements, which may be less bioavailable.

Ingredients Analysis

31 of 31 matched

  • 1 Beef
    Animal Protein

    Description

    Excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, iron. However, red meat contains a higher level of cholesterol which is related to several health issues like heart disease.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 2 Beef Lung
    Animal Protein

    Description

    High in protein, contains several minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, and selenium.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 3 Beef Liver
    Animal Protein

    Description

    One of the best-concentrated sources of vitamin A compared to any other food. It also includes a high amount of folate and vitamin B12. The liver only fillers toxins out and it does not store them, which most people misunderstand.

    Why Prefer?

    Organ meats are highly nutritious, with quality protein and many important vitamins / minerals.

  • 4 Venison
    Animal Protein

    Description

    A more exotic red meat, higher protein and lower in fat compared to other domestic red meats.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 5 Vegetable Glycerine
    Food Additive

    Description

    The natural form of glycerin, usually made from soybean, coconut, or palm oil, a food additive for sweetening and binding free water, which improves the taste and prevents mold growth of pet foods. It is formed during the production of soap.

    Why Concerned?

    A food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.

  • 6 Green Lipped Mussel

    (Detected): Green-lipped Mussel

    Animal Protein

    Description

    An excellent source of protein, vitamin A, B12, zinc, and iron.

    Why Prefer?

    A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.

  • 7 Dried Chicory
    Carbs

    Description

    Contains insulin, which is a prebiotic that promotes friendly bacteria in the gut and supports better digestion.

  • 8 Parsley
    Carbs

    Description

    A type of plant native to the Mediterranean. It is particularly rich in vitamin K, and a good source of vitamin A, C, and antioxidants.

  • 9 Choline Chloride
    Supplement

    Description

    Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.

  • 10 Flaxseed
    Fat

    Description

    One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.

  • 11 Kelp
    Carbs

    Description

    An excellent source of various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium. Rich in rare mineral iodine essential for healthy thyroid function.

  • 12 Anti-oxidants

    (Detected): Antioxidant

    Supplement

    Description

    Helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals caused by oxidative stress.

  • 13 Calcium Carbonate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 14 Zinc
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 15 Taurine
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

  • 16 Vitamin E
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 17 Iron
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 18 Vitamin B3
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B3, which is vital for catabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, weight loss, inflammation, and ulcers of the oral.

  • 19 Copper Sulphate
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 20 Vitamin B1
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.

  • 21 Sodium Selenate
    Supplement

    Description

    An inorganic selenium supplement providing the essential trace mineral selenium for antioxidant function.

  • 22 Manganese Oxide
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 23 Vitamin B5
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B5, which is important for energy metabolism and synthesis of specific proteins and fats. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, gastritis, poor growth rate.

  • 24 Vitamin A
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.

  • 25 Vitamin B2
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B2, which is vital for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia and weight loss.

  • 26 Biotin
    Supplement

    Description

    A water-soluble vitamin B that is important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails.

  • 27 Vitamin B6
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for vitamin B6, which is vital for producing glucose, red blood cells, and synthesis of niacin, taurine, dopamine. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anemia, seizures, and heart-related issues.

  • 28 Vitamin B12
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 29 Iodine
    Supplement

    Description

    Supplement for iodine, a rare mineral essential for healthy thyroid function, usually found in seaweed.

  • 30 Folic Acid
    Supplement

    Description

    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.

  • 31 Vitamin D3
    Supplement

    Description

    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).

Tips

  • Named animal proteins near the top: Beef, Beef Lung are listed early in the ingredient panel.
  • Ingredients worth checking: Vegetable Glycerine.

Protein Analysis

How this recipe earned its protein scores.

Protein Clarity

High
High
  • Named 100%

Strong clarity: 100% of Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 0% 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

Beef Beef Lung Beef Liver Venison Green Lipped Mussel

Animal Protein

High
High
  • Animal 100%

Meat-forward: 100% of the weighted protein in Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison comes from animal sources. Plant signals are modest (0% whole plants, 0% plant concentrates), so the protein profile leans on real meat.

Contributing ingredients

Animal

Beef Beef Lung Beef Liver Venison Green Lipped Mussel

Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison air-dried cat food Review

Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison is a strong choice — rated 5 stars with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content. A confident pick when the ingredient panel matches your pet's needs.

Best for

  • Owners who want clearly named protein sources
  • Pets avoiding gluten grains
  • Pets that thrive on muscle-meat protein

Key takeaways

  • Named animal proteins make up 100% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
  • Contains common allergens: Red meat, Shellfish.
  • 100% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
  • Free from Gluten grains, Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Egg, Legumes, Nuts, Poultry, Fish, Unknown Meal.
  • Overall rating: 5 stars, based on transparency, protein source, and macro balance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison good for cats?

Yes — rated 5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.

Does Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison contain Dairy?

No — based on the ingredient list, Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison contain Egg?

No — based on the ingredient list, Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison doesn't include Egg or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Egg can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison contain Legumes?

No — based on the ingredient list, Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.

Does Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison contain Nuts?

No — based on the ingredient list, Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.

Is Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison grain-free?

Yes — there are no grains in this recipe.

What are the main protein sources in Absolute Holistic Air Dried Beef & Venison?

The top animal proteins are Beef, Beef Lung, Beef Liver — clearly named, so you can verify the source.

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