The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula scores 3.5/5 on Moesonson's label-based analysis. Its strongest factor is animal-protein content (strong — 96% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources); its weakest is protein clarity (high — 80% of the recipe's protein panel is clearly named).
Rating
Updated Aug 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 4 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, Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Poultry, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
Pros
- Uses clearly named animal protein sources for better transparency.
- 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 | 37% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22% |
| Est. Carbs | 26% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Ash | 12% |
Moisture (7%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
| Protein | 34% |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20% |
| Est. Carbs | 24% |
| Fiber | 5% |
| Moisture | 7% |
| Ash | 11% |
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Medium (37% 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 High (22% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. It can raise calorie density, so watch body condition and seek vet input for cats with pancreatitis or digestive disease.
Ingredients Analysis
29 of 29 matched
-
1 Chicken
Animal ProteinDescription
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
-
2 Egg Protein
Animal ProteinDescription
Protein derived from eggs, a highly digestible and complete protein source.
Why Prefer?
Highly digestible complete protein source.
-
3 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.
-
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.
-
5 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.
-
6 Dried Beet Pulp
CarbsDescription
The leftover pulp after sugar is extracted from sugar beets, contains higher fiber and less sugar compared to whole beets.
Why Concerned?
Controversial - Some say it is a good dietary fiber source, some believe it is just an inexpensive filler.
-
7 Fish
Animal ProteinDescription
Unnamed fish from unknown sources, it could be a mixture of various fish parts.
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.
-
8 Brewer´s Yeast
(Detected): Brewers 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.
-
9 Flaxseed
FatDescription
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.
-
10 Lecithin
FatDescription
A fat essential in body cells, it could be extracted from different food like soybean. It acts as an emulsifier that helps fats mixing with other ingredients.
-
11 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.
-
12 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.
-
13 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
-
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.
-
15 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).
-
16 Vitamin A
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
-
17 Vitamin D3
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).
-
18 Vitamin E
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.
-
19 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
-
20 Pantothenic Acid
SupplementDescription
A water-soluble dietary supplement for vitamin B5, which is essential for energy metabolism in the body.
-
21 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
-
22 Vitamin B1
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
-
23 Vitamin B12
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.
-
24 Vitamin B6
SupplementDescription
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.
-
25 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.
-
26 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.
-
27 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.
-
28 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.
-
29 Manganese Sulfate
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.
Tips
- Some protein sources are less clear: Fish appear near the top without a clearly defined animal source.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Fish.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Fish have caution notes in the ingredient database.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 80%
- Unnamed 20%
Strong clarity: 80% of The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 20% 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
High- Animal 96%
- Auxiliary 4%
Meat-forward: 96% of the weighted protein in The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula 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
Auxiliary
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula dry cat food Review
The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula is a strong choice — rated 4 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 that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 80% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Grains (gluten-free), Egg, Poultry, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 37% protein, 22% fat, 26% estimated carbohydrates.
- 96% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Gluten grains, Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Red meat, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula good for cats?
Yes — The Recipe Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula earns 4 out of 5 stars on Moesonson’s label-based analysis, combining high ingredient transparency with strong animal protein content. The score is computed from the printed ingredient list and guaranteed analysis rather than marketing claims — a confident pick when the label matches your cat’s needs.
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, Egg Protein. 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.
Similar Products
View All
Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula
★︎★︎★︎☆︎☆︎ 3
Kitten Urinary & Hairball Control Formula
★︎★︎☆︎☆︎☆︎ 2.5
Freeze-Dried Salmon & Fresh Chicken & Salmon Kibble
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5
Grasslands
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4.5
Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Recipe
★︎★︎★︎★︎★︎ 5
Pacifica Highest Protein Cat
★︎★︎★︎★︎☆︎ 4