PURPOSE
Free-Range Chicken Recipe
Rating
Is PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe dry cat food good?
PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe is a dry cat food rated 4.5 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 Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Shellfish, Unknown Meal but contains Gluten grains, Egg, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
Allergy Highlights
Contains:
Free From:
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.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Protein 53%
- Fat 20%
- Est. Carbs 9%
- Fiber 6%
- Ash 11%
Moisture (10%) removed so you can compare foods fairly.
Dry matter basis = label value ÷ (100% − moisture%). Carbs estimated from remaining.
- Protein 48%
- Fat 18%
- Est. Carbs 9%
- Fiber 6%
- Moisture 10%
- Ash 10%
As-fed values are the raw percentages printed on the product label.
Tips
- Protein is Super High (53% dry matter) on our label-based comparison range. Cats generally need more protein than dogs, but diagnosed kidney disease or other medical needs should still be managed with your vet.
- Fat is High (20% 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
38 of 38 matched
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1 Deboned 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.
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2 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.
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3 Prebiotics
PrebioticsDescription
Non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Why Prefer?
Supports healthy gut microbiome.
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4 White Fish
Animal ProteinDescription
Whitefish is a term refers to several species of demersal fish with fins, particularly Atlantic cod, whiting, haddock, hake, pollock.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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5 Dried 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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6 Egg
Animal ProteinDescription
It contains almost every nutrient the body needs. It also has the highest biological value (protein absorption) among other animal proteins.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
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7 Barley
CarbsDescription
A type of grain that is high in carbs and fiber, along with manganese and selenium.
Why Concerned?
An inexpensive 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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8 Salmon Oil
FatDescription
The oil extracted from salmon, an excellent source of fat and omega 3s, which is important to reduce inflammation in the body.
Why Prefer?
A high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
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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.
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10 Natural Flavor
Food AdditiveDescription
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
Why Concerned?
Contrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
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11 Fresh Liver
Animal ProteinDescription
Fresh liver from an unspecified animal source, rich in vitamin A, B12, and iron.
Why Concerned?
Organ meats are highly nutritious but the unnamed source reduces transparency.
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12 Carrot
CarbsDescription
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
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13 Tomato
CarbsDescription
Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and manganese.
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14 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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15 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.
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16 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.
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17 Sodium Carbonate
Food AdditiveDescription
A sodium salt used as a pH regulator and leavening agent in pet food processing.
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18 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.
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19 Mixed Tocopherols
Food AdditiveDescription
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
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20 Choline Chloride
SupplementDescription
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
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21 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).
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22 Cranberry
CarbsDescription
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
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23 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.
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24 Ferrous Sulfate
SupplementDescription
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.
-
25 Zinc Sulfate
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.
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26 Zinc Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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27 Vitamin E Supplement
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.
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28 Iron Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
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29 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.
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30 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.
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31 Manganese Proteinate
SupplementDescription
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
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32 L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate
SupplementDescription
Supplement for vitamin C, which can help to prevent oxidative damages by radicals, maintain healthy skin, and boost the immune system.
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33 Niacin
SupplementDescription
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
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34 Thiamine
SupplementDescription
A supplement for vitamin B1, which is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
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35 Riboflavin
SupplementDescription
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
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36 Vitamin A Supplement
SupplementDescription
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
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37 Vitamin D3 Supplement
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).
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38 Vitamin B12 Supplement
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.
Tips
- Named animal proteins near the top: Deboned Chicken, Chicken are listed early in the ingredient panel.
- Higher-priority ingredients to review: Cellulose.
- Higher-caution ingredients: Cellulose have caution notes in the ingredient database.
- Possible allergy triggers: Barley have allergen notes; review them if your pet has sensitivities.
- Possible digestion triggers: Barley, Cellulose have digestion notes; watch tolerance if your pet has a sensitive stomach.
Protein Analysis
How this recipe earned its protein scores.
Protein Clarity
High- Named 93%
- Unnamed 7%
Strong clarity: 93% of PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe's animal-protein ingredients are clearly named (like chicken or salmon). Only 7% 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 95%
- Auxiliary 5%
Meat-forward: 95% of the weighted protein in PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe 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
PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe dry cat food Review
PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe is a strong choice — rated 4.5 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 that thrive on muscle-meat protein
Avoid if
- Your pet has a grain or gluten sensitivity
- Your pet is allergic to eggs
Key takeaways
- Named animal proteins make up 93% of the recipe's protein panel — a clear sourcing win.
- Contains common allergens: Gluten grains, Egg, Poultry, Red meat, Fish.
- On a dry-matter basis: 53% protein, 20% fat, 9% estimated carbohydrates.
- 95% of the weighted protein comes from animal sources.
- Free from Grains (gluten-free), Dairy, Legumes, Nuts, Shellfish, Unknown Meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe good for cats?
Yes — rated 4.5 stars, with high ingredient transparency and strong animal protein content.
Does PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe contain Dairy?
No — based on the ingredient list, PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe doesn't include Dairy or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Dairy can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe contain Egg?
Yes — based on the ingredient list, PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe contains Egg, so pets sensitive to Egg should generally avoid this product or consult a vet first.
Does PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe contain Legumes?
No — based on the ingredient list, PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe doesn't include Legumes or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Legumes can typically avoid this allergen here.
Does PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe contain Nuts?
No — based on the ingredient list, PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe doesn't include Nuts or related ingredients, so pets sensitive to Nuts can typically avoid this allergen here.
Is PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe grain-free?
No — the recipe contains Gluten grains.
What are the main protein sources in PURPOSE Free-Range Chicken Recipe?
The top animal proteins are Deboned Chicken, Chicken, White Fish — clearly named, so you can verify the source.
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