Published Mar 28, 2019
4health promises great nutrition at a low price, but is it really better than the average economy brand? Find out in our unbiased 4health cat food review.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating 4health on What Matters
We’ve analyzed 4health and graded it according to the Cats.com standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s how it rates in each of these six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 5/10
- Ingredient Quality – 5/10
- Product Variety – 5/10
- Price – 8/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 3/10
Overall Score: 5.7/10
*We give 4health cat food a 34 out of 60 rating or a C grade.
About 4health
This brand is owned by Tractor Supply Co., an American home and ranch chain based in Tennessee. Tractor Supply began in 1938 as a mail order tractor part supply company. By 2004, the company was listed as one of Fortune magazine’s 100 fastest growing businesses.
Pet food and supplies are a major part of Tractor Supply’s business. As of the company’s 2017 report, livestock and pet products accounted for 47% of the chain’s total sales.
4health is marketed as a better kind of store brand—one that offers “Premium Ingredients at a Great Value”.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
4health is made by Diamond Pet Food, a US-based pet food manufacturer that also makes food for Taste of the Wild, Canidae, and other brands. Diamond owns five manufacturing facilities scattered across the United States.
4health’s ingredients are sourced primarily from the United States, though Diamond obtains a few ingredients from other countries including France, Belgium, and New Zealand. Folic acid, taurine, and potentially some other ingredients are sourced from China.
Has 4health Cat Food Been Recalled?
4health food has been recalled twice and other Diamond-produced brands have been recalled multiple times over the years. We won’t get into all the Diamond brand recalls now, but here are more details on 4health’s recall history.
- In 2013, Diamond recalled several cat food brands, including 4health, due to potentially insufficient thiamine levels.
- In 2012, Diamond recalled all 4health food manufactured in Gaston, South Carolina due to potential salmonella contamination.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does 4health Offer?
4health’s cat food lineup includes both wet and dry recipes. Whether wet or dry, 4health recipes feature meat as the first ingredient, complemented by a variety of fruits and vegetables. None of their formulas contain corn, soy, or wheat.
In addition to the standard vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that make each recipe nutritionally complete, 4health foods are enhanced with species-specific probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- The Original line includes one dry cat food recipe for all life stages.
- 4health’s Grain-Free line includes 13 products—four dry cat foods and nine canned recipes.
- Untamed™ is a grain-free line that includes two dry recipes for cats.
- The Special Care line addresses health conditions, including weight management, sensitive skin, and sensitive stomachs. It includes six recipes. Two are dry and four are canned foods.
4health Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
| 4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food | Dry | $0.08 per lb | C- |
| 4health Grain-Free Whitefish & Potato Formula for Adult Cats | Dry | $0.12 per lb | C- |
| 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth for Cats | Wet | $0.18 per oz | B+ |
#1 4health Grain Free Indoor Adult Cat Food Review
Chicken appears to be the primary protein source in this dry cat food.
4health says this chicken-based dry food was developed to meet the nutritional needs of indoor cats. Like most indoor cat food, it’s relatively low in calories to help less-active indoor cats maintain a healthy weight. It also includes antioxidants and omega fatty acids for superior skin and coat health.
But, really, what’s this food made of? Let’s take a closer look.
The ingredient list starts with chicken, a species-appropriate ingredient loaded with protein and other nutrients. The second ingredient is chicken meal. This dehydrated form of chicken has water and fat removed and is a concentrated source of protein. While some suggest that rendering reduces digestibility, experiments show that chicken meal is just as digestible as fresh chicken—if not more. Turkey meal and a small amount of ocean fish meal are included later on the ingredient list as additional sources of animal protein.
A series of legumes increase the food’s protein, fiber, and carbohydrate content. The food contains garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils.
Like other foods made for indoor cats, the food contains powdered cellulose—wood pulp—as a source of fiber. It’s thought that fiber may help to reduce hairballs and some believe it could increase satiety.
Chicken fat is the food’s primary fat source, providing a variety of bioavailable fatty acids.
The food is supplemented with a variety of probiotics along with dried chicory root as a source of prebiotic fiber.
The food contains traces of tomatoes, blueberries, and cranberries as sources of antioxidants. It’s fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to make each meal nutritionally complete for adult cats.
Overall, this is a plant-rich food that’s low in protein with low fat and high carbohydrate content.
Each cup of the food has 313 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Turkey Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Sodium Bisulfate, Dl-methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, L-carnitine, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Cranberries, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Powdered Cellulose, Lentils
Common Allergens: Chicken
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made with named meat and meat meals
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Low moisture content
- Very low in fat
- Appears to be primarily made from plant ingredients
#2 4health Grain-Free Whitefish & Potato Review
Whitefish and fish meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
This kibble is a grain-free product featuring a combination of fish, fish meal, and a variety of plant ingredients.
The food’s first ingredient is “whitefish”. The name doesn’t refer to any single fish species. Instead, it’s a fisheries term used to refer to various species of white-fleshed fish living in both fresh and saltwater environments. It’s unclear which type—or types—of whitefish is present in this 4health food, but it’s likely some combination of haddock, whiting, or cod.
The second ingredient is even more vaguely-named. It’s fish meal. This ingredient is typically salvaged from the ocean catch that isn’t usable for human consumption—also known as trash fish. These fish may be perfectly edible and safe, but they aren’t popular or marketable for people and are sent off to be dried and pulverized for use in animal feed. Fish meal may be partially composed of the by-products of fish processing, including offal and bones. Turkey meal is added as a third source of animal protein. Later on the ingredient list, the food contains a small amount of fresh turkey.
Dried ground peas round out the food in several ways. They add to the food’s carbohydrate content, contribute fiber, and help to give the kibble shape and structure. The food contains tapioca as a secondary binding ingredient. It’s a high-starch ingredient that adds significantly to its carbohydrate content.
Egg product is the next ingredient. It’s unclear if this ingredient is made from human-quality eggs or if it’s a waste product utilized from human food processing. We don’t know how digestible it is.
Chicken fat is added as the food’s primary fat source. Nearing the end of the ingredient list is whole dried potato, a minimally nutritious ingredient that’s rich in carbohydrates. There’s also natural flavor, an additive usually made from hydrolyzed animal tissue.
The food contains pea protein, a concentrated source of plant protein sometimes used as an economical alternative to animal-sourced protein. Dried plain beet pulp is added as a source of fiber. The food is supplemented with trace amounts of dried carrots, whole flaxseed, and dried cranberry. It contains a variety of probiotic bacteria and dried chicory root as a source of prebiotic fiber.
Finally, the recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to make it nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cats.
Overall, the food has moderate protein content, moderate fat, and high carbohydrate content.
The food has 359 calories per cup.
Ingredients
Whitefish, Fish Meal, Dried Ground Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Turkey Meal, Tapioca, Egg Product, Turkey, Whole Dried Potato, Natural Flavor, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Carrots, Whole Flaxseed, Dried Cranberry, Taurine, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Sulfate, Potassium Iodide.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Fat, Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Ground Peas, Tapioca, Whole Dried Potato, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
Common Allergens: Fish
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Relies on animal-sourced fats
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Contains vaguely-named fish meal
- Dry food lacks the moisture cats need
#3 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth for Cats Review
Chicken appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
The first canned food on the list is made with loads of fresh chicken, including muscle meat and chicken liver, a species-appropriate source of nutrients and protein. Along with chicken, the food features dried egg product as a source of animal protein. This ingredient could be made from human-quality eggs or consist of dehydrated waste from egg processing. Potato starch is added to thicken the gravy.
This canned food has a touch of “natural flavor”, an additive typically made from hydrolyzed animal tissue. The food is stabilized with guar gum, a natural thickening agent derived from guar beans. It’s not a species-appropriate ingredient, but in the small quantities found in cat food, it shouldn’t cause health problems.
The food is supplemented with cranberries and ground flaxseed. Menhaden fish oil is added as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s not the only source of fat in the food. It also contains sunflower oil, a plant-sourced fat.
The food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that make it nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cats.
Overall, this food is high in animal protein with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content.
The food has 78 calories in each 3-ounce can or 26 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Cranberries, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Inulin, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch
Common Allergens: Chicken
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Relatively low in carbohydrates
- Made from named meats rather than vaguely-labeled meals and by-products
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Thickened without carrageenan
Cons
- Contains some plant ingredients
What Do Customers Think of 4health Cat Food?
4health gets almost exclusively positive reviews. Happy customers like that the brand meets both their nutritional standards and their price needs. Most negative reviewers say their cat didn’t like the food or experienced GI problems after switching to it.
Positive Reviews
“It’s nice to find a good grain free cat food that’s affordable. My cats seem to be doing very well with it.” – Michelle 17, reviewing 4health Grain-Free Indoor Cat Food
“I have two Maine Coons, and they love it! I love that’s it’s healthy for them, and saves me money.” – LB89, reviewing 4health Grain-Free Chicken Recipe in Broth
Negative Reviews
“Been feeding 4Health Grain Free Indoor Cat Formula dry in the teal blue and brown bag to a multi cat household for about 2 years. It worked perfectly for ages from under 1 year to 10 years old and even for our 9 year old who suffers from en extreme sensitive stomach and IBD. Recently, it became difficult to find in stock, then packaging changed. I didn’t realize the formula changed, as well, until my sensitive stomach cat started having issues again. A salty preservative called potassium chloride was added, which may seem insignificant, but for those with cats having digestive issues, any change can cause major problems. I gave her time to adjust, but she only became worse. I’ve been hunting down small bags of then original formula where I can and feeding her separately until i can find an alternative. We spent years and hundreds upon hundreds of dollars and so much time and energy researching ingredients getting this one cat to a healthy point and were beyond relieved to discover the 4Health grain free indoor formula sufficient for her AND all the others. Needless to say this formula changed has not been a positive change in my household.” – Anonymous, reviewing 4health Indoor Cat Food
“My two cats loved the taste of this food, but it did a number on their stomachs. I had a voucher from the pet care clinic in the store (booster shots) to get a bag free and I decided to give it a try. Neither cat had gas or loose stools when using other brands of food. It took several days for their systems to show signs of a change but the evidence of the change was pretty clear. I have since changed them back to their previous brand of food and their stomach problems have cleared up.” – FarmallGuy, reviewing 4Health Grain-Free Whitefish, Pea & Potato with Real Turkey Recipe
How Much Does 4health Cat Food Cost?
If you’re feeding the average 10-lb cat, 4health’s dry recipes will cost from $0.16 to $0.24 per day—just a few cents more expensive than budget brands like 9Lives and Friskies. 4health’s canned food is more expensive than its kibble. 4health wet cat food costs about $1.62 per day.
Unlike the average economy brand, most 4health recipes are made without animal by-products, artificial colors, and potentially harmful preservatives. Its recipes are similar to those offered by brands like Merrick—at a third of the price.
Overall, Is 4Health a Good Choice?
4health is a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to grain-free natural foods. Their foods aren’t flawless, but they dodge some of the most common pitfalls of other economy brands.
Their wet foods are relatively low in carbohydrates and combine muscle meat and organs without bowing to the use of animal by-products, and they’re free of carrageenan. 4health dry foods are less impressive, but they, too, have some good qualities. Unlike similarly-priced kibble, most 4health dry foods contain named meats and don’t rely heavily on plant and meat by-products.
4health products, especially their wet foods, are worth trying out if you’re looking for an economical, meat-based food.
Where Is 4health Cat Food Sold?
It’s a Tractor Supply exclusive brand. You can buy it at your local Tractor Supply store or online on Tractor Supply’s website. It’s also sold on Amazon, but with a limited product selection.
Are you still making the 4health Salmon Recipe for Adult Cats? I can’t find it anywhere and the Tractor Supply Company has no clue of what is going on with this wet cat food in a 5.5 oz can. Please let me know where I can find a case of this wet cat food. All I get is this: Item is currently not available for Pickup at this store. Check availability at nearby stores
Standard Delivery
Item is currently not available for Standard Delivery. Check other delivery options.
Same Day Delivery
Item is currently not available for Same Day Delivery. Check other delivery options.
There are NO OTHER OPTIONS!
Let me cat starve to death and die from hunger.
Thank you,
F. C.
Hi there! I was unable to find more information on what’s happening with the 4health salmon recipe. You may need to start switching to a different recipe—there are a number of good salmon-based cat foods out there that your cat may like. Nulo, for example, offers some fish-based recipes that your cat might enjoy and which are similarly priced to 4health. https://nulo.com/collections/wet-food-for-cat
Hi there, I work at TSC and also feed my cats the 4health wet food. I have been trying to get the pack of wet food for months now but we have not received it in my store. There are huge supply chain issues affecting us beyond anyone’s control. If you are looking for a good brand to switch to at your local tractor supply I highly recommend Blue Wilderness! You’ll pay tad more, but get in my opinion, even better quality cat food your kitty will love.
I feel your pain. I know this message is a couple of years late, but I have some inside information about Tractor Supply Company. I worked in the warehouse for a year and a half and I can verify the statement, “Tractor Supply Company has no clue” is inarguably 100% correct. The warehouse I worked at in Arizona had an annual turnover rate of 80% and they bragged about it. So it makes sense that you could not find someone who could answer your question. Hope this helps! 😸
Why am I unable to find 4Health All Life Stages dry cat food at Tractor Supply?
What would be a good substitute as I am running out.
Has the product been recalled?
I look forward to your reply.
Thank you
Hello Ila, thanks for the question. No, 4Health cat food has not been recalled, and I’m not sure why the food is not available in your particular store. I was able to find this food in-store locally, so you may need to order it through Amazon until they have it back in stock.
Can you provide me information about the phos content of 4health wet cat food products? I have a cat in early renal disease and am looking for an affordable wet food to supplement his dry prescription diet.
Hi Ellie, thanks for the comment! I’m afraid I don’t have that information right now, but I’ll give the company a call tomorrow and see what I can find for you. Will get back to you with whatever information I can find!
Thank you! I appreciate your assistance with this.
For their larger cans, the food DOES contain carrageenan so it is not carageenan-free.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention!
Mallory, I’m so excited to try the TS wet food. It’s extremely affordable & since I spend so much on dry food & homemade it’s going to be very helpful. Assuming Junior likes it. I especially like the fact the chicken recipe only contains chicken at the protein source & every can is an additional 10 cents off right now. I live close to two TS stores & I would have never even considered their wet food without your review. Thank you so much. Your hard work is so beneficial & greatly appreciated! 😀
Really hope it works for you. Thanks, Joe.
Unfortunately the GA had changed on the chicken & broth. At least according to their website & it now has quite a bit more carbs. 🙁
Actually I may be wrong. I was using 1.5 for the ash content because I can’t find it listed on their cite anywhere but if it’s actually 2.7 then it is relatively low carb. I read somewhere a long time ago to use 1.5 for ash in wet foods If not listed. I just bought every can they had left so I hope you are right! 😜 lmao. Let me know If I’m wrong or right in using 1.5 for ash when it’s not listed. I truly trust your opinion. 🙂
Fyi, They have reformulated the Chicken Recipe. It still comes in a tin but the font is a different color green & has “New Formula” on the front. It’s 8.5% protein minimum & it now has pork by products. I’ll list the new guaranteed analysis. Unfortunately it does have more carbs now. 🙁
8.5 protein
6.5 fat
1.5 fiber
78 moisture
124kcal/bowl
Vitamin A 10,000 IU
B12 .005
Taurine. .07
Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, pork by product, water, flaxseed, calcium, canola, carrageenan, egg, fish oil, & the rest is vitamin & minerals.
My cats certainly do enjoy it & thankfully there is no fish but sad to see the dreaded thickener carrageenan. At least the by product is named & some stores still have the original formula. Have a great day!
how is fish oil is not fish?—i used to buy 4 health for my cats because it had no fish–i have one cat that gets struvite crystals in her urine due to fish allergy…BUT they went and changed the recipe !!!! good thing i read labels regulary –it would have cost hundreds at the vvet to fix her blockage–a lot of cat foods are doing this. and i have to be on the alert all the time!!!!!!!!
My mainecoon and my other kitten love the can food we haven’t try the hard food yet the one that for kittens 🐱
My calico has been eating the dry salmon rice formula and I wanted to know if anyone else has been using this for their cat and having issues. My cat has been puking it up frequently but I’m unsure if it’s an issue with the food or if she just loves it so much she’s eating it too fast. I have to change her flavor again either way, but I just wanted to know if anyone else was having health issues with it.
i used to buy 4 health for my cats because it had no fish–i have one cat that gets struvite crystals in her urine due to fish allergy…BUT they went and changed the recipe !!!! good thing i read labels regulary –it would have cost hundreds at the vvet to fix her blockage–a lot of cat foods are doing this. and i have to be on the alert all the time!!!!!!!!
Do you have any pro’s/con’s to feeding kittens the Untamed wet food? I just got the Stillwater Marsh (turkey/duck) and Glacial Stream (chicken/salmon) combo pack. I noticed the fat content (4.5%) might not be high enough for kittens. I noticed it’s not as soft/mushy as the usual foods that I feed them. I appreciate you!
Hi Dani, that 4.5% is on an as-fed basis, with water included. On a dry matter basis, it’s closer to 20%. The food is formulated for all life stages, which means that it has all the nutrients your kitten needs to grow and live well.
I use 4-health catfood for my coon cat. His brother died 6 years ago from a urinary blockage and that’s when I started using 4-health urinary. I can’t say enough GOOD things about it.
Glad you’ve found something that works for your cat, and I’m sorry about the loss of your other cat. Urethral blockage is such a shock. Wishing you all the best!