Published Jul 3, 2021
Iams claims that their food provides “nutrition that’s tailored to bring out their unique best”, but will Iams cat food bring out the best in your cat? Let’s learn more about Iams to determine whether or not it’s a healthy, high-quality choice.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Iams on What Matters
We’ve taken a close look at Iams 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 scored in each of these six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 5/10
- Ingredient Quality – 5/10
- Product Variety – 6/10
- Price – 4/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 4/10
Overall Score: 5.1/10
In total, we give Iams cat food a 31 out of 60 rating or a D grade.
About Iams
Iams is owned by Mars, Inc., with the exception of their European branch, which is owned and manufactured by Spectrum Brands.
Iams was created in 1946 by Paul Iams, a self-taught animal nutritionist from Ohio. Iams originally made and sold high-protein, high-fat dog food. In 1950, Iams developed the first dry dog food made primarily from animal-based protein. The company later expanded into cat food.
In 1999, the company was sold to Procter & Gamble (P&G), allowing Iams cat food to reach 70 countries worldwide. In the spring of 2014, P&G announced that it would sell Iams, Eukanuba, and Natura to Mars, Incorporated, retaining ownership of the products sold in the European market.
Mars Petcare is the world’s largest pet food company. In 2017, it took in over 17 billion dollars in revenue. In addition to Iams, the conglomerate is behind over 40 other pet food brands, including Crave, Whiskas, and Royal Canin.
At the end of the 2014, P&G sold Iams’ European division to Spectrum Brands. Spectrum Brands’ pet care division includes One Earth pet food, Furminator, LitterMaid, and Nature’s Miracle.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Most Iams pet food is manufactured in the United States. Iams manufacturing facilities are located in Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina. The brand’s European division has a plant in Coevorden, a city in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands.
Iams explains that their food safety program is one of the strictest in the business, exceeding FDA and USDA standards. The company adds that they receive superior ratings from the American Institute of Baking, an independent certification authority for the human food industry.
Iams doesn’t say where their ingredients are sourced. All Mars subsidiaries work with Mars’ Responsible Sourcing program and their Supplier Code of Conduct, both of which mean that the company uses third-party supplier risk assessment to choose ethical, reliable suppliers.
Has Iams Cat Food Been Recalled?
Iams has been recalled several times since its founding in the 1940s. Here’s an overview of the most recent events in the brand’s recall history.
2013
In March of 2013, Iams Shakeables dog treats were recalled due to potential mold growth. Later that summer, several varieties of Iams dog food were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
2011
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food was recalled due to aflatoxin mold contamination.
2010
In June of 2010, Iams ProActive Health canned cat and kitten food was recalled due to low levels of thiamine. The next month, one lot of Feline Renal formula was recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
2007
Like many other brands sourcing ingredients from China that year, Iams issued a recall of several varieties of both cat and dog food due to potential melamine contamination.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Iams Offer?
Iams emphasizes tailored nutrition for cats’ individual needs, saying that their recipes are crafted for cats of specific life stages and activity levels.
Their dry cat food selection is limited to the ProActive Health line, while their wet selection is broken down into three lines—Purrfect Delights, Purrfect Delicacies, and Perfect Portions.
Iams Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
| Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food | Dry | $2.25 per lb | C |
| Iams ProActive Health Healthy Adult Original with Chicken Dry Cat Food | Dry | $2.33 per lb | C |
| Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Cat Food | Wet | $0.48 per oz | B- |
#1 Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food Review
Chicken and chicken by-product meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
This is a low-calorie, high-fiber food marketed for indoor cat guardians. Theoretically, these qualities help control indoor cats’ propensity to become obese and develop hairballs.
The recipe features chicken and chicken by-product meal as the first two ingredients. These meat ingredients are followed by a series of grains—corn grits, corn gluten meal, and ground whole grain sorghum feature prominently on the ingredient list. Dried beet pulp and powdered cellulose serve as fiber sources.
The food contains fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Traces of carrots, spinach, and dried apple pomace also appear on the ingredient list. The food contains caramel color, a dye that may contain 2-MI and 4-MI, process contaminants with potential carcinogenic properties.
Overall, this food has moderate protein content, low fat, and high carbohydrate matter. Each cup contains 332 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Dried Beet Pulp, Turkey, Powdered Cellulose, Dried Peas, Natural Flavor, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Caramel Color, Sodium Bisulfate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Carrots, Dried Apple Pomace, Calcium Carbonate Fructooligosaccharides, Spinach, Tomato, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), Taurine, L-Carnitine, Silicon Dioxide, Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Fish Oil, Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Dried Peas, Caramel Color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains fish oil as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Made with animal by-products, which may not offer optimal digestibility
- Made with low-value plant ingredients
- Contains caramel color
#2 Iams ProActive Health Healthy Adult Original with Chicken Dry Cat Food
Chicken and chicken by-product meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
This adult maintenance food features chicken and chicken by-product meal as the first two ingredients, followed by several forms of corn. Corn and its derivatives appear as ground whole grain corn, corn grits, and corn gluten meal.
One of this food’s positive points is its use of animal fats. It contains both chicken fat and fish oil. Iams says that the food has an optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Overall, the food has moderate protein content, low-to-moderate fat, and high carbohydrate content. There are 373 calories in each cup of this cat food.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sodium Bisulfate, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of Vitamin B2), Inositol, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Fat, Turkey
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Dried Peas, Caramel Color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made with animal-sourced fats
- A good source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Contains caramel color
#3 Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Review
Chicken appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
This tasty recipe canned food is made primarily from flaked chicken set in sauce. The sauce is thickened with modified tapioca starch and guar gum. While they add to the commercial value of the food, these thickeners aren’t nutritionally necessary.
As a carnivore-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids, the food contains fish oil as a primary fat source.
Overall, this chicken-based wet food is high in protein with low fat and moderate carbohydrate content. Each 3 oz can contains 85 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Meat By-Products, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Glycine, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Natural Flavor, Magnesium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Caramel Color, Taurine, Fructooligosaccharides, DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Guar Gum, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K).
Ingredients We Liked: None
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch, Caramel Color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains fish oil as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- High in carbohydrates compared to other wet foods
- Contains caramel color
What Do Customers Think of Iams Cat Food?
Iams cat food receives primarily positive customer reviews, though the brand has come under fire at least once in recent memory. Thousands of people boycotted Iams after learning about the treatment of animals in a research facility doing contract work for Iams.
In 2002 and 2003, the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) conducted an undercover investigation of the Sinclair Research Center, a contract laboratory for Iams. PETA investigators released video footage from the lab, some of which you can watch on YouTube.
After the footage was released, Iams severed their relationship with Sinclair Research.
Positive Reviews
“I had been feeding my cat Meow mix for years.He was now spitting up his food regularly.A friend recommend I try IAMS and within a couple of weeks, he put on a little needed weight, had a much shiner coat and started playing with his toys and running around the house. He is about 12 years old and has not done that for years.He rarely ever spits up his food now as well!” – Don1, reviewing Iams ProActive Heart Healthy Adult dry cat food
“My cat is crazy about this super stinky, kinda gross looking cat food. He totally lost his desire to eat after stomatitis pain became too much for him, but this food has made him happy to eat again, so much so that I will have to order double the amount I anticipated he would eat. I tried a lot more expensive types of food, but kept finding there were chicken ingredients added even though the flavor would be seafood or fish. We will stick with this variety due to price and eagerness to eat.” – Jessica, reviewing Iams Purrfect Delights Tuna-Topia in Sauce wet cat food
Negative Reviews
“I have one cat addicted to the stuff and he came to me that way and I have not been able to switch him over to anything as yet…still trying though. This food is loaded with GARBAGE! Grains, by products…all the stuff you don’t want them to have. One day I WILL get him off of this.” – SharonNatsarim, reviewing ProActive Heart Healthy Adult dry cat food
“After going to the vets, they informed us that since Iams was bought out the new company has cheapen the products, cats & dogs, by putting in carmel coloring which IS NOT GOOD FOR OUR PETS! We are looking for new products now.” – Iamsproducts, reviewing Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control dry cat food
How Much Does Iams Cat Food Cost?
It would cost about $0.45 per day to feed a 10-lb cat one of the Iams dry foods reviewed above.
The Iams canned food reviewed above costs roughly $2.62 each day. If you prefer a food packed in a tray, Iams Perfect Portions food is more expensive at about $3.76 per day.
Most Iams foods have prices comparable to mid-level brands like Purina Beyond or Rachael Ray Nutrish, with some of their wet foods entering premium price territory. Even their most expensive foods contain low-cost or unnecessary ingredients that you might not find in similarly-priced foods.
Overall, Is Iams a Good Choice?
Many cats and their guardians love Iams, but it’s not a brand we’d recommend.
Iams has issued at least six recalls since 2004, suggesting flaws in their quality control and safety program. Iams foods are moderately-priced, but have ingredient lists similar to those found in budget products.
Where Is Iams Cat Food Sold?
Iams is widely distributed around the world. It’s available in grocery stores, big box stores, and pet food retailers. Click here to find Iams in a store near you.
Online, you can buy Iams on Amazon, PetSmart, Chewy, Walmart, PetFlow, Petco, PetFoodDirect, Target, and Wag.com.
Could you please review your Iams Perfect Portions Wet Food review? It does not make sense. First it says that fish oil is not an appropriate source of fat, but then it’s listed in the pros column as appropriate. The cons say that it contains carrageenan, but I do not see it listed in the ingredients. And a 2.6% carb percentage seems much lower than “moderate.” I am not sure what to make of it all.
That is really confusing! I don’t remember writing anything so strange—my apologies. Fish oil should definitely be consistently referred to as a species-appropriate source of fat. I’m correcting that now. Regarding the carbohydrate content, the original article did not have the pie charts, and the “moderate” descriptor referred to my assessment based on the guaranteed analysis, which yielded an estimate of 14% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.
Your Iams Perfect Portions Wet Food review says it has carrageenan but the ingredient list doesn’t have it, did it come up in the lab result then?
Hi! That’s an excellent question. I’m not sure where the discrepancy comes from and am updating the article to remove the references to carrageenan—the ingredient list is accurate.
Which is correct on the Iams kitten? The pie chart of 2 something % or 14%? Do you consider 2% low? Im new to the cat world & still learning. Thanks so much Mallory! 😉
Pretty much a puff piece written by cat mommy. I will get my advice from Cornell’s Feline Health Center.
Um if “Chicken-based food isn’t ideal for long-term feeding” then what is?
Hello Domi, when this article was written originally, I said this thinking that continued consumption of a chicken-only diet may lead to allergies, but given that the food isn’t even entirely made from chicken, I think this statement was incorrect. I’ve removed it from the article.
I’ve fed all my pets Iams for the last 30 years and encouraged many friends to get away from the usual supermarket brands and go to Iam. The animals have all been happy and active and lived long lives. I allow cats to free feed and find that with Iam they eat less and leave less in the litterbox so I must conclude they are able to better digest it and get what they need.
Hi my cat has been having the digestion and skin one and she seems ok on it but what other brands would you suggest for these problems, also weight gain
Thanks
Trena
Hi there! We have a full list of the best foods for cats with sensitive digestion! I think you’ll appreciate it.
Hi Mallory.
I have used Iams for many years now (2003).
In particular, the wet food is what I see the biggest difference in concerning my senior cats and those with Fiv or Leukemia.
They have a noticeable amount of energy change to higher and more alertness.
This can’t be an accident.
When I questioned my vet – who’s not a big fan of theirs – she simply preferred Science Diet brand.
I think that Iams wet or dry must contain more antioxidants than other store bought brands and likely more absorbable ingredients.
On tbe dry: I tested this as I did the wet except on the younger cats….plus some that were outside.
Every single one of them metabolized the cheaper brands twice as fast and my indoor cats in addition had horrible smelling poop – no matter the brand (kit n kaboodle, 9 Lives, Friskies).
As one person on here already stated, with Iams they stay full longer and seem happier with it.
*the outside cats I noticed, who were also fed cheap food by a neighbor, as I switched back to Iams – though they ate a little less – became very demanding as if it were something special.
I did this multiple times spending a week or 2 on cheap food and then switching back to Iams and it was the exact same each time.
To me they have the health part down as well as the taste part down to.