Published Feb 25, 2019
This Purina brand claims to go above and beyond to provide nutritious, high-quality natural food for pets. But is Beyond really a good choice for your cat? Find out in our unbiased Beyond cat food review.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Beyond on What Matters
We’ve analyzed Beyond 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 – 6/10
- Ingredient Quality – 7/10
- Product Variety – 8/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 5/10
Overall Score: 6.8/10
We give Beyond cat food a 41 out of 60 rating or a B- grade.
About Beyond
Beyond is a Nestlé-Purina brand emphasizing natural ingredients and traceability. The brand is Purina’s answer to the growing demand for natural foods made from simple, identifiable ingredients.
The Purina company dates back to 1894 and has since become a leader in the pet food industry. In addition to Beyond, the Purina company owns pet food brands including Friskies, Fancy Feast, Kit & Kaboodle, Muse, and more.
Beyond Video Review
Sourcing And Manufacturing
Most, but not all, of the ingredients used in Beyond cat food are sourced from North America. The company also buys ingredients from France, Japan, China, New Zealand, Chile, and other countries. As part of the brand’s traceability guarantee, they provide sourcing information for every ingredient. Their ingredient guide shares the origins of all of the grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids used in Purina Beyond food.
All of their suppliers are approved using a 32-step evaluation process, taking into account the supplier’s business integrity, safety and health standards, labor standards, and environmental standards.
Like other Purina brands, Beyond cat food is manufactured in Purina-owned facilities in the United States.
Has Beyond Cat Food Been Recalled?
Purina Beyond cat food has never been recalled, but other Purina brands have been recalled multiple times. Since they’re manufactured in the same facilities, it’s possible that recalls affecting other Purina brands will also impact Purina Beyond.
What Kinds Of Cat Food Does Beyond Offer?
The Beyond cat food lineup includes wet cat food, dry cat food, and treats. All Beyond foods are made without artificial additives including colors, flavors, and preservatives and are covered by the Traceability Guarantee.
Grain-Free
This line includes both wet and dry foods. All Purina Beyond Grain-Free foods are free of corn, wheat, and soy.
Indoor
This line includes two recipes. One is dry food and the other is a wet recipe. Compared to the recipes in other lines, Beyond Indoor has 10% less fat, along with added fiber and antioxidants for immune health.
Non-GMO Simple Origins
All of the foods in this line are canned recipes that have been certified GMO-free by the Non-GMO Project.
WILD
The WILD line includes dry and wet foods. Their dry foods are 38% protein, grain-free, and include freeze-dried chunks of meat. Their wet recipes are meat-based foods made with muscle and organ meats and no grains.
Beyond Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
| Beyond Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish & Egg Dry Cat Food | Dry | $3.07 per lb | B |
| Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | $3.6 per lb | B |
| Beyond Grain-Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Recipe in Gravy Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.31 per oz | B |
#1 Purina Beyond Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish & Egg Recipe Dry Cat Food
Ocean whitefish and chicken meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
This grain-free dry food is one of Beyond’s most popular cat food recipes. Because the food is called “Ocean Whitefish & Egg Recipe”, FDA regulations state that the food must be 25% whitefish and egg combined on a dry matter basis.
Ocean whitefish is the first ingredient. While fish can be a great source of nutrition and most cats love the way it tastes, ocean fish is often contaminated with heavy metals and toxins. For this reason, fish-based foods aren’t ideal. The food, however, contains plenty of protein sources in addition to fish.
The second ingredient is chicken meal, which is chicken with water and fat removed. Because it’s dehydrated before cooking, chicken meal is a concentrated source of animal protein. The egg mentioned in the food’s name is the sixth ingredient. It comes in the form of “dried egg product”.
In addition to sources of animal protein, the food contains pea protein. It also contains pea starch, which is a rich source of amylose, a polysaccharide with excellent binding and thickening properties. The food contains cassava root flour, which is made from the fibrous cassava root and is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.
It contains several other plant ingredients, including dried yeast, canola meal, pea fiber, and dried sweet potatoes. All of these ingredients contribute to the food’s relatively high carbohydrate content. Before a series of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, the ingredient list mentions beef fat as a primary source of fatty acids and natural liver flavor for improved palatability.
Overall, this food has moderate protein content from a combination of animal and plant sources, low fat, and high carbohydrate content.
Beyond Grain-Free Ocean Whitefish & Egg has 467 calories per cup.
Ingredients
Ocean Whitefish, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour, Dried Egg Product, Beef Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Yeast, Canola Meal, Pea Fiber, Natural Liver Flavor, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Potassium Chloride, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Sodium Bisulfate, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement], Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite].
Ingredients We Liked: Beef Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour, Canola Meal, Pea Fiber, Dried Sweet Potatoes
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Made primarily from named meats rather than animal by-products
- Animal protein sources are the first two ingredients
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- High plant content
- Like all dry foods, this product doesn’t provide the hydration cats need
#2 Purina Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Review
Chicken and chicken meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
This grain-free dry food is similar to the one listed above, but instead of ocean whitefish, it’s primarily made from chicken. Chicken and egg combined account for at least 25% of the recipe on a dry matter basis.
This is reflected in the presence of chicken as the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal. While “chicken” refers to moisture-rich fresh chicken, chicken meal has the fat and water removed before cooking and is a concentrated source of animal protein.
Pea protein is a secondary source of protein. While it’s not clear which protein sources are most digestible for cats, plant protein may have lower bioavailability compared to animal proteins. Pea protein is followed by pea starch and cassava root flour, both of which are concentrated sources of carbohydrates.
The food contains dried egg product as a species-appropriate and highly-digestible source of protein. It uses beef fat as a primary fat source. Dried yeast, canola meal, pea fiber, and dried carrots appear later on the ingredient list, adding fiber, carbohydrates, and trace nutrients.
The food contains “natural flavor”, an additive typically made from hydrolyzed animal tissue. At the end of the ingredient list is a long series of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids added to make the food nutritionally complete.
Overall, this dry food has moderate protein content from a mixture of animal and plant sources, low fat, and high carbohydrate content.
Each cup of Beyond Chicken & Egg Recipe dry food has 454 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour, Dried Egg Product, Beef Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Yeast, Canola Meal, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Dried Carrots, Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Bisulfate, Salt, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Folic Acid, Biotin, Sodium Selenite.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Beef Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Pea Fiber, Dried Carrots
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains named meats rather than by-products
- Free of artificial additives
- Cats love the food’s flavor
Cons
- High plant content
- Doesn’t provide the hydration cats need
#3 Beyond Grain-Free Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Recipe in Gravy Canned Cat Food Review
Turkey appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
This canned food from Beyond’s grain-free line is made primarily from turkey and other poultry ingredients, along with a handful of veggies, thickeners, and synthetic nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list.
The first ingredient is poultry broth, which contributes to the foods 82% water content. The second ingredient is one mentioned in the name—turkey meat. It’s paired with chicken as a second source of animal protein. Liver is the fourth ingredient. This liver may be taken from any number of animals, so its presence makes the food inappropriate for cats with allergies to animal proteins.
The food contains dried egg product as a highly-bioavailable source of protein and other nutrients, followed by a series of plant ingredients. These include carbohydrate-dense sweet potato, spinach, and potato starch.
The food gets a flavor boost from “natural flavor”, which is typically made from hydrolyzed animal tissues. Guar gum appears as a thickener.
Finally, the recipe includes a long series of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary to make the food nutritionally complete.
Overall, this is a meat-based wet food that’s rich in animal protein with low fat and high carbohydrate content.
There are 75 calories in each 3-oz can or 25 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Poultry Broth, Turkey, Chicken, Liver, Dried Egg Product, Sweet Potato, Spinach, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sweet Potato, Spinach, Potato Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Primarily made from animal protein
- Primarily made from named meats rather than animal by-products
- Made without carrageenan
- Moisture-rich for hydration
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
What Do Customers Think Of Beyond Cat Food?
Purina Beyond is a well-liked brand that receives consistently positive reviews. Customers on Amazon and Chewy give it four to five-star reviews, with most Beyond dry foods receiving 4.5 stars and higher. Here’s what a few real customers have to say.
Positive Reviews
“I have 50 cats that I have rescued or saved to have a home forever. You can imagine all of the cat foods I have tried. Although it is a bit expensive (because I am feeding 50 cats). This is the only food the dishes are empty by the next feeding. It is grain free and gluten free, we also mix it with the Ocean White Fish. Not many stores carry this chicken in the 16 lb bag. Thank you Chewy!” – Nicky, reviewing Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
“I’ve spent hundreds on healthy cat food and could not get my cat to eat it. I saw the spinach and veggies on the label and I lost hope. BUT…i put in in the dish and he ate it. He not only ate it but he inhaled it. I can’t tell you how happy I am! Shocked!” – Marley, reviewing Beyond Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Negative Reviews
“I ordered this because it says no poultry by-product meal. If I had not read the bag when it arrived, my cat could have been very ill; if not worse. It clearly states on the bag that it does have poultry. I called & got my money back. Please read the ingredients before you give it to your kitty, no matter what you read online!” – Dani227, reviewing Beyond Ocean Whitefish & Egg Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
“My cats will not eat. It is kind of gross looking and smell will not buy again. Staying with American journey” – Lori, reviewing Beyond Turkey, Sweet Potato & Spinach Grain-Free Recipe Wet Cat Food
How Much Does Beyond Cat Food Cost?
Purina Beyond cat food is a moderately-priced brand. Breaking it down into daily feeding costs, Beyond dry food will cost between $0.34 and $0.42 per day for a 10-lb cat. Beyond WILD wet recipes would cost about $3.63 per day and Beyond’s Grain-Free wet food line would cost closer to $3.09 per day.
Overall, Is Beyond A Good Choice?
Thanks to its ingredient quality and the absence of potentially harmful additives, Purina Beyond appears to be one of the best brands in the Purina family.
While most of their dry foods and some of their wet recipes are high in carbohydrate content and plant inclusions, Purina Beyond WILD canned foods stand out with their low plant content and the use of select organ meats.
Where Is Beyond Cat Food Sold?
Beyond is available in big box stores, groceries, and some pet retailers. Online, you can buy Purina Beyond cat food through Target, PetSmart, Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart.