What to Look for in Quality Cat Food Ingredients: A Complete UK Guide

My desk is currently buried under seven different bags of cat food. Three wet food pouches are propped against my monitor, and somewhere beneath a pile of ingredient lists, there's a cup of tea I made two hours ago. This is what happens when you spend three weeks testing premium cat foods for a living—and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The thing is, most cat owners want to do right by their pets. But standing in the pet food aisle at Tesco, staring at rows of bags all claiming to be "premium" or "natural," it's genuinely hard to know what actually matters. After spending years reviewing pet foods and reading more ingredient labels than I care to count, I've developed what my colleagues jokingly call "the system"—a ranking approach that cuts through the marketing fluff.

So let me share what I've learned about quality cat food ingredients, with a particular look at Nood cat food, the New Zealand brand that's been making waves in UK supermarkets.

Understanding What Cats Actually Need

Before we get into specific ingredients, here's something that surprises many cat owners: cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, who can survive (though not thrive) on a varied diet, cats require meat. Their bodies have evolved specifically to process animal protein—they can't synthesise certain essential nutrients like taurine and arachidonic acid from plant sources.

This isn't just nutritional trivia. It fundamentally changes how you should evaluate cat food. That "complete vegetable blend" some brands trumpet? Your cat's body literally cannot use most of it.

When I first started reviewing pet foods, I made the mistake of thinking high protein percentages were all that mattered. But a cat food could technically hit 30% protein using cheap plant proteins that your cat can barely digest. The source matters enormously.

The Protein Priority

What you want to see at the top of any cat food ingredient list is a named animal protein. And I mean specifically named—"chicken," "salmon," or "turkey," not vague terms like "meat and animal derivatives" or "poultry."

Here's my ranking system for protein sources:

1. Fresh named meat (chicken, salmon, duck) - Best quality, highest digestibility
2. Named meat meal (chicken meal, fish meal) - Concentrated protein, generally good quality
3. Fresh fish - Excellent amino acid profile, though watch for heavy metal concerns in some species
4. Generic meat meal - Quality unknown, I'd avoid
5. Meat by-products - Could be anything from organs to beaks. Not necessarily bad, but transparency matters
6. Plant proteins - Cats struggle to utilise these efficiently

When I look at the best cat food UK options, the difference between premium and budget often comes down to this single factor. Premium brands name their proteins. Budget brands hide behind vague terminology.

What Makes Quality Cat Food? Key Ingredients to Look For

Real Meat as the First Ingredient

The ingredients list on pet food is ordered by weight—whatever appears first makes up the largest proportion. For quality cat food, you want to see a specific, named animal protein in that top spot.

With Nood cat food, for instance, the cage-free chicken recipe lists chicken as the first ingredient, followed by chicken meal. That's a solid start. The "cage-free" designation adds an ethical dimension that matters to many UK pet owners, myself included.

But here's something many people miss: fresh meat contains a lot of water. Once cooked, that chicken shrinks significantly. This is why "chicken meal" appearing second can actually be valuable—it's already had the water removed, so it contributes more actual protein to the final product.

Healthy Fats and Oils

Cats need fat in their diet—it provides energy and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Look for:

• Named animal fats (chicken fat, salmon oil) - Excellent for skin and coat
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids - Support brain function and reduce inflammation
• Fish oils - Particularly beneficial for joint health in senior cats

I tested a salmon cat food variant recently that had noticeably glossy-coated results in the cats I worked with. The omega-3 content was clearly doing its job.

Beneficial Additions

Some ingredients genuinely add value beyond basic nutrition:

Probiotics and prebiotics help maintain gut health. After reviewing dozens of premium cat food UK options, I've noticed the better brands increasingly include these. Nood includes dried yeast in their formulas, which supports digestive health.

Taurine is absolutely essential—cats cannot produce it themselves. Any complete cat food must include it, but you'll often see it added as a supplement to ensure adequate levels.

Antioxidants from natural sources like blueberries and cranberries can support immune function. Nood describes including "superfoods" like blueberries and spinach, which—whilst perhaps a bit marketing-heavy—do provide genuine nutritional benefits.

Cat Food Ingredients to Avoid: Red Flags on the Label

Right, here's where I get a bit ranty. Some ingredients in cat food genuinely concern me, and I wish more UK pet owners knew to watch for them.

Artificial Preservatives

The worst offenders are BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin. These synthetic preservatives have been linked to potential health issues in laboratory studies. Ethoxyquin is actually prohibited in human food, yet it still appears in some pet foods.

Look instead for foods preserved with natural alternatives like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Most quality cat food UK brands have moved away from artificial preservatives, but it's always worth checking.

Artificial Colours

Here's an honest admission: this one baffles me. Cats don't care what colour their food is—they judge food primarily by smell. Artificial colours like Red 40 or Yellow 5 serve absolutely no purpose except making the food look more appealing to humans. And some studies suggest potential links to behavioural issues.

Excessive Carbohydrate Fillers

Cats have no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates. None. Their bodies are designed to get energy from protein and fat. Yet many budget cat foods pack in corn, wheat, and soy as cheap fillers.

I know what some of you are thinking—"But my cat seems fine on a food with grains." And fair enough, cats can tolerate some carbohydrates. But "tolerate" isn't the same as "thrive." Excessive carbs can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues in cats.

When I see rice and tapioca as main ingredients in a cat food marketed as premium (and yes, this is a criticism I'd level at some Nood formulas), I raise an eyebrow. Two of Nood's main ingredients in certain recipes are rice and tapioca, which some reviewers have rightly questioned for an obligate carnivore.

Carrageenan

This seaweed-derived thickening agent appears in many wet cat foods. The concern is that it may cause gastrointestinal inflammation in some animals. The research isn't conclusive, but I personally prefer foods without it when possible.

Unspecified "Meat" and "Animal Derivatives"

If a manufacturer won't tell you what animal their protein comes from, that's a red flag. These vague terms can legally cover almost anything, including what the industry calls "4D meats"—animals that were dead, dying, diseased, or disabled before slaughter.

Nood Cat Food: A Closer Look at Their Ingredient Quality

Let me give you my honest assessment of Nood after spending considerable time with their range.

What Nood Gets Right

Named protein sources: Their cage-free chicken recipe genuinely uses chicken as the primary ingredient. The salmon varieties use actual salmon. No hiding behind vague terminology here.

No artificial nasties: No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. They use natural preservation methods, which I appreciate.

Ethical sourcing claims: The cage-free chicken designation suggests higher welfare standards than conventional chicken farming. For ethically-minded cat owners, this matters.

Grain-free options: Many of their recipes avoid common allergens like wheat and corn.

Superfood additions: Blueberries, spinach, and other nutrient-dense additions provide genuine benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Where Nood Falls Short

I'll be straight with you—no product is perfect, and Nood has some areas for improvement.

Carbohydrate content: Some formulas include rice and tapioca as major ingredients. For an obligate carnivore, this is a compromise. Dry foods especially tend to have higher carb content than I'd ideally like to see.

Mixed reviews on digestibility: Some UK customers have reported digestive issues with Nood products. One Trustpilot reviewer mentioned their cat experiencing vomiting after switching to Nood dry food. This could be individual sensitivity, but it's worth noting.

Price point versus quality: Nood positions itself as premium, but when analysed against truly high-end brands like Orijen or Applaws, the protein content and ingredient quality don't always match the price premium.

Limited UK availability: Currently exclusively at Tesco, which limits options for comparison shopping.

The Verdict on Nood

Is Nood cat food good? Based on my testing, it's solidly above average for a supermarket-available brand. It's certainly better than budget options loaded with fillers and artificial additives. But is it truly premium? I'd rank it mid-tier when compared to specialist pet food brands.

For UK cat owners who want something better than basic supermarket fare without venturing into specialist pet shops or subscription services, Nood represents a reasonable compromise. Just don't expect it to compete with the likes of Lily's Kitchen or Applaws in terms of ingredient purity.

Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which Has Better Ingredients?

This question comes up constantly, and honestly, it depends more on the specific product than the format. But there are some general truths worth understanding.

The Case for Wet Food

Wet food typically contains fewer carbohydrates than dry food—the kibble-making process requires starch to bind everything together. If you're prioritising a diet closer to what cats evolved to eat, best wet cat food UK options generally edge ahead.

Hydration is another major advantage. Cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and have a naturally low thirst drive. Many cats exist in a state of mild chronic dehydration. Wet food helps address this, supporting kidney and urinary tract health.

The Case for Dry Food

Best dry cat food UK options do have their place. They're more convenient, last longer once opened, and can help with dental health (though this benefit is often overstated).

From an ingredient perspective, the challenge with dry food is that carbohydrates are necessary for the manufacturing process. Even the best quality dry cat food will contain more carbs than wet alternatives.

My Recommendation

If budget allows, a combination works well. Wet food for primary meals provides optimal hydration and protein, whilst dry food can serve as an occasional snack or for cats who genuinely prefer kibble. Just read those labels carefully regardless of format.

Ingredients for Senior Cats and Hairball Control

Special life stages and health concerns require additional ingredient considerations.

Senior Cat Food Ingredients

As cats age, their nutritional needs shift. When shopping for senior cat food UK options, look for:

Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support—these become increasingly important as mobility decreases.

Easily digestible proteins that don't tax ageing kidneys. High-quality named proteins rather than by-products make a real difference here.

Omega-3 fatty acids support cognitive function in older cats. DHA in particular has shown benefits for brain health.

Moderate phosphorus levels help protect kidney function—a common concern in senior cats.

Nood offers a 7+ Senior Formula that addresses some of these needs, though I'd encourage owners of senior cats with specific health concerns to consult their vet.

Hairball Control Formulas

Hairball control cat food typically includes increased fibre to help move swallowed fur through the digestive system. Look for:

Natural fibre sources like pumpkin, beet pulp, or psyllium husk.

Omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and reduce shedding.

Adequate moisture if using dry food—hydration helps everything move through more smoothly.

Nood's Hairball & Weight Control formula combines increased fibre with portion-conscious protein levels. Based on customer reviews, many report reduced hairball incidents after switching, though as with any food change, results vary by individual cat.

Where to Find Quality Cat Food in the UK

Let me save you some time navigating the UK market.

Supermarket Options

For convenient shopping, Tesco stocks Nood cat food exclusively in the UK. They also carry Felix, Whiskas, Sheba, and Purina ranges, alongside their own Tesco brand offerings.

Sainsbury's carries a solid range including some premium options like Lily's Kitchen. Waitrose tends to stock higher-end brands overall.

For budget-conscious shoppers, Aldi and Lidl offer surprisingly decent own-brand options that outperform some "premium" branded foods on ingredient quality.

Specialist Retailers

Pets at Home and independent pet shops typically stock a wider range of genuinely premium options like Orijen, Acana, and Applaws. If ingredient quality is your top priority and budget permits, these are worth exploring.

Online Options

Subscription services like KatKin and Untamed offer human-grade ingredients with convenient home delivery. They're pricier but represent the current gold standard in UK cat food quality.

Reading Cat Food Labels: A Quick Guide

After everything we've covered, here's a practical checklist for evaluating any cat food:

Check the first five ingredients – These make up the bulk of the food. You want named animal proteins dominating this section.

Look for "complete" not "complementary" – Complete foods provide all necessary nutrients. Complementary foods (like treats) shouldn't be the main diet.

Verify FEDIAF compliance – European pet food standards. Any UK-sold cat food should meet these, but it's worth checking.

Note the guaranteed analysis – Protein percentage matters, but so does the source. 35% protein from chicken is better than 35% from soy.

Scan for red flags – Artificial preservatives, colours, unnamed meat sources, excessive carb fillers.

Consider your cat's specific needs – Age, health conditions, and sensitivities all influence what's optimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nood cat food good?

Nood cat food is above average for a supermarket brand. It uses named protein sources like cage-free chicken and salmon, avoids artificial colours and preservatives, and includes beneficial additions like superfoods and probiotics. However, some formulas contain significant rice and tapioca content, which isn't ideal for obligate carnivores. Overall, it's a reasonable mid-tier option for UK cat owners wanting something better than budget brands without specialist shop prices.

What ingredients should you look for in cat food?

The most important ingredient is a named animal protein (chicken, salmon, turkey) as the first listed ingredient. Also look for named animal fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, taurine, natural preservatives like vitamin E, and beneficial additions like probiotics. The food should be labelled "complete" to ensure all essential nutrients are present.

What ingredients should you avoid in cat food?

Avoid artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colours, unnamed meat sources ("meat and animal derivatives"), excessive carbohydrate fillers (corn, wheat, soy as main ingredients), and potentially carrageenan in wet foods. Generic "by-products" without species identification are also concerning.

What should you look for in dry cat food?

For dry cat food, prioritise named meat or fish as the first ingredient, followed by meat meal for concentrated protein. Check that carbohydrate content isn't excessive—some carbs are necessary for kibble formation, but they shouldn't dominate the formula. Look for natural preservatives and avoid artificial additives. Omega fatty acids support coat health.

How do you choose the best cat food for your cat?

Consider your cat's age, activity level, and any health conditions first. Read ingredient lists rather than marketing claims—named proteins should dominate the first five ingredients. Choose "complete" rather than "complementary" foods for meals. Start with gradual transitions to any new food to assess digestibility. If your cat has specific health concerns, consult your vet for tailored recommendations.

What should you look for in wet cat food?

Wet cat food should list a named protein (chicken, fish, turkey) as the first ingredient, with meat content ideally above 60%. Check that it's "complete" food rather than "complementary." Avoid carrageenan if your cat has digestive sensitivities. High moisture content is a key benefit of wet food for supporting urinary health.

Where can you buy Nood cat food in the UK?

Nood cat food is exclusively available at Tesco in the UK through an exclusive retail partnership. You can find it in store or order online through Tesco's website for home delivery. The range includes dry kibble, wet pouches, and specialist formulas for senior cats and hairball control.

Final Thoughts

After spending three weeks elbow-deep in cat food research (my cat, Biscuit, has been thoroughly unimpressed by the rotating dinner menu), here's what I've concluded about quality cat food ingredients.

The perfect cat food doesn't exist. But the difference between good and mediocre comes down to transparency and priorities. Good brands tell you exactly what's in their food, prioritise animal protein, and avoid unnecessary additives. Mediocre brands hide behind vague terminology and pack in cheap fillers.

Nood sits somewhere in the middle of the UK market—better than budget options, not quite matching specialist premium brands. For many cat owners, that's a perfectly reasonable position. You can find it at Tesco, the ingredients are clearly listed, and the ethical sourcing claims add value for conscientious buyers.

But whatever brand you choose, remember this: your cat doesn't care about marketing claims or pretty packaging. What matters is what's actually in the bowl. Read those labels. Question vague terminology. And if something doesn't seem right for your specific cat, trust your instincts.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to find that cup of tea. It's probably gone cold by now.