First Choice cat food

Today, more and more veterinarians recommend 1st Choice cat food from the Canadian company PLB International. Nutrition is the key factor affecting a pet's quality of life and well-being. Diet and its characteristics determine a pet's well-being and health, as well as its lifespan and activity level. Caring for a cat involves more than just choosing nutritious and balanced food; it also involves choosing the right diet for each stage of their life:

• infancy;
• age of puberty;
• difficult periods of life - illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.;
• old age.

1st Choice produces a wide range of foods that make it easy to adjust (revise) your cat's diet, taking into account your pet's physiological condition, living conditions, and climate.

General characteristics of the brand and its products

1st Choice was founded in 1969 in Quebec, Canada. Until 1981, it specialized in producing agricultural pet food. It took the manufacturer about eight years to refocus production on specialized products for pets. The first 1st Choice cat food hit shelves in 1990. Its recipes, then and today, are developed under the guidance of nutritionists and Dr. J.E. Corbin.

1994 was a pivotal year for the company. First Choice products entered the global market. Veterinarians consider the unique formulas and:

• high quality ingredients;
• the food does not contain by-products, soy, grain or wheat;
• has a natural taste and pleasant smell;
• combats the unpleasant odor of pet urine;
• contains only natural flavors and preservatives;
• helps clean teeth from plaque and tartar;
• helps strengthen the immune system and health.

Whatever 1st Choice cat food a customer chooses for their pet, it will meet the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFCO). A key feature of the brand's products is their regular formula changes to align with the requirements and principles of healthy pet nutrition. For example, in 1996, the company added polyunsaturated fatty acids to its formula, and in early 2001, natural antioxidants began to be used as a key ingredient. All 1st Choice products undergo mandatory quality control and compliance with production and sales standards (laws).

What do veterinarians say about 1st Choice?

The brand's affordable prices, convenient packaging, and unique formula have made it one of the most sought-after products on the market. Pet owners give this brand's food rave reviews in 82% of cases. Cats of all ages enjoy the products. However, when choosing a brand, it's important for pet owners to also know the opinion of a specialist. Veterinary forums offer numerous reviews from veterinarians about First Choice cat food for cats of all ages.

1. "All 1st Choice foods are suitable for neutered cats. They are professional-grade and pH-controlled—properly balanced with high-quality ingredients. For an adult cat, 1st Choice Adult Cat Food with chicken or fish is a good option. A formula for picky (sensitive) animals (if available) is also a good option."
2. "Fest Choice foods contain salt (sodium chloride), an essential element in cats' mineral metabolism. A deficiency disrupts the balance of other nutrients. The amount of salt in the food is strictly regulated. Therefore, it promotes increased water consumption, which is extremely important when feeding dry cat food (for cats that drink little water)."
3. "If there's no indication for a diet, 1Choice is a good choice for regular feeding. They're high in meat and fiber, and free of corn and wheat. This ensures a biologically correct diet for a carnivore, supporting its health."
4. "There are many causes of urolithiasis in cats: metabolic disorders, genetic predisposition, and inflammatory processes. Improper nutrition over a period of 2-3.5 years will inevitably lead to urolithiasis. Therefore, I recommend First Choice—a balanced food that prevents the disease rather than triggers it. Follow feeding guidelines and ensure adequate water intake."
5. "All First Choice formulas are suitable for neutered cats. If the cat isn't overweight, it's best to feed it regular adult cat food, not the lighter version. A 10-year-old cat is far from being considered geriatric. If it's active and slim, it needs a complete First Choice food."
6. "Choice with Duck is a complete, hypoallergenic food (duck instead of chicken, potato instead of grain). This reduces the risk of developing allergies. The food is able to combat accumulated allergens."

Approximately 78% of veterinarians write positive and complimentary reviews of 1st Choice cat food. Consumers, however, note that choosing the wrong product can cause problems for their pets during shedding (which continues), as adults, and as kittens. Therefore, veterinarians recommend individualizing food for sensitive and fussy kittens and cats.

Original 1 Choice cat food is available in Moscow at any specialty store. However, larger packages are more cost-effective. A 0.35 kg pack of food costs 200-275 rubles per pack, while a 907 g pack costs 450-520 rubles.

What food formulas does First Choice offer for cats?

Functional and balanced First Choice food for cats of all ages:

• from 2 to 12 months “Healthy Start” (based on fresh chicken meat);
• from 1 year to 10 years “Vitality for domestic cats”, “Hypoallergenic”, “Healthy coat and skin”, “For picky pets”, “For sterilized cats” and “Weight control”;
• from 10 years old “For inactive and aging” pets.

The manufacturer also offers specialty supplements. The cat food developer emphasizes careful product selection, which is why they offer such a wide range of products.

Identified deficiencies in recipes

However, some customers believe the formulas have drawbacks. The main drawback is the unclear ingredients in the recipes. The labels don't list all the ingredients, nor do they provide exact amounts. This makes choosing a formula difficult. Another drawback is the unavailability of all the recipes in pet stores. Many products must be ordered online.

Main ingredients in feed

The recipes always contain a combination of several natural ingredients (depending on the purpose of the formula):

• Source of animal protein.

Fresh meat and chicken eggs are used. The food contains 14-31% natural protein. To impart a pleasant aroma and delicious flavor, the manufacturer uses hydrolyzed chicken liver. This ingredient also contains a certain percentage of natural protein, but it is small and therefore cannot be considered a standalone source of protein.

• Sources of plant protein.

The original First Choice cat food contains various types of grains: oats, brown and white rice, pea protein, and barley kernels. These ingredients are rich sources of plant proteins and carbohydrates. All grains and legumes are added to the formula after special processing (drying and grinding the kernels to maximize natural protein content). Pea and rice proteins are among the top five main ingredients.

• Sources of fat.

Salmon oil and meat fat are used. The total content can range from 10 to 20%. Both components are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Flaxseed (a plant-based component in dietary formulas) serves as an additional source of fat.

• Fiber.

A component that normalizes bowel function in pets, it is present in the diet at a rate of over 3.5-5%. Diets include several types of fiber: fresh beet pulp, peas, dried tomato pulp, etc. It is poorly digested by cats, so it serves solely to add nutritional weight to the food (helps the animal feel full and prevents overeating) and to cleanse the intestines.

According to experts, all First Choice cat foods also contain a combination of other beneficial ingredients. These include taurine (an amino acid), lecithin (for healthy fur and skin), and yeast extract (which helps balance beneficial and harmful bacteria in the intestines and stomach). The foods also contain B vitamins, mineral supplements, chicory extract (which helps balance bacteria), and Yucca schidigera (which helps reduce fecal odor).

Benefits of 1st Choice pet food

Studies have shown that regular consumption of 1st Choice cat food does not cause addiction in animals. Pets easily transition from this brand to other products. The balanced formulas guarantee (veterinarian-proven):

• the animal's body's resistance to viral and parasitic diseases;
• prevention of the development of genetic diseases and gastrointestinal diseases;
• restoration of physiological development cycles;
• normalization of the health of the coat and skin;
• natural activity of the animal during infancy and puberty;
• birth of healthy offspring;
• eliminating bacterial imbalance, which has a positive effect not only on reducing the smell of animal feces, but also on reducing bad breath;
• normal growth and development of a pet;
• facilitating the consumption of the required volume of clean drinking water by animals.

Veterinarians in the US and Canada have noted that First Choice cat food satisfies 98% of the nutritional needs of pets aged 2 months to 10 years and older. It ensures healthy pets, but most importantly, it doesn't contribute to the development of diseases. The dietary recipes for obese animals, those prone to food allergies, and cats with sedentary lifestyles have earned particular acclaim.

Read also:

• How many times a day should I feed my cat?
• What to feed a British kitten
• How to switch a cat to a different food