Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food Review
The Bottom Line
Meow Mix Original is one of the cheapest cat foods on the market, and unfortunately, you get what you pay for. Corn gluten meal — not real meat — is the first ingredient, and the formula relies heavily on plant-based protein to hit its 30% protein claim. Artificial colors add no nutritional value. It meets AAFCO minimums, but we recommend upgrading to a higher-quality option.
Score Breakdown
First 5 Ingredients
The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Ideally, a named whole meat should be #1.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Extremely affordable
- Widely available everywhere
- Cats tend to find the taste appealing
- Meets AAFCO minimum requirements
CONS
- Corn gluten meal is the first ingredient (not real meat)
- Heavy reliance on plant-based protein
- Contains artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2)
- Multiple recalls in its history
Nutrition Data
| NUTRIENT | VALUE | ASSESSMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein (min) | 30% | Good |
| Crude Fat (min) | 11% | Good for indoor |
| Crude Fiber (max) | 3.5% | Adequate |
| Calories | 345 kcal/cup | Moderate |
Where to Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food good for cats?
With a score of 2.5/5, Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food is rated "Average" in our analysis. Meow Mix Original is one of the cheapest cat foods on the market, and unfortunately, you get what you pay for.
What is the first ingredient in Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food?
The first ingredient is Corn gluten meal, which we rate as "Protein booster". We recommend looking for foods with a named whole meat as the first ingredient.
How much protein does Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food have?
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food has a minimum crude protein content of 30%. This is a good protein level for adult cats.
Has Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food been recalled?
Meow Mix has a notable recall history. Check our recall tracker at /recalls/ for details. Visit our Recall Alerts page for the latest FDA recall information.
How much Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food should I feed my cat?
Feeding amounts depend on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. At 345 kcal/cup, a typical 10-pound indoor cat needs about 0.5-0.7 cups per day. Use our Cat Food Calculator for a personalized recommendation.