Food "Fest Choice": can it be called the best food for domestic cats?

general information

First Choice dry food is a super-premium product, i.e. it occupies the 3rd quality position out of a possible 4. Production plants are located in Canada, which increases confidence in ready-made diets. Representatives of PLB International claim that their products meet all requirements of the American Association for Feed Control (AAFCO).

The logo is present on all 1st Choice food packaging

The manufacturer also produces the First Choice line for dogs. Another brand of the company is Pronature. This brand produces super-premium and holistic category food.

Where is 1st Choice cat food made?

This product is manufactured by PLB International, a privately owned, family-owned company that has been making pet food since 1969. The company is located in Canada. This country is known for its strict approach to quality control of pet products. When purchasing 1st Choice, you can be sure that only proven ingredients were used in the manufacture of products. Not only the composition, but also the color, shape and density of the feed is controlled. One of the main partners of PLB International is, which buys products from the company’s warehouse in Canada.

Analysis of the composition of the First Choice feed

To carry out the analysis, we will analyze in detail the composition of one of the dry foods. We will not consider canned food, because they have a meager list of ingredients. They are not used as a main dish.

For example, let’s take First Choice Vitality food as a sample. It consists of the following components:

1. Fresh chicken (17%). This is better than just “chicken” or “poultry”, but worse than dehydrated meat. Carcasses, offal and individual parts of the animal's body are used, so the quality of the ingredient can be either high or low. After the water evaporates, the chicken share will drop to 3-4%.
2. Chicken flour (17%). In the original English, this ingredient is listed as "chicken meal", which corresponds to "chicken meal", not "chicken meal". This is a marketing ploy that borders on deceiving the buyer. While the quality of meat meal can be low or high depending on the raw material, and the overall component is similar to dehydrated meat, then chicken meal is a questionable ingredient.
3. Rice. In small quantities it is useful due to its carbohydrate and fiber content, but in this case it is used as a cheap filler. Grains should not represent the majority of a cat's diet. Rice is tolerated by the animal's body better than corn or wheat, so the food is safe for pets prone to allergies.
4. Pea protein. Safer than soy, since it is less likely to cause allergies, but its presence in the composition is questionable. Pea protein is often used as a cheap source of protein. Plant amino acids are absorbed much worse by the cat's body.
5. Chicken fat preserved with a mixture of natural tocopherols (vitamin E). A standard ingredient found in most similar products. It is commendable that the manufacturer indicates the source of origin of the component.
6. Beet pulp. Contains plant fiber, helps cleanse the intestines and promotes the development of natural microflora.
7. Brown rice Better than standard product. Unpolished rice contains minerals (potassium, calcium and magnesium) and plant proteins. It contains no gluten, so the food is less likely to cause allergies in animals. However, this is still a cereal, and its presence in the composition is undesirable.
8. Specially processed barley and oat kernels. It's really just pearled barley and oat groats. The unusual name in Russian is a marketing ploy that increases the attractiveness of additional types of cereals in the composition.
9. Dried egg. Contains animal proteins and B vitamins. Not a bad ingredient.
10. Chicken liver hydrolysate. Used to increase the taste and aroma appeal of food. The component is natural, so it does not pose a threat to life and health.
11. Whole flax seed. Elite component. Whole flax seed is better than just flax seed because the seeds are used in their original form. This allows you to retain more nutrients. Flax seed is primarily used to maintain gastrointestinal health. Mucous substances envelop the internal membranes and prevent their damage. Additionally, the seeds stimulate digestion and improve peristalsis.
12. Salmon fat. Good ingredient. Contains unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), which have a beneficial effect on all organs, including the brain, central nervous system and immune system.
13. Dried tomato pulp. It contains practically no useful substances, but is a source of fiber. Cleanses the intestines.
14. Pea fiber. In small quantities it helps improve digestion.
15. Potassium chloride. A safe emulsifier that helps give food a specific texture.
16. Yeast extract (source of mannan-oligosaccharides). Contains prebiotics and polysaccharides. The latter improve immunity.
17. Yucca Schidigera extract. Helps destroy bacteria, therefore reduces the smell of feces and normalizes digestion.
18. Dried mint (0.01%), dried parsley (0.01%) and green tea extract (0.01%). Theoretically, they help freshen breath. Since cats do not chew food thoroughly, the effect is questionable.

It also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. In fact, food should be positioned between premium and super-premium. It contains therapeutic additives and virtually no potentially dangerous substances, but it does not meet the needs of the cat's body. Carnivores need meat, not grains. The food does not contain quality sources of animal proteins. The proportion of meat components is artificially high due to fresh chicken.

Ideally, the share of meat components in the animal’s diet should be about 80%; in 1st Choice dry food their amount in dehydrated form barely reaches 20–25%

Taurine in the composition also raises doubts. His presence is a disadvantage and an advantage at the same time. In the complete absence of a component, the condition of the animal’s visual organs and immune system worsens. In high-quality food, taurine is not included separately, since it is present in meat components. Its presence indicates an insufficient proportion of ingredients of animal origin.

Distrust in the manufacturer is caused by dubious marketing moves. They border on deceiving the buyer, since “chicken meal” and “chicken flour” are 2 completely different ingredients. They try to present the presence of barley and oats as an advantage of the product, but in reality it is a disadvantage. Fresh meat at the top of the ingredient list is also undesirable, as it gives the wrong impression to buyers.

Features of 1st Choice food

1st Choice brand products belong to the super-premium class. Initially it was produced only in the form of dry granules. But in February 2021, the assortment was diversified with canned food, and in May 2018, the line was supplemented with four more flavors. Both wet and dry foods are divided into categories for kittens, adult and senior cats. In addition, they produce products for sterilized and neutered pets, as well as for animals with problems with digestion, excess weight and the appearance of their coat. There are currently no treats in the 1st Choice line.

Canned food is suitable for both adult cats and the smallest furry cats who are just starting to try “adult” food.

The food has successfully passed laboratory tests and was found to be of high quality and safe for the life and health of cats. No bacteria or other harmful substances that could cause various diseases (including infectious ones) were found in it.

Each category of feed has its own characteristics, but we can also highlight the main components included in the product. For example, when making canned food, whole pieces of tuna and chicken fillet are used. Wet food also contains additives in the form of shrimp, berries and fruits. Papaya and pineapple help remove hairballs from the body, and Yucca reduces the odor coming from the animal's mouth and litter box.

One of the important ingredients of dry food is poultry. Chicken, duck, and chicken meal are the main sources of protein in 1st Choice. Typically the content of these substances in feed varies from 28 to 30%. This is enough for the normal growth and development of the pet, but the cat is not at risk of “protein overfeeding.” In addition, the feed contains chicken eggs, which contain important amino acids. The presence of flaxseed is also a definite plus. This component has a positive effect on the appearance of wool. In the composition you can see brown rice, fish oil and dried vegetables (for example, beets).

1st Choice contains a high amount of calcium, which is not good for cats prone to kidney failure.

In addition, 1st Choice foods contain:

• vitamins B2, B3, B6, D, A, E;
• phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, calcium and other trace elements;
• amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids - arachidonic acid is not contained in sufficient quantities, so if you regularly use the food, consult your veterinarian to understand how to compensate for the lack of the necessary component.

During laboratory research, experts proved that only fresh raw materials were used to produce the food. In addition, the color of the granules matches the original raw material. This indicates that no dyes were used during the production of the food. No foreign impurities (metal and wood shavings) were also found.

When testing the product in the laboratory, it was proven that the actual amount of manganese, iron and calcium does not correspond to the data specified in the composition.

Three ingredients raise doubts:

1. Cellulose - its benefits for cats are questionable.
2. Tomato mixtures (only in some foods, for example, 1st Choice Adult Cat Chicken Formula) are also not very healthy for cats.
3. Salt - its presence in food is more of a minus than a plus, although thanks to it, cats eating dry food are more thirsty and drink better, regularly replenishing the necessary supply of fluid in the body.

The granules have a round shape, convenient for chewing by adult animals and kittens

The disadvantage of the feed is the presence of trace amounts of chlorpropham in it. This pesticide gets into the feed with plant materials or is added intentionally as an insecticide. In any case, its presence in food is not welcome.

1st Choice brand food is distributed in supermarkets and veterinary departments only in large cities. In sparsely populated areas, finding it will be quite problematic. Therefore, it is easier to order food through online stores. This option can be even more profitable when purchasing food in large quantities. Approximate cost of products:

• 0.35 kg - from 194 rubles;
• 2.72 kg - from 1195 RUR;
• 5.44 kg - from 2134 RUR;
• canned food 85 g - from 95 rub.

At one time, my friends used 1st Choice Weight Control to feed their cat. She did not want to go outside and led a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, she was completely healthy, she was just lazy, did not want to play or walk for a long time, and over time she gained weight. Not much, but the fat folds became noticeable. The veterinarian recommended Weight Control, which helped gradually rid the animal of excess weight. After this (about five months later) the cat was transferred to Adult Indoor Vitality.

Table: 1st Choice dry food range

Photo gallery: 1st Choice food

1st Choice Kitten Healthy Start promotes the proper development of the kitten's skeletal system and supports its immunity 1st Choice Adult Indoor Vitality helps maintain the animal's normal weight and reduces the risk of stones in the urinary system 1st Choice Healthy Skin & Coat makes the pet's coat shiny and silky 1st Choice Finicky granules made from fresh herring and chicken have an attractive smell and taste for cats. The low fat and calorie content in 1st Choice Weight Control is necessary to keep your pet in shape. The large percentage of fresh chicken meat in 1st Choice Sterilized ensures that the cat maintains muscle mass without adding excess weight. 1st Choice Urinary Health prevents stone formation by being low in magnesium, calcium and phosphorus and maintaining a moderately acidic urine pH Enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, 1st Choice Mature or Less Active improves joint health and ease of mobility 1st Choice Hypoallergenic improves digestion and stabilizes intestinal motility

Comparison of the complete composition of 1st Choice feeds

To understand what exactly is used in the manufacture of food, you can consider the full composition using the example of Adult Indoor Vitality, intended for adult cats. Product includes:

• fresh chicken (17%);
• chicken flour (17%);
• rice;
• pea protein;
• chicken fat;
• preserved with a mixture of natural tocopherols (vitamin E);
• beet pulp;
• brown rice;
• specially processed barley and oat kernels;
• dried egg product;
• chicken liver hydrolysate;
• whole flax seed;
• salmon fat;
• dried tomato pulp;
• pea fiber;
• potassium chloride;
• lecithin;
• calcium carbonate;
• choline chloride;
• salt;
• calcium propionate;
• sodium bisulfate;
• taurine;
• DL-methionine;
• L-lysine;
• yeast extract;
• iron sulfate;
• ascorbic acid;
• chicory extract;
• zinc oxide;
• sodium selenite;
• alpha-tocopherol acetate;
• a nicotinic acid;
• Yucca Schidigera extract;
• calcium iodate;
• manganese oxide;
• L-carnitine;
• D-calcium pantothenate;
• thiamine mononitrate;
• riboflavin;
• pyridoxine hydrochloride;
• vitamin A;
• cholecalciferol (vitamin D3);
• biotin;
• dried pineapple;
• dried mint (0.01%);
• dried parsley (0.01%);
• green tea extract (0.01%);
• zinc proteinate;
• vitamin B12;
• cobalt carbonate;
• folic acid;
• manganese proteinate;
• copper proteinate

Food for kittens and older cats on the manufacturer’s website has a similar composition, but differs in guaranteed analysis. Products for cats over ten years of age contain less fat and protein. Kitten food has a high calcium content due to the need for this microelement for growing animals. 1st Choice Kitten Healthy Start also contains more protein and fat than adult cat food.

Other types of 1st Choice food also have distinctive features:

• Hypoallergenic - created for cats prone to allergies to various foods, the main components of this food are sweet potato (sweet potato) and duck, it also contains vegetable oil and dried alfalfa, there is no tomato pulp;

  Pedigree cats are most prone to allergies

• Urinary Health - contains corn gluten, lentils, tapioca, rosemary extract and dried cranberries, no tomato pulp, pea protein is replaced with potato protein and the content of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus is reduced;
• Healthy Skin & Coat - recommended as a food that helps improve the appearance of the coat, its main components are fresh salmon and menhaden herring meal, and otherwise the composition is similar to the Adult Indoor Vitality food, but has a higher content of proteins, fats and calcium;
• Sterilized - In addition to chicken meat and flour, the food contains sweet potato, rice protein, lentils and tapioca. Guaranteed analysis shows high protein content (33%) and low fat content (only 9%). Thanks to these compositional features, the risk of unwanted weight gain for animals is reduced;
• Weight Control - also controls the weight of the animal, but the composition contains tomato and beet pulp, which contains natural fiber that has a beneficial effect on intestinal function.

1st Choice Finicky food for picky cats has a similar composition to Adult Indoor Vitality food, but on the manufacturer’s website it is credited with “an extremely special aroma and taste of each granule.”

Composition of 1st Choice canned food

Three different flavors have been created for kittens from 2 to 12 months:

• Kitten Healthy Start is 45% chicken. Additional components are tuna oil and water generated during the processing of these products;
• the other two types of canned food belong to the Healthy Skin & Coat line, that is, they are designed to improve the appearance of the animal’s fur and skin. "Premium Tuna" consists of 44.5% tuna. Premium Tuna with Chicken contains 31% tuna and 7% chicken. In both cases, the additional ingredients are yucca, sunflower oil and vegetable broth. Guaranteed analysis shows 10% protein and 1.5% fat.

The approximate cost of canned food for kittens (85 g) is 80 rubles

You can find canned food for cats over 10 years old. They only have one taste. The composition of canned food includes:

• 40% chicken;
• apples;
• tuna oil;
• fructooligosaccharides;
• glucosamine;
• chondroitin sulfate;
• water that is formed during the processing of these products.

The protein content is 11%, and the fat content is 0.5%.

Canned food 1st Choice Mature or Less Active costs about 100 rubles

Canned food for adult cats has the largest range and amazes with the variety of additives used in preparation. For example, Adult Indoor Vitality canned food contains chicken (40%), apples and shredded cellulose, while products for sterilized cats contain chicken (45%), sardines (5%), sunflower oil, tricalcium phosphate (E341), tuna and water. All other canned food for adult cats belong to the Healthy Skin & Coat line and have the following varieties:

• tuna (45.5%), squid (4%), pineapple (4%);
• tuna (45.5%), tilapia (4%), pineapple (4%);
• tuna (45.5%), pineapple (5%);
• tuna (45.5%), shrimp (4%), pineapple (4%);
• tuna (44.5%), sea bass (4%), pineapple (4%);
• tuna (45.5%), papaya (5%);
• tuna (25%), chicken (7%), pineapple (6%);
• tuna (25%), chicken (7%), kiwi (6%).

Using 1st Choice canned food, you can significantly diversify your cat's diet. In the listed options, yucca, sunflower oil and vegetable broth are used as additional ingredients. The protein content in canned food is 13%, and fat 1.5%. As additives, canned food contains vitamins A, D3, E, as well as iron, calcium, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium.

Advantages and disadvantages of 1st Choice compared to other brands

1st Choice, like any other product, has its pros and cons. To better understand its advantages and disadvantages, you can compare it with other well-known cat foods:

• Royal Canin is a popular premium brand. This food is more common in supermarkets and pet stores. The approximate cost is 1057 rubles per two kilograms. That is, its price is slightly lower than that of 1st Choice brand products. But the composition of Royal Canin does not justify such savings. This food is based on grains, including corn, which can cause allergies in cats.
• Food from Germany Leonardo also belongs to the super-premium class. It is sold in large packages, which makes it convenient not only for use at home, but also in nurseries. A 7.5 kg package costs about three thousand rubles, which is more profitable than purchasing 1st Choice. The largest package of 1st Choice weighs 5.44 kg and costs a little more than two thousand rubles. But Leonardo food is even less common than 1st Choice. Therefore, often ordering online is the only possible option. The products of these brands have a similar composition: both foods are based on poultry meat, and cereals are contained in small quantities.
• Science Plan is more affordable than 1st Choice as it is sold in many supermarkets and pet stores. Its cost is about a thousand rubles per two kilograms, i.e. the prices of feed are approximately equal. Canned food of this brand is cheaper - 65 rubles per 85 grams. But the composition of Science Plan is not so good. The food contains corn, which can cause allergies. Together with wheat, they are fairly cheap fillers that the cat does not need in large quantities.

I use natural products to feed my cats (meat, vegetables, offal, etc.), but before that I tried to find suitable ready-made food for them. 1st Choice was also tested. The cats ate it, but without much enthusiasm compared to Whiskas brand products. But I don't consider this a disadvantage. Quite the contrary. The absence of chemical dyes and flavors prevented cats from “going crazy” from the mere smell of food.

When using dry food, it is important to provide your pet with plenty of fresh water, while a cat eating canned food requires less water.

Advantages and disadvantages of food

The advantages of the food include the following factors:

1. Availability of percentage of components. This helps to evaluate the composition and quality of the product. Having specific information creates trust.
2. The presence of grain-free food in the line. Diets with vegetables are less likely to cause allergies. They usually contain more nutrients, but in this case the proportion of meat components is approximately the same. Cereals are replaced with potatoes.
3. A wide range of. It is easier for buyers to choose the optimal product for their pet, taking into account the characteristics and needs.
4. Meat components are in first place. There are foods in which the proportion of animal products is even lower, so this can still be called an advantage.
5. Poor choice in terms of types of meat used. Most of the products contain chicken and fish; the grain-free, hypoallergenic food contains duck. If the animal is allergic to all these types of meat, you will have to choose a different food.

The disadvantages of the product include the following factors:

1. Attempts to deceive the buyer. It's not yet a scam, but changing the names of components and trying to portray flaws in a different light is misleading.
2. Relatively low meat content in dry matter. The proportion of fresh product decreases after evaporation of water, and chicken meal additionally contains waste: bones, beaks, claws, etc.
3. High proportion of cereals. In most feeds they occupy several of the high positions. In total this is more than the amount of meat.
4. Not all therapeutic feeds can be used for the intended purposes. For example, theoretically, hypoallergenic food should be a complete diet, but it cannot be used for a long time due to the almost complete absence of meat in the composition.
5. Wet food is identical to each other. Only the taste is different. There are no foods with low or high calorie content, various therapeutic additives, etc.
6. There are no natural antioxidants in most foods. Tocopherols and rosemary could help reduce the amount of salt in the feed. Excess sodium negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and urinary systems.
7. The presence of a potentially dangerous preservative in the composition. The manufacturer uses sodium bisulfate (E222) to extend the shelf life of products. The preservative is also added to sausages and processed into fruits, but it is assigned a third degree of danger. With prolonged use and accumulation of the substance, gastrointestinal problems, kidney stones, dental defects and allergic reactions may occur.

I once bought First Choice food because of my inexperience, and the choice was small. It was difficult to find holistic products in pet stores, and at that time I did not trust online resources. Nothing bad happened to the cats, it’s still better than Whiskas or Royal Canin. However, there is nothing particularly good about the food. Now I would not buy it because of the weak composition and inflated price. On average, 1 kg costs 500 rubles. (RUR 600 for grain-free formulas), but for the same money you can find a better option. First Choice food should only be purchased by animals with very sensitive digestion and who are not suitable for holistic diets. Due to the use of barley, peas, oats and rice, the risk of allergies is reduced.

Opinions and reviews of veterinarians

Veterinarians do not speak directly about Fest Choice food, but they recommend it to their visitors and furry patients. Thus, Ruslana Vanilko writes: “The veterinarian said that it was all due to nutrition and advised feeding the cat hypoallergenic food. I recommended the brand “1st Choice”.

Diyana from Izhevsk writes that she has not tried cat food, since it is extremely difficult to get it in her city. But a veterinarian from Moscow recommended him.

fiery writes: “My cat ate Fest Choice more readily than Hills and Proplan, although she still prefers Royal Canin. The Fest Choice veterinarian approved!”

The overwhelming majority of customer reviews about this food are positive, with the rare exception of cases of individual intolerance to certain ingredients by animals.

Veterinarians agree that the predominant part of the food components actually has a positive effect on the health of pets. Thus, chicory extract, present in all the company’s products, is a source of fructooligosaccharides that help restore the normal microflora of the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Chicken fat is praised by veterinarians for its richness in omega 6 fatty acids and lanolin acid, which are essential for a beautiful coat, sharp eyesight, the prevention of allergies and heart disease, and the fight against yeast that leads to various infections. Flax seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for the brain, joints, skin and fur, and also directly affect proper growth and reproduction ability.

The opinions and reviews of veterinarians regarding the presence of salt in food are opposite. On the one hand, salt can negatively affect the genitourinary system of cats, especially castrated and sterilized ones. On the other hand, salt causes the animal’s natural desire to drink water in large quantities, which is necessary when feeding “dry”.

Is First Choice food suitable for everyone?

Conventionally, First Choice food can be given to any healthy cats, however, due to the low proportion of animal proteins, it can provoke the development of diseases. It is advisable to prefer holistic-class products or natural nutrition.

Holistic food contains more than 50% components of animal origin, including dehydrated and fresh meat, as well as offal

If you have health problems, you should consult a veterinarian. Food may not be suitable for animals with kidney disease, gastrointestinal tract or allergies.

Feed cost and sales points

The bulk of dry food is produced in small (907 g), medium (2.72 kg) and large (5.44 packages). The average price is 550 rubles, 1400 rubles. and 2500 rub. respectively. In the case of grain-free food, the cost is higher: 1,750 rubles. for 2.72 kg and 3000 rub. for 5.44 kg. Canned food (85 g) costs 80–100 rubles.

The food is not sold in regular supermarkets. It cannot be found in all pet stores. It’s easier to order First Choice products online. There is a map on the manufacturer’s website that shows stores selling feed, but they are present only in some localities.

Where to buy and prices for Fest Choice cat food

A natural question arises: how to find out where to buy and prices for Fest Choice cat food? It is especially relevant for regions remote from the capital.

Currently, food from this manufacturer is rarely found in the retail chain. Deliveries are made to the MARKVET and Miska pet stores, several of whose outlets are located in Moscow. The company focuses on wholesale sales and distribution of goods via the Internet, where numerous sites offer the purchase of this food. The price range is significant:

• pack weighing 350 g - from 204 to 259 rubles,

• pack weighing 907 g - from 499 to 597 rubles,

• pack weighing 2 kg 720 g - from 1227 to 1696 rubles,

• pack weighing 5 kg 440 g - from 2150 to 2912 rubles.

It is worth noting that, like all dietary products, hypoallergenic cat food has the highest cost. When choosing the necessary product in online stores, pay attention to the availability of current promotions that will help to significantly reduce the cost of keeping a pet.

To summarize: the review of Fest Choice cat food and the collected opinions showed that this food is the main candidate for the basic proper nutrition of a pet.