Can we say that this is the best food for cats?
This brand comes from Thailand and has established itself well in the pet products market. At that time, the manufacturer of Sheba cat food had already distinguished itself in creating high-quality products. Despite the fact that the company specializes only in wet food, the range of products offered is very diverse. Can we say that this is a premium product? Sheba cat food is not one of these. It's more of a "good guy." It is available in pouches (sealed bags) and jars. The contents of these types of packaging are always calculated per serving, which is good because your furry friend will receive only the freshest treats.
General characteristics of Sheba food
Sheba is widespread and easy to purchase. The brand uses quite aggressive advertising and even the slogan sounds intrusive: “Resistance is futile.”
Manufacturer
The diet is prepared by the well-known company Mars, which began conquering the market in 1911 with chocolate. Gradually, the small company grew into a corporation familiar to the whole world. Expanding and opening subsidiaries in other countries, including Russia, Mars added many auxiliary products to the main product, including pet food. In addition to Sheba, the company produces Whiskas, Kitiket, Chapi and other popular and familiar brands. By the way, since 2002, this company has been producing the well-known Royal Canin, which is a premium food. Unfortunately, its quality leaves much to be desired.
Feed class
The manufacturer presents the product as a premium food, but the consumer and veterinary control do not agree with this. In order for a diet to receive high marks and the corresponding level in the hierarchy, a number of factors must be observed: transparent composition with the percentage of components indicated on the packaging; recommendations from veterinary services; balanced recipe with the inclusion of natural meat products. The company does not comply with any of these conditions.
Veterinarians and breeders classify Sheba as an economy class dog, although its price is much more expensive than lower-level products. The percentage of protein in the pate is higher than others, reaching 11%, but its origin is unknown.
Advantages and disadvantages
Even the most expensive foods have positive and negative qualities. Sheba has the following advantages:
- rations are available and can be found in any store;
- The range of flavors is quite wide.
The cost of feed can be considered a plus, however, doubt arises here. What is really included in the composition if the price of the pate is higher than economy, but at the same time significantly lower than premium. There is a feeling that the price of the product is being raised due to the popularity of the brand, and not due to its nutritional characteristics.
The negative qualities of Sheba are as follows:
- All components and their percentages are not indicated, the composition of the feed is vague and unclear;
- there are no specialized lines;
- no dry products.
After reading the reviews of the owners, we can conclude that the animals’ reaction to the product is strange. Cats rub against a bowl that smells like food and refuse other food offered. Presumably, the pates contain substances that cause addiction and even some dependence. I would like to note that rations are often used as treats rather than as daily nutrition.
Read: The best wet food for cats and kittens in all categories.
Types of feed
The manufacturer has developed 3 lines of Sheba wet cat food:
- Pleasure – consists of meat, poultry or fish that is steamed. This includes the following types: “Duck and Chicken”, “Trout and Shrimp”, “Tuna and Salmon”, “Beef and Lamb”. Available for sale in packs.
- Classic – contains poultry fillet or fish: “Tuna with sauce”, “Sautéed chicken breast”, “Shrimp cocktail with tuna”. This is Sheba cat food in cans with a high meat content.
- Fusion - contains two types of meat for furry gourmets: "Turkey and Chicken in Tournedeau Sauce." "Chicken with beef in Togliata sauce."
It is worth noting that the company that produces canned food does not offer any medicinal or specialized food for cats that need special care, for example, pregnant, sterilized, or giving birth. In such cases, a caring owner should consult a veterinarian. It is also useful to read reviews about Sheba cat food.
Analysis of the composition of Sheba feed
The main principle of Sheba: here, unlike other brands of cat food, not frozen, but exclusively fresh ingredients are used in all lines. But critics of Sheba food claim that its composition is poor for the premium class declared by the manufacturer and is more consistent with the criteria of economy class.
Sheba does not produce dry food - only wet food. If we derive a formula common to all brand products, then it consists of the following components:
- crude protein;
- raw fats;
- cellulose;
- polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- taurine;
- minerals and vitamins.
The basis of any Sheba food is natural protein products that make up one fifth of it:
- meat (beef or rabbit);
- offal;
- bird;
- fish or shrimp.
Study the composition of the specific food that you are going to offer to your pet on the packaging - there are no grains or legumes among the components of Sheba products. And this is certainly a positive thing, because, like all carnivores, cats do not digest such components of ready-made food well. Sheba also contains a sufficient amount of high-quality fiber that is useful for pets’ digestion.
This is what exotic cassava and cereals made from it look like
Such a component of Sheba feed as cassava sago (tapioca) requires special clarification. Behind the exotic name lies a rather simple essence: tapioca is a starchy cereal made from the tubers of the tropical vegetable cassava. It is easily digestible and beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract of cats.
Veterinarians and experienced breeders who use Sheba food in practice note some imbalance in the composition: all lines contain a fairly high percentage of proteins and fats, but against this background there are not enough carbohydrates. That is why practitioners do not recommend switching animals to feeding exclusively Sheba - even those brand positions that the manufacturer positions as complete nutrition.
Among the disadvantages of the composition, it can be noted that to reduce the cost, the feed contains animal waste:
- horns;
- hooves;
- claws;
- beaks;
- feathers;
- even tumors.
Horns and hooves are not the best food for a cat
The very fact of the presence of such dubious and unhelpful additives in the food reduces the class of this product and is the reason for many negative reviews. However, the manufacturing company never tires of officially declaring: the composition and quality of all lines are under constant control and regularly tested by employees of the Waltham research center.
Sheba feed formulas
The wide variety of flavors from Sheba is based on a common well-verified formula, which unites all the products of the brand. Each specific change only makes its own additions to the “branded” composition. What do Sheba foods have in common and how do they differ? Let's look at this using the example of the brand's main and most popular flavor - chicken. This dietary component is found in all Sheba collections - both in pure form and in combination with various other ingredients.
Chicken with rabbit (Sheba Pleasure series)
Popular food for adult cats Chicken with rabbit (Sheba Pleasure series) has the following composition:
- meat and offal (chicken min. 20%, rabbit, 5%);
- taurine;
- vitamins;
- minerals.
Nutrient content per 100 grams:
- proteins - 11.0 g;
- fats - 3 g;
- ash - 2 g;
- fiber - 3 g;
- vitamin A - at least 90 IU;
- vitamin E - at least 1 IU;
- moisture - 82 g.
The energy value is 75 kilocalories.
Chicken with rabbit (Sheba Pleasure series)
Other foods in the series may differ slightly in the percentage of nutrients; only the main protein component changes qualitatively. The manufacturer declares the absence of chemical dyes and preservatives, as well as soy. The approximate cost of one pouch is 27 rubles.
Chicken and Turkey (Sheba Appetito Series)
The composition of wet food in chicken and turkey pouches (Sheba Appetito series) is represented by the following ingredients:
- meat and offal (chicken min. 20%, turkey, 5%);
- taurine;
- vitamins;
- minerals.
Nutrient content per 100 grams:
- proteins - 11.0 g;
- fats - 3 g;
- ash - 2 g;
- fiber - 3 g;
- vitamin A - at least 90 IU;
- vitamin E - at least 1 IU;
- moisture - 82 g.
The energy value is 75 kilocalories.
Chicken and Turkey (Sheba Appetito Series)
Other foods in the series may differ slightly in the percentage of nutrients; only the main protein component changes qualitatively. The manufacturer declares the absence of chemical dyes and preservatives, as well as soy. The approximate price of one pouch is 27 rubles.
Chicken and duck (Sheba Naturalle series)
Wet food in chicken and duck bags (Sheba Naturalle series) contains:
- meat and offal (chicken min. 22.5%, duck, 5%);
- taurine;
- vitamins;
- minerals.
Nutrient content per 100 grams:
- proteins - 6.0 g;
- fats - 2 g;
- ash - 1 g;
- fiber - 0.3 g;
- vitamin A - at least 90 IU;
- vitamin E - at least 1 IU;
- moisture - 82 g.
The energy value is 55 kilocalories.
Chicken and duck (Sheba Naturalle series)
Other foods in the series may differ slightly in the percentage of nutrients; only the main protein component changes qualitatively. The manufacturer declares the absence of chemical dyes and preservatives, as well as soy. The average price of one pouch is 27 rubles.
Chicken (Sheba Mini Series)
Chicken food from the Sheba Mini series is offered in the following composition:
- meat and offal (including chicken, at least 4%);
- cereals;
- vitamins and minerals.
Nutrient content per 100 grams:
- proteins - 8 g;
- fats - 4.5 g;
- ash - 1.8 g;
- fiber - 0.3 g;
- humidity - 83 g.
The energy value is 40 kilocalories.
Chicken (Sheba Mini Series)
Other foods in the series may differ slightly in the percentage of nutrients; only the main protein component changes qualitatively. The manufacturer declares the absence of chemical dyes and preservatives, as well as soy. The average cost of one pouch is 18 rubles.
Sauteed chicken breasts (Sheba Classic series)
Sauteed chicken breasts (Sheba Classic series) are positioned by the manufacturer as a complete food for adult cats, containing the following main components:
- chicken breasts (minimum 45%);
- tapioca starch;
- micro- and macroelements;
- vitamins.
Nutrient content per 100 grams:
- proteins - 12 g;
- fats - 0.5 g;
- ash - 1 g;
- fiber - 0.1 g;
- moisture - 85 g.
The energy value is 60 kilocalories.
Sauteed chicken breasts (Sheba Classic series)
Other foods in the series may differ slightly in the percentage of nutrients; only the main protein component changes qualitatively. The manufacturer declares the absence of chemical dyes and preservatives, as well as soy. The average cost of one can of canned food is 80 rubles.
Pate with veal and chicken (Sheba Delicatesso series)
Complete food for adult animals Pate with veal and chicken (Sheba Delicatesso series) contains the following components:
- meat and offal (including veal) - 4%;
- chicken - 4%;
- vitamins and minerals.
Nutrient content per 100 grams:
- proteins - 10.5 g;
- fats - 4.5 g;
- ash - 2 g;
- fiber - 0.3 g;
- humidity - 82 g.
The energy value is 71 kilocalories.
Pate with veal and chicken (Sheba Delicatesso series)
Other foods in the series may differ slightly in the percentage of nutrients; only the main protein component changes qualitatively. The manufacturer declares the absence of chemical dyes and preservatives, as well as soy. The average cost of one pouch is 35 rubles.
Can I have some supplements?
Sheba cat food in pouches is quite varied. The Pleasure series is recognized as complete due to the content of the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for a tailed pet. And although the meat share is no more than 30% of the total weight, this product fully covers the cat’s daily needs. Sheba canned cat food Fusion and Classic accounts for a large proportion of meat - about 50 percent. But the price of such a delicacy is much higher than the cost of food in pouches.
Veterinarian advice
Advice and reviews from veterinarians, of course, are completely different, but we can say that most experts still recommend that cat owners feed their pets Sheba food. And only a small percentage will prefer other food better.
Particularly noteworthy is the presence of taurine, vitamin E and herbal components.
It is important that the food is not only tasty and attracts cats with its aroma, because many simply refuse regular food, but it is enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements
If the cat has a larger appetite and eats 2 packets at a time, then you can divide the daily amount by the appropriate amount of food eaten at a time.
Many people ask questions about animals “with special needs”, for example, is it possible to pamper your pet with similar food after treatment for urolithiasis or sterilization? In this case, you need to consult a veterinarian and get individual recommendations regarding feeding.
Advice from the manufacturer
It is not recommended to feed your furry cat exclusively with this product. Sheba cat food, reviews of which are worth reading in advance, should be present in your pet’s life as a tasty dish. You should also take into account the fact that a cat’s daily diet will be 5 of these jars. The price of Sheba cat food is not that low, so buying five jars every day can take a severe toll on your wallet. The type of delicacy resembles pieces of chopped meat, but it consists not only of meat, but also of additives. However, according to the manufacturer, they are of natural origin and are needed by the cat to speed up the digestion process.
What to do if food is a very expensive pleasure?
Sheba food, whose average price is 50 rubles per 90 grams, is not affordable for all cat owners. If we convert the product into kilograms, which is how people usually start when calculating the cost of a purchase, then the price turns out to be fabulous - 550 rubles in Russia (or 300 hryvnia in Ukraine). An adult cat, according to the manufacturer's recommendation, needs 3-4 packs per day, that is, 270-360 grams. 2.2 kg per week, and 8.8 kg per month. Then the cost of a furry pet per month will be about 5 thousand rubles (or 2.6 thousand UAH). The amount is not small, so the question arises of what to feed the animal.
The main product should be meat. Not boiled, but frozen. Ground bones or pre-purchased bone meal must be included in the diet. Vegetables at the owner's discretion. Cats do not have enough food enzymes to break down raw vegetables and fruits. If you add them to homemade food, then only in steamed form.
Compound
The main ingredient of the cat treat is minced meat, which cannot be said about its economy-class counterparts. The manufacturing company assures cat owners that the fish or meat used to prepare the food is exclusively fresh and has not been frozen and defrosted.
In addition to minced meat or fish, the composition of Sheba cat food includes:
- Tapioca, which is a flour made from the root part of the cassava plant. This natural ingredient consists of starch, which has a positive effect on the pet’s saturation, and a large amount of fiber to normalize digestion in a furry pet.
- Taurine is a substance often used to prepare dietary foods. It supports normal heart function, has a beneficial effect on vision and stimulates the functioning of the stomach and intestines.
- Vegetable fats are necessary to make your pet's fur shine.
- Omega fatty acids help normalize metabolic processes.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is responsible for supporting all regenerative processes in the body.
Important information about the new food
Of course, food from this brand is not a cheap pleasure, which is not surprising, given its class. However, the owners of meowing pets still put above this the benefits that, albeit expensive, but healthy food can bring.
But this is not the only thing that is of paramount importance. In addition to the pet’s tastes, one cannot help but take into account how the animal’s body reacts to a new product.
First of all, it is worth assessing the condition of the animal, whether an allergic reaction has occurred and whether the stool has become abnormal. Having given a portion of Sheba, you should not treat your pet with this food for several days. And this practice is repeated every time the cat tries a new taste from the collection of this brand.
Cats of hairless breeds deserve special attention: various types of sphinxes, bambinos, Peterbalds, elves, Ukrainian lefties, because they are the ones who most often suffer from allergies. In addition, chicken is one of the most allergenic types of meat, so it is better for a pet suffering from food allergies to purchase food that does not contain this product.
If the pet behaves as usual after eating, that is, it shows activity, playfulness, or out of habit goes to a secluded corner to rest, then everything is fine and there is no need to worry. But what can alert the owner? The following signs indicate that the cat’s food is not suitable:
- the cat shows causeless aggression;
- an unpleasant odor appears from the pet’s mouth;
- The fur reacts quite quickly to the wrong food - it loses its shine, even without a season, shedding intensifies, it begins to become very tangled, tangles appear - all this indicates that the animal should no longer be given such food.
5 abilities that cats have much better developed than humans
In such a situation, it is worth excluding a new product from the diet and observing the pet. If his condition worsens, shortness of breath appears, his fur comes out in clumps, and he vomits, then you should seek advice from a professional.
When purchasing Sheba for cats, you should pay attention to the storage and sale conditions of the food; it is recommended to look at the expiration date. The packaging must not be damaged, and the information must be clearly written on the label.
The best place to purchase any food, including wet food, is a pet store or veterinary pharmacy.
On a note
Numerous recommendations from veterinarians indicate that cats should receive more animal proteins. According to reviews from veterinarians, Sheba is not the best food for cats, although it contains a predominant meat component. It is worth noting that plant proteins and soy are not included in this treat. Doctors say that Sheba wet food in any package can be given to cats of any breed, starting from the age of one month, but you should not be zealous in this matter. Initially, it is worth testing the product with minimal inclusions in the cat’s diet.
Feed overview
When choosing regular cat food, you need to make sure that it is suitable for your pet and satisfies all its needs. To ensure that the animal receives only high-quality and necessary nutrition, you need to study the food :
- its composition,
- consistency,
- and menu variety.
© shutterstock
And only then make the final choice in favor of one product or another. Therefore, we are examining Sheba food for cats on these three important points.
Advantages and disadvantages of food
Based on the positive reviews from veterinarians and cat lovers, we can conclude that Sheba cat food in cans and pouches fully justifies its status as an expensive product. However, among the range of products on the market, it is recognized as not the best and healthiest food for the normal physical development of an animal.
The noted advantages of Sheba food include the following characteristics:
- content of natural fish and meat;
- For cooking, only exclusively fresh products are used that are not frozen;
- the presence of substances important for the pet’s health, such as taurine, multivitamins, fatty acids, fiber;
- a special technology for the production and packaging of goods, which has a positive effect on the preservation of all the beneficial substances necessary for the fluffy;
- cooking according to special recipes and a varied range of flavors for the little picky eater;
- no dyes or chemical additives;
- convenient packaging, which is designed for one-time meals;
- Due to the fact that the consistency of the food is quite moist, it does not have to be washed down with a large amount of liquid, which significantly relieves the load on your pet’s kidneys.
The disadvantages of Sheba food include the following:
- You should not feed it to small kittens that are not yet a month old;
- the price of food may seem exorbitant to some;
- there is no developed line of medicinal and specialized food;
- It is not recommended to use food as a main food product, it is allowed only as a treat;
- Products are not produced in dry form.
Despite the obvious fact that this food also has disadvantages, reviews from veterinarians and cat lovers about it are mostly positive, and many users recommend using it on a daily basis.
Menu
The manufacturer has clearly proven that this is a premium food. Cats can expect a variety of “foods” on their menu. There are several directions in Sheba cat food :
- Classic;
- Pleasure;
- Appetito;
Each direction is a variety of tastes. Cats have the right to choose what they like best. And the producers of Sheva feed provided them with this opportunity. Interesting to note. That 3 out of 4 types of food contain a mix of fish flavors, such as salmon, tuna, shrimp. There are also cold cuts. At the same time, chicken occupies a leading position; its tender pieces, fillets or cooked with sauce give cat food an appetizing taste and aroma.
For example, Classic food has 4 flavors:
- Tuna + shrimp;
- Tuna in sauce;
- Chicken + duck;
- Chicken saute.
Pleasure has 8 flavors:
- Trout + shrimp;
- Salmon + tuna;
- Chicken + rabbit;
- Chicken + turkey;
- Chicken + duck meat;
- Beef + lamb;
- Beef + rabbit;
- Beef tongue + veal.
© shutterstock
Appetito is a menu of such tastes:
- Salmon + tuna;
- Chicken + turkey;
- Veal + beef tongue;
- Rabbit + beef in sauce.
Naturalle includes these 3 flavors:
- Chicken fillet + turkey;
- Chicken + duck fillet;
- Beef + lamb.
All ingredients are carefully selected. Only fresh meat is taken to feed Sheba. It should not be pre-frozen or subjected to any processing. It is prepared for canning, taking into account the norms of technological processes. This is being carefully monitored by scientists from the Waltham Research Center. But the main thing is that these are always tender, juicy dishes made from fresh ingredients.
The review will be incomplete without talking about the Sheba bend. The company that produces this cat food was founded by an enterprise that has worldwide fame, recognition, and therefore considerable experience. Why can you say this with confidence? The fact is that Sheba food is not the company’s only product. There are also more popular and world-leading cat food. for example, such as Whiskas, Mars and Kitiket.
At the same time, the most famous cat food of this company, which has been on the market since 1938, is “Mars”. In comparison, Sheba is quite “young”; it has been available in Germany since 1985. And after 10 years, Sheba food began to be popularized in European countries. The wave of popularity of this food reached Russia much later. But he immediately won respect and appreciation among cat lovers and breeders, and most importantly, the love of cats. Now, where is this luxury cat food made? In Thailand.
The manufacturing technology of this cat food has been repeatedly tested, certified and approved by nutritionists who are on the staff of the company that produces Sheba food. For this reason, Sheba is recognized as a premium food: its quality, as well as its health benefits for cats, and its versatility (the fact that the food has a wide range) allow it to take a leading position.
At the end of the review it would be correct to name the cons. Personal preferences or intolerance of any particular cat to Sheba food are not voiced here. No. The shortcomings of the food are very important factors that allow owners to seriously think about whether their pets should constantly be kept on food of this brand. The fact is that this premium food is not intended for fluffies at different stages of life.
Cats with special needs, such as those who have had a cesarean section, are pregnant or have been neutered, or have undergone other types of surgery or medical procedures, should not be fed Sheba food.
© shutterstock
What else can be safely attributed to the disadvantages of food? The producers of Sheba themselves say that it is not recommended to give cat food regularly. This is a delicacy, but it cannot be a permanent diet. Most likely, Sheba cat food acts as an addition to the main one, useful, but not the main feeding.
Another disadvantage is the price of the product. She is far from small. And this stops many cat owners from including such an interesting and high-quality food as Sheba in their pets’ diet. Moreover, taking into account the above-mentioned drawback, you can allow this food to be added to the diet of your pets at least occasionally.
Specifics
Considering such a feature as the absence of medicinal food in the Sheba line, it is highly not recommended to give it to sick or sterilized (castrated) cats, and it is also not suitable for kittens under one month of age. Due to the fact that “Sheba” contains a number of ingredients that support the condition of the pet’s coat, veterinarians recommend giving it as a daily treat to cats from the long-haired, Neva masquerade, Persian and chinchilla breeds.
A significant percentage of meat in canned food will be very useful for large cats of the Savannah, Serval, Maine Coon, and Caracal breeds. Thanks to the food, they will remain active longer throughout the day. Sami can become part of the diet of a cat of any breed: from the snowshoe and jungle cat to the bengal.
As mentioned earlier in the article, this cat food is not exactly a cheap product. Nevertheless, any person who is sensitive to their pet fluffy, first of all, chooses healthy and tasty foods for their pet, sparing neither money nor time in searching for treats. Many cat owners are guided by the physical reaction of their pets when choosing food, paying attention to how the cat’s body tolerates food and whether there are any problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
After studying reviews from veterinarians, it becomes clear what is needed to determine whether a given food is suitable for a cat or not. First you need to observe the behavior of the animal. If the pet is active, playful and in a pleasant mood, then everything is fine.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's now start looking at the negative and positive aspects of food.
The benefits of Sheba include:
- considerable meat content in food: from 20 to 45%, depending on what kind of food you buy;
- convenient and airtight packaging;
- the manufacturer offers a finished product in the form of a dish;
- the feed does not contain highly allergenic cereals;
- Suitable for daily use.
Among the shortcomings can be identified:
- high price;
- the composition contains dyes and flavors, albeit in small quantities;
- Some types of feed contain by-products (which ones are not indicated on the packaging).
Important! When feeding, keep in mind that wet food should be at room temperature. You should not give your pet food straight from the refrigerator.
Sheba cat food: reviews from cat lovers
After studying numerous review sites and amateur forums, the most popular reviews about Sheba food were selected for the article.
As some buyers write, the food really attracts the cat like a magnet. After the first bowl, the animals begin to demand only this food. It is also not surprising that the pet actively sniffs the bowl after licking it thoroughly. It is possible that some components not listed in the official composition may still be present in this product. In this case, suspicion falls on either the flavoring agent or the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate.
According to some owners of cats who have eating disorders, even the veterinarian recommended this food to them, because, for example, in case of urolithiasis of the kidneys, dry food is contraindicated. They say that the animals are recovering, their fur is fine, there is no bad breath, their general condition is normal, and there is no attachment.
Buyers note that after feeding their cat “Sheba” for several months in a row, their animals became irrevocably attached to the food. Therefore, as the manufacturer says, this product should not be given on an ongoing basis. Changing your pet’s taste preferences will not be easy, it will take a long time to get used to it, and a total change in diet will lead to stress for your pet.
Some veterinarians argue that, in principle, this food is suitable for feeding cats of all breeds, since the optimal amount of moisture it contains, in comparison with dry food, can reduce the risk of the appearance and development of urolithiasis in a pet. They say that canned food is very good for overweight cats. Protein and plant components of the product will ensure the normalization of metabolic processes in a pet. There are even cases when, thanks to this food, the problem of constipation in cats whose age has passed the age of seven is solved.
As the practice of veterinarians shows, many cat breeders prefer to treat their pets with products from the owner’s table, which is not completely safe for the cats’ health. Canned food like “Sheba” is specifically intended for dietary nutrition of adult cats, as they contain the optimal amount of beneficial vitamins and minerals to normalize digestion and stabilize the animal’s metabolic processes.
Reviews from veterinarians
Sheba food contains all the necessary microelements for a cat's health. Despite the fact that most breeders prefer to feed their pets natural food, the use of ready-made food is most advisable.
Yarygina A., veterinarian
Sheba pouches and canned food are perfect for feeding any breed of cat.
Unlike popular dry food, canned food is much healthier for the animal, since the cat’s risk of developing urolithiasis is significantly reduced. Stolyarov E., veterinarian
Conclusion
What is pet happiness? This is when he is loved, cared for and given enough attention. And how is the owner’s love for the fluffy expressed? In his constant and reverent care for his ward. Caring is expressed through comfort, which consists of such little things as a warm home, a soft sofa and, of course, tasty and healthy food. If you rely on reviews from cat owners, you can see that purring friends appreciated the taste of such a product as Sheba. In terms of external characteristics, the four-legged friend has improved digestion and a shiny coat that does not shed.
According to the testimony of some veterinarians, the nutritional value of Sheba cat food is optimal for tailed friends. This food contains crude protein, vitamins and fiber necessary for your pet - these are the substances needed for proper metabolism and good digestion. It is worth noting that the composition of these canned foods in spider packages is much richer. Sheba food for cats smells delicious and looks quite edible even for humans. The cats gobble it up on both cheeks and also lick the bowls. This pleasure may not be cheap, but why not pamper your beloved pet at least sometimes? Do not skimp not only on your pleasures, but also think about our smaller brothers, whom we have taken under our responsibility. After all, a person’s mood and emotional state often depend on their health.
Premium Sheba treats
On commercials for any cat food, all the animals look very happy and healthy, eating the contents of the jars and bags with appetite. But when choosing food for your pet, it is better to focus not on colorful stories or bright packaging, but on the recommendations of experts and the reputation of the company.
So, if Sheba brand food relied only on television commercials, the product would not have lasted on the world market for over 30 years...
(which owns the Sheba brand) produces food in different price categories. Thus, those with low incomes are well acquainted with the Whiskas brand - these inexpensive food products for the cat family are very popular. But the Sheba brand belongs to the premium class - no waste from meat and fish production is used in the production of these feeds.
The Sheba brand specializes in the production of wet food - for the convenience of customers, the product is packaged in small jars or bags (this way, owners do not need to worry about storing open packaging, since one mini-pack is just a single serving).
In the production of Sheba food, natural meat, seafood and fish are used. This product can cause an allergy in exceptional cases (for example, if your cat has a negative reaction to shrimp) - in this case, try using food of a different composition.
You will not find soy, vegetable protein, chemical flavors or flavoring additives in any portion of this food. Animal proteins make up about 20% of the total volume, the rest of the contents are fiber, vitamin and mineral complexes. Instead of corn starch, cassava sago is used - it is easily absorbed by the cat's body and does not cause digestive problems or allergic reactions.
As already noted, Sheba food is available in small cans or sealed bags - and this is not only a matter of convenience of packaging:
- If your cat requires a lot of proteins and animal protein, take canned food in cans (as they have a higher percentage of meat content).
- For less active cats, you can offer the contents of the packages (there are also enough vitamins and other useful compounds, but the meat/fish content is less - to avoid obesity).
Sheba products do not cause thirst - after eating, the cat will not need to drink heavily (although, of course, a bowl of clean water should be constantly available), because. wet food does not require a lot of liquid for processing (like dry kibble). Thus, when eating wet food, there is no heavy load on the kidneys - this is important to take into account for owners of pets with a weak excretory system.
To make it easier for customers to navigate through a variety of products, Sheba food is divided into 3 collections:
- “Pleasure” pouches represent a finished product, processed with steam (inside there are delicious pieces of 2 types, for example: tuna and salmon, chicken and rabbit, beef and tongue...).
- According to the manufacturers, “Classic” canned food is prepared according to “individual recipes”, and each jar is filled by hand (there is meat or fish inside, drenched in a very delicate sauce).
- Fusion canned food for gourmet cats - consists of only 2 types of food (You can choose a dish of chicken and duck cut into pieces or chicken with beef...).
The advantages of Sheba brand products, first of all, include high quality (raw materials, production and finished feed):
- the manufacturer does not use frozen carcasses; all products are supplied to the factory only fresh
- Packaging is carried out using the latest technologies, which allow preserving all the beneficial properties of canned food.
- Many different recipes and original combinations of products are used in production.
As a result, such food does not require chemical flavor and aroma enhancers; the animal eats tender pieces of meat with pleasure.
The disadvantages of these feeds include:
- the fact that despite the extensive range, there are no special foods for cats with health problems
- and there is also no diet for kittens (only animals over one year of age can try Sheba)
- It is not recommended to give this food to pregnant cats
Not every owner can figure out on their own what to allow their pet to eat - it is better to consult with a specialist in advance than to spend a long time eliminating the consequences of poor nutrition.
Some buyers consider the lack of a line of dry food to be a disadvantage of the brand. But among veterinarians there is no consensus on whether it is beneficial to give animals granules (the only advantage of this form can be called accuracy - dry food will not leave stains or splashes on the linoleum or carpet). If you don’t like wiping the floor after a “sloppy cat” every time, you’ll have to buy dry food from a different brand.
Since the Sheba line does not contain special products for weakened and sick animals, please consult your veterinarian before purchasing food. It is especially important to properly feed elite animals for exhibitions and competitions. If your pet has a uniquely beautiful coat, be as attentive as possible to its diet.
What do veterinarians say?
Sheba food has quite controversial reviews from cat owners, but veterinarians mostly speak positively about these products. And this is a rather important fact, since it is the specialist who is able to make the correct conclusion.
Recently, veterinarians, before voicing their thoughts regarding this or that food, began to practice introducing it into the diet of their animals. And laboratory studies conducted on the basis of analyzes of these pets are a fundamental factor for a truthful conclusion. Sheba food was subjected to the same procedure and the results regarding the health of the pets who consumed it were positive.
In addition, veterinarians pay special attention to the taurine content in this product, which helps the food to be absorbed and relieves the animal of any digestive problems. This process is also facilitated by natural ingredients: meat and vegetables.
As a result, no dense substances are formed upon exit, and the stool is timely.
The vegetable fats that make up this food have also been noted by many veterinarians. According to experts, it is thanks to these fats that cats’ fur becomes shiny and their skin becomes healthy!
Replacement feed
It’s not worth buying economy class food, so let’s consider options from higher categories. (+) The foods we recommend are marked.
Name | Unwanted Components | Peculiarities |
Premium | ||
Royal Canin | Wheat, rice, cereal flour. Both dry and wet diets have poor composition. | There are separate products for kittens, medicinal lines, food for breeds and age categories. |
Animonda (+) | There are no unwanted ingredients, except for the Rafiné line, there are products of plant origin. | Only wet diets are often classified as super premium. |
Super premium | ||
Leonardo (+) for wet | Rice and potato starch in dry diets. We recommend wet food, although it contains a small amount of by-products. | There is a line for kittens. |
Brit Care | Rice, offal. | There is a division of diets by age. |
Applaws (+) | Dry diets contain new potatoes, but only 6%. Wet diets are also good, although they contain rice and a vegetable gelling agent. | There is one for kittens. |
Holistic | ||
Moonlight (+) | There are no unwanted ingredients. | The percentage of all ingredients is indicated; only canned food is produced. |
Acana (+) | There are no unwanted ingredients. | Dry only, 3 types. |
GO! (+) | Potatoes in some forms (not among the first 5 ingredients). | Dry only, 4 types. |
It is not difficult to replace Sheba; the question is the pet’s perception of the new food. Considering the painful attachment of individual animals to treats, some difficulties may arise at first.
To summarize, the following can be said about Sheba food - a good diet for rare use as a treat. Not recommended for daily nutrition.
Reviews of Sheba food from veterinarians and cat owners
You can make your cat happy every day. The recipe is chosen so that it is impossible to overfeed or harm your health. The assortment includes several lines with different tastes, but in general the composition is the same. Variety pleases owners more than cats, which are not very sensitive to taste differences. No flavorings or flavor enhancers are used. Sheba is suitable only for adult animals; it is strictly forbidden to give it to kittens.
I dried several bags of different flavors at once. I brought it home and gave it to the cat. Apparently they were adding something there, she swept away everything offered and began to demand more. While eating, she showed her delight by fluffing up the fur on her body and tail, making her look twice as thick. In general, maybe there are some additives (I don’t completely rule it out), but the cat became a fan of it. I decided for myself that I would not give it constantly, otherwise he would get used to it and start shaking this Sheba off me all the time. I must admit, even the smell of Sheba differs from Whiskas. Sheba smells nicer, more appetizing, meaty or something. This was noted by everyone, even my husband, who calls all these bags “cat Doshiraki.”
Sheba is not a complete food, but rather a dessert. I don’t think that in a bag for less than 30 rubles. there may be something useful for the cat.
And the cat really eats with great pleasure. As soon as he hears the creaking of the bag, he immediately runs meowing into the kitchen... But this does not mean at all that there is 30% chicken meat and 5% turkey. I am 100% sure that these are by-products, but which ones are unknown. And these are unnatural pieces, which can be seen with the naked eye, but some artificial “squiggles”. The smell is terribly unpleasant, as if something has gone bad...
Sheba is a popular cat food, which is positioned by the manufacturer as a premium product. "Sheba" is available only in the form of canned food for adult cats without any health problems. The manufacturer calls this product a complete diet, but some veterinarians recommend using it only as an additive to the main diet.
Experts' opinion
What cat owners themselves think about food is one thing, but it is also important to know what veterinarians say on this matter. Reviews from experts about the product are as follows:
- Semenov V.V., veterinarian: “The negative attitude of most cat owners towards ready-made industrial diets is surprising, considering that most of them feed their pets food that is quite harmful to animals from their own table. As for Sheba, it is a dietary food for cats, optimally balanced and healthy. Its use has a positive effect on the condition of the coat, the digestive system, and improves metabolism in various tissues and organs.”
- Fatkullin E.R., employee of the MedVet veterinary clinic: “Some manufacturers abuse and still include harmful ingredients in animal feed, for example bisphenol A, but this cannot be said about Sheba. Diets of this brand do not contain hazardous components, so they cannot cause the development of various diseases. In addition, their balance and high meat and fish content are significant advantages.”
- Anikeeva S.P., veterinarian: “As the owner of two Maine Coons and a veterinarian, I can say that if an animal eats dry diets, it should be periodically pampered with canned food, especially if they are a premium product. Sheba wet food is quite decent in this segment. Its composition, consistency, and hermetically sealed packaging inspire confidence. And upon opening it, it becomes clear that this is a fresh product with an appetizing appearance and aroma. Pets appreciate it, and I’m happy to recommend it to other cat owners.”
Sheba wet food is a tasty treat that most cats love. At least that's what the product looks like in advertising. Naturally, caring owners trust the opinions of experts more, and they mostly agree: Sheba is a healthy treat for purring pets.