Solid Gold Cat Food Review

Reviews December 10, 2020

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Solid Gold Cat Food Review

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Why Should You Trust This Review?

  • I’ve been a cat mom for 30 plus years
  • I have volunteered at animal shelters for over 15 years
  • I frequently review and confirm information with veterinarians
  • I conducted 12+ hours of research on this cat food

About Solid Gold Cat Food

Solid Gold cat food was launched in the 1970s and at the time was one of the first pet food brands to use the holistic label, incorporating a variety of  carefully curated superfoods, according to the company. Sissy Harrington-McGill founded the Solid Gold brand after noticing a difference between dogs living in Germany vs. those who lived in the United States.

Sissy was a competitive Great Dane handler and observed that her United States Great Danes lived to be seven to nine years old, while her German-born dogs who remained in Europe lived three to four years longer. She concluded that diet was the only difference between the U.S. Great Danes and the European Danes.

Sissy began by working to bring German dog food standards to the United States. She was inspired by Germany and their ability to produce longer-living Great Danes. The original Solid Gold formula was called Hund-N-Flocken, which is a German name meaning “dog flakes”.

Solid Gold Sourcing And Manufacturing

Parent Company/ Owned by  Solid Gold Pet
Company Net Worth  160 Million
Dry Food Manufactured  South Carolina
Wet Food Manufactured  Thailand
Number of Recipes  39
FDA Approved  Yes

Recall History

Solid Gold was recalled in 2012 when the company due to salmonella contamination in their South Carolina facility.

In 2018, Solid Gold cat food was sued by pet parents because the brand apparently didn’t disclose that the food had heavy metals, chemicals, or toxins.

Top 5 Recipes Reviewed And Analyzed

#1 Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 42.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 20.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3.0% Max
  • Moisture 10.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.15% Max

Ingredients

Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Chicken, Dried Eggs, Ocean Fish Meal, Natural Flavor, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Blueberries, Cranberries, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product


To better understand the Solid Gold Indigo Moon with Chicken & Eggs Grain-Free High Protein Dry Cat Food recipe, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as chicken but in higher concentrations.

Potatoes are a great nutritional carbohydrate source  and relatively low calorie. They are easily tolerated and digestible for most cats and are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, b vitamins.

Canola Oil is a genetically modified (GM) oil, and there is no research on the safety of its use in pet foods. While it does offer favorable omega-3 and omega-6 content, it is a questionable ingredient.

Peas contain high amounts of fiber, lysine and some level of tryptophan. However, peas are often considered a replacement for grain type fillers in grain-free cat foods.

Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.


#2 Solid Gold Winged Tiger with Quail & Pumpkin Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 30.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 13.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3.0% Max
  • Moisture 10.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.15% Max

Ingredients

Quail, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Tapioca, Chickpeas, Ocean Fish Meal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Dried Eggs, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product


To get a better understanding of this Solid Gold Winged Tiger with Quail & Pumpkin Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Quail is a relatively low calorie and high protein food. This is a novel protein source provided instead of more typical fowl like chicken. This is good for cats who have deleveloped an allergic reaction to other meats.

Turkey meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Turkey meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as turkey but in higher concentrations.

Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.

Peas are often used in place of grains. They are a carbohydrates and provide sources of protein and fiber.

Potatoes are a great nutritional carbohydrate source  and relatively low calorie. They are easily tolerated and digestible for most cats and are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, b vitamins.


#3 Solid Gold Touch of Heaven Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 36.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 18.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 3.0% Max
  • Moisture 10.0% Max
  • Taurine 0.15% Max

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Pea Protein, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Menhaden Herring Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Natural Flavors, Dried Eggs, Flaxseed, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Salmon Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Calcium Sulfate, Carrots, Pumpkin, Parsley, Apples, Cranberries, Blueberries, Lettuce, Celery, Beets, Watercress, Spinach, Dried Chicory Root, Broccoli, Spearmint, Almond Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Sesame Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Kelp, Thyme, Lentils, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product


Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Solid Gold Touch of Heaven Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food.

Chicken is a good source of protein, low in fat, low in sodium and is a low-carb food.

Chicken meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Chicken Meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as Chicken but in higher concentrations.

Turkey meal is considered a high-quality source of protein. Meal is a concentrated form of meat that has already had the majority of its moisture removed. This means that gram for gram it is much richer in protein and other nutrients. Turkey meal will contain the same vitamins and minerals as turkey but in higher concentrations.

Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent natural energy source. They are good for promoting muscle tone, clear eyesight, and healthy bones but can be hard for some cats to digest.

Pea protein is a plant protein and can not replace animal protein. While it maybe high in fiber it is simply a way to increase protein levels in cat food.


#4 Solid Gold Five Oceans Shreds with Real Tuna Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 13.0% Min
  • Crude Fat 2.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 1.0% Max
  • Moisture 80.0% Max
  • Ash 3.0% Max

Ingredients

Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, Tapioca Starch, Sunflower Oil, Carrots, Pumpkin, Spinach, Canola Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E Supplement, Reduced Iron, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate Monohydrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K)


To get a better understanding of this Solid Gold Five Oceans Shreds with Real Tuna Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food, we analyzed the first 5 ingredients.

Tuna is a great source of protein and safe for cats when not fed consistently. Its great for immunity boosting, muscle growth and tissue growth.

Water sufficient for processing basically means enough was used but nothing extra.

Tapioca starch is a highly digestible food source and is important in dry food for shape, texture and density of kibble. This is very important, as mouth feel and the structure of the kibble.

Sunflower oil promotes energy, healthy immune function, heart health, and normal organ function. It contains the necessary amount of omega-6 fatty acids needed for your cat’s diet.

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including healthy beta-carotene.


#5 Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque with Salmon & Coconut Milk Grain-Free Cat Food Pouch

Guaranteed Analysis

  • Crude Protein 10% Min
  • Crude Fat 4.0% Min
  • Crude Fiber 1.0% Max
  • Moisture 82.0% Max
  • Ash 3.0% Max

Ingredients

Water Sufficient for Processing, Salmon, Tuna, Pea Protein, Coconut Milk, Carrot, Sweet Potato, Dried Egg, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Tapioca Starch, Taurine, Zinc Glycine Complex, Choline Chloride, Ferronyl Iron, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Manganese Glycine Complex, Selenium Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Glycine Complex, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K)


Here we analyzed the first five ingredients to get a better understanding of what is included in this Solid Gold Holistic Delights Creamy Bisque with Salmon & Coconut Milk Grain-Free Cat Food Pouch.

Water sufficient for processing basically means enough was used but nothing extra.

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It can help strengthen the immune system and promote brain health as well as aid in controlling arthritis pain and fighting off high cholesterol.

Tuna is a great source of protein and safe for cats when not fed consistently. Its great for immunity boosting, muscle growth and tissue growth.

Pea protein is a plant protein and can not replace animal protein. While it maybe high in fiber it is simply a way to increase protein levels in cat food.

Coconut milk is fatty and oily for cats to digest in large amounts. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or other stomach issues in some cats.


Is Solid Gold A Good Cat Food?

Solid Gold is an above average brand of cat food that is low in carbohydrates, made with high quality protein, and with holistic ingredients in mind. Most of their dry food recipes are free from fillers, soy, wheat, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

The Solid Gold wet food products would be the brands downfall and considered an average product. Even with high protein levels it contains questionable ingredients like coconut milk and pea protein in the top five ingredients.

Solid Gold does source most of it’s ingredients from right here in the United states and refuses to use ingredients from China. Their dry food is manufactured in the US while their wet food is produced in Thailand.

Solid Gold is approved by AAFCO and all recipes include AAFCO nutrient profile. It meets the guidelines set for natural cat food which has added minerals and vitamins.

Where Is Solid Gold Cat Food Sold?

Solid Gold products are available all around the world in big box stores, pet retailers and on well known websites like Amazon and Chewy.com. For retail locations, please visit the store locator on their website, www.solidgoldpet.com. There are also a number of additional online retailers that carry Solid Gold.

Array

Amy is the founder of Cat Mania and a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist. She is the proud owner of two cats and a dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
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