IAMS Cat Food Summary

What is IAMS Cat Food?

IAMS is a pet food brand that is owned by Mars, Inc. However, their European branch is owned and managed by Spectrum Brands.

IAMS was first introduced in 1946 by Paul Iams, who was a self-taught animal nutritionist. Initially, Iams started selling high-protein and high-fat dog food. Soon afterward, in the 1950s, it released the first dry dog food, which was made specifically from animal-based protein. Following this, the brand expanded into the cat food business as well.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) purchased the brand in 1999. This helped IAMS cat food reach a global audience of 70 countries.

However, in 2014, P&G released a statement that Iams, Eukanuba, and Natura would be sold to Mars, Incorporated. But it would retain ownership of the European market.

By the end of 2014, P&G struck a deal with Spectrum Brands and sold them the European division. Spectrum Brands is also the owner of One Earth pet food, Furminator, LitterMaid, and Nature’s Miracle.

Where is IAMS Cat Food Made?

IAMS cat food is primarily manufactured in the USA. Their facilities are located mainly in Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina.

The brand’s European division has its plant in Coevorden, a city in Drenthe, Netherlands.

How is IAMS Cat Food Made?

IAMS is not very open about the source of its ingredients. However, all the subsidiaries that are associated with Mars are a part of Mars’ Responsible Sourcing program. Additionally, they also follow Mars’ Supplier Code of Conduct.

This basically implies that the company takes the help of a third-party supplier to choose ethical and reliable suppliers.

Therefore, it is easy to conclude that IAMS cat food uses human-grade products to manufacture pet foods.

Is IAMS Cat Food Good for Cats?

Yes, IAMS Cat Food is good. IAMS Cat Food mentions that its food safety program is among the strictest in the field. This means that their products exceed FDA and USDA standards.

The company also states that they get ratings from the American Institute of Baking. This is an independent certified authority that works for the human food industry.

IAMS Cat Food Formulas Reviewed

If browsing iams.com you will find dozens of different cat food formulas. With so many options, it is normal for cat owners to be confused. To keep things as simple as possible, we have reviewed the best-selling IAMS cat food formulas.

IAMS Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food

Summary: This cat food is specially formulated to control your cat’s weight and prevent hairballs right before they start. This makes it perfect for a healthy adult cat. In contrast to wet cat food and pates, this dry kibble is easier to store and can also be used with food puzzles. It also contains essential nutrients that provide your cat with healthy skin and a more manageable cat litter, thanks to improved digestive health.

Type: Dry cat food 

Best for: Adult cats; Hairball and weight care

Price: $2/pound

Pros
  • Protein-rich formula
  • Formulated with l-carnitine to maintain weight
  • Contains proprietary fiber that prevents hairballs
  • Provides a balanced weight control diet
  • Uses premium ingredients
Cons
  • Contains preservatives
  • The scent might not suit some cats

Ingredient Analysis

  • Chicken By-Product Meal: A good source of protein but usually not recommended by vets
  • Corn Grits: A good source of fiber
  • Corn Gluten Meal: Might lead to an allergic reaction in some cats

Review: Made using high-quality ingredients, this cat food is perfect for cats with long hair. Cat owners say it really helps control hairballs and gives their cats shiny coats.

IAMS Proactive Health Adult Healthy Dry Cat Food

Summary: This product contains natural fiber and prebiotics (like beet pulp) that make for healthy adult dry cat food. In addition to strong muscles and improved accessibility to furniture, this food provides essential nutrition without any added fillers. Additionally, it also gives your pet a healthy heart and better cardiovascular health. This chicken dry cat food also contains chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols) for added nutrition.

Type: Dry cat food 

Best for: Adult; Healthy digestion

Price: $2/pound

Pros
  • Made using chicken and salmon recipes
  • Formulated with natural fiber and prebiotics
  • Promotes healthy skin and provides a glossy coat
  • Made in the USA
  • Improves heart function with calcium and potassium
Cons
  • Contains preservatives
  • The scent might not suit some cats

Ingredient Analysis:

  • Chicken: Primary source of protein that helps to build your cat’s muscles
  • Chicken By-Product Meal: A substitute protein source that is often found in cat food
  • Ground Whole Grain Corn: Could lead to an allergic reaction in some cats

Review: This is a great pet care product that is the perfect gift for pet owners. It is suitable for cats of all life stages (except kittens). Would be a great option if there was a variety pack available.

IAMS Proactive Health Healthy Senior Dry Mature Cat Food

Summary: A single bag of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH dry cat food is exactly what you need if you have a senior cat at home. Formulated using a nutrient-rich blend, this cat food helps keep your older cat a lot more active. It also contains ingredients that help build stronger bones by maintaining cartilage. It also improves mobility by strengthening joints. With a high concentration of antioxidants, this cat food also improves immunity.

Type: Dry cat food 

Best for: Senior cats; Improved immune response

Price: $2/pound

Pros
  • Nutrient-rich dry food for senior cats
  • With calcium and phosphorus for strong bones
  • Contains L-carnitine for weight management
  • Vitamin E provides an improved immune response
  • Contains high levels of antioxidants
Cons
  • Limited offers during checkout
  • The flavor might not suit some cats

Ingredient Analysis:

  • Chicken: Main source of protein that helps maintain senior cat’s muscles
  • Chicken By-Product Meal: Used as a secondary protein source
  • Dried Plain Beet Pulp: Contains antioxidants and fiber for improved digestion

Review: Formulated with Vitamin E, this cat food is great for older cats. It is made with the finest ingredients in the USA. Pet owners are generally pleased with the product.

IAMS Proactive Health Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food

Summary: This adult cat food contains chicken as the primary source of protein. This helps your cat develop stronger and more flexible muscles, which keep them active and a lot more involved in the play. It also helps regulate and bring down urinary tract infections, especially in older cats. It also contains vitamin E, which helps build your feline friend’s immune system. Fatty acids help with softer and shinier coats.

Type: Dry cat food 

Best for: Adult cats; Urinary tract health

Price: $2/pound

Pros
  • Formulated with natural fiber and prebiotics
  • Promotes healthy skin and provides a glossy coat
  • Made in the USA
  • Formulated to reduce urinary pH
  • Maintains soft and shiny coats
Cons
  • Contains preservatives
  • The scent might not suit some cats

Ingredient Analysis:

  • Chicken By-Product Meal: Used as a secondary protein source
  • Dried Plain Beet Pulp: Contains antioxidants and fiber for improved digestion
  • Corn Grits: A good source of carbs but may cause issues in some cats

Review: If your cat suffers from urinary problems, this cat food is exactly what you need. It also contains several essential vitamins and minerals that offer additional health benefits.

IAMS Proactive Health Adult Sensitive Digestion & Skin Dry Cat Food

Summary: Specially formulated for adult cats with dry skin and sensitive digestion, this cat food can help improve your cat’s immunity. It contains high-quality protein in the form of turkey, which is the primary ingredient. Thanks to a unique fiber blend, this cat food also improves the digestive health of your cat. It also contains prebiotics for added benefits, including healthy skin and a lesser chance of an allergic reaction.

Type: Dry cat food 

Best for: Adult cats; Sensitive digestion

Price: $1.5/pound

Pros
  • Helps maintain strong muscles
  • Supports healthy and nourished skin
  • Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids provide a shiny coat
  • Provides strong immune defenses
  • Formulated for adult cats of all sizes and ages
Cons
  • Contains preservatives
  • The scent might not suit some cats

Ingredient Analysis

  • Turkey: This is the primary source of protein that helps to build muscles in your cat
  • Chicken By-Product Meal: Used as a secondary protein source
  • Ground Whole Grain Corn: Could lead to an allergic reaction in some cats

Review: This is the most value-for-money cat food on the market. It works great for cats that face allergic reactions on a regular basis. It also improves skin health.

What Cat Food Formulas Does IAMS Make?

IAMS works to tailor-make food for cats depending on their age, lifestyle, and dietary needs. IAMS Cat Food also states that its products are custom-made for different activity levels.

Here is a list of the different IAMS Cat Food formulas:

  • IAMS ProActive Health: Dry cat and kitten food in several options and for managing different issues: weight control, sensitive digestion, hairball care, urinary tract health, etc.
  • IAMS Perfect Portions: Wet cat and kitten food in “pate” and “cuts in gravy” options made for different age groups and special dietary needs, as well as specific health issues.
Best Seller
IAMS Proactive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food
9.8/10Our Score
  • Formulated with l-carnitine to help your indoor cat lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. 
  • Proprietary fiber blend with beet pulp helps reduce hairballs before they start
  • Contains (1) 16 pounds bag of IAMS Proactive health adult indoor weight and hairball care dry cat food with chicken and turkey

Has IAMS Cat Food Been Recalled?

IAMS Cat Food has been recalled a few times since 1940.

In 2013, IAMS had to recall their Shakeables dog treats because of possible mold growth. Later in the same year, several dog foods were recalled because of possible Salmonella contamination.

In 2011, IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food was recalled due to possible aflatoxin mold contamination.

In 2010, IAMS had to recall its line of ProActive Health canned cat and kitten food because of low levels of thiamine. During the same year, they had to recall a single lot of Feline Renal food due to possible Salmonella contamination.

In 2007, a few brands, including IAMS had to call back several lines of cat and dog food. They were sourcing ingredients from China, and there was suspicion of melamine contamination.

Is IAMS Cat Food Worth it?

Yes, IAMS cat food is totally worth it. Many pet parents and pet owners stand by the quality of this brand. IAMS is a moderately-priced cat food brand and has ingredients that are usually found in budget brands.