Chicken meal is baked and then dried out before being ground. This produces a higher protein count than chicken that is simply ground after baking. Chicken meal is easy for pet food producers to work with, and cats seem to love the taste of this ingredient.
Many high-quality brands include chicken meal as one of the first ingredients in their formula. For Wysong products, chicken meal is usually the first or second ingredient on the list.
Pet food companies use chicken fat in their recipes because it is an excellent source of fatty acids, inexpensive to produce, and easy for animals to digest. It also makes the food taste better for cats. Unfortunately, Wysong includes chicken fat rather than real meat protein as the second ingredient in many of its products. This ingredient is used even in the meat-heavy foods that Wysong produces. The starch provides nutrients and extra protein that cat owners can appreciate. However, the biggest reason the company likely uses potato starch is that it binds well to meat products and bulks the food up for a fraction of the cost than meat.
Otherwise, the monitoring standards in place seem to be working because no other recalls have been issued since. What is great about them, and what could use improvement? This formula is formulated for adult cats with no food sensitivities. It is packed full of animal protein and fats that cats love the flavor of and includes natural sources of important probiotics and enzymes to promote a healthy digestive system. Wysong Optimal Vitality dry cat food also includes both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimal eye, bone, and brain health.
Chicken meal, turkey meal, and pea protein are among the first foods on the ingredients list. The main ingredients in Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Grain-Free formula are animal proteins and chicken fat to mimic a diet that cats would naturally eat in the wild.
The formula also has superfoods, such as chia seeds and fish oils, to help support the immune system. Formulated with antioxidant supplements, this food encourages optimal overall health for cats of all ages. Wysong Uretic dry cat food is designed to help cats maintain healthy urinary tracts and immune systems as they get older. Both fresh and dried types of meat are included in the recipe to ensure palatability and a decent protein profile.
Chicken and chicken fat make up the bulk of the recipe, but other important ingredients, such as brown rice, sesame seeds, and even dried cheese, are included to ensure that all nutrient requirements are met. The included rosemary extract helps cats fight food sensitivities too. There is a great deal of talk about the Wysong pet food brand on the internet, all of which can help paint a full, clear picture of what a cat owner can expect from the recipes offered by the company.
Check out the buzz:. Each recipe is specially designed to holistically meet the nutritional needs of cats, young and old. The products might be a little more expensive than many others on the market, but the high-quality ingredients and strict production policies in place make the investment worthwhile.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since , in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time.
Our side has been lied to for decades, our side deals with misleading ingredient definitions and flat out violations of federal food safety laws. Our side watches pets die when press releases announce no pets have been reported as ill. Our side has asked for a simple promise — and their side ignores or mocks us. Pet Food Consumers deserve better. Our thanks go out to the companies that understand this and have signed their Pledge to us.
Those companies are…. By the way — the effort for the Pledge to Quality and Origin will continue regardless to what some pet food manufacturers think of it.
From now on, if they say No to Pledge — they are saying No to all of us, not just my website. Susan Thixton TruthaboutPetFood. Is your dog or cat eating risk ingredients?
Chinese imports? Click Here. Have you read Buyer Beware? Cooking for pets made easy, Dinner PAWsible. Kudos to you Susan for your perseverance in bringing us the truth and the pet food consumer who contacted Whysong. Keep up the good work, we are all behind you! That second party is the consumer and yes, you NEED their approval.
Wow, this is really unbelievable. Just last weekend I was no joke! Not very smart on their part. Thanks, Susan.
Jay Smith. And, toward that very real purpose with far-reaching value for consumers, we see no other option but to provide this information, and we thank Susan Thixton for the service of consolidating and publishing this reference for consumers. Very well put Jay — and you are right. And again — thank you to your company and all the others that can understand the consumer need for this.
BTW, if going to push a seal, let me suggest, an idea for showing origins. I have thought about the fact that we have different issues with products. It would be useful to have several lines on a label for indicating what, where, etc. Seems that the first line should be where the company is from followed by a slash then followed by where parent company is from.
The next should be where the final assembly such as canning, or hooking together, etc is done at. The last should be where sub-parts ingrediants come from. For the first line, using an outline of a nation or continent, or 2 letters for nation would work.
For the second, it should be the same as above. The ingredients should then also allow for showing a circle indicating that it comes from all over the globe, which COULD include China. By adopting such a thing on pet food, it would help push it for other products.
And a simple standard is able to be pushed everywhere. It is long past time for us to know where our purchase, esp. As it is, I just found out that our milk is using Chinese additives in there. But I am wondering , as one concerned about her pets and the lives of other animals: Why are you drinking milk?
Milk is from dairy cows, forced to surrender their calves, enslaved to a shortened, brutal lifestyle. And the calf?
So much sadness… Have you investigated the truth about the dairy industry? Please do so and consider that Truth about Animals is heartbreaking in our society. Thank you. Mollie Morrissette. Margie, I struggle with the humane issue as well. I think we are decades away from people demanding Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved pet food.
I have done research in hopes of finding one or even two manufacturers with humane standards, but sadly I did not find one at least that I recall. But as I am a vegan Mom to eight obligate carnivores, these decisions are heartbreaking. I do not believe a vegetarian diet is good for cats — so that is not an option. Meanwhile, I visit the farms that I buy meat, poultry and eggs from to make sure the animals are happy and well cared for — at least while they are alive.
Could I watch an animal being killed — could I perform the slaughter myself? I feel like a fraud. Margie, do you have pets? If so, what do you feed them? This does not surprise me. They post their position at their web site.
Do you think the competition buys healthy cows, or what ever food source and uses that??? It would not be cost competitive. This loop hole is even more horrific. They are shipped to Canada now in horrific conditions, slaughtered there and shipped over seas as a delicacy. I lived in Italy where American horse-meat is a delicacy!
Wild animals catch the weakest, and eat the gut first the stomach full of partially digested enzyme rich and if the prey is vegetation — since their prey is usually vegetarians — plant eaters, rabbits, deer, birds. Full of seeds, nuts, grasses BUT in their young state not stored in grain silos and berries as well as a few examples. Enzymes of all sorts including digestive are the KEY to life for humans as well. All cycles depend on enzymes.
As always. I am guessing that where she ran into problems, is that she wants origins. I tried getting Blue Buffalo to say that they would not use chinese products, only to find out that they were actively using them, and possibly for most, if not all of the food.
Near as I can tell, many of the dog food companies are making heavy use of Chinese and inferior products. What is needed is to PUSH any and all products that will pledge to quality and origin, and simply allow the others to fall to the side. BTW, the best way to push this, is with a seal on the package. Then have companies that get it, to push the seal.
One sad truth is that many vitamins and minerals in this country actually come from China — even in products made for humans. Jean Hofve DVM. Attitude flows downhill, and Randy Wysong is the source. He knows more about everything than anyone else—just ask him! A lot of cats do not tolerate Wysong food. But when I contacted them about it, their answer was to feed their acidified dry food Uretic , rather than fix the problem that was sending cats to the ER in droves.
This is very consistent with my experiences with Wysong. Every time I have asked them a question, they have responded with unbearable arrogance they know all, consumers know nothing. The strangest thing is how critical of processed food he is, and then he goes ahead and produces it himself.
Products are either nondescript or, using such things as starch, textured vegetable protein, dyes, binders, etc. Additionally, taste enhancers can make poor foods palatable. Judging merit by reading advertising, marketing brochures, and pet food package labels can also be deceiving.
Although it would seem that regulation would not permit false and misleading information in the marketplace, this is simply not the case. So assuming that what is said in advertising is true because it is in a reputable publication, or on a beautifully designed brochure or package, is a dangerous mistake. So if all the commonly used criteria for judging the merit of a healthy pet food are invalid, what is the concerned pet owner to do?
As in all other important decisions in life, gathering information and applying reason is the best way to the best answer. This process is even more important in food decisions because health is at issue. Jean is right. Wysong has a lot of good comments about the state of the common attitude about nutrition, but he is an obnoxious bastard.
Nutrition is not an exact science yet, but he proclaims to have all the answers. I read a commentary of his where he was saying that chicken meal is superior to chicken and also one that had a ten point warning against feeding raw food, unless it was dehydrated or freeze dried. All points could easily be countered. What a coincidence that he uses chicken meal in his products and that he only offers Archetype and not wet raw. It is true that the attitude rolls down hill. Cats our Tabby should not be fed any dry food.
They have unique metabolic and colon systems reasons fragrance is harmful, even natural and their colon systems are like camels — built to extract water from their food to store … So by feeding dry food one is taxing this system.
As well, no cat, dog or fish I raised aquarium fish for over 50 years in nature eats dry food. They eat live foods. Due to cost I do use dry on Low SSD due to bld fire long ago — but mix it in with fresh raw meats along with supplements including essential fatty acids.
I provide certain plants for my cat s in past to nibble on. Amy GoPetFriendly. Oh dear….. I almost feel sorry for Wysong NOT! With all the informational posts that the Truth About Pet Food website makes it is evident it takes a great deal of time researching the subject of canine nutrition and health. I stopped feeding Wysong a few years ago when they refused to answer even the simplest questions about origins of their products.
As a responsible protector of my companions, I should have known better to buy their expensive product, particularly when it was highly recommended by a Santa Monica, California vet whose practices finally caught up with him because of widespread public dissemination of damning information about him.
We must all spread this important information about Wysong and other brands. Knowledge is power. Ignorance can lead to needless suffering and death. Thank you so much for posting this. My last order from Wysong was in July.
Far healthier than kibble crap. Though they claim consumers are being mislead we are neither stupid nor uneducated by promotional tactics, as in their quote below, I find they do exactly the same thing.
The say the natural diet raw meat and little else is the best thing for cats to eat and then they go on, ad nauseum, to push their foods as the best. Whether in a general statement or directly made or implied, such comments, themselves, are patently offensive to the sensibilities of consumers AND manufacturers alike, and are more characteristic and comparable to intent to mislead than any transparency disclosure to which a company executive is willing to assign his or her signature and reputation.
Obviously critical thinking is not needed or wanted. Thinking among the company party and marketing line seems to be the desired outcome. Blind company loyalty. Reading the Wysong website one could come to the erroneous conclusion that there is a great deal of agreement with what can be found here.
So, even if both sides agree — if one side is just nobody, then that opinion is worthless and to be disregarded. Dumbbunny think that a Wysong credentialed expert is better than the credentialed experts at other pet food companies. Or why should I believe that they are worse, far worse? Why should I believe that the Wysong food is truly better and not just more expensive? After all, the other credentialed experts are telling me their food is best.
How many veterinarians, even board certified in nutrition, would argue against Wysong, DVM? Which veterinarian is right? In our research to develop a new way of thinking about this industry, one of the striking recommendations from focus groups, enlightened consumers, consultants, and believe it or not — veterinarians! Let me explain why. From that point of departure, our mandate required that we challenge all known existing methods in use in the production of commercial pet foods, and to do so by examining OUTCOMES what ends up being FED to dogs and cats in our appraisal of all aspects of operations including formulation, sourcing, production, packaging and distribution.
The goal of these self-imposed challenges was to reset the standard for pet foods, and to implement a new set of practices that results in the best possible nutritional outcome for dogs under existing market conditions and requirements for distribution and selling.
What do dogs and cats need in their diets, how do we know this to be true, and how reliable is that knowledge? During our research and challenge of existing practices and outcomes, we realized, ourselves, and we were advised to consider the conflict of interest that is created when staff researchers are asked to evaluate the processes, products, ingredients and outcomes of the company that employs them.
Research by the National Academy of Sciences that is well-supported, peer-reviewed, and unbiased is readily available to all manufacturers that wish to use it. It is reliable and unassailable in its veracity, intent and scope. When not employed to consult about a specific formulation for therapeutic use, the use of staff researchers, employee veterinarians and consultants is — in our experience and opinion — most often associated with attempts to validate choices about ingredients or processes that would be subject to consumer rejection without validation.
As a company, we prefer that our food is judged by veterinarians, veterinary nutritionists and consumers that are not associated with our company. So, the question becomes: Is validation by advisors — professional or not — that a company pays for their advice reliably unbiased and comprehensible to consumers? We think that the answer to this question is, sadly, no. And, when the answer is yes, the perception of conflict of interest demonstrates the need for a different direction by our industry.
Which is precisely the reason I believe that the National Academy of Science is not unassailable. Even though their COI policy is clearcut, they continue to allow members with a financial interest on the outcome of their research to sit on the board and be members of animal nutrition committees. And nowhere is the funding of studies by private industry made public. Read: conflict of interest. Some of the members of the board are owners of powerful companies: Monsanto, Kodak, Purina, Lockheed, and the list goes on.
I think you have the right philosophy — examine the evidence, question the science, assume nothing. Kudos to you for the amazing work you guys did.
Mollie — the basis for the changes was very clearly disclosed in the opening pages of the publication. But, the original nutrient requirements published in were not changed as a result of industry participation in revisions of Called Wysong and told them they lost my business, thanks to their obnoxious, condescending, dismissive and above all, ignorant response to a fellow animal guardian.
The woman who took my called was left in stunned silence. Had no words. Thanks for sharing this. I know that Dr. Wysong and his company take the making of pet food very serious and that is why I am an avid fan of their company. They go above and beyond to show their dedication to consumers time and time again. Wysong and his company. Wysong is a pioneer in the manufacturing of one of the best dog foods, using only products from the US. Nothing they use at Wysong comes from China, nothing.
I appreciate the work you do as a consumer but I think you need to look at the facts. Most pet food companies would trash it before giving it away to loyal long time customers. Nothing You could say could sway my feelings for Dr. Nevertheless, the arrogance coming from Wysong several people have attested to here is worth noting. Wysong has had several recalls, most of them due to mold in the food see DogFoodAdvisor dot com which is a big potential for the development of aflatoxins, better known as dead dog syndrome.
As long as I have been using Wysong, they have had a recall and that was in , the only one I know of. But one recall does not sway my loyalties to Wysong, They are a solid, top notch U.
I didnt see any arrogance I think Ms Thixton has a hurt ego and I like what she does. I think you Ms. Thixton for your hard word. Again, look at the facts. The facts are…a consumer asked a pet food company to provide their promise to the quality and country of origin of ingredients.
That pet food company responded in a very abrupt manner. I think you are grasping at straws here — looking for someone to blame. Pet food consumers deserve transparency. I have…had great respect for Dr. I had no issue with him or the company. But it seems Wysong had an issue with our Pledge. Thank you Steph, as of last year when I last spoke to Wysong they were not using anything from China. If they are putting it on on their web site they are not trying to hide anything.
Thanks for the facts Steph. Total subterfuge. I liked most of the other health products but did not like the canine food products. None the less I tried the food and my hounds never did well on it, throwing up a lot, and tried most of them. Maybe there will be some that will do better, and maybe some or all of their dog food is okay, or even good, but that does not answer to poor customer relations and a lack of transparency.
That refusal or excuse to be transparent is what is scary. If you think these things are not important then you should continue feeding their dog food, but you can find all of their products elsewhere. The own no corner on anything, and consumers who do not challenge their companies are not helping them to be better. Their thinking on customer service and relations is flawed. I cook for my dogs and have for years. But I have used Wysong in the past and really like their food and supplements.
But she did turn me one to Carna4, for that I will be for ever greatful — Great company, super food, thanks for that one Susan! We can agree to disagree from time to time! I use commercial food occasionally and for back up for vacation, sick or just need a break. My male cat developed very serious issues of the gastrointestinal nature.
I started to feed him wysong epigen and canned. I then found out Zazie Pierre had diabetes. I read the epigen and freezed dried lables.
The feline diabetes hot line said wysongs lable said fruit and other hi sugar items. I called. I wanted to like wysong. My cat died. I still have bad feelings revolving around wysong. Im now feeding 19 yr old female low carb fanvy feast classic and origen kibble. She is amazing. Anyone have any knowledge about these please share it with me. Their foods are developed by an in-house team of pet health doctorate professionals. Though the Wysong website says that they manufacture their own foods, this is only partially true.
All Wysong diets are made fresh to order and never warehoused. Their only known recall took place in , when several lots of dry food were recalled due to unusually high moisture levels.
Because these moisture levels could contribute to premature spoilage and might facilitate mold growth, the affected lots were recalled in an abundance of caution. According to our research, there were no other reports of illness surrounding this recall. Wysong makes and sells a diverse variety of cat foods, including dry, canned, and raw formulations. In addition to a range of product types, Wysong encourages rotational feeding and offers a variety of animal protein sources.
These special diets target issues including urinary tract health, the effects of aging, and allergies. Epigen is available in six varieties, each with a different single protein source. Like its dry equivalent, Epigen canned food is rich in protein with minimal carbohydrate content. This food is only available in a chicken-based formula. Wysong is adamant about the benefits of minimally-processed foods and offers a selection of raw products for cats. Their raw diets are freeze-dried and never heated above degrees F at any stage of production.
The brand receives more positive reviews than negative, but according to accounts on Amazon and Consumer Reports , a significant number of cats experience diarrhea, vomiting, and show other symptoms of digestive distress after eating Wysong foods. The popular Epigen dry food formula has reviews on Chewy and an overall 4.
Has refused to eat eggs and cooked beef, chicken livers, etc.. They are also getting up there in years. I have noticed a consistently higher level of energy, smoother digestion and nicer coat since they started eating this wysong epigen food.
I highly recommend this food. Perhaps it was too healthy. The emesis is a bright green color, frothy, and looks unnatural. Luckily, Amazon is very good about their customer service and immediately refunded the transaction. Exact nutritional percentages are not available.
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