Price Range: $28-$55 for 4-12 lb bags

Key Features:

• Grain-free, high-protein formulations
• Protein content often exceeds 45% in dry food
• Focus on multiple quality protein sources
• Includes live probiotics for digestive health

Available Varieties:

• CORE Original: Turkey, chicken, herring base
• CORE Indoor: Lower calorie with hairball control
• CORE Weight Management: Formulated for calorie control
• CORE Kitten: Supports growth and development
• CORE Senior: Tailored for aging cats
• CORE RawRev: Includes freeze-dried raw pieces

Nutritional Analysis (Original Turkey Formula):

Performance Ratings:

• Ingredient Quality: 9/10
• Protein Content: 9.5/10
• Palatability: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 7.5/10
• Digestibility: 8.5/10

2. Wellness Complete Health (Wholesome Grains)

Price Range: $22-$45 for 3-12 lb bags

Key Features:

• Includes wholesome grains like brown rice and oatmeal
• Focus on balanced, complete nutrition
• More budget-friendly than the CORE line
• Offers specific life-stage formulas
• Features omega fatty acids from flaxseed

Available Varieties:

• Indoor Chicken: For hairball management
• Salmon: Rich in omega fatty acids
• Healthy Weight: Reduced-calorie formula
• Kitten: Supports growth
• Senior: Aids joint and immune health

Nutritional Analysis (Indoor Chicken):

Performance Ratings:

• Ingredient Quality: 8.5/10
• Protein Content: 7.5/10
• Palatability: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 8/10
• Digestibility: 8.5/10

3. Wellness Signature Selects (Premium Wet Food)

Price Range: $1.50-$2.50 per can (2.8-5.3 oz)

Key Features:

• Appealing shredded and chunked textures
• High moisture content for hydration
• Grain-free recipes
• Premium, visible ingredients

Available Varieties:

• Chicken (flaked and shredded)
• Tuna
• Salmon
• Chicken & Beef blend
• Tuna & Shrimp blend

Performance Ratings:

• Ingredient Quality: 9/10
• Texture Appeal: 9/10
• Moisture Content: 9/10
• Value for Money: 7/10
• Palatability: 9/10

4. Wellness Healthy Indulgence (Wet Pouches)

Price Range: $1.00-$1.50 per pouch (3 oz)

Key Features:

• Tender morsels in gravy
• Grain-free recipes
• Convenient single-serve pouches
• Multiple flavor options

Performance Ratings:

• Ingredient Quality: 8/10
• Convenience: 9/10
• Palatability: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 7.5/10

5. Wellness CORE Tender Cuts (Wet Food)

Price Range: $1.50-$2.20 per can (3 oz)

Key Features:

• Available in paté and cuts-in-gravy textures
• High-protein, grain-free formulas
• Aligns with CORE dry food nutrition

Performance Ratings:

• Ingredient Quality: 9/10
• Protein Content: 9/10
• Texture Variety: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 7/10

Ingredient Quality Assessment

Protein Sources

Carbohydrate Sources

Key Quality Differentiators

✅ No meat by-products ✅ No artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin) ✅ No artificial colors or flavors ✅ Added probiotics for gut health ✅ Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids ✅ Uses natural antioxidants (like vitamins C & E)

Cost Analysis

Dry Food Price Per Pound

Estimated Monthly Feeding Costs (Average 10-lb Cat)

Annual Cost Comparison

Comparison with Leading Competitors

Wellness vs. Blue Buffalo

Wellness vs. Taste of the Wild

Wellness vs. Instinct

Pros and Cons

Advantages

✅ High-Quality Ingredients:

• Primary ingredients are named meat proteins.
• Avoids by-products and common fillers.
• Commits to non-GMO ingredients.

✅ Probiotic Inclusion:

• Features live active cultures for digestive support.
• Promotes a healthy gut microbiome and immune function.

✅ Strong Protein Content:

• CORE line exceeds 45% protein.
• Provides a quality amino acid profile suitable for felines.

✅ No Artificial Additives:

• Free from synthetic colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives.

✅ Extensive Variety:

• Multiple product lines for different needs and budgets.
• Includes life-stage formulas and various textures.

Disadvantages

❌ Premium Pricing:

• Significantly more expensive than grocery-store brands.
• Can be a substantial ongoing budget consideration.

❌ Use of Plant Proteins:

• Some formulas include pea protein, which boosts protein percentages but is less bioavailable for cats.

❌ Limited Raw Options:

• Lacks a comprehensive raw food line compared to some competitors.

❌ Recall History:

• Has experienced recalls in the past, which may concern some owners.

❌ Variable Palatability:

• Some cats may reject certain formulas or textures, especially picky eaters.

Customer Feedback Summary

Positive Reviews (~76%)

• "My cat's coat became incredibly soft and shiny on CORE."
• "I appreciate the transparent, high-quality ingredient list."
• "The added probiotics made a noticeable difference in my cat's digestion."
• "While pricey, the quality justifies the cost for my pet's health."
• "My veterinarian recommended this brand."

Negative Reviews (~16%)

• "The cost is prohibitive for long-term feeding."
• "My cat refused to eat it after the first few meals."
• "Caused some initial digestive upset during transition."

Neutral Reviews (~8%)

• "It's good food, but the price keeps increasing."
• "Quality is evident, but whether your cat will eat it is hit or miss."

Feeding Recommendations

Wellness is Best For:

• Pet parents seeking natural, holistic nutrition.
• Cats that thrive on high-protein diets.
• Owners who value probiotic and digestive support.
• Those prioritizing ingredient quality over lowest cost.
• Households with cats at different life stages.

Consider Alternatives If:

• Your primary constraint is a tight budget.
• You have an extremely finicky eater.
• You are specifically seeking a raw or fresh-food diet.
• Your cat requires a novel protein not offered by Wellness.

How to Transition to Wellness Food

A gradual transition over 3-4 weeks helps prevent digestive upset:

1. Week 1: Mix 75% old food with 25% Wellness.
2. Week 2: Shift to a 50/50 blend.
3. Week 3: Mix 25% old food with 75% Wellness.
4. Week 4: Fully transition to 100% Wellness.

Monitor your cat's appetite, stool consistency, energy levels, and coat condition throughout the process.

Final Verdict

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars

Wellness Pet Food successfully delivers on its promise of high-quality, natural nutrition. Its commitment to clean ingredients, probiotic inclusion, and high protein content (especially in the CORE line) makes it a strong contender in the premium cat food market. The main drawback is its cost, which may not be sustainable for all budgets.

Top Picks for 2026:

• Best High-Protein Dry Food: Wellness CORE Original – For its exceptional protein content and probiotic support.
• Best Value Dry Food: Wellness Complete Health – Offers balanced, quality nutrition at a more accessible price point.
• Best Wet Food: Wellness Signature Selects – Wins on premium texture, ingredient quality, and palatability.

Where to Buy

Primary Retailers:

• Chewy.com: Often has the best prices and autoship discounts.
• Amazon: For convenience and subscription options.
• Major Pet Stores: PetSmart, Petco, and Pet Supplies Plus.
• Independent Pet Stores: Supports local businesses.
• Wellness Website: Direct from the brand.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Utilize autoship/subscription programs for discounts.
• Buy in bulk during sales events.
• Sign up for retailer loyalty programs.
• Compare prices across online platforms.

Review Updated: 2026 | Prices are estimates and vary by retailer and location. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat's diet.