Boat to Bowl Dry Cat Food: A New Alternative
Share
So you’re at the pet store, staring down a mountain of dry cat food options. A new brand catches your eye: Boat to Bowl (a newer player with a focus on natural ingredients). But what exactly sets this brand apart when it comes to feeding your feline friend? Let’s break it down:
We’ve talked about Boat to Bowl cat food recently on our social media. This is a food that we learned about at Superzoo last year and I’ve gotta say, our cats love it! Because many of you have been asking for an affordable alternative for cat food, we’re looking at what makes this a standout.
Protein Powerhouse
Both brands offer dry and wet food options. Both brands cater to feeding preferences with kibble and wet food varieties. They both include complete and balanced nutrition as required by AAFCO, meaning they each provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, and taurine that cats need. This brand champions fish-first recipes, which is great for cats with allergies to chicken or other meats. But, it does limit the protein variety. If your cats don’t like fish, they may not like this brand.
Grain Game
Many cat kibble recipes include grains, which can act as a binder and provide fiber and healthy carbohydrates. However, some cats may have allergies or sensitivities to certain types of grains. Cats with sensitive skin and intolerances may benefit from a grain-free diet.
Grain-free cat foods are often easier to digest for cats with sensitivities. Grains can be a good source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Some grains can be a good source of protein that is more easily digested than meat. But since cats are carnivores, their digestive tracts can process carbohydrates from grain.
Boat to Bowl prioritizes grain-free formulas with alternatives like sweet potato. They minimize\ carbohydrates, aligning more closely with a cat’s natural diet. Boat to Bowl also emphasizes using human-grade, upcycled fish (fish leftover from human consumption processed for pet food) and avoids artificial ingredients, colors, and preservatives.
Natural Appeal
If your cat has allergies or sensitivities to chicken or grains, Boat to Bowl’s limited ingredient, fish-based formula is probably the best option. Also, the strong fish flavor can be quite appealing for picky eaters.
Boat to Bowl: Emphasizes human-grade, upcycled fish and avoids artificial ingredients, colors, and preservatives. Leans towards a more “natural” approach.
Here is there ingredient list for their Wild Haddock Recipe: Cod, Haddock, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Tapioca Starch, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflower Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Chick Peas, Flaxseed, Pollock Oil, Natural Flavor, Yeast Extract, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex), Salt, Taurine, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract.
Cost Considerations
Purina generally offers a more affordable option. But, as we know, it’s not very budget-conscious if you’re taking your cat in for more veterinary visits. Boat to Bowl has a very cost-effective brand as well. To compare, we looked up pricing on an 11-lb bag of each type of dry cat food, where they are both available.
Boat to Bowl: Typically pricier due to the focus on higher-quality ingredients and a grain-free approach. But, not unaffordable! A 3.5 lb bag runs $19.99($0.36/ounce) at Target. That puts the price about triple the cost of Purina, so it may not be as feasible for those of us who have large numbers of cats or who feed feral cats.
The best choice for your cat will depend on their needs:
- Allergy Alert: If your cat has allergies to chicken or grains, Boat to Bowl’s limited ingredient, fish-based formula might be the solution.
- Picky Eater: The strong fish flavor of Boat to Bowl could tempt finicky felines who shun other options.
- Budget-Minded: Purina’s affordability is a major advantage, especially for those with multiple cats or tight budgets. But the healthier recipe in Boat to Bowl may reduce vet visits.
Beyond the Label: Tips for Choosing Wisely
- Decode the Ingredient List: The first few ingredients make up the bulk of the food. Look for whole foods like fish, chicken, or whole grains higher on the list. Also check out our PetsWeekly Pocket Guide to Pet Food Labels for help.
- Research and Reviews: Explore online resources and reviews from other cat owners to understand different brands.
- Start Slow: When introducing any new food, gradually mix it with your cat’s existing diet to avoid digestive issues.
Your Vet: The Ultimate Feline Food Guru
Remember, your veterinarian or pet nutritionist is your best resource for determining the optimal dry food for your cat (some cats can’t handle dry at all). They can consider your cat’s age, health, activity level, and taste preferences to recommend the perfect food that offers a balance between nutrition, affordability, and your cat’s happiness.
However, by understanding the differences between Purina and Boat to Bowl, your cat’s needs, and consulting your vet, you can make an informed decision that keeps your feline friend purring with satisfaction.
To order samples of each cat food formula from Boat to Bowl, click here.
