The Short Answer
Weruva is widely considered one of the best wet cat food brands available.
It is famous for its "human-style" appearanceāwhen you open a can, you see actual shredded chicken breast and fish loins, not mystery mush. It is a fantastic choice for kidney health due to its high moisture content and high-quality protein.
The main downsides are price and caloric density. Because Weruva uses lean muscle meat and very few fillers, it is often lower in calories and fat than other brands. This is great for overweight indoor cats, but you might need to feed 2-3 cans a day to keep weight on an active cat, which gets expensive fast.
Why This Matters
Cats are obligate carnivores who need hydration.
Most cats don't drink enough water. Weruva focuses on "hydration through food," with many recipes containing over 80% moisture. This helps prevent urinary crystals and kidney stress. Wet Vs Dry Cat Food
Ingredient transparency is rare.
Most pet food labels list "chicken," but that can mean frames, skin, and cartilage ground into a slurry. Weruva uses boneless, skinless chicken breastāthe same cut you buy at the grocery store.
Safety standards are high.
While some owners worry about manufacturing in Thailand, Weruva's facility is USBRC certified (a global standard for human food safety). This is often stricter than US pet food rendering plant standards.
What's Actually In Weruva
Weruva uses simple, recognizable ingredients. You won't find corn, wheat, soy, or by-products.
- Muscle Meat ā The first ingredient is almost always boneless, skinless chicken breast, tuna loin, or beef.
- Sunflower Oil ā Used as a source of linoleic acid (Omega-6). Critique: Some nutritionists prefer animal-based fats (like chicken fat) over plant oils for cats.
- Gums & Starches ā Most recipes use Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, or Tapioca Starch for texture. They are Carrageenan-free. Is Carrageenan In Cat Food Safe
- Pumpkin ā Added to many recipes (especially the "Cats in the Kitchen" line) for digestive fiber.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Visual Quality: You can identify the ingredients (shreds of meat) with your own eyes.
- Low Phosphorus Options: Even their standard lines are relatively low in phosphorus, making them a safe proactive choice for senior cats.
- Variety: Hundreds of flavors and textures (stews, pates, shreds) help prevent finicky eating.
Red Flags:
- Low Calorie Count: Some cans have as few as 60-70 calories. An average 10 lb cat needs ~200+ calories a day. Check the label to ensure you are feeding enough.
- Fish Content: The B.F.F. line is tuna-heavy. While high quality, feeding fish exclusively can lead to heavy metal accumulation over time. Rotate with chicken or beef.
Recall History
Weruva has a generally excellent safety record, but they are not perfect.
- 2017 (Australia only): A serious recall occurred with the B.F.F. line in Australia. A manufacturing error led to thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, causing neurological issues and deaths in cats.
- Outcome: Weruva identified the issue (exclusive to the Australian formulation/batch), corrected it, and has not had a thiamine recall since.
- US Status: Weruva has no recalled products in the US market as of early 2026.
Note on Wx Phos Focused:
There is chatter in online communities about the Wx Phos Focused line. This is a specialty clinical product for cats with advanced kidney disease. It is not complete and balanced because the phosphorus is intentionally too low for a healthy cat. Do not feed Wx to a healthy cat without vet supervision, or they may develop nutrient deficiencies.
The Best Options
Weruva has many lines. Here is how to choose.
| Line | Best For | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weruva Classic | Most Cats | ā | High protein, simple ingredients. "Paw Lickin' Chicken" is the gold standard. |
| Cats in the Kitchen | Picky Eaters | ā | Uses pouches and cans; higher fat and very palatable flavors. |
| B.F.F. (Best Feline Friend) | Budget / Fish Lovers | ā ļø | Good quality, but mostly tuna-based. Rotate with poultry to avoid mercury risks. |
| Truluxe | Big Spenders | ā | Premium ingredients like steak and peking duck. Very expensive. |
| Wx Phos Focused | Kidney Disease | ā ļø | Rx Use Only. Extremely low phosphorus. Not for healthy cats. |
The Bottom Line
1. Feed it for hydration. If your cat has a history of UTIs or crystals, Weruva is one of the best preventative diets you can buy.
2. Watch the calories. Check the back of the can. If your cat is losing weight, switch to the "Cats in the Kitchen" line or add a topper.
3. Rotate proteins. Don't just feed the tuna recipes. The chicken and beef options are nutritionally superior for daily feeding.
FAQ
Is Weruva made in China?
No. Weruva is made in Thailand in a human-grade food facility. Thailand is a global hub for high-quality canned seafood and poultry processing.
Can I feed Weruva to my kitten?
Yes, but check the label. Most Weruva formulas are "All Life Stages," but because they are low in fat, you must ensure your kitten eats enough volume to grow. A specifically formulated kitten food (or their "Kitten" line) is often safer for the first year.
Is the "Wx" line safe?
Only for cats with kidney disease. The Wx line is a therapeutic tool to lower phosphorus intake. It lacks the phosphorus levels required for a healthy cat's bone and cellular function. Do not use it as a standard diet.
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