WholeHearted is a brand of cat food manufactured by PetSmart. PetSmart is an American retail company that specializes in pet supplies and services headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. They operate over 1,650 pet stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico as well as online through PetSmart.com and PetFoodDirect.com. In addition to their retail locations, PetSmart also provides pet services like dog training, pet grooming, and pet adoption.
About WholeHearted
WholeHearted is PetSmart’s exclusive line of cat and dog food featuring wholesome, natural ingredients. According to PetSmart, WholeHearted recipes contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. They also state their products are made in the United States with globally sourced ingredients.
The WholeHearted cat food line includes both dry and wet/canned recipes for kittens and cats in various life stages. Some of their recipe options include:
- Kitten formulas
- Indoor cat formulas
- Weight management formulas
- Hairball control formulas
- Sensitive stomach formulas
In addition to traditional kibble and canned recipes, they also offer freeze-dried raw food, broths and gravies.
Manufacturing and Sourcing of Ingredients
As noted above, PetSmart states that all WholeHearted products are manufactured in the United States. However, they do not provide details on which facilities actually manufacture the food or where they source their ingredients from.
Based on some internet research, it appears that many of PetSmart’s store-brand pet foods, including WholeHearted, are likely manufactured by Simmons Pet Food. Simmons is a private label pet food producer located in Iowa and Pennsylvania. They produce wet and dry pet foods for various brands and retailers.
In regards to ingredients, PetSmart states they source globally for WholeHearted. Common protein sources seen in WholeHearted cat food include chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, lamb and egg. Their recipes tend to feature USA-sourced meats, fish and eggs as the first ingredients. Grains like oats, barley and rice are also included in many formulas. These grain ingredients likely come from a variety of sources.
WholeHearted recipes also contain fruit and vegetable ingredients like apples, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, peas and sweet potatoes. The fruits and veggies are likely sourced both domestically and globally depending on the ingredient.
Quality and Safety
PetSmart states that all of their exclusive brand foods, including WholeHearted, are subject to rigorous testing for quality and safety. Each recipe is tested for key nutrients to meet levels established by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles.
Additionally, every production run undergoes tests for salmonella, mold and other contaminants before leaving the manufacturing facility. However, PetSmart does not provide any specific details about these quality control tests or release any lab reports to the public.
Many WholeHearted recipes also contain chelated minerals. Chelated minerals have been chemically attached to protein molecules which makes them easier for cats to digest and absorb. This can enhance the overall nutritional quality of the recipes.
Overall, WholeHearted appears comparable to most other mid-priced cat food brands in terms of quality and safety when looking at their ingredient sourcing, manufacturing and quality control standards.
Reviews of WholeHearted Cat Food
Overall, WholeHearted cat food receives above average reviews and ratings from most pet owners. On ConsumerAffairs.com it is rated 4/5 stars based on 63 customer reviews. Many reviewers state it is a high quality food for the price.
Here are some positive highlights of WholeHearted cat food based on customer reviews:
- Pets seem to love the taste
- Good quality ingredients
- Reasonably priced
- Improved coat and skin
- Reduced hairballs
- Fewer signs of food allergies
Some negative feedback includes:
- Picky eaters may turn their nose up at it
- Some formulas lead to looser stools
- A few cats experienced vomiting after switching formulas
Every cat is different, so cats may react differently to various formulas and ingredients based on their preferences and health conditions. Overall though, most reviews indicate WholeHearted is a good value product that provides quality nutrition.
Price Comparison of WholeHearted Cat Food
As a store brand for PetSmart, WholeHearted is priced lower than many competing national brands. Here is a comparison of average prices for common WholeHearted recipes versus comparable foods from Iams and Purina ONE:
| Product | WholeHearted Price | Iams Price | Purina ONE Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dry Cat Food (10 lb bag) | $19.99 | $31.49 | $33.98 |
| Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food (10 lb bag) | $19.99 | $31.49 | $33.98 |
| Kitten Dry Cat Food (16 lb bag) | $25.99 | $35.99 | $46.99 |
| Adult Canned Cat Food (24 pack) | $20.99 | $27.49 | $35.76 |
As you can see, WholeHearted’s prices are generally 25-50% less expensive than comparable products from well-known national brands like Iams and Purina ONE.
Where to Buy WholeHearted Cat Food
Since WholeHearted is PetSmart’s store brand, it can only be purchased at PetSmart retail locations or online at PetSmart.com and PetFoodDirect.com. Other retailers do not carry WholeHearted products.
PetSmart currently operates over 1,650 stores across North America. You can find your nearest location and check inventory on their website. Many PetSmart stores also have self-serve PetSmart Pantry sections where you can scoop and fill your own bags of WholeHearted dry food. This is a more economical way to purchase their kibble.
You can also order WholeHearted formulas for home delivery online from both PetSmart.com and PetFoodDirect.com. PetSmart provides free 1-7 day delivery on orders over $35. PetFoodDirect offers free shipping on orders over $49 and 10% off your first order.
Conclusion
In summary, WholeHearted is PetSmart’s exclusive line of natural pet food made in the United States. It receives positive reviews for quality and value. While PetSmart is a bit vague on manufacturing details and sourcing of ingredients, WholeHearted meets all AAFCO standards for nutrition. Reviews indicate pets enjoy the taste and experience good health on these formulas. Overall, WholeHearted appears to be a good quality store brand pet food at a more affordable price point than national brands.