Last updated May 7, 2026
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Earthborn Holistic is a mid‑premium pet food brand known for its clean ingredients, sustainability initiatives, and long‑standing reputation for consistent manufacturing. Their recipes emphasize meat‑first formulations, grain‑free options, and simple ingredient lists free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
In 2024–2025, the brand updated its dry food recipes to include fresh proteins, pumpkin, probiotics, and new recyclable packaging. In this review, we take a closer look at Earthborn Holistic’s product lineup, evaluate the updated formulas, analyze ingredient quality and nutritional value, and determine whether this brand is a good fit for your cat.
The Cats.com Standard Rating Earthborn on What Matters
We’ve re-evaluated Earthborn Holistic according to the Cats.com standard, grading the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s how it rates in each of these six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 6/10
- Ingredient Quality – 7/10
- Product Variety – 5/10
- Price – 6/10
- Customer Experience – 9/10
- Recall History – 10/10
Overall Score: 7.2/10
We give Earthborn cat food a 43 out of 60 rating, or a B grade.
About Earthborn
Earthborn Holistic is owned by Midwestern Pet Foods, a fourth‑generation, family‑owned U.S. company that began as a milling operation in 1926 and entered the pet food industry in the 1940s. Midwestern Pet Foods operates as a subsidiary of Nunn Milling Company Inc. and manufactures several pet food brands, including Pro Pac, Sportmix, and Wholesomes.
In late 2024, Earthborn Holistic began rolling out a brand-wide refresh, including updated packaging, sustainability initiatives, and modernized dry food recipes designed to improve taste and digestibility.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Earthborn Holistic cat food continues to use primarily U.S.-sourced ingredients, with certain components, such as lamb meal from Australia or New Zealand, flaxseed from Canada, and select vitamins, minerals, or amino acids from China, sourced internationally.
All dry cat food is manufactured in Midwestern Pet Foods’ company‑owned facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, and New York, which are HACCP‑approved, FDA‑inspected, and certified for export to regions with strict import standards, including the EU, Israel, Russia, and Australia. In late 2024,
Earthborn updated its dry recipes to include real chicken or salmon along with added pumpkin and sweet potato for improved digestibility, and introduced new packaging made with 25% recycled materials under the ISCC mass‑balance sustainability standard.
Earthborn’s wet foods continue to be produced by US Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of the Thai Union Group, a major global seafood processor known for high manufacturing standards.
Has Earthborn Cat Food Been Recalled?
Earthborn Holistic has been involved in one major recall event. In March 2021, the FDA announced that Midwestern Pet Foods was issuing a voluntary recall affecting several of its brands, including Earthborn Holistic, due to potential salmonella contamination at the company’s Monmouth, Illinois facility.
This recall followed an earlier and more serious issue in January 2021, when Midwestern Pet Foods recalled multiple dog and cat food products manufactured at its Oklahoma plant because of aflatoxin contamination. While Earthborn Holistic was not part of the aflatoxin recall, the incident raised significant concern among consumers. According to the FDA’s January 2021 update, the agency was aware of over 110 pet deaths and more than 200 illnesses linked to the affected foods.
Since these events, there have been no additional recalls involving Earthborn Holistic cat food.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Earthborn Offer?
Earthborn Holistic offers a small but focused lineup of both dry and wet cat foods. Their dry food range remains limited, currently featuring three formulas, all of which were refreshed in late 2024 with updated recipes and new packaging. Primitive Feline and Wild Sea Catch are grain‑free, while Feline Vantage™ is the brand’s only grain‑inclusive option. The updated dry recipes now include real chicken or real salmon as primary proteins, along with added pumpkin and sweet potato for improved digestibility.
Earthborn’s wet food selection is larger and continues to include a variety of grain‑free canned and pouch recipes. These formulas emphasize meat‑first ingredient lists and remain free of corn, soy, wheat, and animal by‑products. Like the dry foods, the wet lineup contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is manufactured by US Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of the Thai Union Group.
Earthborn Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
| Earthborn Holistic Monterey Medley Skipjack Tuna & Mackerel | Wet | $0.43 per oz | C |
| Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori Grain‑Free Canned Cat Food | Wet | $0.47 per oz | B- |
| Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Grain‑Free Dry Cat Food | Dry | $0.14 per lb | C |
#1 Earthborn Holistic Monterey Medley Skipjack Tuna & Mackerel
Skipjack tuna appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
This recipe features chunky, flaky fish served in a thickened fish broth. Fish broth is the first ingredient, followed by skipjack tuna, a smaller ocean fish commonly used in human‑grade canned tuna. The third ingredient is mackerel, a name applied to dozens of closely related species known for being oily, flavorful, and naturally rich in omega‑3 fatty acids.
Potatoes appear as the fourth ingredient. While not harmful, potatoes are a high‑glycemic, plant‑based carbohydrate source that offers little nutritional value for obligate carnivores. The recipe also includes sunflower oil as its primary fat source. Although safe, plant‑derived fats are not ideal compared to animal‑sourced fats.
The food is thickened with guar gum, a common gelling agent that isn’t species‑appropriate but is generally considered safe. A small amount of natural flavors—typically derived from hydrolyzed animal tissue—helps enhance palatability.
The remainder of the ingredient list consists of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed to make the recipe nutritionally complete and balanced.
Overall, this formula is high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbohydrates, making it a lean, fish‑forward option for cats who enjoy seafood‑based diets.
The food contains 66 calories per 3‑oz can, or 22 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Fish Broth, Skipjack Tuna, Mackerel, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide.
Ingredients We Liked: Skipjack Tuna, Mackerel
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potatoes, Sunflower Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- High in animal protein
- Naturally rich in omega‑3 fatty acids
- Low carbohydrate content
- Made with named fish ingredients
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Carrageenan‑free
Cons
- Contains potatoes
- Uses plant‑based fat (sunflower oil)
- Higher carbohydrate content than some fish‑only shredded foods
#2 Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori Grain‑Free Canned Cat Food
Chicken appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori remains one of the brand’s most straightforward recipes. Like similar shredded chicken formulas from Weruva or Tiki Cat, it features a simple ingredient list built around chicken broth and shredded chicken meat. The main deviation from those competitors is the inclusion of potatoes, which increase the carbohydrate content without contributing meaningful nutrition for obligate carnivores.
The recipe uses sunflower oil as its primary fat source. While safe, plant‑based fats are not ideal for cats compared to animal‑derived fats. The food is thickened with guar gum, a common gelling agent that isn’t species‑appropriate but is generally considered safe.
Beyond the core ingredients, the formula includes a standard blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to ensure nutritional completeness.
Overall, Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori is a meat‑based wet food with high protein, low fat, and moderate carbohydrate content. It remains free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and carrageenan.
The food contains 70 calories per 3‑oz can, or 23 calories per ounce.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potatoes, Sunflower Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Rich in animal protein
- Virtually free of plant protein
- Low carbohydrate content
- Made with named meats rather than by‑products
- Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Carrageenan‑free
Cons
- Contains potatoes
- Higher carbohydrate content than many shredded chicken wet foods
#3 Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Grain‑Free Dry Cat Food
Primitive Feline has been reformulated, and the new recipe is noticeably different from the older pea‑heavy version. The updated formula now begins with fresh chicken and chicken meal, giving it a more species‑appropriate foundation than the previous version. These ingredients provide dense, high‑quality animal protein suitable for obligate carnivores.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
The recipe now includes pumpkin, sweet potato, and tapioca as the primary carbohydrate sources. While these ingredients increase the overall carb load, they are gentler on digestion than the heavy pea starch and pea protein used in the older formula. Pumpkin and chicory root also contribute natural prebiotic fiber.
The food still contains peas and pea protein, which add plant‑based amino acids and inflate the crude protein percentage, but they appear lower on the list than before. The primary fat source remains chicken fat, a species‑appropriate and highly digestible ingredient.
The formula includes dried egg, salmon meal, and Alaska pollock meal, adding additional high‑quality animal protein and natural omega‑3 fatty acids. A blend of dried fruits and vegetables (apples, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, and spinach) adds trace antioxidants but does not meaningfully impact feline nutrition.
The recipe is fortified with taurine, DL‑methionine, L‑lysine, and a full vitamin/mineral premix. It also includes three probiotic strains (L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. plantarum), which may support digestive health.
This updated version is packaged in Earthborn’s new 25% recycled ISCC‑certified bags, part of their sustainability initiative.
Overall, the new Primitive Feline formula is a high‑protein, moderate‑fat, moderate‑carbohydrate dry food. It is more meat‑forward than the previous version, though still higher in carbs than ideal for strict carnivores.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Tapioca, Peas, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Dried Egg, Salmon Meal, Alaska Pollock Meal, Natural Flavor, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Cranberries, Spinach, Sodium Bisulfate, Dried Chicory Root (Inulin), Choline Chloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, DL‑Methionine, L‑Lysine, Vitamins, Minerals, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Rosemary Extract, Probiotics (L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. plantarum).
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Egg, Salmon Meal & Pollock Meal, Pumpkin & Chicory Root (digestive support)
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein, Peas (still present, though reduced), Sweet Potato/Tapioca (raise carbs)
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- More meat‑forward than the older formula
- Fresh chicken is now the first ingredient
- Includes pumpkin, chicory root, and probiotics for gut health
- Contains multiple animal protein sources
- Grain‑free and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Packaged in 25% recycled ISCC‑certified bags
Cons
- Still relies on peas and pea protein
- Higher carbohydrate content than ideal for obligate carnivores
- Contains multiple plant ingredients (sweet potato, tapioca, fruits, vegetables)
What Do Customers Think of Earthborn Cat Food?
Earthborn Holistic cat food continues to receive strongly positive feedback, with most products earning four‑ and five‑star ratings across Amazon and Chewy. Customers frequently praise the brand for its clean ingredients, high protein content, and digestibility, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs.
That said, reviews vary by recipe. The most common complaints relate to palatability — some cats simply don’t enjoy the taste or texture of certain formulas, particularly the shredded fish varieties. A handful of long‑time buyers also note that the 2024–2025 recipe updates changed the flavor or consistency enough that their cats reacted differently than before.
Here’s what a few customers have to say about Earthborn products:
Positive Reviews
“Had a nice strong smell which encouraged my I’ll cat to eat it.” – by Kathryn, reviewing Earthborn Holistic Monterey Medley Grain-Free Natural Canned Cat & Kitten Food on Apr 23, 2026
“my kitty loves this food, I enjoy the amount of hydration she gets from the gravy and how easy she makes cleaning her bowl lol amazing natural and organic wet food my cat gives it a 10/10” – by Claire, reviewing Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori Grain-Free Natural Adult Canned Cat Food on Apr 10, 2026
Negative Reviews
“Harley doesn’t like the food” – by Nancy, reviewing Earthborn Holistic Monterey Medley Grain-Free Natural Canned Cat & Kitten Food on Jan 6, 2026
“even the stray dogs outside wouldn’t eat it” – by Annie, reviewing Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori Grain-Free Natural Adult Canned Cat Food on Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does Earthborn Cat Food Cost?
Earthborn Holistic is priced in line with other mid‑premium brands marketed as natural or holistic, with wet food sitting on the higher end of the cost spectrum and dry food remaining relatively affordable.
For an average 10‑lb cat, Earthborn’s canned recipes typically cost between $3.80 and $4.30 per day, depending on the flavor and retailer, placing them alongside brands like Weruva and Tiki Cat.
In contrast, the Primitive Feline grain‑free dry formula is far more economical. A 4‑lb bag lasts roughly five to six weeks for a single cat, bringing the daily cost to about $0.32 to $0.40 per day.
This makes Earthborn’s dry food a budget‑friendly option within the grain‑free category, while the wet food remains a more premium investment.
Where Is Earthborn Cat Food Sold?
Earthborn Holistic is sold in pet specialty retail stores and online. Online retailers include Heartypet, Amazon, Chewy, and other stores that carry cat food.
Overall, is Earthborn a Good Choice?
Earthborn Holistic remains a reliable mid‑premium brand with a long history of consistent manufacturing and strong customer satisfaction. While their parent company experienced recalls in 2021, Earthborn’s own products have maintained a clean record since, and the brand continues to emphasize safety and quality control.
Their dry foods are the standout of the lineup, offering animal‑first ingredients, added digestive support, and moderate carbohydrate levels compared to many grain‑free competitors.
The wet foods are generally well‑liked but tend to run higher in carbohydrates than similarly priced shredded‑meat brands. Overall, Earthborn doesn’t fully meet strict carnivore standards but it delivers dependable quality, clean ingredients, and a reputation for consistency that many cat owners trust.
It took me a long time to find a cat food that all my cats would eat and was at least healthier than average. I settled on Earthborn Holistic Chicken Catcciatori. I mixed that with homemade raw food quite awhile but now they just get the raw food and a small amount of dry food.
Charles, it’s always good to learn about how you’ve developed a diet that works for both you and your cats. Thanks for chiming in!
I should sue this website for misleading review!
They wrte “Sourcing and Manufacturing
Earthborn cat food is primarily made from US-sourced ingredients. Exceptions to this rule include lamb meal from Australia or New Zealand, flaxseed grown in Canada, and potentially, some vitamins, minerals, or amino acids from China.”
This is not true! All the wet food is made in Thailand. Not safe.
Hey there,
Sorry to hear that you feel misled by the article. To make sure that we have all the right information, I gave Earthborn Holistic a call and asked for more details on their sourcing practices. The person on the phone explained that while the wet foods are indeed made in Thailand, none of their ingredients are sourced there. Instead, she said, most of their ingredients are sourced from the United States with a few exceptions—but nothing from Thailand.
This statement is in conflict with information on their FAQ page, where they claim to source tapioca from Thailand. At any rate, it looks like Earthborn Holistic wet food is made in Thailand from primarily US-sourced ingredients.
Hope this helps to clarify the situation!
– Mallory
I feed this to my kitties. Never had an issue. All other brands caused vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, ect. Earthborn will always be in my kitties bowls. As for the canned, I buy redford as more varieties and rates way better.
My cat will only eat the harbor harvest. The can says distributed by midwestern cat food but when buying by the case the box says product of thailand. This has always disturbed me, buy now with the corona virus i am fearful of the contents. Any thoughts?
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for the question! According to my research, cat food from Thailand should be just as safe and nutritious as food manufactured in the United States or most other countries in the world. There are a few differences between the Thai Department of Livestock Development and the system of US agencies that oversee cat food safety, but overall, there aren’t any indications of safety or quality control issues specific to this country. Also note that while Earthborn Holistic wet foods are manufactured in Thailand, most of their ingredients are sourced from the United States and a couple of other countries.
I understand your concern about the coronavirus, but please know that food from Thailand should be as safe as anything else you can buy. To put things into perspective, Thailand appears to have been very proactive and vigilant since very early on in the outbreak. It currently has fewer cases per million people than does the United States. And given the amount of time the food takes to make its way from the manufacturer to the distributor to the retailer and, finally, your home, any infectious particles on the package are more likely to come from your postal carrier or other customers in the store than someone in Thailand.
As long as you practice good hygiene, it should be perfectly fine to continue feeding your cat the Harbor Harvest food.
Take care,
Mallory
Hello,
There are so many cat foods out there.
What DRY cat food do you recommend that is the healthiest?
thanks so much
Hi Lonnie, thanks for commenting. You’re right—there are a lot of options out there.
Here’s a link to our list of the healthiest dry cat food on the market: https://cats.com/best-dry-cat-food
Hope this helps!
Best,
Mallory
I need a canned food for early kidney disease. Any suggestions?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for stopping by! I’d recommend that you check out our guide to the best cat food for kidney disease, which lists several wet foods that can help cats in the early stages of renal disease.
Wishing you all the best!
My Male cat has developed a high alkaline urine. No crystals. He is eating Earthborn dry and wet food. Is there something that can help him with this urine problem?
Hi Anne, you may want to ask your vet for recommendations. Otherwise, a meat-based diet, preferably one containing DL-methionine, would generally be your best bet. Hope this helps! – Mallory
Hello, Mallory,
In your response to Sandy, written on March 31, 2020, you mentioned in a response to her query with regard to Harbor Harvest that ” . . . most of their ingredients are sourced from the U.S. and a couple of other countries.” I would like to know specifically which ingredients are sourced from “other countries,” and I would like you to identify these countries. I also feed my cats Harbor Harvest, and I would like to know what the ingredients are, in particular, what the thick whitish liquid is that covers the food? “DiverHiker,” in a review above, describes this as “goopy, jelly, globby mess.” My cats enjoy HH, but I have the concerns I mentioned. In your own review, you mention not liking the potato, which is not particularly good for the animals.
Thank you for your response. Ruth
Hey there, Ruth. Thank you for your question! I haven’t been able to get those specific details from the people at Earthborn, but I would encourage you to contact the company with your questions regarding specific countries of origin for each ingredient. I’d also bring your question about the specific components of that whitish liquid on the surface of the food. Here’s a link to Earthborn’s customer support page: https://www.earthbornholisticpetfood.com/contact-us
I have been using the Earthborn Holistic grain free dry cat food for 5 yrs. I had a cat that became diabetic and did not want to put him on insulin injections. I purchased his food from the vet. for awhile until a sales person at my pet store showed me this food. I gradually weaned him and my other 4 cats off of what I had been giving them and not only did all 5 like it but it completely reversed my diabetic cat to where his glucose levels were normal. This food literally saved his life. The pet store is going out of business in Dec. and I am beside myself because there is no other store anywhere here that carries it. I did find it on chewy and will order it from there. I wouldn’t give my cats anything else.
hey there! just wanted to say that you should probably update the recall history since Midwestern Pet Foods has recently recalled several of their food lines for salmonella contamination, as well as risk for aflatoxin poisoning. i just think that’s important to mention 🙂
Hi Katie, we are aware of this and will update the article shortly. Thank you!
I would expedite that recall update:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recall-due-possible-salmonella-health-risk
Mortality from Salmonella contamination can be as high as 70% in senior cats.
100+ pet deaths and 200+ pet illnesses linked to this recall,
Hi Mark, I just updated the review. Thank you.
Dry matter analysis of the wet food seems to be wrong, carbs is not 82% but less than 10%.
Thank you; I will pass this along to our dev team.
Ok… you give the dry food an overall C rating yet in your analysis you generally have good things to say. Can you explain why it has a C rating, which is lower than the wet food (one of them) when it seems you concluded at the end the dry food was better than the wet food. Based on what you said it sounds like the dry food should at least be a B.
Hi there. Thanks for the observations. All foods, whether wet or dry, are graded according to the same standards. Therefore, even a dry food that is better than the average kibble will likely get a lower grade than any wet food, simply because dry foods—even comparatively good ones—tend to be nutritionally inferior (by our standards) to wet ones. It is based on a combination of nutritional and product/brand quality standards that we give the brand an overall B grade. Let me know if you have any other observations—we’re more than open to adjusting the ratings and rating system. Thank you!
I have fed my cat Earthborn Chicken Catettori for years but recently when I got a new case he started vomiting. We have done blood work and X-rays and all look good. I have changed to a prescription diet and so far he is doing great. Has something changed in the ingredients?
Hey there! I haven’t seen any indication that the formulation has changed recently. It’s possible that your cat had developed a sensitivity to chicken over time—is the prescription diet made with hydrolyzed protein or chicken-free? That could help you rule out sensitivity as an underlying cause.
Is Earthborn Holistic discontinuing their dry cat food
products ? They are increasingly hard to find.
It does look like it, at least temporarily
Per Chewy:
Custmer Question:
“Are any earthborn canned cat food flavors produced in the US?”
Answer by Chewy:
“Earthborn Holistic canned cat and tub dog foods are produced in a human-grade facility by USPet Nutrition a division of Chicken of the Sea at their plant in Thailand.”
______________
So, NOT produced by “MidwestPet”, it is “USpet”, and IS produced in THAILAND, ugh, NOT the U.S.
Confusing & feels sketchy when product info doesn’t natch,.
I wanted to Delete my Comment here, but can’t find how.