Published Feb 6, 2026
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Iams claims that their food provides “nutrition that’s tailored to bring out their unique best”, but will Iams cat food bring out the best in your cat? Let’s learn more about Iams to determine whether or not it’s a healthy, high-quality choice.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Iams on What Matters
We’ve taken a close look at Iams and graded it according to the Cats.com standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history.
Here’s how it scored in each of these six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 5/10
- Ingredient Quality – 5/10
- Product Variety – 6/10
- Price – 7/10
- Customer Experience – 7/10
- Recall History – 4/10
Overall Score: 5.6/10
In total, we give Iams cat food a 34 out of 60 rating or a C grade.
About Iams
Iams is owned by Mars, Inc., with the exception of their European branch, which is owned and manufactured by Spectrum Brands.
Iams was created in 1946 by Paul Iams, a self-taught animal nutritionist from Ohio. Iams originally made and sold high-protein, high-fat dog food. In 1950, Iams developed the first dry dog food made primarily from animal-based protein. The company later expanded into cat food.
In 1999, the company was sold to Procter & Gamble (P&G), allowing Iams cat food to reach 70 countries worldwide. In the spring of 2014, P&G announced that it would sell Iams, Eukanuba, and Natura to Mars, Incorporated, retaining ownership of the products sold in the European market.
Mars Petcare is the world’s largest pet food company. In 2017, it took in over 17 billion dollars in revenue. In addition to Iams, the conglomerate is behind over 40 other pet food brands, including Crave, Whiskas, and Royal Canin.
At the end of 2014, P&G sold Iams’ European division to Spectrum Brands. Spectrum Brands’ pet care division includes One Earth pet food, Furminator, LitterMaid, and Nature’s Miracle.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Most Iams pet food is manufactured in the United States. Iams’ manufacturing facilities are located in Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina. The brand’s European division has a plant in Coevorden, a city in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands.
Iams explains that its food safety program is among the strictest in the business, exceeding FDA and USDA standards. The company adds that it receives superior ratings from the American Institute of Baking, an independent certification authority for the human food industry.
Iams doesn’t say where its ingredients are sourced. All Mars subsidiaries work with Mars’ Responsible Sourcing program and its Supplier Code of Conduct, which means the company uses third-party supplier risk assessment to choose ethical, reliable suppliers.
Has Iams Cat Food Been Recalled?
Iams has been recalled several times since its founding in the 1940s. Thankfully, the brand has not experienced any recalls in over ten years. Here’s an overview of the most recent events in the brand’s recall history.
2013
In March of 2013, Iams Shakeables dog treats were recalled due to potential mold growth. Later that summer, several varieties of Iams dog food were recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
2011
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food was recalled due to aflatoxin mold contamination.
2010
In June of 2010, Iams ProActive Health canned cat and kitten food was recalled due to low levels of thiamine. The next month, one lot of Feline Renal formula was recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
2007
Like many other brands sourcing ingredients from China that year, Iams issued a recall of several varieties of both cat and dog food due to potential melamine contamination.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Iams Offer?
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Iams emphasizes tailored nutrition for cats’ individual needs, stating its recipes are crafted for cats of specific life stages and activity levels.
The brand’s dry cat food selection is limited to the ProActive Health line. Iams’ Perfect Portions wet food line includes pates and cuts in gravy.
Iams Cat Food – Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Price | Our Grade |
| Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food | Dry | $2.13 per lb | C |
| Iams Proactive Health Healthy Enjoyment Immune Support Dry Cat Food | Dry | $2.20 per lb | B- |
| Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Cat Food | Wet | $0.27 per oz | B- |
#1 Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food
Chicken and chicken by-product meal appear to be the primary protein sources in this dry cat food.
This is a low-calorie, high-fiber food marketed for indoor cats. Theoretically, these qualities help control indoor cats’ propensity to become obese and develop hairballs.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
The recipe features chicken and chicken by-product meal as the first two ingredients. These meat ingredients are followed by a series of grains—corn grits, corn protein meal, and ground whole grain sorghum. Dried beet pulp and powdered cellulose serve as fiber sources.
The food contains fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, it also contains caramel color, a dye that may contain 2-MI and 4-MI, process contaminants with potential carcinogenic properties.
Overall, this food has moderate protein content, low fat, and high carbohydrate matter. Each cup contains 332 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Protein Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Turkey, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Powdered Cellulose, Brewers Dried Yeast, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Sodium Bisulfate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Fructooligosaccharides, Dl-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Citric Acid (Preservative), Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Folic Acid), Vitamin E Supplement, L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Fish Oil, Turkey, Dried Egg Product
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Protein Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Dried Peas, Caramel Color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains fish oil as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- High carbohydrate content
- Made with low-value plant ingredients
- Contains caramel color
#2 Iams Proactive Health Healthy Enjoyment Immune Support Dry Cat Food
An offshoot of Iams’ ProActive Health line, this Healthy Enjoyment kibble is geared towards picky eaters. This dry food combines crunchy kibble with bites that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Healthy Enjoyment comes in two flavors: Chicken & Beef and Chicken & Salmon (we tested the latter).
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
The first ingredient listed is chicken. It also includes dried egg product. This is processed to remove moisture, offering a concentrated protein source. Dried egg also provides essential nutrients like amino acids, fatty acids, iron, zinc, and several vitamins.
We don’t love the amount of corn-based ingredients in this recipe—you’ll find ground whole-grain corn, corn grits, and corn protein meal. While some amount of corn provides energy and fiber for cats, it’s not a nutritional necessity for cats. Additionally, this formula has some vague ingredients like “animal fat” and “dried meat by-products.” Finally, this recipe contains caramel color, which is not ideal.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Grits, Corn Protein Meal, Salmon, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Animal Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavors, Wheat Flour, Brewers Rice, Dried Meat By-Products, Sodium Bisulfate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Egg Product, Caramel Color, Calcium Carbonate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Fructooligosaccharides, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Citric Acid (Preservative), Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Salt, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil, L-Carnitine, Dried Cheese, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, salmon, fish oil, dried egg product
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Ground whole grain corn, corn grits, corn protein meal, caramel color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Different textures should entice pickier eaters
- Contains antioxidants to boost immunity
- Contains prebiotics for healthy digestion
Cons
- Contains vaguely named “animal fat” and “dried meat by-products”
- Contains a lot of corn ingredients
- Includes caramel color
#3 Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free
Chicken appears to be the primary protein source in this wet cat food.
This recipe features flaked chicken set in a sauce, whichis thickened with modified tapioca starch and guar gum. While these thickeners add to the commercial value of the food, they aren’t nutritionally necessary.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
As a carnivore-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids, the food contains fish oil as a primary fat source.
Overall, this chicken-based wet food is high in protein with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content. Each 1.3 oz tray contains 35 calories.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Meat By-Products, Tapioca Starch, Dried Egg Product, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Glycine, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Natural Flavor, Magnesium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Caramel Color, Taurine, Fructooligosaccharides, DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Guar Gum, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K).
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Taurine, Fish Oil, Dried Egg Product
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch, Caramel Color
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- Contains fish oil as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Affordable as wet foods go
- Comes in convenient, pre-portioned trays
Cons
- Contains caramel color
- Contains some vaguely named ingredients
What Do Customers Think of Iams Cat Food?
Iams cat food receives primarily positive customer reviews, though the brand has come under fire at least once in recent memory. Thousands of people boycotted Iams after learning about the treatment of animals in a research facility doing contract work for Iams.
In 2002 and 2003, the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) conducted an undercover investigation of the Sinclair Research Center, a contract laboratory for Iams. PETA investigators released video footage from the lab, some of which you can watch on YouTube.
After the footage was released, Iams severed their relationship with Sinclair Research.
Positive Reviews
“When our cats graduated from IAMS Kitten formula, we started them on this! No issues, agrees with both of their stomachs, and they’re both liking it.” – Layla, reviewing Iams ProActive Heart Healthy Adult dry cat food on Jan 3, 2026
“My cats absolutely love this and is basically the only thing they eat! It is given as a treat!” – Vicki, reviewing Iams Perfect Portions Indoor Chicken Recipe Grain-Free on Dec 4, 2025
Negative Reviews
“This made both my cats extremely sick. Vomiting and diarrhea.” – Jami, reviewing Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Control dry cat food on Dec 24, 2025
“I thought that it was good for them but for some reason it makes them throw up. I tried 3 times & 3 times they threw up. I won’t recommend it.” – Sonia, reviewing Iams ProActive Health Healthy Enjoyment Immune Support Dry Cat Food on Oct 8, 2025
How Much Does Iams Cat Food Cost?
Most Iams foods have prices comparable to mid-level brands like Purina Beyond or Rachael Ray Nutrish, with some of their wet foods entering premium price territory.
It would cost about $0.68 per day to feed a 12-lb cat Iams ProActive Health Indoor Dry Food. Feeding the brand’s wet food exclusively would be considerably more expensive, with an average of $5-7 per day for a 12-lb cat.
Overall, Is Iams a Good Choice?
Many cats and their guardians love Iams, but it’s not a brand we’d heartily recommend.
Iams has issued at least six recalls since 2004, suggesting flaws in their quality control and safety program. Iams foods are moderately-priced, but have ingredient lists similar to those found in budget products.
Where Is Iams Cat Food Sold?
Iams is widely distributed around the world. It’s available in grocery stores, big box stores, and pet food retailers. Click here to find Iams in a store near you.
Online, you can buy Iams on Amazon, PetSmart, Chewy, Walmart, PetFlow, Petco, PetFoodDirect, Target, and Wag.com.
I bought the IAMS perfect portions and gave to a cutie pie calico. She took one bite, walked away, and barfed. Loaded with the ubiquitous cat food crap, “Meat By Products” and starch. Fortunately I’m only out $16.
Could you please review your Iams Perfect Portions Wet Food review? It does not make sense. First it says that fish oil is not an appropriate source of fat, but then it’s listed in the pros column as appropriate. The cons say that it contains carrageenan, but I do not see it listed in the ingredients. And a 2.6% carb percentage seems much lower than “moderate.” I am not sure what to make of it all.
That is really confusing! I don’t remember writing anything so strange—my apologies. Fish oil should definitely be consistently referred to as a species-appropriate source of fat. I’m correcting that now. Regarding the carbohydrate content, the original article did not have the pie charts, and the “moderate” descriptor referred to my assessment based on the guaranteed analysis, which yielded an estimate of 14% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis.
Your Iams Perfect Portions Wet Food review says it has carrageenan but the ingredient list doesn’t have it, did it come up in the lab result then?
Hi! That’s an excellent question. I’m not sure where the discrepancy comes from and am updating the article to remove the references to carrageenan—the ingredient list is accurate.
Which is correct on the Iams kitten? The pie chart of 2 something % or 14%? Do you consider 2% low? Im new to the cat world & still learning. Thanks so much Mallory! 😉
Pretty much a puff piece written by cat mommy. I will get my advice from Cornell’s Feline Health Center.
Um if “Chicken-based food isn’t ideal for long-term feeding” then what is?
Hello Domi, when this article was written originally, I said this thinking that continued consumption of a chicken-only diet may lead to allergies, but given that the food isn’t even entirely made from chicken, I think this statement was incorrect. I’ve removed it from the article.
I’ve fed all my pets Iams for the last 30 years and encouraged many friends to get away from the usual supermarket brands and go to Iam. The animals have all been happy and active and lived long lives. I allow cats to free feed and find that with Iam they eat less and leave less in the litterbox so I must conclude they are able to better digest it and get what they need.
Hi my cat has been having the digestion and skin one and she seems ok on it but what other brands would you suggest for these problems, also weight gain
Thanks
Trena
Hi there! We have a full list of the best foods for cats with sensitive digestion! I think you’ll appreciate it.
Hi Mallory.
I have used Iams for many years now (2003).
In particular, the wet food is what I see the biggest difference in concerning my senior cats and those with Fiv or Leukemia.
They have a noticeable amount of energy change to higher and more alertness.
This can’t be an accident.
When I questioned my vet – who’s not a big fan of theirs – she simply preferred Science Diet brand.
I think that Iams wet or dry must contain more antioxidants than other store bought brands and likely more absorbable ingredients.
On tbe dry: I tested this as I did the wet except on the younger cats….plus some that were outside.
Every single one of them metabolized the cheaper brands twice as fast and my indoor cats in addition had horrible smelling poop – no matter the brand (kit n kaboodle, 9 Lives, Friskies).
As one person on here already stated, with Iams they stay full longer and seem happier with it.
*the outside cats I noticed, who were also fed cheap food by a neighbor, as I switched back to Iams – though they ate a little less – became very demanding as if it were something special.
I did this multiple times spending a week or 2 on cheap food and then switching back to Iams and it was the exact same each time.
To me they have the health part down as well as the taste part down to.
Purchased Iams Proactive Health Indoor 12/20/24. My cat would not try it or touch it. Took it out for the strays. They, also, would not try it or touch it. Now I am out $15.00 Will never try another product.
I don’t believe you, we use IAMS exclusively for our Maine Coons and knowing strays the way I know strays they will devour IAMS.
I’m getting ready to reach out, but I purchased 2 22 lbs and 2 16 lbs of Iams Bagged cat food on October 24. I opened the bag, and it had that old smell. Cats wouldn’t eat it. I looked at the expiration dates, and 2 expired in May 2024, before the date I got it, and 1 expires this month, May, and one next month, June. I didn’t think to look at the dates when I got them.