Are you a Russian Blue cat owner having the dilemma of which food is the best for your cat? In this article, we are giving you the reviews for the best cat foods for Russian Blue.
As a vet and cat owner, I often encounter the question of what is the best food for a Russian Blue cat.
Russian Blue cats are energetic cats with a highly developed muscular structure who nutritionally require a large amount of protein in their diet with a regulated intake of carbohydrates due to the increased possibility of gaining weight, which can lead to the development of certain health problems.
For me, as a veterinarian, it is of great importance to know what is the best food for my patients, just as it is important to instruct their owners on how to feed their four-legged friends.
This is precisely why I tested many products that can be found on the market.
I found Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food and Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays to be the best for your Russian Blue cat. Both diets are rich in proteins, and grain-free with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support the health of your kitty.
Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a well-formulated diet with 100% natural ingredients intended for adult cats. It contains added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, but in its composition, there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and it’s grain-free.
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays are formulated in the perfect size portions with high-quality ingredients with added vitamins, and minerals. This diet doesn’t contain grains, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is intended for adult cats and kittens as well as pregnant or nursing cats.
In the continuation of this article, you will find out which is the best diet for your Russian blue cat, along with detailed reviews, instructions on how to feed the cat, and more.
Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
This is one of the best cat foods for Russian blue cat.
How It Is Prepared
Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a product made for adult cats. The main ingredient is chicken. There are added 4 antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support the cat’s immune system, muscles, bones, and joints.
The product is 100% natural dry food with no added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it’s grain-free.
These qualities make it the best cat food for Russian Blue.
Guaranteed Analysis
The main ingredients of this product is a crude protein (chicken) 35.0% and crude fat 14.0%. To support hydration and better digestibility, moisture and crude fiber are also included.
Guaranteed Analysis[1]
| Crude Protein | 35.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 2.0% max |
| Moisture | 12.0% min |
| Linoleic Acid | 1.4% min |
| Calcium | 1.0% min |
| Phosphorus | 0.9% min |
| Zinc | 150 mg/kg min |
| Selenium | 0.35 mg/kg min |
| Vitamin A | 10,000 IU/kg min |
| Vitamin E | 100 IU/kg min |
| Taurine | 0.15% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.5% min |
Ingredient Analysis
Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is a well-balanced diet intended for adult cats to meet their needs. Also, it’s grain-free that contains vitamins, minerals, and acids such as
- Folic Acid
- Amino Acids
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
Folic Acid[2]
Folic Acid known as Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble synthetic foliate which has an impact on normal metabolic functions.
It regulates red blood cell production and DNA synthesis.
Other folic acid benefits:
- Plays a role in cellular division
- Helps neural development
- Helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters
- Plays an important role in recovering from thromboembolism
Amino Acids
Amino Acids are essential for a cat’s health to their inability to synthesize them. They are 11 amino acids cats need but two of the most important among them are taurine and arginine.
The benefits of amino acids are
- Supporting the immune system
- Maintaining healthy functioning of the heart muscle
- An important role in fetal development
- Maintaining digestive functioning
- Playing role in reproduction and fertility
- Important role in neurotransmission
- Maintaining vision
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that helps the transmission of nerve impulses and helps prevent the formation of blood clots and muscular contraction. This mineral is included in the composition of bones and teeth.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin good for vision (night vision), and it’s good for healthy skin. This vitamin plays a role in supporting the immune system and it has strong antioxidative effects.
Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Pros
- Veterinarian recommended diet
- Suitable to any breed
- Grain-free
- Produced in US facilities
- Easy to store
- Easy to purchase
Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Cons
- Kibble size too big for some cats
- Not intended for kittens
Feeding Guideline[1]
Food dosing daily is recommended based on body weight to avoid overeating and possible health problems caused by obesity. Always make sure that your cat has fresh water.
| Weight | Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 5 – 9 lbs | 1/3 – 3/4 |
| 10 – 14 lbs | 1 – 1 1/4 |
What do customers say about Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food?[1]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Dry Cat Food
This is definitely the best dry food for cats, I have 2 furbabies and they have been eating this brand for a few years, their hair is shiny and fluffy, and no dry itching skin, no coughing up hairballs.”
Customer 2
“My Cat Loves It!!!
My cat Tucker is getting older and skinnier and I wanted to get him food with some more vitamins, minerals, and protein. I haven’t had it for long to know the effects but as soon as I opened the package he jumped right over to me and wanted some! He devoured a whole bowl! The kibble is nicely textured too and was easy for him to eat. Look at that happy face!”
Customer 3
“Picky Cat Approved
My senior cat has sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach. She had no problem keeping this down and was actually begging for more! It took a few days of adjusting to the new food, but definitely see an improvement in her skin, no breakouts, and minimal scratching! Very pleased with the product, and it’s a good price for a grain-free option.”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Not really sure.
I forgot to mix this with her old food. It did not sit well in her belly. So then I mixed it and she likes it.”
Customer 2
“Grain-free. Gotta be good, right?
I think this is probably good food. Unfortunately, none of my cats care for it. Not even the outside colony. Cats are picky, but not usually the feral colony, so I gave it an average rating. Hopefully, you have better luck with it.”
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays
How It Is Prepared
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays are twin-pack servings of chicken, turkey, and salmon. This product is fully balanced in proteins, fats, and fibers with added vitamins, and minerals, to support the health of your adult cats as well as kittens and pregnant/nursing cats.
The diet is grain-free with no added artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
This fully balanced diet is the best choice for the Russian Blue cat.
Guaranteed Analyses
The base proteins are chicken, turkey, and salmon with 7.0% min and crude fat with 2.5% min. In order to support easy digestion and hydration, fibers and moisture are also in the basic composition of the diet.
Guaranteed Analyses[3]
Chicken:
| Crude Protein | 7.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 2.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 84.0% max |
| Ash | 3.0% max |
| Taurine | 0.05% min |
Salmon:
| Crude Protein | 7.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 2.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 84.0% max |
| Ash | 3.0% max |
| Taurine | 0.06% min |
Turkey:
| Crude Protein | 7.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 2.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5% max |
| Moisture | 84.0% max |
| Ash | 3.0% max |
| Taurine | 0.06% min |
Ingredient Analyses
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays is a fully balanced diet made for adult cats, kittens, and pregnant/nursing cats to meet their needs with added vitamins and minerals such as
- Potassium
- Fish Oil
- Zinc
- Vitamin D3
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral that maintains the normal functioning of the heart muscle. It helps in muscular contractions, and nerve impulse transmission.
Fish Oil
Fish oil represents omega fatty acids. Two main ingredients are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
The benefits of fish oil are
- Protects the heart muscle
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect
- Reduces triglyceride levels
- Helps in improving cognitive function and neurologic development
- Aids joints
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports the immune system, cells functioning, the functioning of the thyroid gland, and in wound healing.
Other zinc benefits:
- Maintains DNA synthesis
- Blood clotting
- Enzyme for taste and smell
- Maintains cell development and division
- Prevents muscular degeneration
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that plays role in bone health. It plays a role in controlling the amount of calcium in bones, intestines, and the ones excreted by kidneys. It supports the immune system. Vitamin D3 helps in the proper functioning of the pituitary, thyroid, and parathyroid gland.
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays Pros
- 100% natural meat
- Grain-free
- Perfectly-sized portions
- Easy to purchase in the USA
- Suitable for any breed and age
Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays Cons
- Big-size pieces for some cats
- Short shelf life after opening
Feeding Guideline[3]
Depending on the animal’s age, weight, and condition, the manufacturer recommends the amount of feeding based on these parameters to avoid overeating and possible health problems caused by obesity.
Chicken: Feed adult cats 4-5 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Feed pregnant and nursing cats 2-3 times their normal amount. Feed a kitten 5-9 servings daily.
Salmon: Feed adult cats 4-5 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Feed pregnant and nursing cats 2-3 times their normal amount. Feed a kitten 5-9 servings daily.
Turkey: Feed adult cats 4-5 servings per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Feed pregnant and nursing cats 2-3 times their normal amount. Feed a kitten 5-9 servings daily.
What do customers say about Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays?[3]
5-star reviews:
Customer 1
“It’s din din time!
Our vet recommended our cats be put on a diet. We can’t afford the Royal Canine or organic stuff. They love Friskies and Meow Mix. Sheba fits their diet and they love it. It doesn’t smell except the seafood, even though they love that… and their humans love the easy dump and go! They’ve been eating Sheba for a year. My 20-pound cat Remi has lost 6 lbs! It fills their bellies just right and they don’t beg for snacks.”
Customer 2
“Sheba Cat Food
My 5 indoor cats love this product. They are all picky & love this.”
Customer 3
“Sheba perfect portions are the best!
My furbaby LOVES Sheba cuts! Oh, she will eat just about anything, but usually doesn’t finish the meals I give her. When I put down a serving of Sheba cut perfect portion, she actually licks the bowl clean! Nothing left at all! Thanks, Sheba!”
1-star reviews:
Customer 1
“Chicken no good
Have two cats and neither of them will eat chicken. Other entrees ok.”
Customer 2
“Sheba Perfect Portions
My cat seemed to like this fine. He will not eat pate and likes chunks of gravy. My problem was the packaging. It has very difficult to open pull tabs and even the pliers broke off the foil. Not for a senior citizen. Just make sure you have good hand strength!?
Russian Blue cat food Buying Guide
What are the Russian Blue cat’s characteristics?
The origin of the Russian Blue cat breed is considered to be the northern part of Russia, this playful and intelligent breed became a very popular breed in the rest of the world.
This breed enjoys spending time with their family but they are not bothered when staying alone for a whole day.
The life span of Russian Blue is 15-20 years, but the quality of life should not be neglected either.
The height of an adult cat ranges from 9-11 inches (~23-28 cm), and its weight range up to 12 pounds (~5.5 kg).
Russian Blue is well-known for its dense, short, and blue-silvery coat which makes them of the most beautiful cat breeds in the world.
More physical features:
- Triangle-shaped head
- Pointy large ears
- Straight and long nose
- Wide green eyes
- Long legs
- Strong muscular body
Speaking of coat color, it’s blue-silvery, and some Russian blue kittens can be born with stripes across the body which fades away with age.
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) believes that Russian blue cats cannot have a coat color other than blue, while other associations do accept them in other colors like black and white.
What type of food must Russian Blue cats have?
The Russian blue cat is a type of strong muscular cat, and to meet its needs, the best food choice is to feed it a combination of dry and wet food.
This will provide your cat with good physical health, a shiny coat, and healthy skin.
Russian Blues need a diet rich in
- Proteins
- Fiber
- Fats
- Vitamin
- Minerals
Proteins provide a cat’s daily energy requirement. Maintains a healthy immune and nervous system.
Fiber plays an important role in ensuring the easy digestion of food.
Fat is a source of energy. Helps to transport nutrients through cells and supports the transmission of signals along the nerves.
Vitamins are important in supporting a healthy immune system. They ensure the synthesis of carbohydrates, neuromuscular function, normal function of organs, and more.
Minerals are required for structured metabolism, the immune system, teeth, bones, etc.
Depending on the weight of the cat, health status, and age the diet is different.
What type of food Russian Blue cat must avoid?
Russian Blue cats just like other cat breeds should avoid certain ingredients due to their sensitivity such as
- Carbohydrates because can cause weight gain.
- Fatty meat because can cause liver damage.
- Dairy products due to lactose intolerance.
- Bones can cause damage to the mouth and digestive organs, such as perforation of the intestines, and can cause strangulation.
- Raw meat or eggs because of the bacterial risk.
- Caffeine and chocolate are toxic for a cat.
How much food can Russian Blue cats have?
The amount of food to feed the cat depends on its weight, age, and health status.
Overeating, which can lead to serious health problems, must be avoided by following the instructions on the recommended amount of food per day on the back of the food package, as well as consulting with your veterinarian.
What are the common health issues Russian Blue cats face?
It is a comforting fact that no hereditary diseases have been recorded in Russian blue cats, but certain diseases are possible.
- Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney diseases can be caused by tumors, infection, toxins, polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, or trauma.
This disease is common in older cats and rarely occurs in younger cats.
The disease is not curable but can be held under the control with medications and veterinary supervision.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs due to the reduced production of insulin or the absent response of cells to insulin.
It most often occurs in older cats, due to obesity, less active cats, or long-term use of steroid medications. It leads to loss of body weight and muscle mass.
It is treated for a long time by reducing body weight and with medicines prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease of adult cats in which there is excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. In almost 90 percent of cases, this disease is caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland.
Given that thyroid hormones are responsible for the functioning of other organ systems, problems with the circulatory system are possible.
Treatment is possible by the eventual removal of the affected part of the thyroid gland or by drugs that keep this condition under control.
- Dental disease
Dental diseases are most often caused by poor oral hygiene in older cats.
They can cause weight loss and stress.
From small changes that can be treated to major serious conditions, it is very important to maintain hygiene and make regular visits to the veterinarian.
- Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease of cats that can occur in all ages, but most often in those with increased body weight and older cats due to a weak immune system.
Arthritis is a painful condition that causes difficulty in walking and stiffness in the joints.
If it is reacted on time, the prognosis is favorable with the use of medications, supportive therapy, and painkillers.
FAQ
What’s the best product and why?
There are 2 best diets for Russian Blue cats and they are Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, and Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays.
Both diets are rich in proteins, and grain-free with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to meet the needs of your cat, and support your cat’s health.
How much do the products cost?
On the links below you can find the prices of the products.
- Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays
Where to buy these products?
You can buy these products on Chewy.com
Wet food or dry food best for Russian Blue cats?
The best food for a Russian Blue cat is a combination of dry and wet food to provide nutritional care.
The combination is recommended for the reason that both are rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, with the fact that dry food is good for maintaining oral hygiene, and wet food provides good digestion and keeps the animal hydrated.
Breed-specific diet needed?
The Russian Blue cat is an energetic breed that needs protein, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy.
Grains should be avoided or limited.
Which product is good for Russian Blue kittens?
There is a product that is designed for kittens of any breed. It’s Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Dry Cat Food for Young Kittens. This product is highly balanced in proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support the kitten’s development.
Conclusion
As a vet and cat owner, I would highly recommend Purina ONE True Instinct Natural Real Chicken Plus Vitamins & Minerals High Protein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, and Sheba Perfect Portions Grain-Free Multipack Roasted Chicken, Gourmet Salmon & Tender Turkey Cuts in Gravy Cat Food Trays to Russian Blue cats owners.
Both diets are made with high-quality ingredients. They are grain-free and have added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to meet the needs of your cat and support its health.
The first diet is intended for adult cats, and the second is suitable for adult, pregnant/nursing cats, and kittens.
To be sure that you have provided everything for your four-legged friend, it is important to consult with your veterinarian regarding the health status of your cat and its nutrition.
