Honest Wellness Core Cat Food Review
Disclaimer: As a Chewy and Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not impact our reviews and comparisons.
Grade: 8/10
Bottom Line
Huge range of low carb wet foods for fussy eaters but pricey.
PROS
CONS
We’ve done this Wellness Core cat food review with the help of cat taste testers.
Wellness is a popular brand that offers a wide variety of cat foods, including Wellness Core, a higher protein range.
I tested a variety of cat foods from Wellness with our cats.
Review summary:
The good?
Fussy cat friendly.
We tested Tiny Tasters with 5 cats, who devoured the wet pate. Other foods also performed well with our cats.
Great variety of flavors to boot.
The bad?
Pricey.
More affordable choices like Fancy Feast are also fussy cat friendly, low carb, and easy on the wallet.
The ugly?
High carb dry.
The wet cat food is low carb, but the dry pushes the limits. A similar story like most brands, so what can you do?
In short:
Solid.
Wellness Core is great for picky adults or kittens, high in animal protein.
Our top pick is Wellness Core Tiny Tasters, a low carb pate in an easy serve pouch.
Best for:
- Picky cats
- Convenience
- Easy digestion
>> Check out Wellness Core here
After more info on Wellness Core cat foods?
In this Wellness review I’ll take a look at a range of products, checking out the following:
- Nutrition
- Ingredients
- Taste
- Value for Money
This review includes results shared from testing.
I’ll take a look at the background of this company. Finally, I’ll answer frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
More below!
I am not a veterinarian and I recommend seeking the advice of a vet for any further questions. This article is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Wellness Cat Food Range
Wellness offer a range of dry and wet cat foods.
Below is a table of cat foods in this range, with links to products we’ve reviewed:
| Wellness Range | Our Grade | Food type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Grain-Free Dry | 7/10 | Dry (kibble) | 65% animal-protein dry cat food |
| Core Tiny Tasters | 8/10 | Wet (pate) | Wet pate in easy serve pouches |
| Bowl Boosters | 8/10 | Wet (shreds) | Supplemental wet pouch food for use as a topper |
| Morsels | 7/10 | Wet (chunks) | Wet pouched cat food with a chunky texture |
| Signature Selects | 7.5/10 | Wet (pate) | Canned pate cat food |
| Gravies | 7.5/10 | Wet (gravy) | Wet pouched cat food with a gravy sauce |
Wellness Core Cat Food Reviews: Our Top Picks
1. Wellness Core Grain-Free Indoor Dry Cat Food Review
Pros and Cons
Nutrition
Could be better.
This cat food is a complete meal for adult cats (age 1-7 years).
Carbs:
A bit high at 29% dry matter.
We recommend keeping total carbs at or under 12% for easy digestion and blood sugar control.
Some cats are more averse to high carb diets.
Protein:
Moderate.
At 43% dry matter, it meets AAFCO’s protein guideline for adult cats.
However, the peas lower protein quality (estimated ~36% protein based on quality). This makes it a less ideal choice for kittens or seniors, that need extra protein.
Other:
High calcium to phosphate ratio (1.4:1).
A low phosphate diet can benefit cats with kidney disease.
Calorie content is 3,561 kcal/kg. This is low compared to most dry foods (average 4,000 – 5,000 kcal).
Since it’s marketed for indoor cats, this makes sense to help with calorie control.
Notes:
- Complete meal for adults
- High carb
- Low calorie (compared to other dry cat foods)
Nutrition: 5.5/10
Ingredients
Average.
Three of the first five ingredients are meat based. This includes:
- Deboned chicken
- Turkey meal
- Chicken meal
These ingredients offer high quality protein, albeit meat meals are of lower quality to fresh meat (i.e. less digestible).
This cat food uses the recipe descriptor, meaning the named ingredients are between 25-94.9% quantity.
Rest of the ingredient list includes peas, potato, and tomato. All higher carb ingredients that offer little benefit to cats.
Peas offer moderate quality protein, but may increase digestive upset.
Notes:
- 25%+ meat ingredients
- Added peas & potato
- Mixed quality
Ingredients: 6.5/10
Taste
I served Wellness Core Indoor Dry Cat Food to our cat Toby, and he liked it.
This cat food has a mild non-meaty smell. It comes in small tiny chunks.
Reviews online are mostly positive, however some report recent recipe changes.
Notes:
- Cat approved
- Mild smell
- Small chunks
Taste: 9/10
Value for Money
Affordable.
For the quality on offer, this seems about right.
Similar brands:
Value: 9/10
Final Thoughts
Not too bad.
This dry cat food is great tasting and comes at an affordable price. Lower calorie compared to most.
However, the carbs a tad high and protein quality could be better.
Best for:
- Picky cats
- Adults (1-7 years)
- Occasional feeding
Where to buy Wellness Core Indoor dry cat food?
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Pet Circle (Australia)
Scoring Explained: We use our own calculations to fairly compare brands. For nutrition, we look at ingredient weighting. We taste test products with our cats and compare to customer results. We also check if it’s a well-known brand customers approve of and can trust.
2. Wellness Core Tiny Tasters Review
Pros and Cons
Nutrition
Great!
This cat food is a complete meal for adult cats & elderly cats.
Carbs:
Very low.
Comes in at ~3% dry matter which is perfect for easy digestion.
Protein:
High.
At around 47% it’s above AAFCO’s protein guidelines for adults. It’s also above what’s recommend for elderly cats to prevent muscle loss.
Since there’s no plant or grain protein, the quality is high as well (estimated ~40%).
Other:
High calcium to phosphate ratio (1.7:1).
We’ve mentioned this earlier, but it’s the best choice for cats with kidney disease.
Calorie content is 1,291 kcal/kg. This is high compared to most wet foods (average 700-1,200 kcal).
That makes it best suited to skinny cats, which are generally older ones over 12.
Notes:
- Suited for any age
- Great for skinny cats
- Low carb for easy digestion
Nutrition: 9.5/10
Ingredients
Good.
This cat food uses the recipe descriptor which means the named ingredients are between 25-94.9% quantity.
Chicken is the main ingredient (with other meats depending on the flavor). Great high quality protein, and micros.
Some of the ‘fillers’ aren’t amazing.
There’s tapioca starch. It’s a source of carbohydrate, which cats don’t need.
The sunflower oil is of no benefit to cats. It’s high in linoleic acid, which cats can’t convert to active omega 6 (arachidonic acid).
Finally there’s added locust bean gum and guar gum.
Gums can decrease the absorption of taurine, and irritate digestion. We deducted points for these ingredients.
Ingredients: 7.5/10
Read more:
Taste
Great.
I served Wellness Core Tiny Tasters to our cat Felicia who enjoyed it.
The food is a smooth, easy-to-chewy pate with a pleasant smell.
Customer reviews are positive.
Notes:
- Great taste
- Mild smell
- Smooth pate
Taste: 9.5/10
Value for Money
A bit pricey.
Whilst you can buy 12 x 3 ounce packs, it’s still going to test your wallet.
My thoughts are the quality is worth considering this product, but you’ll want to test with your cat first.
Similar brands:
- Tiki Cat After Dark (see review)
- Feline Natural (see review)
- Ziwi Peak (see review)
Value: 6.5/10
Final Thoughts
Good.
Wellness Core Tiny Tasters is great for cats of all ages, particularly underweight cats. It’s low carb and is picky cat friendly.
It is pricey though, and could have fewer fillers in the pouch.
Best for:
- Skinny cats
- Picky eaters
- All life stages
Where to buy Wellness Core Tiny Tasters?
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Pet Circle (Australia)
3. Wellness Core Simply Shreds Review
Note: This product is now called Wellness Core Bowl Boosters but has the same ingredients
Pros and Cons
Nutrition
Good.
This cat food is a supplemental meal for cats and does not contain the full range of nutrients.
Carbs:
Absent.
There’s no added carbohydrate in this cat food. Great for easy digestion.
Protein:
Very high.
Comes in at 80% which far exceeds AAFCO’s protein guidelines for adults and senior cats to prevent muscle loss.
Other:
Super low calorie.
With a lack of fat (highest calorie food source) it’s no surprise the calorie content is very low, coming in at 585 kcal/kg.
That’s great if you want to help your cat lose weight.
The lack of micronutrients is of concern, as with any supplemental food. Feeding cats a ‘meat only’ diet predisposes to calcium deficiency.
You’ll want to make sure your cat gets most of their diet from complete cat food.
Notes:
- Supplemental
- Occasional meal only
- Weight loss friendly
Nutrition: 8.5/10
Ingredients
Simple.
Only three ingredients in the pouch:
- Chicken
- Chicken broth
- Water
Chicken is a high protein ingredient, that cats enjoy.
Meaty broths can help hydrate cats, that otherwise don’t drink much water.
The problem here isn’t the ingredients, but the lack of ingredients (e.g. organ meats, eggs).
You aren’t getting everything your cat needs here, so make sure you complement this one (best used as a topper).
Ingredients: 9/10
Taste
Great.
I offered Wellness Core Simply Shreds to our cat Karl, who enjoyed it.
The fresh smell and authentic shredded appearance seem appealing.
Customer reviews are mixed.
Food comments:
- Fresh chicken appearance
- Tough and shredded
- Chewy
Testing results:
- Product Test: Wellness Core Simply Shreds
- Amount Eaten: 100%
- Time to Finish Eating: 4 minutes
- Food Appearance: Has more liquid that others. Meat is tough and shredded.
- Smell: Smells exactly like boiled chicken
Photos of testing below:
Taste: 9/10
Value for Money
Pricey.
Currently available in 12 x 3 ounce packs.
Worth it?
A clean and lean topper. Helpful if your cat struggles to get enough water in, whilst boosting protein content of a meal.
Similar brands:
Value: 6/10
Final Thoughts
Good.
Wellness Core Simply Shreds is a no-nonsense meaty topper that boosts hydration. It also bumps up protein, handy for senior cats needing support.
It’s a little costly, and lacks the nutrition for a sole feeding option. Reviews a tad mixed.
Best for:
- Kidney health
- Weight control
- Senior cats (7+ years)
Where to buy Wellness Core Simply Shreds? (note: now called Bowl Boosters)
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Pet Circle (Australia)
4. Wellness Morsels Cat Food Review
Pros and Cons
Nutrition
Just ok.
This cat food is a complete meal for adult cats (age 1-7 years).
Carbs:
A touch high at 18% (dry matter).
Best to keep carbs under 12% for easy digestion and blood sugar control.
Protein:
Reasonable.
Meets AAFCO’s protein guideline for adult cats, offering 37% protein (dry matter). Plus the protein is meat based, offering better quality.
Experts suggest 40% protein (dry matter) for senior cats, which this one falls short of. Not the best for oldies.
Other:
High calcium to phosphate ratio (1.4:1).
A low phosphate and high calcium diet benefits cats with kidney disease.
Calorie content is low at 725 kcal/kg, making it a great choice for weight control.
Notes:
- Complete for adults (1-7 years)
- Low calorie
- Tad high in carbs
Nutrition: 7/10
Ingredients
Simple.
Four of the first five ingredients are meat based (including chicken broth).
Animal foods offer high quality protein and a taste cats enjoy.
Problems?
Added potato starch.
Raises the carbs, and doesn’t offer nutrition benefit.
There’s also cranberries and blueberries, high in vitamin C. This is a nutrient cats don’t need and increases urinary stone risk.
Ingredients: 7/10
Taste
Mixed.
I offered two flavors of Wellness Morsels to our cat Oscar.
Whilst he enjoyed the chicken & turkey flavor, the other flavor wasn’t as appealing.
Customer reviews are mostly positive.
Food comments:
- Pleasant smell
- Quality look
- Thick texture
Testing results:
- Product Test 1: Wellness Core Morsels Chicken & Turkey
- Amount Eaten: 100%
- Cat: Oscar
- Product Test 2: Wellness Core Morsels Chicken & Salmon
- Amount Eaten: 70%
- Cat: Oscar
Footage below:
Taste: 9/10
Value for Money
Pricey.
Worth it?
A reasonable choice, but at this price I would hope it meets the needs of all life stages and be a little lower in carbs.
Value: 6/10
Final Thoughts
Reasonable.
Wellness Morsels is a pouched cat food that’s a complete meal for adult cats (1-7 years). Great looking, pleasant smelling, and tasty.
Like most Wellness cat foods, it’s pricey and the suffers from being a tad high in carbs.
Best for:
- Adult cats (1-7 years)
- Picky eaters
- Easy serve pouch
Where to buy Wellness Morsels?
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Pet Circle (Australia)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wellness Cat Food Made in China?
No.
Wellness Core gets their products from Thailand.
It is not known how much of their ingredients are from this country.
What Is the Difference Between Wellness and Wellness Core Cat Food?
Wellness Core is a higher protein.
All Wellness Core cat food products contain at least 40% protein on a dry matter basis.
The Wellness Core range are also grain and soy free.
Is Wellness Core Better?
Mostly yes.
Wellness Core is a little better due to the higher protein content.
Cats prefer a diet with around 50% protein on a dry matter basis as they are obligate carnivores.
A cat uses protein as a main source of energy as opposed to carbohydrate.
Related:
Does Petco Sell Wellness Cat Food?
Yes.
Petco sells Wellness and Wellness Core cat food.
Does Wellness Cat Food Have Taurine?
Yes.
Wellness cat food products have added taurine.
This amino acid is also found in animal based products, especially shellfish products.
Wellness and Wellness Core is high in animal protein. The products contain enough taurine per AAFCO nutrition recommendations for your cats health.
What Do Customers Think of Wellness?
Mixed.
Whilst our cats enjoyed Wellness Core, customers are hot and cold over it.
This isn’t unusual, as most cats take time to come around to new tastes.
Before trying cat food, consider the following:
- Texture (does your cat prefer a pate or shreds?)
- Flavor (what meats does your cat like?)
- Smell (is your cat put off by strong smelling products?)
- Moisture (does your cat prefer a dry chunky loaf or watery product?)
- What did they eat as a kitten?
Remember that cats are neophobic. This means they are hesitant to try new foods off the bat.
Give them time and remember to heat your cat food to a warm temperature before serving. Cats prefer warmer meat.
Learn More:
Wellness Cat Food Recall History
There have been two recalls of Wellness cat food products.
In 2017, there was a recall of a few flavors of canned Wellness cat food products due to quality control issues.
In 2011, there was a recall of canned Wellness cat food products due to a lack of thiamine. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause drooling, weakness, and loss of appetite.
Wellness have addressed these safety and nutrition concerns.
Learn More:
Do Cats Need Grains in Their Diet?
No.
Cats are obligate carnivores and get their nutrition from animal based foods. Grains have no nutritional or health benefits for a cat.
Grains are high in carbohydrate. Cats have a limited ability to tolerate carbohydrates in their diet.
It’s best to limit your cats diet to less than 12% carbohydrate on a dry matter basis. This may prevent digestive issues and problems relating to high blood sugar.
Learn More:
Conclusion
Wellness Core is a high protein cat food.
Our top pick from their range is Tiny Tasters, which we scored an 8/10 overall.
It’s great for skinny cats, picky eaters, and senior cat health.
However, it’s pricey and has a few fillers in the pouch.
Best for:
- Picky cats
- Skinny cats
- All life stages
>> Check out Wellness Core here
