Kit & Kaboodle cat food is one of the most widely available and budget-friendly options on the market. You’ll find it in grocery stores, dollar chains, and big-box retailers everywhere. But with such a low price tag, many cat parents wonder—is it good for my cat?
This honest review dives into Kit & Kaboodle’s ingredients, nutritional value, pros, cons, and whether it’s a smart choice for your feline friend—or one to avoid.
What Is Kit & Kaboodle Cat Food?
Kit & Kaboodle is a dry cat food brand made by Purina, one of the largest pet food manufacturers in the world. It’s marketed as a fun, colorful, and tasty kibble designed to satisfy adult cats with a mix of shapes and flavors in each bite.
It comes in several varieties:
- Original (chicken, liver, turkey, ocean fish)
- Indoor (with added fiber for hairball control)
- Outdoor (for cats with more active lifestyles)
- Chicken & Liver Flavors
But while the packaging is playful and the price attractive, it’s what’s inside that really counts.
Kit & Kaboodle Ingredients: What’s Really In It?
Let’s take a look at the typical ingredients in the Original Kit & Kaboodle dry cat food:
- Ground yellow corn
- Meat and bone meal
- Corn gluten meal
- Animal fat
- Soybean meal
- Chicken by-product meal
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2)
Pros:
- Contains animal protein sources (though not named cuts)
- Includes added vitamins and minerals
- Extremely affordable and easy to find
Cons:
- Uses by-products and meat meals instead of real, named meats
- High in corn and soy fillers, which offer little nutritional value
- Contains artificial colors and preservatives
- Low in moisture (common to all dry foods)
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s the guaranteed analysis for Kit & Kaboodle Original:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 28% |
| Crude Fat | 15% |
| Crude Fiber | 3% |
| Moisture | 12% |
| Taurine | 0.12% |
While these numbers meet AAFCO minimums, the quality of the ingredients is where the nutritional value starts to fall apart. Cheap fillers like corn and soy drive up carbs and calories but don’t offer the protein cats need from meat-based diets.
Is Kit & Kaboodle Good for Cats?
It depends on what you mean by “good.” Kit & Kaboodle will keep your cat alive and full—but it’s not ideal for long-term health or vitality. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on animal protein and fat—not corn or colored kibbles.
If your budget only allows for cheaper food, Kit & Kaboodle may seem like a practical choice. But consider these potential downsides:
- Increased risk of obesity from high carb content
- Potential food sensitivities from soy and by-products
- Behavioral issues like overgrooming or spraying from stress or poor nutrition
Customer Reviews and Common Complaints
Kit & Kaboodle has thousands of reviews online. Here’s a summary of what cat parents often say:
Positive Feedback:
- “My cat loves the taste!”
- “It’s super affordable—great for feeding multiple cats.”
- “Been using it for years without any problems.”
Negative Feedback:
- “My cat gained weight fast.”
- “He started throwing up more often.”
- “It made my cat’s coat dull and flaky.”
In general, cats do enjoy the taste—but that’s largely due to flavor additives, not real meat quality. Long-term use may contribute to health problems if not supplemented with better food or hydration.
Kit & Kaboodle: Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Is There a Better Budget Alternative?
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to feed your cat something better, consider these alternatives:
- Purina ONE – Still affordable, but uses named meat and fewer fillers
- IAMS Proactive Health – Higher quality than Kit & Kaboodle, with added vitamins
- 4health (Tractor Supply) – Affordable and meat-forward
Does Diet Impact Cat Spraying?
Yes. Poor nutrition can lead to behavioral stress, especially if your cat isn’t getting the nutrients they need to feel satisfied and stable. In some cases, food-related stress or digestive discomfort may increase the likelihood of spraying or marking territory.
If your cat is spraying, don’t just change the food—address the behavior head-on.
Download Cat Spray No More and stop unwanted marking behaviors fast with a proven, stress-free approach. Perfect for cats who may be reacting to dietary or environmental triggers.
Conclusion
Kit & Kaboodle is a highly affordable cat food that satisfies the basic nutritional requirements—but only just. While cats may enjoy the taste, the low-quality ingredients and artificial additives make it a questionable choice for long-term health.
If you’re feeding Kit & Kaboodle now, consider gradually transitioning to a better alternative that fits your budget. And if you’re seeing behavioral issues like spraying, don’t assume it’s just “a cat thing.”
Get Cat Spray No More today and support your cat’s health, behavior, and happiness—no matter what food you feed.