Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food  3 lb. Bag

Common questions

Is Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food 3 lb. Bag healthy?

Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food 3 lb. Bag scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This cat food contains beneficial ingredients such as chicken, chicken meal, and flaxseed, which provide essential nutrients and support overall feline health.

How processed is Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food 3 lb. Bag?

Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food 3 lb. Bag is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food 3 lb. Bag's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat count in its favor; Natural Flavor is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food 3 lb. Bag

60 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 11
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pet Food
Summary

This cat food contains beneficial ingredients such as chicken, chicken meal, and flaxseed, which provide essential nutrients and support overall feline health. However, the presence of 'natural flavor' as an ingredient raises concerns due to its lack of transparency. Additionally, the product is processed, which limits its score potential despite the inclusion of high-quality protein sources.

Key ingredients 19

Flaxseed
Very Good

Flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. It supports healthy skin and coat and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It is a beneficial addition to pet food for its nutritional properties.

Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, supporting skin health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

See more about Flaxseed →
Chicken
Good

Chicken is a high-quality source of animal protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth in cats. It provides a complete amino acid profile necessary for feline health. The use of real chicken indicates a less processed ingredient.

Benefits

Rich in essential amino acids and provides high-quality protein necessary for cats' overall health.

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Chicken Meal
Good

Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein, providing more protein per gram than fresh chicken. It is made by rendering chicken to remove moisture and fat, resulting in a nutrient-dense ingredient. This process ensures a high protein content suitable for cats.

Benefits

Provides a concentrated source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in cats.

Chicken Fat
Good

Chicken fat is a source of essential fatty acids and energy. It is preserved with mixed tocopherols, a natural antioxidant. This ingredient supports healthy skin and coat in cats.

Benefits

Rich in essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health in cats.

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Choline Chloride
Good

Choline chloride is a source of choline, an essential nutrient for liver function and brain health. It is often added to pet foods to ensure adequate intake. Choline is crucial for maintaining cellular structure and function.

Benefits

Supports liver function and brain health, essential for overall well-being.

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Taurine
Good

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, crucial for heart and eye health. Cats cannot synthesize taurine, so it must be included in their diet. Adequate taurine intake prevents deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues.

Benefits

Essential for heart and eye health, preventing deficiencies in cats.

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Vitamins
Good

The vitamin blend provides essential nutrients necessary for various bodily functions. These vitamins support immune health, energy metabolism, and overall well-being. Including a range of vitamins ensures a balanced diet for cats.

Benefits

Supports immune health, energy metabolism, and overall well-being.

Minerals
Good

The mineral blend provides essential minerals necessary for bone health, enzyme function, and overall well-being. These minerals are crucial for maintaining various physiological processes. Ensuring adequate mineral intake supports a balanced diet.

Benefits

Supports bone health, enzyme function, and overall well-being.

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L-Lysine
Good

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports immune function and protein synthesis. It is important for maintaining muscle mass and overall health in cats. Supplementing with L-Lysine can help prevent deficiencies.

Benefits

Supports immune function and protein synthesis, essential for maintaining muscle mass.

Dried Chicory Root
Good

Dried chicory root is a source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health. It promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing nutrient absorption. Including chicory root can improve gut health and digestion.

Benefits

Supports digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria growth.

Yucca Schidigera Extract
Good

Yucca schidigera extract is used to reduce stool odor and support digestive health. It contains saponins that may have anti-inflammatory properties. This extract is beneficial for improving the palatability and digestibility of pet food.

Benefits

Reduces stool odor and supports digestive health, enhancing palatability.

Brown Rice
Neutral

Brown rice is a whole grain that provides carbohydrates and fiber. It is less processed than white rice, retaining more nutrients. However, it is not a primary dietary requirement for cats, who are obligate carnivores.

Risks

May contribute to carbohydrate content, which should be limited in a cat's diet.

Benefits

Provides fiber and some essential nutrients, though not critical for feline nutrition.

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Ground Whole Grain Corn
Neutral

Ground whole grain corn is a source of carbohydrates and fiber. It is commonly used in pet foods as a filler and energy source. While not essential for cats, it can provide some nutritional value.

Risks

May cause allergies in some cats and is not a necessary component of a feline diet.

Benefits

Offers carbohydrates and fiber, though not essential for cats' nutritional needs.

Corn Gluten Meal
Neutral

Corn gluten meal is a byproduct of corn processing, providing a protein source. It is less digestible than animal proteins and primarily used as a filler. It is not a necessary protein source for cats.

Risks

May cause allergies in some cats and is not as digestible as animal-based proteins.

Benefits

Provides a source of protein, though not as beneficial as animal-based proteins.

Peas
Neutral

Peas are a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and some protein. They are often used in pet foods as a filler and to add bulk. While not essential for cats, they can contribute to the overall nutrient profile.

Risks

May contribute to carbohydrate content, which should be limited in a cat's diet.

Benefits

Provides fiber and some protein, though not critical for feline nutrition.

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Dried Tomato Pomace
Neutral

Dried tomato pomace is a byproduct of tomato processing, providing fiber and some nutrients. It is used as a filler in pet foods. While not essential, it can contribute to the fiber content of the diet.

Benefits

Provides fiber and some nutrients, though not critical for feline nutrition.

Potassium Chloride
Neutral

Potassium chloride is used as a source of potassium, an essential mineral. It helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports various bodily functions. It is a common additive in pet foods to ensure adequate mineral intake.

Benefits

Provides essential potassium, supporting electrolyte balance and overall health.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and provide sodium, an essential mineral. It is necessary for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. However, excessive salt intake can be harmful.

Risks

Excessive salt intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension.

Benefits

Provides essential sodium for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavor is a vague term that can encompass a wide range of substances. It is used to enhance palatability but lacks transparency about its composition. This can be concerning for pet owners seeking to understand what their pets consume.

Risks

Lack of transparency may pose a risk for pets with allergies or sensitivities.

Benefits

Enhances the palatability of pet food, making it more appealing to pets.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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