Dry food GO! Natural Holistic for dogs and cats

Guabi cat food is a super premium diet for pets, made in Brazil. Due to its low prevalence, it is not very well known in our country, but over time the number of fans of this brand is growing. What is good about this dry food, and whether it meets the requirements of the super-premium cat food segment, will become clear after a detailed review, with an analysis of all the components of this menu.

Manufacturer

Guabi brand diets are produced in Brazil by the company of the same name, which is located in the suburbs of Sao Paulo and is one of the thousand largest companies in the country. There has been production since 1974, and every year the quality of the products only grows. For this purpose, a large research complex has been created, which carefully studies each recipe so that the food brings the greatest benefit to the animal’s body.

In addition to food for pets, the Guabi company produces food and premixes for horses, livestock, fish and poultry. Thanks to excellent raw materials and modern production, the products of Guabi factories are successfully imported to more than 30 countries around the world. In Russia, only a few suppliers sell food of this brand, the largest of which can be called LiSS LLC, located in St. Petersburg. You can buy Guabi Natural cat food right from home - the company has a website where all available types of food for animals are presented.

Where is Guabi cat food produced?

Guabi is a brand of food for cats, dogs and other pets. These foods are manufactured in Brazil (Campinas) by Guabi Petcare Alimentos. The company positions its products as high quality food made from natural ingredients.

Guabi was founded in 1974 to produce healthy animal feed. Later, several Brazilian factories merged into the Guabi Petcare Group. In 2013, the group merged with the Spanish one (Affinity Petcare SA), and 5 years later it became its division. Now the group does not exist, but the company continues to produce popular food of its brand. Guabi has 8 of its own high-tech factories, and its catalog contains more than 250 items.

Now Guabi has become one of the largest manufacturers of animal feed, supplying its products to more than 20 countries in Europe (including Russia), Asia, and America

Range

The Guabi brand has a very modest range of dry cat food - only six Natural series food items are available for purchase in domestic online stores. Namely:

• Adultos – formula for adult cats of any breed;
• Filhotes – food for kittens (up to 1 year);
• Persa – for Persian cats of any age;
• Castrados – for sterilized animals;
• Hairball is a food that helps remove hairballs;
• Light is a veterinary diet for cats with diabetes and overweight.

All food, except the veterinary diet and food for kittens, is available in 1.5, 3 and 7.5 kg packaging. Foods for diabetics and babies are available in packs of 0.4 and 1.5 kg.

And although the variety of types of food does not allow the fantasies of breeders to run wild, the main thing in the food is the quality of the components and nutritional value. To find out how things are going with this in Guabi diets, it is necessary to analyze the composition of one of the most popular types - Guabi Natural Adultos cat food.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Guabi brand

In reviews of Guabi cat food you can read about the advantages and disadvantages of the product.

Positive factors for cat owners include:

• the shape and consistency of dry granules, which allows animals to maintain the integrity of their teeth;
• hypoallergenic composition does not cause negative reactions from the digestive tract and the general health of pets;
• content of omega acids in the feed mixture;
• the use of a variety of food components, allowing you to select food for any cat’s taste and health status of the animal’s body;
• correspondence between price level and product quality.

Types of feed "Guabi"

Many people consider the negative aspects to be the inclusion of gluten in the vegetable protein mixture and the lack of indication on the packaging of the exact composition of the ingredients.

Important! The composition of various types of product can be found in the product catalog on the Russian-language website of the Guabi brand.

Many fans of natural food consider the inability to purchase the product in most retail outlets as a disadvantage. Buyers believe that next to the Nature's table brand food, owned by the Mars corporation, and the Italian Trainer, there should also be Guabi food on the shelves.

Composition of food for an adult animal

Compound

Based on the fact that the components in the composition list are indicated in descending order of their quantity, it can be assumed that the first 5-7 nutrients form the basis of nutrition, and the rest are additives designed to improve the feed. So here is the list of components:

• Chicken meat (mechanically separated);
• Chicken liver;
• A mixture of brown and white rice;
• Shredded salmon (originally “salmon meal”);
• Chicken by-products;
• Proteins from pork flour;
• Wheat gluten.

This is the basis of the feed. This is followed by additional components: fish oil, animal fat, pork plasma, egg powder. Next come: plantain, beet pulp, sugar cane fiber, brewer's yeast, vegetable oil, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, animal by-products, sodium hexametaphosphate and citric acid. After them the content of mannan-oligosaccharides, phosphoric acid, green tea extract and apples is indicated. Next on the list is rosemary extract and zinc proteinate, glucans and potassium sorbate. It also contains taurine, methionine and lysine.

Last on the list are the natural preservative tocopherol and yucca schidigera extract, beta-carotene, and behind them is a vitamin and mineral supplement listing all trace elements. The guaranteed nutrient content looks like this:

• Protein - no less than 34%;
• Fats - 16%;
• Water - 9%;
• Fiber – 3.5%;
• Ash – 8%;
• Calcium - no more than 1.4%;
• Phosphorus – not less than 0.65%.

In fact, these are quite good indicators for animal nutrition of this class.

Squirrels

Chicken meat is a source of protein - it is an excellent product, rich in protein and microelements. Also rich in proteins are both chicken and animal by-products, chicken liver, pork flour, chopped salmon and pork plasma. Egg powder is also valuable as a source of proteins.

Fats

Fish oil is a valuable source of lipids and fatty acids. In addition, the list contains animal fat, which is not a very healthy nutrient, since this general name hides low-quality raw materials. The composition also contains vegetable oil - a dubious component, because without indicating the specific source of its origin, it is very difficult to assess the quality and benefits of such fat.

Carbohydrates

The mass fraction of carbohydrates is not indicated, but their percentage in the food in question is about 20-25%. The main supplier of carbohydrates, rice, is quite good, as it is a hypoallergenic grain and provides the energy necessary for the cat’s life.

Additional components

• Beet pulp, sugar cane fiber, plantain are sources of fiber of plant origin, which takes part in digestion and improves intestinal motility.
• Sodium hexametaphosphate - despite the “scary” chemical name, this is a useful dietary supplement that prevents the formation of tartar in dogs and cats.
• Choline chloride - vitamin B4 - is beneficial for cells of all types, and also protects the animal's skin from dehydration.
• Brewer's yeast is good for skin and coat.
• Citric acid is an antioxidant designed to slow down cell aging. Used as a natural preservative.
• Mannanooligosaccharides are active components obtained from yeast. A natural prebiotic designed to maintain the normal intestinal microflora of animals.
• Taurine is an amino acid that is extremely important for cats. Their body does not produce taurine, but urgently needs it - this substance supports visual acuity and the functioning of the heart muscle. In nature, cats get this amino acid from raw meat, but at home it must be administered with food, which is what the manufacturer does.
• Phosphoric acid is an artificial chemical antioxidant. It is extremely undesirable to contain in cat food, but this acid is cheap - and therefore is often used as a substitute for natural antioxidants and preservatives.
• Rosemary extract is a natural beneficial antioxidant and preservative for dry diets.
• Calcium carbonate is a source of calcium for bones and teeth.
• Glucans are complex sugars that have a beneficial effect on the immune system.
• Zinc proteinate is the most absorbable source of zinc. Considered a useful supplement for cat nutrition.
• Potassium sorbate is a safe preservative.
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a natural, and therefore useful, preservative.
• Methionine and lysine are essential amino acids that promote the breakdown and subsequent absorption of fats and microelements.
• Yucca Schidigera extract is an extract from a plant designed to reduce the smell of animal excrement.
• Beta-carotene is a vitamin A that promotes coat health. It is also a natural yellow dye.
• The vitamin-mineral complex is added as a ready-made premix and contains the required amount of vitamins and microelements.

As a result, we can say that the composition of the food is quite good, but the content of some chemical additives is extremely undesirable. Considering the positive and negative aspects of this recipe, by generally accepted standards, this is more likely a premium nutrition, rather than a super-premium.

Features of Guabi food

The manufacturer of Guabi cat food claims that production is carried out in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and HACCP (Product Safety Control System) standards. The food of this brand is approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil. According to the concept, it should have been called professional, and cat owners and veterinarians should have recognized this food as completely balanced. Guabi cat food is available in the form of dry food (crickets) and wet food (canned food).

Composition of Guabi brand feed

Depending on the type and type of food, the composition of the product differs. Dry food ingredients:

• fresh meat (chicken, fish, pork);
• fish, chicken and/or pork by-products (including dried pork plasma - a source of albumin);
• source of carbohydrates: rice (whole and processed products);
• sources of fat: fish (also a source of fatty acids and vitamins) or animal fat;
• additional source of protein (egg powder, gluten);
• source of fiber (sugar cane, beets);
• brewer's yeast (source of B vitamins, natural flavor enhancer);
• psyllum (sunflower seed cake - a source of soluble fiber);
• vegetable oil (a source of vitamins and fats);
• algae in the form of fucus extract (source of iodine and vitamins, probiotic);
• minerals (including calcium propionate, potassium sorbate, proteinates, etc.);
• plant extracts (apple, yucca schidigera, green tea, rosemary);
• prebiotics (including inulin).

Previously, packs of Guabi food had a mark indicating the absence of GMOs in the product. Currently, not every package has this marking. Veterinarians told me that this is due to monitoring product quality. In fact, it is believed that Brazil has a good environment, and therefore natural products should be of ideal quality. When the concept of the content of harmful GMOs became fashionable, some Brazilian manufacturers began to mark their products with appropriate labeling. Guabi Petfood has made an alternative decision. If the food contains ingredients that could contain GMOs (even if they do not), then a flag is placed. If raw materials are used in the manufacture of food without suspicion of containing genetically modified organisms, then the marking is not applied.

Rare ingredients in Guabi food include rosemary and apple extracts, psyllum and fumus algae

Vitamins and minerals in Guabi dry food:

• vitamin E (natural tocopherol - regulates reproductive function);
• retinol and Beta-carotene (for vision, proper growth and immunity);
• vitamin D (calciferol - responsible for calcium-phosphorus metabolism);
• vitamin K and folic acid (regulates hematopoietic processes);
• vitamin C (natural antioxidant);
• B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, choline, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, etc.);
• taurine (responsible for the functioning of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract);
• biotin (regulates carbon dioxide metabolism processes);
• lysine, methionine and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids;
• manganese, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, selenium and iodine.

Belonging to the feed class

The manufacturer calls its products premium and superpremium food, but in Russia “Guabi” is considered superpremium. Firstly, the food contains fresh meat, not “chicken” or “animal products”. However, the guaranteed amount of protein in crickets does not exceed 36%. Meat and offal occupy the first lines of the composition, and the only plant source of protein - wheat gluten - is stated in small quantities (according to the position in the list of ingredients). Secondly, Guabi cat food contains no artificial flavors, antioxidants or colors. The flavor and aroma qualities of the product are enhanced by the content of a small amount of brewer's yeast. In addition, Guabi contains a dense vitamin and mineral premix. Contains almost all the microelements necessary to maintain health.

I consulted with a veterinarian I know about the class of this food. Looking at the list of ingredients, he noted the quality of the dry food. But a more detailed analysis revealed some controversial issues. The fact is that the balance of calcium and phosphorus is disturbed. Calcium content is approximately twice the norm. But the veterinarian also told me that calciferol is a rare component of feed. This substance is able to regulate the ratio of phosphorus and calcium in favor of the body.

Vitamins of different groups, proteins, selenium and extracts together can significantly reduce the level of intracellular stress, which contributes to the healthy life of the cat

Where to buy Guabi food and how much it costs

The only Russian Guabi food store at the moment is in St. Petersburg. Cat owners from other cities can order this food through online platforms. It should be understood that in most cases, food delivery is paid (from 500 to 1000 rubles). The price of dry food depends on the packaging volume:

• packages of 1.5 kg - from 580 to 750 rubles;
• packages of 3 kg - from 1000 to 1500 rubles;
• bags of 7.5 kg - from 2450 to 2900 rubles.

Wet food "Guabi" for cats is available in cans of 290 g and pouches of 80 g, the price of wet food in cans ranges from 110 to 130 rubles.

Price

An important aspect when choosing a diet is its price. In the online store of the official importer, food can be purchased at the following prices:

• Guabi for adult cats: 1.5kg. – 610 rubles;
• Guabi for kittens: 1.5kg. – 790 rubles;
• Guabi for castrati: 1.5kg. – 720 rubles.

In comparison with other classmates, the price of Guabi Natural food is very, very attractive.

You can now see the current price of Guabi food and buy it right here:

Customer Reviews

Elena Valerievna, breeder of Canadian Sphynxes:

“Our cats always ate Royal, but after production began in Russia, the quality dropped noticeably. The composition has become radically different, which is why some of my cats, frankly speaking, began to vilify. I was looking for a replacement for a very long time, and after reading reviews on the Internet, I decided to take Guabi Natural cat food. At first there were doubts about the quality - what kind of quality control can there be in Brazil. However, this stereotype was completely destroyed in my head - the food is very good, and my cats eat it with pleasure. The only caveat is that the croqueta differs in color from batch to batch, and no one can explain why this happens.”

Olga, owner of the cat Matvey:

“I learned about Guabi cat food when I started reading reviews on thematic forums. At first I thought that these were custom opinions, but I still decided to try it and bought a small pack. My Matvey happily eats the entire portion and asks for more, but I give him food in strict accordance with the recommendations on the pack. He is such a young man that he would eat everything, no matter how much you give him. The cat looks great and is in good health, so I advise everyone to at least try Guabi - you definitely won’t regret it!”

What you need to know about the composition

Brazilian food for domestic cats has a balanced composition, which allows it to be used as a complete food. The composition contains 41 components. In first place is chicken meat, followed by chicken liver, rice and salmon flour. The composition contains pork flour and plasma, egg powder. The chicken meat included in the feed is obtained by mechanical deboning, that is, by separating meat and bones.

Chicken liver is considered a good ingredient and a source of animal protein. The rice used is brown. It is a source of complex carbohydrates and enriches the diet with calcium, potassium and magnesium.

This food can be consumed even if you have diabetes. The low glycemic index of brown rice does not cause a spike in glucose. The composition also includes natural antioxidants, prebiotics, amino acids and taurine. Sources of fats are fish oil, animal fat, vegetable oil.

As you can see, Brazilian food contains many animal components and a small amount of grains. Among the useful additives are methionine and lysine, which promote the breakdown of fats and microelements, after which they are perfectly absorbed by the body. Beta-carotene improves the condition of the coat. Yucca Schidigera extract removes the unpleasant odor from purr feces. A natural preservative and antioxidant tocopherol is also used.

Reviews from veterinarians

Tatyana Sergeevna, veterinarian:

“I am often asked: what inexpensive food can I recommend for domestic cats? I usually recommend well-known brands whose composition suits me as a doctor. But lately I’ve increasingly come across reviews from my veterinarian colleagues about the Brazilian cat food Guabi. I became interested and studied the nutrients in this diet in detail. I must say that in comparison with food of the same class, Guabi is in many ways superior to its competitors, and therefore I increasingly recommend these menus to my tailed patients. And the price is generally unrivaled - every breeder can afford such food.”

Reviews of Guabi food from veterinarians and cat owners

I am a former Cornish Rex breeder. After completing this activity, I was left with 3 cats and 1 male cat. Age from 3 to 8 years. With so many animals, not a single food was ideal; first one vomited, then another, and some food caused constant vomiting. In short, we convened a mini-council of a veterinarian, Cornish and Siamese breeders and decided to try Guabi. The result appeared within a week, i.e. no one felt sick, the stool was excellent. Moreover, the undercoat grew into my bald head instantly; the cat, whose undercoat on her back had thinned out for about five months after giving birth and the wave of curls was not ideal, also quickly recovered. I really liked the quality of the undercoat, it became much softer for everyone. Hallelujah, it was a complete success. They also left a kitten (Mouse), he completely grew up on Guabi, a handsome silken creature.

When people ask me to recommend an inexpensive, well-formulated cat food, Guabi Natural comes to mind. Protein composition (up to 34%). Most of the composition contains whole natural chicken meat, as well as chicken liver and salmon flour. There are also chicken by-products, however, this ingredient is questionable, since it is unknown what parts the manufacturer included. This item, like wheat gluten, may not be beneficial for the animal. However, it also contains a vitamin complex and prebiotics, which has a positive effect on the cat’s health.

My cats have been eating dry food GUABI NATURAL for cats CHICKEN for four months now, and we are absolutely happy with everything about it! This is probably the first food in a long time that we are so happy with! Because before that we tried a lot of holistics, we tried Canadian holistics for a long time, but something always didn’t suit us. For example, at the last holistic treatment the cats lost a lot of fur, and the stool was not very good. On the GUABI feed we have excellent stool, almost odorless, and the fur has become thicker and more beautiful, and the smell from the mouth of all cats has gone away! This is an indicator, because I have a network of cats living at home!

Yes, in Ufa there are many who feed them. Mine has been eating it since childhood. Well, it turns out to be 5 months, but we have a mixed diet. The main thing is beef, and the food is always in the bowl to kill the worm and maintain the balance of the necessary substances. The food is good, holistic. The main thing is that there is real meat, not skin and bones (which in Russia is considered offal). Of course, each cat is individual and some will definitely not like it. But personally, I have heard only one reason for refusing this food - too small grams?