Sheba Cat Food Review
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Many cats prefer the taste and texture of wet food, but cat owners sometimes find it inconvenient to deal with leftovers. Sheba makes it easy to give your cat fresh food at each meal with their Perfect Portions product line. The only line they offer, Perfect Portions consists of twin-packs of individually sealed portions of meat- and seafood-rich wet food in pate or savory gravy.
Though Sheba only offers wet cat food, they do have a decent selection to choose from. Sheba is also an easy brand to find and is an affordable option for most cat owners.
Read on to see what we think of the brand and to see our reviews for their top products.
- No product recalls in brand history
- Affordably priced and easy to find
- Made with fresh source of animal protein
- Free from low-quality grains and fillers
- Use of unspecified ingredients like poultry liver and animal plasma
- No product recalls in brand history
- Affordably priced and easy to find
- Made with fresh source of animal protein
- Free from low-quality grains and fillers
- Use of unspecified ingredients like poultry liver and animal plasma
How We Review Cat Food Brands
We’re not here to tell you that one cat food is the best of the best. The truth is there may not be a singular “best” cat food out there. There are plenty of brands we love, and it really comes down to your cat’s individual preferences and unique dietary requirements.
This being the case, it’s our goal to provide you with the information you need to make a smart and healthy decision for your own cat. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to evaluate a pet food brand on your own, but we also want to give you a little insight of our own to help lead you in the right direction. Our cat food reviews are based on the nutritional needs of cats above all else.
The thing you need to remember is your cat is an obligate carnivore. This simply means his body is evolved to process meat, not plants, so animal products should make up the majority of his diet.
Real animal protein should be the first ingredient in your cat’s diet, but ideally two out of the top three. Healthy fats are important as well and should come from animal ingredients when possible. The carbohydrate content of your cat’s diet should be limited and should come from nutritious and digestible sources like whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies.
Here are some of the things we look for in a good cat food brand:
- High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient
- Rich in healthy animal fats (ex: chicken fat or salmon oil)
- Few to no carbohydrate ingredients (especially within the top 5)
- Limited number of main ingredients plus supplements
- No low-quality fillers, grains, or by-products
In addition to making sure any cat food brand we recommend is made with high-quality ingredients, we evaluate several other factors as well. We prefer brands that offer a wide variety of recipes and those that provide plenty of information about their ingredients and products. We also consider pricing and recalls as well as the availability of the brand as a whole.
Overview of the Sheba Brand
The Sheba brand is dedicated to cats and they understand that cats have sophisticated palates and discerning cats. Many cats aren’t happy with boring dry food or eating the same recipe day after day which is why they only offer wet food and have developed the Perfect Portions line.
Sheba invites cat owners to “connect with their favorite feline through Perfect Portions, premium meat or seafood in a pate or savory gravy with vegetables. Simply snap, peel, and serve.”
Not only is Sheba committed to making products cats can’t get enough of, but they’re concerned about the environment as well. Sheba is committed to sustainability, particularly when it comes to seafood, and they are committed to ensuring all fish used in their products is 100% sustainably sourced by 2021.
Though Sheba is open about the sourcing of their seafood, they aren’t so chatty about some of their other ingredients. Sheba simply says their ingredients are “carefully selected for the health and well-being of the pets we feed” and that they come from suppliers located near their manufacturing facilities when it is possible. Keep reading to see our comments on the ingredients in their recipes.
What Kind of Cat Food Products Do They Offer?
Sheba is a wet food-only cat food company, though they also offer an assortment of cat treats. Their wet cat food products all belong to a single line: Perfect Portions. Their selection, however, is divided into three different product types – Premium Pates, Cuts in Gravy, and Garden Medleys.
The Premium Pate line is described as simply delectable meat or seafood entrees and features proteins like chicken, salmon, tuna, and turkey. Cuts in Gravy is a line of meaty meals covered in savory gravy while Garden Medleys is made up of premium meats or seafood paired with vegetables.
Here is the nutritional information for some of the most popular cat food recipes:
Wet Food Recipes |
|||||
| Recipe | Protein % | Fat % | Fiber % | Moisture % | Calories/Kg |
| Garden Medleys Salmon & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 783 |
| Garden Medleys Chicken, Beef & Vegetables in Gravy | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 875 |
| Garden Medleys Chicken & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 875 |
| Garden Medleys Tuna & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 751 |
| Premium Pate Delicate Salmon Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 81 | 941 |
| Premium Pate Gourmet Chicken & Tuna Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,093 |
| Premium Pate Roasted Turkey Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,192 |
| Premium Pate Roasted Chicken & Liver Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,093 |
| Premium Pate Signature Seafood Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,010 |
| Premium Pate Savory Chicken Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,093 |
| Premium Pate Tender Whitefish & Tuna Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 1,010 |
| Premium Pate Tender Beef Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,079 |
| Premium Pate Delectable Tuna Entrée | 9 | 5 | 1.5 | 80 | 1,004 |
| Cuts in Gravy Roasted Chicken & Beef Entree | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 875 |
| Cuts in Gravy Gourmet Salmon & Seafood Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 783 |
| Cuts in Gravy Tuna & Shrimp Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 751 |
| Cuts in Gravy Salmon & Shrimp Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 783 |
| Cuts in Gravy Delicate Whitefish & Tuna Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 788 |
| Cuts in Gravy Savory Mixed Grill Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 875 |
| Cuts in Gravy Tender Trout Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.52 | 84 | 832 |
| Cuts in Gravy Signature Tuna Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 751 |
| Cuts in Gravy Gourmet Salmon Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 783 |
| Cuts in Gravy Tender Turkey Entrée | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 860 |
| Cuts in Gravy Roasted Chicken Entree | 7 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 84 | 875 |
Product Recall History
Because so many cat foods look similar on the inside of the package, you’ll have to dig a little deeper to get a true evaluation of the brand. It’s important to read the label to check the list of ingredients and the guaranteed analysis, but it doesn’t hurt to do some research on the brand as a whole.
One of the things you may want to consider when doing brand research is the brand’s recall history.
A pet food recall happens when a problem is discovered with a product – either a labeling error, formulation issue, or contamination of some kind. The FDA can issue recalls based on testing or customer complaints, or the company can voluntarily withdraw the product on their own.
The thing to remember is that pet food recalls aren’t a direct indication of a brand’s quality. Low-quality brands tend to have more recalls, of course, because they often use cheap ingredients and typically outsource production. It’s just important to know that a brand’s recall history alone isn’t enough to make a judgement. Even if the brand doesn’t have any recalls at all, there are other factors to consider.
Sheba doesn’t currently have any recalls in its history, but the parent company has had recalls for other brands in the Mars Petcare family.
Products Included in This Review |
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| Name | Type | Protein % | Fat % | Top 5 Ingredients |
| Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Roasted Chicken Entree | Wet | 7 | 2.5 | Water, chicken, poultry liver, animal plasma, tapioca starch |
| Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Savory Mixed Grill Entree | Wet | 7 | 2.5 | Water, chicken, poultry liver, animal plasma, tapioca starch |
| Sheba Perfect Portions Delicate Salmon Entrée Pate | Wet | 9 | 5 | Chicken, water, salmon, poultry liver, chicken broth |
| Sheba Perfect Portions Signature Seafood Entrée Pate | Wet | 9 | 5 | Chicken, water, white fish, poultry liver, chicken broth |
| Sheba Perfect Portions Garden Medleys Chicken & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy |
Wet | 7 | 2.5 | Water, chicken, poultry liver, carrots, green beans |
Compare Sheba Cat Food
|
Type of Food
Wet |
Type of Food
Wet |
Type of Food
Wet |
Type of Food
Wet |
Type of Food
Wet |
|
First 5 Ingredients
Water, chicken, poultry liver, animal plasma, tapioca starch |
First 5 Ingredients
Water, chicken, poultry liver, animal plasma, tapioca starch |
First 5 Ingredients
Chicken, water, salmon, poultry liver, chicken broth |
First 5 Ingredients
Chicken, water, white fish, poultry liver, chicken broth |
First 5 Ingredients
Water, chicken, poultry liver, carrots, green beans |
|
Guaranteed Analysis
7% protein, 2.5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 84% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
7% protein, 2.5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 84% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
9% protein, 5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 81% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
9% protein, 5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 80% moisture |
Guaranteed Analysis
7% protein, 2.5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 84% moisture |
|
Calories per Cup
33 kcal/serving |
Calories per Cup
33 kcal/serving |
Calories per Cup
35 kcal/serving |
Calories per Cup
38 kcal/serving |
Calories per Cup
33 kcal/serving |
|
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.34/ounce |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.34/ounce |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.34/ounce |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.34/ounce |
Price Per Pound/Ounce
$0.34/ounce |
SHEBA Cuts in Gravy Roasted Chicken Entree
Product Info
- Type of Food: Wet
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, chicken, poultry liver, animal plasma, tapioca starch
- Guaranteed Analysis: 7% protein, 2.5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 84% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 33 kcal/serving
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.34/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Water, Chicken, Poultry Liver, Animal Plasma, Tapioca Starch, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Caramel Color, Choline Chloride, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
With a name like Roasted Chicken Entrée Cuts in Gravy, you might expect the first ingredient in this formula to be chicken. Water is the first ingredient, though that’s not too uncommon for wet food simply because of the high moisture content – chicken comes second.
Unfortunately, the chicken is the only ingredient in this recipe we really like. Next comes poultry liver followed by animal plasma, both supplemental sources of protein.
The trouble with these ingredients is that, while animal-based, they don’t come from specified sources. Poultry liver comes from poultry rather than meat, but that’s about all we know about it and the opposite is true for the animal plasma.
Tapioca starch isn’t necessarily a bad ingredient, but it doesn’t provide much in the way of nutrition for cats. It is probably used as a thickener here and we have to say we prefer it to wheat flour.
SHEBA Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy Savory Mixed Grill Entree
Product Info
- Type of Food: Wet
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, chicken, poultry liver, animal plasma, tapioca starch
- Guaranteed Analysis: 7% protein, 2.5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 84% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 33 kcal/serving
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.34/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Water, Chicken, Poultry Liver, Animal Plasma, Tapioca Starch, Turkey, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Caramel Color, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
Though this Mixed Grill Entrée doesn’t have chicken in the name, it’s nearly identical to the chicken recipe we just reviewed. The main difference is that this formula contains a second source of animal protein that actually comes from a named source – turkey.
The remaining ingredients in this formula are a mixture of questionable and nothing special. Again, tapioca starch is limited in nutritional value and we’re not thrilled to see added oil from an unspecified source. We also question the necessity of caramel color in cat food.
The good news about this formula is that it is very low in estimated carbohydrate content – about 2%. It’s also very rich in moisture and has two name sources of animal protein rather than one.
SHEBA Perfect Portions Delicate Salmon Entrée Pate
Product Info
- Type of Food: Wet
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, water, salmon, poultry liver, chicken broth
- Guaranteed Analysis: 9% protein, 5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 81% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 35 kcal/serving
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.34/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Chicken, Water, Salmon, Poultry Liver, Chicken Broth, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Tapioca Starch, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Salt, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Oxide Color, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
This Delicate Salmon Entrée Pate is another case of misleading advertising from Sheba. You might assume based on the name that the primary ingredient is salmon when it is actually chicken.
The good news here is that chicken is the very first ingredient – it comes before water. We also like that fresh salmon is the third ingredient, making two of the top three ingredients quality sources of animal-based protein. Unfortunately, the unnamed poultry liver and fish oil make a reappearance.
Another difference between this recipe and the previous two is that the tapioca starch moves further down the list. This may explain why the estimated carbohydrate content is even lower, under 1%.
SHEBA Perfect Portions Signature Seafood Entrée Pate
Product Info
- Type of Food: Wet
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, water, white fish, poultry liver, chicken broth
- Guaranteed Analysis: 9% protein, 5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 80% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 38 kcal/serving
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.34/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Chicken, Water, White Fish, Poultry Liver, Chicken Broth, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Tapioca Starch, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Salt, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
This Signature Seafood Entrée Pate is similar to the previous salmon recipe in that the name projects a different image than the truth of the ingredients list confirms. Again, chicken is the first ingredient and poultry liver appears as well, though the secondary source of protein is white fish.
Compared to the first two recipes, this formula seems to be higher in protein and fat, but you have to consider the difference in moisture content.
When converted to a dry matter calculation, this recipe contains about 45% protein and 25% fat compared to a little under 44% protein and under 16% fat for the first recipe reviewed. The fiber content for the first recipe is higher than the second through this calculation as well.
SHEBA Garden Medleys Chicken & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy
Product Info
- Type of Food: Wet
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, chicken, poultry liver, carrots, green beans
- Guaranteed Analysis: 7% protein, 2.5% fat, 1.5% fiber, 84% moisture
- Calories per Cup: 33 kcal/serving
- Price Per Pound/Ounce: $0.34/ounce
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Water, Chicken, Poultry Liver, Carrots, Green Beans, Animal Plasma, Tapioca Starch, Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Caramel Color, DL-Methionine, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex.
Other than the first recipe on the list, this Chicken & Vegetables Entrée in Gravy seems to have the most accurate description. Chicken is the second ingredient and the main source of protein, followed by poultry liver, carrots, and green beans.
We do see the return of the animal plasma here and tapioca starch is closer to the top, but we also see egg product as a supplemental source of animal protein.
Though this recipe contains several vegetables near the top of the list, the estimated carbohydrate content is still only about 2%. This isn’t terribly surprisingly, however, considering vegetables are much lower in carbs than grains, particularly grains like corn and wheat.
What Do Customers Think of Sheba Cat Food?
Though your cat is unique, it doesn’t hurt to consider what other cats think of a product before you buy it. Some cats are picky, but if you find a lot of customers complaining that their cat won’t eat the food, you may save yourself some time and money by choosing another option.
Sheba is a very popular brand, which isn’t surprising given how affordable and easy to find it is. Many of their products have over 500 reviews on Chewy and an average 4-star rating.
When it comes to the reviews themselves, many customers comment that even their picky cats love it and pet parents like the convenience of the individual portions. Negative reviews are primarily related to some cats not liking the recipe, though there are some concerns about ingredient quality as well.
How Much Does Sheba Cat Food Cost?
When shopping for cat food, it’s easy to shop by price but don’t use the cost as the only factor on which you base your decision. Price is often correlated with quality in the pet food industry, but it’s just one thing you need to consider. After all, some of the most expensive cat foods on the market aren’t good.
Sheba cat food is extremely easy to find and it is one of the more affordable brands on the market. That being said, the average price is about $0.34 per ounce which is more than we’d expect for the quality of the ingredients. You’ll often find it on sale for under $0.30/ounce, but it’s still a little more than we think it’s worth. You could find a better brand at a similar price point.
To give you a better idea how Sheba stacks up against other cat food brands, here is a quick chart to show you some average prices:
| Brand/Recipe | Type | Quality | Price/Ounce | Price/Pound |
| Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Food | Dry | Low | X | $0.90/pound |
| Friskies Classic Pate Mixed Grill Canned Food | Wet | Low | $0.07/ounce | $1.16/pound |
| Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Chicken & Brown Rice Adult Dry Cat Food | Dry | Moderate | X | $2.53/pound |
| Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Real Chicken Pate Recipe Canned Cat Food | Wet | Moderate | $0.36/ounce | X |
| Instinct by Nature’s Variety Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken | Dry | High | X | $3.45/pound |
| Ziwi Peak New Zealand Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food | Wet | High | $1.21/ounce | X |
Where Can You Buy Sheba Cat Food?
When choosing a cat food brand, it’s important to think about how easy it will be to find it. You may find a cat food on sale in a specialty pet food store but then be unable to find it anywhere else later.
Now only is Sheba an affordable brand of cat food, but it is easy to find as well. You can find specific recipes in retailers near you using the store locator on the website, but you can also simply check your local grocery store, pet store, or even the discount store near you. Online, you can find Sheba cat food at major retailers like PetFlow and Chewy as well as Walmart.com.
Our Final Thoughts: Is Sheba a Good Brand?
Overall, we can’t give Sheba our whole-hearted recommendation, but it is certainly a better option than some brands we’ve reviewed. We appreciate that a fresh source of animal protein is the first ingredient, though we don’t like the use of unspecified ingredients like poultry liver and animal plasma. We like that the recipes are free from low-quality grains, however, and that the carb content is very low.
If you’re looking for an affordable brand of cat food and you’re concerned about quality, we think you can do a little better than Sheba. That being said, Sheba is an easy brand to find and sometimes you have to make a practical decision in which case you could certainly do worse than to choose Sheba.
