Your Cat Deserves Quality Wet Food That Doesn’t Break The Bank

As a cat owner, you want to feed your feline friend quality wet cat food that provides balanced nutrition. But you also don’t want to break the bank with expensive premium brands. That’s where Special Kitty wet cat food comes in.

Special Kitty is Walmart’s store brand cat food, made exclusively for the retail giant. It’s designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats in an affordable package. But how does it stack up against pricier name-brand wet foods? This comprehensive buying guide will give you the scoop on Special Kitty wet cat food.

What is Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

Special Kitty wet cat food is Walmart’s proprietary brand of canned/pouches cat food products. It comes in a variety of flavors and formulas for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. Special Kitty wet foods are designed to be nutritionally complete and balanced for each life stage.

The brand was introduced by Walmart in 2000 as an affordable alternative to national cat food brands. While cheaper in price, Walmart claims Special Kittywet foods don’t compromise on quality or nutrition. All recipes are formulated by experts to give cats the protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals they need.

Special Kitty canned foods come in 3 oz and 5.5 oz cans. Pouch recipes are packaged in 3 oz and 2.75 oz pouches. Most selections are grain-free with protein-rich meaty chunks and gravy. There are choices for every budget and feline palate.

What Ingredients Are in Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

According to Walmart, all Special Kitty wet cat foods contain quality proteins and fats as the first ingredients. This includes poultry, seafood, and red meat. Recipes may feature chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, beef, and more as key components.

Grain-free options replace grains like rice, wheat, and corn with peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes as carb sources. They also contain supplemental fiber from natural sources to aid digestion.

Most Special Kitty wet foods are supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals. Added Taurine supports heart health. Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols keep the foods fresh. Overall, the ingredients mirror premium brand pet foods without the high price tag.

However, Special Kitty wet foods do contain some controversial items like carrageenan and artificial colors in select recipes. But many choices are free from questionable additives. Always check the can or pouch ingredients before purchase.

Is Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Good for My Cat?

For the price, Special Kitty wet cat food delivers solid nutritional value. The protein-focused formulas provide complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance or growth. Both grain-free and classic recipes earn approval from most pet nutritionists.

Special Kitty wet foods receive praise for their ample meat proteins and moisture-rich textures. The patés and stews have a smooth, lump-free consistency cats love. There are also shredded and sliced proteins for texture. Reviewers say picky cats readily accept Special Kitty wet foods.

The carb sources are species-appropriate and easily digestible for cats. Even kittens can thrive on Special Kitty formulas tailored their needs. It provides good nutrition fraction of the cost of fancier brands.

However, some vets caution against the heavy use of by-product meals in Special Kitty. And the lack of exotic meats may turn some noses up. But for everyday nutrition, Special Kitty wet cat food gets the job done for a steal.

What Flavors Does Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Offer?

One thing Special Kitty wet cat food has going for it is variety. There are dozens of different flavors and textures to please even persnickety palates.

For cats who crave poultry, there’s shredded chicken and turkey entrees. Hearty cuts and chunks give a mealtime thrill. Creamy turkey and giblets entice picky eaters. And chicken pâté provides smooth nutrition kittens adore.

For the seafood lover, options range from salmon pâté to ocean whitefish stew. Savory skipjack tuna and trout bring oceangoing variety. Slices of fish add flair alongside shrimp and crabmeat. No plain fish sticks here.

Red meat fiends can indulge in beef, bacon, lamb, and liver flavors. Hearty chunks and morsels make mealtimes more fun. There’s also classic beef and chicken flavors for the less adventurous eater.

Beyond traditional proteins, there’s turkey, duck, and rabbit recipes. Quail and pheasant offer game bird goodness. Exotic kangaroo and venison provide rare treats.

With so many flavors and textures, every cat can find a Special Kitty wet food to love. It takes the guesswork out of mealtime.

How to Choose the Right Special Kitty Wet Cat Food

With all the variety Special Kitty offers, how do you pick the right wet food for your cat? Here are some tips for choosing the perfect Special Kitty flavor and formula:

• Consider your cat’s life stage: Special Kitty has formulas tailored for kittens, adult cats, and seniors. Make sure to get the right one.
• Focus on your cat’s dietary needs: If your cat needs grain-free or high protein, Special Kitty has options. Read the can labels.
• Choose flavors your cat prefers: Use your knowledge of their favorites – fish, fowl, red meat. Avoid new foods that may cause upset.
• Select appropriate textures: Chunks for chewing? Pâté for lap babies? Pay attention to your cat’s preferences.
• Check for food sensitivities: Avoid Special Kitty recipes with ingredients your cat reacts to like grains, carrageenan etc.
• Compare nutritional analysis: Pick recipes with optimal protein, fat, fiber etc for your cat’s needs. It varies by recipe.
• Cycle through flavors: To add variety, rotate through a selection of your cat’s favorite Special Kitty canned foods.

With a wide range of quality wet foods to choose from, you’re sure to find a Special Kitty formula that fits your cat’s tastebuds and dietary needs.

What is the Price Range for Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

One of the biggest perks of Special Kitty wet cat food is its low price point. Special Kitty canned food is significantly cheaper than premium and name-brand wet foods.

A 3 oz can of Special Kitty wet food ranges from about $0.50 to $0.75. The 5.5 oz cans run between $0.75 and $1.25 usually. The 3 oz pouches cost $0.75 to $1.00 per pouch.

Compared to national brands that can cost $1.50 to $2.00+ per small can, Special Kitty is a steal. Feeding a cat Special Kitty wet food exclusively can cost as little as $0.50 a day.

Buying larger multipacks at Walmart instead of single cans/pouches drops the per-unit price. A 24-pack of 3 oz cans is around $10-12 for example. Special Kitty 12-pack taster packs offer variety at a discount.

For budget-minded cat owners, Special Kitty wet food provides complete daily nutrition for pennies a day. Canned cat food doesn’t get much more affordable than this.

Where Can I Buy Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

Since Special Kitty is Walmart’s proprietary brand, Special Kitty wet cat foods are sold exclusively at Walmart stores. You won’t find it anywhere else.

Every Walmart Supercenter with a pet section carries Special Kitty wet cat food. Selection varies by store size, but most have a solid variety. You can mix and match flavors and formats at will.

In a pinch, the Walmart website lets you order cases of Special Kitty wet food online for delivery. Opt for in-store pickup and grab it along with the rest of your grocery haul. No need for special trips.

Dollar stores that sell pet food may carry Special Kitty cans and pouches as well. But Walmart is the only guaranteed source for the entire Special Kitty wet cat food product line.

Shopping at Walmart makes getting Special Kitty convenient and affordable. Between online ordering and in-store availability, your cat’s favorite wet food is always in stock.

How to Transition Your Cat to Special Kitty Wet Cat Food

Switching your cat to a new food like Special Kitty wet requires a gradual transition. Abrupt changes can upset their digestion. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:

• Mix a small amount of Special Kitty wet food into their current food. Start with a 25/75 mix of new to old food.
• Gradually increase the ratio of Special Kitty over a 7-10 span, until it’s 100% Special Kitty.
• Keep portions the same so your cat doesn’t overeat the new food. Portion control prevents upsets.
• Ensure fresh water is available at all times to aid digestion. Especially important for canned foods.
• Watch for signs of digestion trouble like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation etc. Slow transition if needed.
• Offer treats and snacks of Special Kitty wet food to entice interest outside regular meals.
• Give probiotic supplements during the switch to support gut health and digestion.

With a patient, gradual approach, your cat can readily adapt to their new Special Kitty wet diet. Take transitions slow and let their body adjust along the way.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

Wet cat food offers unique nutritional benefits cats can’t get from dry kibble alone. Here are the key benefits Special Kitty Wet Food provides:

• Increased hydration: The moisture in wet food gives cats up to 6 times more hydration than dry kibble. Helps prevent urinary and kidney issues.
• Higher protein content: Wet foods have at least 5-10% more protein than dry foods on average. Provides energy and muscle maintenance.
• Better flavor from real ingredients: More real meat, fish, and liver means richer, savory flavor cats crave. Supports appetite in picky eaters.
• Natural prebiotics: Special Kitty wet recipes include probiotic-boosting fruits and veggies. Supports healthy digestion and immunity.
• Fewer carbs and calories: Wet food carbs and calories are 25-30% lower versus dry kibble. Helps cats maintain a healthy weight.
• Improved dental health: Chewy or shredded chunks scrub teeth to reduce tartar. Works teeth gums unlike smooth kibble.

The moisture, proteins, and limited carbs in Special Kitty wet foods nourish cats in ways kibble can’t. Lower calories also help cats lose or maintain weight better long-term.

Is Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Suitable for Kittens?

Special Kitty offers several wet food recipes tailored specifically for kittens under 12 months old. The kitten formulas deliver the extra nutrition growing cats need.

• Higher protein for muscles and growth
• Increased calories for energy
• More fatty acids for skin and coat
• Extra vitamins for development
• Fine, smooth textures palatable to kittens

Flavors like chicken pâté, ocean whitefish, turkey, and salmon give kittens a taste for wet food early. The smooth, gravy-rich consistencies appeal to tiny appetites.

Many vets recommend Special Kitty canned kitten foods to new pet parents. The nutrition supports development comparably to premium brands at a fraction of the price. Just check labels for kitten-appropriate levels.

However, kittens may need supplemental feedings of dry food for additional calories and crunchy texture. Check with your vet on the ideal wet/dry combo for your growing kitty. But Special Kitty wet delivers quality nutrition for kittens.

How is Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Made?

Special Kitty wet cat foods are manufactured at facilities in the United States strictly for Walmart. The production process closely resembles other major commercial pet food brands. Here are some key steps:

• Raw meat, fish, and poultry ingredients are delivered to facilities in whole form. This includes muscle meats and organ meats like liver.
• Ingredients are ground, mixed, and cooked in large batches based on specific recipes.
• The batter is fed into cans or pouches and sealed. Canned foods are then sterilized at high heat to preserve the contents.
• The packaged wet foods go through quality control checks during and after production. They test for signs bacteria, proper sealing, ingredient mix etc.
• Flavor enhancers, vitamins, and supplements are added into recipes according to feline nutrition standards. Additional moisture is added to create the right consistency.
• Completed wet foods are boxed and labeled accordingly as Special Kitty products. Boxes are shipped to Walmart warehouses for distribution.

By formulating and producing its own food, Special Kitty can control costs and nutrition more closely. But shortcuts aren’t taken – facilities adhere to industry safety standards.

What Are the Reviews for Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

Reviews of Special Kitty wet cat food are generally quite positive overall. Many cat owners agree it’s a great value for the nutrition and quality provided.

On Walmart.com, Special Kitty canned foods average between 4 to 4.5 stars out of 5. Positive reviews praise the array of flavors, meaty textures, and acceptance among picky cats. Shoppers feel it’s comparable to fancier brands at a much lower cost.

Some critical reviews cite issues with recipe changes, quality control, and differences between batches. Cats rejecting updated formulas is a common complaint. But many say consistency has improved lately.

On forums and review sites, Special Kitty wet foods rate 3.5-4 stars out of 5 on average. Supporters say it’s ideal for multi-cat households on a budget. Critics argue it has too many plant proteins and artificial additives however.

But for the price range, most cat owners agree Special Kitty wet foods deliver satisfying nutrition and variety. The breadth of flavors and formats makes fussy cats happy too.

Does Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Have Any Recalls?

Walmart states that all Special Kitty products go through extensive quality and safety controls during production and packaging. The brand adheres to industry standards for ingredient sourcing and facility conditions.

However, Special Kitty wet cat food was recalled once in 2009 along with dozens of other major brands. The recall involved canned foods cut and packed in Evanger’s facilities. It was due to potential beef contamination.

But that voluntary recall over a decade ago is the only widespread safety incident for Special Kitty wet foods. No additional recalls have occurred since. And consumer complaints of illness are very rare.

Overall, Special Kitty wet cat food appears to have a generally good track record for safety and quality control. But it’s still smart to follow best practices like checking expiration dates before feeding.

How to Store Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Properly

To maintain freshness and quality, it’s important to store Special Kitty wet cat food correctly after opening:

• Refrigerate opened cans or pouches. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days after opening. Discard any uneaten portion after 7 days.
• Seal opened cans with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This prevents air exposure that can oxidize ingredients.
• Use shallow, airtight containers for leftover portions, not just the can. Transfer to a sealed glass or plastic container.
• Don’t freeze Special Kitty wet foods. Freezing and thawing can negatively impact texture and flavor. Discard remains instead.
• Check labels for any updated storage instructions. Follow guidelines for specific recipes.
• Store unopened cans and pouches in a cool, dry place. Avoid temperature extremes and direct sunlight before opening.

Proper refrigerated storage preserves freshness and nutrients. Discard any food that smells, looks, or tastes off after reheating to avoid spoilage issues. Follow “best by” dates too.

What Are Common Issues With Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

While Special Kitty provides solid everyday nutrition for cats, there are a few potential downsides to note:

• Recipe changes – Special Kitty frequently tweaks its wet food recipes. This can cause picky cats to reject updated versions.
• Quality control – Rare instances of spoiled cans or improper sealing. But quality is improving.
• Not enough real meat – Some vets feel Special Kitty wet foods are too high in plant proteins versus real meat.
• Carrageenan content – Controversial thickener linked to inflammation in some cats. Not in all recipes however.
• Lots of gravy – Higher gravy content doesn’t appeal to certain cats. Preference varies by feline.
• Artificial colors – Some recipes contain artificial coloring agents. Easy to avoid though.
• Sold only at Walmart – Not carried anywhere else. Less convenient for owners who avoid Walmart.

While not dealbreakers for most, these are areas your vet may raise concerns about with Special Kitty wet cat food. But many cats enjoy Special Kitty formulas just fine.

Is Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Grain-Free?

As cat nutrition trends toward grain-free, Special Kitty now offers more grain-free wet food options. Approximately 40% of the canned/pouch recipes are completely grain-free.

Grain-free Special Kitty recipes replace grains like rice, wheat, and corn with peas, sweet potatoes, or lentils. They have limited carbs overall.

Benefits of Special Kitty grain-free wet foods include potentially fewer allergies, better digestion, regulated blood sugar, and lower calorie density for weight control.

Grain-free labels read “0% grain” clearly on the front. Look for recipes with Identifiers like Nature’s Recipe, Crave, Farm’s Best, and Wilderness Trail. Popular flavors include duck, venison, rabbit, salmon, and chicken.

But Special Kitty still offers classic recipes with grains like rice or barley. These provide balanced nutrition for less active cats without grain allergies. Check cans closely to find grain-free varieties your cat will love.

What is the Shelf Life of Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

Unopened cans and pouches of Special Kitty wet cat food have a shelf life around 18-24 months from the production date. This is standard for commercially canned pet foods.

The “Best by” date on each can or pouch indicates the approximate expiration within that shelf life. Special Kitty cans have a 2 year shelf life from production.

Once opened, Special Kitty wet food will keep for 3-7 days refrigerated. Discard any uneaten portion after a week to prevent spoilage bacteria.

For optimal freshness and nutrient value, use wet food within 6 months of purchase if possible. Check cans and pouches for dents, swelling, or other damage before feeding.

Also note Special Kitty includes more natural preservatives now, which can shorten shelf life. But unopened cans stored properly should still last 18+ months in most cases if kept cool and dry.

How Does Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Compare to Other Brands?

Up against name-brand wet foods, Special Kitty holds its own on key nutritional benchmarks:

• Protein – Special Kitty wet foods average 8-11% protein, on par with Iams, Purina, and other leading brands.
• Fat – Most recipes have 6-8% fat, similar to premium canned cat foods. Provides energy and palatability.
• Calories – Around 250-300 calories per 5.5 oz can, comparable to Fancy Feast, 9Lives, etc.
• Moisture – 78-82% moisture. Equal to or greater than the leading national brands.

Where Special Kitty stands apart is pricing. Special Kitty wet foods cost 35-60%+ less than comparable Friskies, Iams, and Purina foods. Cat owners get quality nutrition for a value price.

Ingredients also favor Special Kitty. More meat proteins come first versus plant-based thickeners and gums used by some brands to cut costs. It’s comparable nutrition for much less.

Can Special Kitty Wet Cat Food Help with Hydration?

Wet cat food provides far more moisture than dry kibble, so Special Kitty canned formulas can benefit cats needing better hydration.

The 78-82% moisture content in Special Kitty wet foods gives cats up to 6 times more fluids than dry food. This helps:

• Increase daily water intake for cats who don’t drink enough
• Promote urinary tract health and prevent crystals
• Improve hydration in senior cats or those with kidney disease

The smooth, gravy-rich texture of Special Kitty canned foods lets cats lap up plenty of hydration with their food. Look for shreds in sauce recipes for added moisture.

For cats needing more fluids, add warm water to make a brothy “soup” to boost moisture intake further. Just Transition gradually between dry and wet foods to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach.

What Sizes Are Available for Special Kitty Wet Cat Food?

Special Kitty wet cat food comes in both cans and pouches in an array of sizes:

Cans:

• 3 oz cans
• 5.5 oz cans
• Variety pack cases with different sized cans

Pouches:

• 3 oz pouches
• 2.75 oz twin pack pouches
• 1.75 oz twin pack pouches

The 5.5 oz cans offer the best value for money based on a per-ounce price comparison. But the smaller cans and pouches provide portion flexibility.

Try out an assortment so you can tailor portion sizes to your cat’s appetite. Pro tip: Refrigerate remains right in opened cans or pouches for freshest storage between feedings.

In Summary

Special Kitty wet cat food gives cat owners quality nutrition in literally hundreds of flavor, format, and recipe options, all for a wallet-friendly price. This exclusive Walmart brand makes complete and balanced wet cat food accessible and affordable.

With ample protein, limited carbs, and species-appropriate ingredients tailored by life stage, Special Kitty canned and pouches earn solid marks for nutrition. Budget-minded cat parents appreciate the variety and value. Special Kitty takes the guesswork out of choosing economical wet foods with proven formulas cats love.