Last updated Apr 3, 2023
Ava is a hypoallergenic cat food manufactured by Fold Hill Foods in the United Kingdom. Ava also makes dog foods. Find out if Ava cat food is a good choice for your cat in our unbiased review.
The Cats.com Standard – Rating Ava On What Matters
We have analyzed Ava cat food and rated it according to our standards here at Cats.com. Our grades are based on the species-appropriateness of the food, the quality of the ingredients, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. You can read more about our ratings here.
Here are our ratings for Ava cat food in these key areas:
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 7/10
- Ingredient Quality – 7/10
- Product Variety – 7/10
- Price – 6/10
- Customer Experience – 5/10
- Recall History – 7/10
Overall Score: 6.5/10
We give Ava cat food a 39 out of 60 rating or a C grade.
About Ava
Ava cat food is sold through Pets at Home. Along with cat food, Ava also offers dog foods.
Ava cat foods have tailored life-stage recipes to suit the individual needs of your cat. It is sold as “veterinary-approved” nutrition in the UK.
However, we didn’t find any information to back up this claim from the company. Which veterinarians? What kind of approval have they given? It’s unclear. (In fairness, much of the information about Ava pet foods is hard to access at the moment because of the recall they are experiencing.)
The formulas have quality protein sources and meet the functional health needs of cats (food for indoor cats; and hairball formulas, for example). Recipes feature prebiotics, antioxidants, and ingredients to encourage better immune health. Kitten formulas help encourage a strong start in life.
Ava’s pet foods are generally perceived as being good quality. They do cost more than many other cat foods.
Pets at Home usually offers free delivery with a minimum order. There is also a subscription-style service from Pets at Home for Ava pet foods that provides a discount when customers agree to buy the products on a regular basis.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Ava pet foods are manufactured by Fold Hill Foods, Ltd. Fold Hill has headquarters in Boston, Lincolnshire, Great Britain.
Fold Hill Foods is one of the leading pet food manufacturers in the UK. They claim to be the UK’s leading farm to bowl pet food manufacturer.
Along with Ava, Fold Hill Foods also manufacturers Applaws and several other brands. Their facilities are also used to manufacturer some other private label pet foods for other companies.
Has Ava Cat Food Been Recalled?
Yes. Ava cat foods, sold by Pets at Home, were voluntarily recalled in June 2021. All batch codes and dates codes for their dry cat foods were included.
Ava’s cat food was part of a large voluntary recall in Britain related to a serious condition called feline pancytopenia. The foods involved were manufactured by Fold Hill Foods and included cat foods from Ava, Applaws, and Sainbury’s. Wilko issued a separate voluntary recall for their cat foods.
As of mid-August 2021, Ava and other foods made by Fold Hill Foods were allowed to resume production. No causative link was found between Fold Hill Foods cat foods and pancytopenia in cats.
Ava previously had a recall in February 2017. Four cat food recipes were involved in that recall: Ava Mature Cat Chicken (2kg), Ava Mature Cat Chicken (4kg), Ava Senior Cat Chicken (2kg), and Ava Adult Cat Neutered Indoor (1.5 kg).
The cat foods were recalled after some cats collapsed suddenly, had general unsteadiness, and some cats had widespread twitching. The cause was found to be that the level of vitamin B1 in the foods was too low. The affected cats recovered.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Ava Offer?
Ava dry cat foods are currently off shelves due to a recall. The company normally offers the following dry formulas:
- Ava Kitten Chicken
- Ava Adult Chicken
- Ava Adult Fish
- Ava Mature Chicken 7+
- Ava Senior Chicken 12+
- Ava Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Ava Weight Management
- Ava Hairball
- Ava Oral Care
- Ava Breed Health British Shorthair
- Ava Breed Health Persian
- Ava Breed Health Maine Coon
Ava offers recipes for cats of different ages, weights, several health issues, and for several specific breeds. Most of their foods use chicken.
Ava also makes wet cat foods.
- Ava Mature Chicken Recipe
- Ava Kitten Chicken Recipe
- Ava Adult Chicken Recipe
- Ava Senior Chicken Recipe
- Ava Sensitive Skin and Stomach Fish Recipe
Some Ava dry cat food formulas may still be unavailable at this time.
Ava Cat Food– Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Primary Protein | Calories | Price | Our Grade |
| AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health Wet Kitten Food Chicken Cat Food | Wet | Chicken | 112 kcal per 100g | £3.99 per lb | B |
| AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1-7 Years Wet Adult Cat Food Chicken | Wet | Chicken | 105 kcal per 100g | £4.00 per lb | B+ |
| AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1+ Sensitive Wet Adult Cat Food Fish | Wet | Fish | 99 kcal per 100g | £4.44 per lb | B |
#1 AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health Wet Kitten Food Chicken Cat Food Review
According to Ava, their Optimum Health Wet Kitten Food Chicken is a hypoallergenic food. It is free of wheat, wheat gluten, soya, pork and dairy. It contains quality protein sources for sensitive stomachs, prebiotics to support digestive health, and something that Ava calls “Imuvita” immune boosting ingredients – a combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, and immune-boosters.
This food is formulated to support the growth and development of kittens.
This Ava Optimum Health Wet Kitten Food features chicken protein. Chicken makes up 28 percent of the formula (pre-cooking). It also contains tuna and pea protein.
Some of the ingredients in the food are a mixed bag. The kitten food contains cellulose fiber. Cellulose fiber is insoluble. Most sources agree that it can help eliminate problems such as hair in the gastrointestinal tract by moving it along to help prevent hairballs. Sources also report that too much cellulose can prevent a cat from digesting as much protein and fat as he needs.
This kitten formula also contains several different kinds of prebiotics such as chicory root extract, dried blueberry, cranberry extract, and others.
Chelated nutrient compounds included in the food are often used by some of the more expensive pet foods. They can make nutrients easier for animals to absorb.
Added fish oil, which is rich in omega-3, encourages better brain and eye development. A proper ratio of calcium and phosphorus provides for healthy bones. This ratio is particularly important for growing kittens.
Figured on a dry matter basis, this wet kitten formula contains 44.6 percent protein, 28.8 percent fat, 5.4 percent fiber, 7.9 percent ash, and 13.3 percent carbohydrates. It has 112 kcal per 100 grams.
This food is suitable for most kittens between 1-12 months of age; and for large breed cats such as Maine Coons between 1-15 months since they need longer to reach full maturity.
Ingredients
Chicken (28%), Tuna, Pea Protein, Sunflower Oil, Yeast Extract, Cellulose Fibre, Minerals (1%), Fish Oil (1%), Tapioca Starch, Yeast (as a source of Prebiotic Mannan-oligosaccharides & Beta-glucans) (0.045%), Chicory Root Extract (as a source of Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharides) (0.03%), Yucca Extract (0.005%), Glucosamine, Dried Blueberry (0.003%), Cranberry Extract (0.003%), Pomegranate Extract (0.003%), Chondroitin.
Technological Additives: None stated; Sensory Additives: None stated; Nutritional Additives: Vitamin A 4,525IU, Vitamin E 135mg, Taurine 920mg, Trace Elements: Zinc (as Zinc Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 27.2mg, Manganese (as Manganese Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 3.4mg, Copper (as Copper(II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 1.9mg, Iron (as Iron(II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 4.1mg, Iodine (as Potassium Iodide) 0.7mg, Calcium 0.36%, Phosphorus 0.3%, Omega 6 1.86%, Omega 3 0.4%.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, tuna, fish oil, added taurine
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- This formula has a good balance of protein and fat
- Manufactured in Lincolnshire so it’s made in Britain
- Ava offers a nice variety of formulas for different life-stages and health needs
Cons
- Repeated recalls call into question the formulations and/or the manufacturing of the food
- The company says the foods are “veterinarian-approved” but offers no explanation
- Most foods are chicken with only a few fish recipes so there isn’t a wide selection of flavors
#2 AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1-7 Years Wet Adult Cat Food Chicken
Ava Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1-7 Years Wet Adult Cat Food gives you a lot of information in the name. It’s a wet cat food made for cats from age 1 to 7 years. It uses chicken as a high quality source of easily-digested protein. This is a hypoallergenic food so it should be suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.
In addition, this formula contains no wheat, wheat gluten, soya, pork, or dairy which might bother some cats.
It does contain prebiotics to support digestive health, and something that Ava calls “Imuvita” immune boosting ingredients – a combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, and immune-boosters including blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate.
This is a chunks in gravy formula.
The primary ingredients are: Chicken, Tuna, Sunflower Oil, Pea Protein, Yeast Extract, And Cellulose Fiber.
Ava Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1-7 Years Wet Adult Cat Food features chicken protein. Chicken makes up 30 percent of the formula (pre-cooking). It also contains tuna and pea protein.
Chicory root extract is a source of prebiotics.
Chelated nutrient compounds included in the food help your cat absorb nutrients more easily.
This formula also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin which are often used to help joint mobility.
This product contains no added grain but it is made in a factory that handles grain.
Figured on a dry matter basis, this adult formula contains 44 percent protein, 27 percent fat, 5.7 percent fiber, 8.3 percent ash, and 15.2 percent carbohydrates.
This food contains 105 kcal per 100 grams.
Ingredients
Chicken (30%), Tuna, Sunflower Oil, Pea Protein, Yeast Extract, Cellulose Fibre (1.3%), Minerals (1%), Fish Oil (1%), Tapioca Starch, Yeast (as a source of Prebiotic Mannan-oligosaccharides & Beta-glucans) (0.045%), Chicory Root Extract (as a source of Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharides) (0.03%), Yucca Extract (0.005%), Glucosamine (0.005%), Dried Blueberry (0.003%), Cranberry Extract (0.003%), Pomegranate Extract (0.003%), Chondroitin (0.0017%).
Technological Additives: None stated; Sensory Additives: None stated; Nutritional Additives: Vitamin A 4,525IU, Vitamin E 135mg, Biotin 0.07mg, Taurine 920mg, Trace Elements: Zinc (as Zinc Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 27.2mg, Manganese (as Manganese Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 3.4mg, Copper (as Copper(II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 1mg, Iron (as Iron(II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 4.1mg, Iodine (as Potassium Iodide) 0.7mg, Calcium 0.37%, Phosphorus 0.29%, Omega 6 1.49%, Omega 3 0.4%.
Ingredients We Liked:Chicken, tuna, fish oil, added taurine, chicory root extract, dried blueberry, cranberry extract
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- The recipe is high in meat and fish protein
- Contains good sources of prebiotics
- Contains ingredients for urinary tract health
Cons
- Repeated recalls call into question the formulations and/or the manufacturing of the food
- Chicken and tuna can be allergens for some cats which can make this food problematic
- Pea protein in this food increases the protein percentage
#3 AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1+ Sensitive Wet Adult Cat Food Fish
AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1+ Sensitive Wet Adult Cat Food Fish is formulated for adult cats who need an easily digestible protein. This food features fish as the main protein.
Made with natural ingredients, this recipe is hypoallergenic. It’s free of wheat, wheat gluten, soya, pork, and dairy. Omega-3 from fish oil, zinc, and biotin help your cat’s skin and coat. This formula is grain-free.
It also features something that Ava calls “Imuvita” immune boosting ingredients – a combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, and immune-boosters including blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate.
This is a chunks in gravy formula. The primary ingredients are: Tuna, Chicken, Sunflower Oil, Yeast Extract, and Fish Oil. This AVA Veterinary Approved Optimum Health 1+ Sensitive Wet Adult Cat Food Fish features 26 percent tuna along with chicken.
Chelated nutrient compounds included in the food help your cat absorb nutrients more easily. This formula also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin which are often used to help joint mobility. This product contains no added grain but it is made in a factory that handles grain.
Figured on a dry matter basis, this adult formula contains 51 percent protein, 23.6 percent fat, 4.5 percent fiber, 8.2 percent ash, and 12.7 percent carbohydrates.
This food contains 99 kcal per 100 grams.
Ingredients
Tuna (26%), Chicken, Sunflower Oil, Yeast Extract, Fish Oil (1%), Minerals (1%), Cellulose Fibre (1%), Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Yeast (as a source of Prebiotic Mannan-oligosaccharides & Beta-glucans) (0.045%), Chicory Root Extract (as a source of Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharides) (0.03%), Yucca Extract (0.005%), Glucosamine (0.005%), Dried Blueberry (0.003%), Cranberry Extract (0.003%), Pomegranate Extract (0.003%), Chondroitin (0.0017%).
Technological Additives: None stated; Sensory Additives: None stated; Nutritional Additives: Vitamin A 4,525IU, Vitamin E 135mg, Biotin 0.07mg, Taurine 920mg, Trace Elements: Zinc (as Zinc Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 27.2mg, Manganese (as Manganese Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 3.4mg, Copper (as Copper(II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 1mg, Iron (as Iron(II) Chelate of Protein Hydrolysates) 4.1mg, Iodine (as Potassium Iodide) 0.7mg, Omega 6 1.48%, Omega 3 0.48%. 6 1.49%, Omega 3 0.4%.
Ingredients We Liked: Tuna, chicken, fish oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
Pros
- The recipe is high in fish and chicken protein
- Contains good sources of prebiotics
- Contains ingredients for urinary tract health
Cons
- Repeated recalls call into question the formulations and/or the manufacturing of the food
- Pea protein in this food increases the protein percentage
What Do Customers Think of Ava Cat Food?
It’s hard to find customer reviews for Ava cat foods at the moment. Most things related to Ava cat foods concern the recent recall. Other articles and postings have been replaced, at least temporarily.
We did manage to find a few reviews/comments about the cat food that were made prior to the recall.
Positive Reviews
It’s certainly better than some foods on the market and if your cats like it, I would add it into their rotation. I’m also considering it for mine – by Treaclesmum on Aug 27, 2020
I give mine AVA dry food from pets at home as it has decent meat content and no cereal. I tried decent wet food but they didn’t eat it for long so they get gourmet perle, Sheba fine flakes and select slices – by dementedpixie on Sep 17, 2021
Negative Reviews
You call yourself cat owners and yet stick to robotic FAQs. Utterly shameful ! – via Fold Hill Foods Facebook page (Many comments like this at the moment.)
We would respectfully ask that you remember we are people and we are working as best we can to answer your questions at this time. We ask that you please avoid the use of abusive or threatening language. – via Fold Hill Foods Facebook page
How Much Does Ava Cat Food Cost?
Ava wet food costs approximately £ 8.49 per kg, sold through Pets at Home. It costs about a pound less if purchased on the subscription delivery plan. Costs can vary depending on the formula.
Overall, Is Ava Cat Food a Good Choice?
Currently you can only purchase Ava’s wet cat foods in the UK.
Many cats and their owners like Ava cat foods. Ava wet foods seems to be good foods, overall. The dry foods still seem to be off the shelves so we couldn’t find any online to review at this time.
How Do You Order Ava Cat Food?
You can order these foods online through the Petsathome.com web site as long as you live in the United Kingdom.
