9Lives Indoor Complete is a dry cat food formulated to help indoor cats maintain a healthy weight, support digestion, and reduce hairballs.

The first ingredient is whole ground corn, which primarily supplies carbohydrates for energy and some fiber for stool bulk, but it contributes little animal protein.

Animal protein is provided by chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal, and salmon meal, delivering essential amino acids that help maintain lean muscle and overall body condition.

At 28% crude protein and 9% fat with a metabolizable energy of 3,360 kcal/kg, the nutrient profile supports weight management for typically less active indoor cats when portions are measured appropriately.

Soybean hulls and dehydrated alfalfa meal add functional fiber that helps move ingested hair through the digestive tract and supports regular stools, aiding hairball control and easier litter box cleanup.

Beef fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols) enhances palatability and provides concentrated energy along with essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health.

A fortified micronutrient profile—taurine at a minimum of 0.1%, iron at 180 mg/kg, selenium at 0.4 mg/kg, and vitamin E at 100 IU/kg—supports heart and vision function, oxygen transport, antioxidant protection, and immune defenses.

Calcium at 1.2% and phosphorus at 1.0% contribute to strong bones and teeth while supporting vital metabolic processes.

Lactic acid and natural flavors aid palatability, while phosphoric acid functions as an acidifier to help stabilize the formula.

The inclusion of alfalfa meal provides a “garden greens” taste, and the grain-inclusive recipe combines animal and plant proteins, best suited for cats without grain or soy restrictions.

Pros:

• Digestive and hairball support: Fiber from soybean hulls and dehydrated alfalfa meal helps move hair through the gut and promotes regular, formed stools.
• Weight-management friendly: A moderate 28% protein, 9% fat, and 3,360 kcal/kg energy density support portion-controlled feeding for indoor cats.
• Multiple animal protein sources: Chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal, and salmon meal supply essential amino acids to maintain lean muscle.
• Cardiovascular and antioxidant support: Taurine (min 0.1%) plus vitamin E (100 IU/kg), iron, and selenium help protect heart, vision, immunity, and cellular health.
• Bone and tooth health: Calcium (1.2%) and phosphorus (1.0%) provide key minerals for skeletal strength and metabolic functions.
• Palatability and skin/coat nutrition: Beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols adds taste, energy, and essential fatty acids for a healthy coat.

Cons:

• Carbohydrate-first formula: Whole ground corn as the first ingredient prioritizes starch over animal protein, which may not suit owners seeking a meat-first recipe.
• Plant protein reliance: Soybean meal and corn gluten meal contribute significant protein, which can shift the amino acid profile away from a meat-dominant composition.
• Artificial color additives: Titanium dioxide, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 add no nutritional value and are unnecessary for cats.
• Synthetic preservative present: BHA is used as a preservative, which some pet owners prefer to avoid in favor of solely natural antioxidants.
• Limited fatty acid transparency: Omega-3 and omega-6 levels are not declared, making it difficult to assess the formula’s anti-inflammatory and skin/coat support profile.