Review: Gusto wet cat food

We tested all the flavors of Gusto! The Apollo mission in search of the best (in our opinion) wet cat food is still ongoing, but I have the impression that we are getting closer with each test. How does Gusto wet cat food did in our tests?

Few words about Gussto

The manufacturer is the Polish company Petro International, and the food itself is produced in Germany. The manufacturer decided to create cat food that is as close as possible to natural food, because he realizes that the cat is a ruthless carnivore. You can read more about the producer’s ideology at their website: www.gussto.pl

Food tests and analysis

Initially, I planned to test only 3 flavor variants of Gusto wet cat food, which we received for testing from the Furtastic.pl store. However, the food tasted so much to my cat (ups, spoiler) that I decided to buy the remaining 6 flavors myself (including the latest taste – Fresh Lamb).

Finally, I tested all Gusto flavors:

  • Fresh Lamb
  • Fresh Chicken
  • Fresh Beef
  • Fresh Calf
  • Fresh Salmon
  • Fresh Wild Boar
  • Fresh Turkey & Duck
  • Fresh Calf & Rabbit
  • Fresh Turkey & Tuna

Price (rounded): 8.5 PLN for 400 g can, 5.5 PLN for 200 g can, 4.5 PLN for 85 g sachet.

In this review, I focus on the nine flavor variants of the classic food line, but it’s worth knowing that Gussto has in its offer: Gussto Renal (for cats with kidney problems) and Gussto Gastro Intestinal (for cats with a delicate digestive tract). However, they are not food for healthy cats and should not be given lightly.

Smell and consistency

The smell of Gusto wet cat food is fantastic! Each flavor variant has a distinct and meaty smell, which reminds me of home-made chicken pate, or the smell of “tourist” canned food – the food smells beautiful like food for people. The food have the consistency of delicate and really soft luncheon meat with a small amount of natural jelly from meat broth.

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Composition and analysis of Gussto

The manufacturer states that the wet cat food Gussto is a full-fledged food. I will check if it really is the complete basis of a daily and balanced diet.

The analysis of individual food compositions is in separate tabs below. To view the analysis of the selected flavor, click on the tab with the name of the flavor.

Monoprotein Gussto variants

Food composition

70% Chicken (including approx. 2/3 meat of muscles and heart, approx. 1/3 liver, stomachs and necks), 28.8% own meat decoction, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : protein 10.8%, fat 6.2%, crude ash 2.4%, crude fiber 0.4%, calcium: phosphorus 1.14: 1 ratio, humidity 80%

My ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

97,03 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,14:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

54%

Fats

31%

Carbohydrates

1%

Food composition

70% Lamb (including about 2/3 meat of muscles and heart, about 1/3 liver and lungs), 28.8% own meat decoction, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IU, vitamin E 22I.U., zinc as zinc sulfate monohydrate 27.5 mg, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate monohydrate 1.5 mg, iodine as calcium iodate 83 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 mcg.

Analytical composition : protein 10.8%, fat 7.2%, crude ash 3.0%, crude fiber 0.4%, calcium: phosphorus 1.06: 1, humidity 75%

My ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

117,65 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,06:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

43,2%

Fats

28,8%

Carbohydrates

14,4%

Food composition

70% Beef (including approx. 2/3 meat of muscles and heart, approx. 1/3 liver and lungs), 28.8% meat decoction, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : 10.7% protein, 6.7% fat, 2.4% crude ash, 0.4% crude fiber, calcium: phosphorus 1.20: 1 ratio, moisture 79%

My ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

102,35 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,20:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

50,95%

Fats

31,90%

Carbohydrates

3,33%

Food composition

70% Wild boar (including approx. 2/3 meat of muscles and heart, approx. 1/3 liver and lungs), 28.8% own meat decoction, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : 10.8% protein, 7.1% fat, 2.4% crude ash, 0.5% crude fiber, calcium: phosphorus 1.12: 1 ratio, humidity 79%

My ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

104,23 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,12:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

51,43%

Fats

33,81%

Carbohydrates

0,95%

Food composition

70% Salmon (including 70% fresh salmon), 28.8% own meat stock, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : protein 10.9%, fat 8.8%, crude ash 2.4%, crude fiber 0.5%, calcium: phosphorus 1.07: 1 ratio, humidity 77%

My ingredient analysis

The producer directly gives the division of meat content of food – the entire content is salmon meat and no offal. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

119,33 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,07:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

47,39%

Fats

38,26%

Carbohydrates

1,74%

Food composition

70% Veal (including approx. 2/3 muscle and heart meat, approx. 1/3 liver and lungs), 28.8% meat stock, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : 10.6% protein, 6.8% fat, 2.4% crude ash, 0.5% crude fiber, calcium: phosphorus 1.16: 1 ratio, humidity 78%

My ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

106,39 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,16:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

48,18%

Fats

30,91%

Carbohydrates

7,73%

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Multiple-protein Gussto variants

Food composition

50% Veal (including approx. 2/3 muscle and heart meat approx. 1/3 liver and lungs), 20% Rabbit, 28.8% own meat stock, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : protein 10.6%, fat 6.9%, crude ash 2.4%, crude fiber 0.4%, calcium: phosphorus 1.11: 1, moisture 79%

My simple ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

103,75 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,11:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

50,48%

Fats

32,86%

Carbohydrates

3,33%

Food composition

50% Turkey (including approx. 2/3 heart and muscle meat, approx. 1/3 liver and neck), 20% Duck (including approx. 2/3 heart meat, approx. 1/3 liver), 28.8 % own meat decoction, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : protein 10.6%, fat 6.4%, crude ash 2.5%, crude fiber 0.4%, calcium: phosphorus 1.19: 1, humidity 80%

My simple ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

97,47 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,29:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

53%

Fats

32%

Carbohydrates

0,5%

Food composition

50% turkey (including approx. 2/3 muscle and heart meat approx. 1/3 liver and cervix), 20% tuna, 28.8% meat stock, 1% minerals, 0.2% milk thistle oil.

Additives per kg : vitamin D3 220 IE, vitamin E 33 IE, zinc as zinc sulfate, 16.5 mg monohydrate, manganese as manganese (II) sulfate, 3.3 mg monohydrate, iodine as calcium iodate 0.825 mg, Taurine 2000 mg, Biotin 330 µg.

Analytical composition : 10.2% protein, 6.2% fat, 2.6% crude ash, 0.4% crude fiber, calcium: phosphorus 1.15: 1 ratio, humidity 80%

My simple ingredient analysis

The manufacturer gives a direct breakdown of the meat content of food: about 2/3 of the content is muscle meat (including heart), while offal accounts for about 1/3 of the content. In addition, the food contains:

  • Milk thistle oil – improves liver function.
  • Biotin – vitamin B7.

Taurine

2000 mg/kg

Calories

95,96 Kcal/100g

Calcium: Phosphorus

1,15:1

My calculations of analytical components in d.m.

Proteins

51%

Fats

31%

Carbohydrates

3%

Comprehensive composition analysis

On each packaging of Gusto wet cat food is clearly marked how many offal we have and how much meat. It consist of 70% meat content, of which 2/3 is fresh meat and 1/3 are offal – this is a fairly good proportion. In addition, the moisture content of food varies between 75% – 80%, which corresponds to the moisture content of the cat’s natural food composition.

The level of taurine in complete food should be at least 1500mg/kg, while Gussto contains as much as 2000mg/kg!

The calcium to phosphorus ratio varies from 1.06:1 to 1.20:1 depending on the Gusto wet cat food. That is why I recommend that cats with kidney problems read the analysis of each taste carefully before buying food.

The food does not contain salmon oil, which is a source of Omega polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary in the cat’s diet, so additional salmon oil supplementation will be needed. Instead, the food contains thistle oil, which supports liver function.

The manufacturer boasts that Gussto food contains Biotin. What is biotin? It is a vitamin of the B vitamins group, more precisely vitamin B7, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and fur. In the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines we can read that “in healthy cats, biotin does not have to be added to the Gusto wet cat food, as long as the food does not contain antibacterial substances or anti-vitamins”. Antivitamin for Biotin is, inter alia, avidin found in raw egg white.

The balance of feeds in terms of macro elements is usually good. Only the taste of Lamb and Veal have increased levels of carbohydrates. Food has a wide range of monopotein variants, i.e. containing proteins from only one type of meat. This type of food is suitable for all purrs and works great in the elimination diet for allergy cats.

Advantages

  • a lot of taurine,
  • does not contain vegetables or fruits,
  • without cereals, soy and dairy products.
  • made of high quality fresh meat that is not formed or mechanically separated,
  • specified and correct share of meat and offal,
  • no sweeteners, colors, flavors and preservatives.
  • does not contain genetically modified products (GMO-Free),
  • without thickeners,
  • large selection of flavors,
  • lots of mono-protein options.

Disadvantages

  • no salmon oil.

My opinion about Gustto

Gustto is very good cat food, perhaps even the best of all that we have tested so far. It seems to me that the manufacturer has fulfilled all his promises and created a product that really is the “essence of good and healthy nutrition”. Bravo!

My cat’s opinion

Apollo tried all variants of the food as part of the palatability assessment and the speed of licking the plate clean. His ranking of the top 5 flavors of Gussto cat food is as follows:

  1. Turkey with duck
  2. Boar
  3. Chicken
  4. Turkey with tuna
  5. Veal with rabbit

Admittedly, tastes are not discussed, but I am curious: which flavors of Gussto food did your cat like?

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What do You think?

I would love to see your thought, suggestions and questions in the comments below!

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Joanna z Apollo Fluffy Cat

I am Joanna and together with my cat Apollo, I create the Apollo Fluffy Cat blog, where I share my experiences and knowledge about cats and ecology so that you can learn how to become a better and more mindful cat parent! You can found more about me, Apollo and our blog's mission on the "About Us" page.

4 thoughts on “Review: Gusto wet cat food

  1. Sounds like great cat food. Do you know how I can buy this in Portugal? There doesn’t seem to be any EU-wide online sales outlet.

    1. I tried to look for it, but it seems that it is widely available only in Poland. I know that in other EU countries (e.g. in Germany, France) it is possible to get it in some small stores. I will try to contact the producer and if I find out anything, I will let you know 🙂

      1. Hi again, thanks, furtastic.pl delivers to Portugal 🙂

        Can you do a review of Yarrah organic cat food?

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