what happened to tender vittles cat food?

What happened to tender vittles cat food- A Look Back at Tender Vittles Cat Food

Tender Vittles cat food was once a household name for feline lovers across the United States. Known for its unique semi-moist texture, it offered a middle ground between dry kibble and canned food. For many years, Tender Vittles cat food was the go-to option for cat owners looking for convenience and palatability. However, it suddenly vanished from store shelves, leaving many pet owners wondering what happened to Tender Vittles cat food.

What Was Tender Vittles Cat Food?

Tender Vittles cat food was launched in the 1970s by the Ralston Purina Company. It was designed as a semi-moist food that didn’t require refrigeration and was easy to serve. With a moisture content of around 30%, it was softer than dry cat food but not as messy as canned varieties. Cats loved the texture and taste, and it became especially popular for senior cats or those with dental issues.

Why Was Tender Vittles Cat Food Discontinued?

There are several reasons why Tender Vittles cat food was discontinued:

Changing Consumer Preferences:
As more pet owners began focusing on healthier and more natural options, semi-moist foods like Tender Vittles started to lose popularity. The product contained artificial preservatives like propylene glycol, which raised health concerns over time.
Ingredient Regulations:
Changes in FDA guidelines and stricter rules around pet food ingredients made it harder for products like Tender Vittles cat food to remain viable without reformulation.
Declining Sales:
By the early 2000s, demand had significantly declined. In 2007, Nestlé Purina officially pulled Tender Vittles cat food from the market due to low sales and shifting trends in the pet food industry.

Can You Still Buy Tender Vittles Cat Food?

Although Tender Vittles cat food is no longer mass-produced, some limited stock occasionally appears on third-party marketplaces like eBay. In recent years, a small company called Retro Brands acquired the rights and began producing a similar version, but it has limited availability. If you’re searching for something close to the original Tender Vittles cat food, you may want to look into soft dry cat food options or consult your vet for a suitable alternative.

what happened to tender vittles cat food

🐾 Overview of Tender Vittles Cat Food

Type: Semi-moist cat food
Texture: Soft, chewy morsels
Moisture Content: Approximately 30%
Packaging: Small, resealable pouches or boxes
Storage: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required)

🐾 Original Ingredients in Tender Vittles Cat Food

While formulations may have varied slightly over the years, typical ingredients in Tender Vittles cat food included:

Meat and Meat By-products: Often chicken or beef
Corn Syrup: Used for taste and as a humectant (moisture-retaining agent)
Soy Flour
Animal Fat
Wheat Flour
Propylene Glycol: A moisture-preserving additive (later considered controversial)
Artificial Colors & Flavors: To enhance appeal
Salt and Preservatives: Including BHA/BHT for shelf life

🐾 Nutritional Profile (Approximate)

Nutrient	Percentage
Crude Protein	28% min
Crude Fat	10% min
Crude Fiber	3% max
Moisture Content	30% max
Ash	~7%

Tender Vittles was often marketed as a balanced diet, suitable for daily feeding.

🐾 What Made Tender Vittles Unique /what happened to tender vittles cat food

Semi-moist Texture: Easier for senior cats or cats with dental issues.
Convenient Packaging: No need to refrigerate or handle messy cans.
Highly Palatable: Cats generally loved the flavor and consistency.
Affordable: Priced competitively, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.

🐾 Why Was Propylene Glycol Controversial? /what happened to tender vittles cat food

Propylene glycol, a key ingredient used to keep Tender Vittles moist, was later flagged for potential health concerns. Though approved for use in dog food, it was eventually banned from use in cat food by the FDA due to possible links to Heinz body anemia in felines — a blood disorder affecting red blood cells.