Why have you changed the recipe?
The previous Friskies range was made in the USA. The new Friskies range is now made at our Blayney factory in Australia. This means we can ensure a more consistent supply of our Friskies products to our key retailers. Nestle Purina Petcare have manufacturing sites all over the world, and it now makes sense to bring our manufacturing closer to where our consumers are located and where we sell our products.
Due to the sourcing and availability of raw material ingredients being different in the US to Australia (eg: corn is a commonly grown grain in the US, wheat is a more commonly grown grain in Australia), we have had to change our recipes to reflect this change to Australia now being our place of manufacture.
At Nestle Purina Petcare, with every reformulation, we ensure that we deliver a variety of 100% complete and balanced foods made with high quality ingredients for your cat’s needs, taste and preference.
How is this recipe different Vs the previous recipe?
In terms of recipe, the key differences are:
- Non-artificial colours – In 2016, we made a commitment to remove all artificial colours from our pet foods, which we have begun the transition on: by the end of 2022 all Purina dry pet foods will have no added artificial colours in our recipes. However, rest assure that this does not affect the nutritional value or quality of the product. Neither does it affect the delicious taste that your cat loves about Friskies!
- Switch to Australian grains - previously the recipe from the US was more corn-based as corn is the most widely available grain grown in the US. However, as we have now moved our sourcing to Australia, we are using grains that are more commonly grown in Australia. Common grain crop grown in Australia include wheat and barley. Grains provide an important source of carbohydrates for energy for your cat, as well as delivering protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre.
I noticed that the product used to come from the USA and now it comes from Australia. Why is that?
The previous Friskies range was made in the USA. The new Friskies range is now made at our Blayney factory in Australia. This means we can ensure a more consistent supply of our Friskies products to our key retailers. Nestle Purina Petcare have manufacturing sites all over the world, and it now makes sense to bring our manufacturing closer to where our consumers are located and where we sell our products.
Will I need to transition feed my cat from the old Friskies to this new Friskies?
Yes, we know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging.
Why do the kibbles look different compared to the current?
The new formula uses non-artificial colours, hence the kibbles look different from the current kibble products. We are continuously monitoring consumer trends and know that trends continue to evolve, and we know that in the same way that people tell us they don’t want artificial colours in their food, they also tell us they don’t want them in their pet’s food either. We are responding to this consumer feedback and will remove artificial colours from all Purina products end 2024 without compromising on quality or taste.
Does the difference in kibble colors affect the nutritional value of the product?
The difference in kibble colours does not affect the overall nutritional composition or quality of the product.
I have been giving my cat the old Friskies range, and I notice that the new pack has stated "no added artificial color and preservatives“. Does it mean that it's harmful for my cat which they have been consuming the previous Friskies recipe with colors and preservative?
No, we use both nature-identical and artificial colours in very small amounts in some of our products. Like in the human food industry, colours are used to give it a more appealing and appetising appearance, and these colors are completely safe for pets. Consumer trends for foods are evolving and in the same way that people don’t want artificial colours in their food, they don’t want them in their pet’s food either. We are responding to this desire and will remove artificial colours from food by 2024 without compromising on quality or taste.
Why are you changing the packaging look and feel?
We made changes to help cat owners easily identify and choose between the different Friskies dry cat food flavours available. We have also taken the opportunity to improve how key information is laid out on pack, including improved visibility of flavour variant and nutritional information to make it easier for consumers to find the right product for their cats’ preferences both in store and online.
My cat developed gas / soft stools / diarrhea after eating the new Friskies. What caused this and what should I do?
We know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging.
What meat is used in poultry by product meal, and poultry oil?
All poultry products used in Friskies are primarily by-products of chicken processing.
My cat is not willing to eat the new formulation and what other cat food is suggested on this case?
We know some cats can be sensitive to even the smallest changes. If you do find that your cat no longer appears to enjoy their Friskies dry cat food, then we would recommend you to introduce the new Friskies dry cat food gradually over several days, mixing it in with something they do like. You may refer to the feeding guide on our packaging.