Surfin' & Turfin' Favorites Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 5, 2026
This is an all-life-stages dry cat food with 30% protein and 11% fat, using chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, and ocean fish and salmon meals as its main protein sources. It includes added taurine, essential fatty acids, and a full vitamin and mineral mix to support kittens through adults. The crunchy kibble format suits everyday feeding for most healthy cats that do well on grain-inclusive diets.
Nutritionally, this is a complete and balanced dry food for kittens and adult cats, with adequate protein and essential nutrients to support normal growth and maintenance. It relies on a mix of animal by-products and plant proteins like corn and soybean meal, which can meet needs but are less concentrated in high-quality animal protein than some more premium options. It can work well for many healthy cats, though it may not be the best match for cats with known food sensitivities or for owners prioritizing higher animal-protein formulas or avoiding artificial colors.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- AAFCO-complete for all life stages, so it can be used for both kittens and adults without additional supplementation.
- 30% protein and 11% fat are reasonable levels for a standard dry cat food, with added taurine to support heart and eye health.
- Includes multiple animal-derived ingredients (chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal, ocean fish meal, salmon meal) plus a full vitamin and mineral premix for balanced nutrition.
- Uses mixed-tocopherols as a preservative for the added beef fat rather than relying solely on synthetic antioxidants.
Considerations
- Primary ingredients include corn, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal, so a notable portion of the protein comes from plant sources rather than exclusively from meat or fish.
- Contains multiple common allergens for cats, including chicken, fish, and beef-derived ingredients, so it is not a good fit for cats with known food allergies to these proteins.
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2) are included, which do not add nutritional value and some owners prefer to avoid.
- Menadione (a synthetic vitamin K source) is present; while allowed, some pet owners and veterinarians prefer products that do not use this form of vitamin K.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Yellow Corn
Yellow corn is commonly used in pet foods as a digestible carbohydrate and energy source, supplying starch, some fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins and carotenoids like lutein. It is a cost-effective ingredient that dogs digest well (cats, as obligate carnivores, do not require carbohydrates), but corn’s protein is lower in certain essential amino acids, it can add excess calories if overused, and quality control is important to minimize contaminants (e.g., mycotoxins) and address rare food sensitivities.
02
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
03
Soybean
Soybean is a common plant-based ingredient in pet foods used as a concentrated protein and fat source (in forms such as soybean meal, soy protein concentrate/isolate, and soybean oil) that supplies essential amino acids, calories, and beneficial polyunsaturated fats. It can be a cost-effective, digestible protein for many dogs but is less ideal as the sole protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may trigger allergies or deliver phytoestrogens and antinutritional factors (e.g., trypsin inhibitors, phytates) that are typically reduced by proper processing, so diets using soy should be balanced and monitored.
04
Corn Gluten
Corn gluten (often listed as corn gluten meal) is a concentrated plant-based protein and kibble-binding ingredient commonly used in dry pet foods to boost protein content, energy density, and help with texture. It provides digestible protein for dogs but is relatively low in essential amino acids like lysine, is not an ideal sole protein source for obligate carnivores such as cats, and can be a sensitivity/allergen for some pets, so it’s best used alongside high-quality animal proteins and complementary ingredients.
05
Beef Fat
Beef fat (tallow) is used in pet foods as a concentrated energy source and flavor/palatability enhancer that also helps with absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins and can support skin and coat condition. It is rich in saturated and monounsaturated fats and provides animal‑derived omega‑6 fatty acids but is low in omega‑3s, so overall fatty acid balance matters; because it is calorie‑dense and can cause digestive upset or contribute to obesity and pancreatitis in susceptible animals, amounts should be controlled and rendered fats stabilized to prevent rancidity.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Friskies offers a wide variety of cat food and treats at an affordable price, focusing on flavor variety and accessibility. It is designed for mass-market distribution and long-standing brand loyalty.
Visit FriskiesManufacturer
Nestlé Purina operates its own manufacturing facilities in the United States and globally with rigorous quality assurance programs. Facilities comply with FDA and USDA standards and implement HACCP-based food safety systems. The company conducts AAFCO feeding trials and employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Friskies Surfin' & Turfin' Favorites Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Friskies ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Friskies. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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