Original Recipe Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 15, 2026
This is a dry cat food for all life stages that uses chicken by-product meal and whitefish meal as its main animal protein sources, supported by corn, wheat, and soybean meal for additional protein and carbohydrates. It provides a solid 30% protein and 10% fat with added taurine and a full vitamin and mineral premix to meet AAFCO standards for kittens and adult cats. It’s designed to be a straightforward, nutritionally complete everyday diet rather than a specialty formula.
Nutritionally, this is a solid, no-frills dry food that meets AAFCO requirements for all life stages, including kittens, with appropriate protein and fat levels for most healthy cats. The use of chicken by-product meal and fish meal offers concentrated, highly usable animal protein, and taurine is supplemented at a healthy minimum level. It relies heavily on corn, wheat, and soybean meal for calories and some protein, which is fine for many cats but may not suit owners looking for a more animal-protein–focused or grain-free diet, and it won’t be appropriate for cats with chicken, fish, wheat, or soy allergies.
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
- 30% protein and 10% fat on an as-fed basis is appropriate for many growing and adult cats on a dry diet.
- Chicken by-product meal and whitefish meal provide concentrated animal protein and essential amino acids, supported by added taurine.
- Formulated to meet AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, so it can be fed to kittens, adults, and pregnant or nursing cats.
- Includes a complete vitamin and chelated mineral mix (such as zinc proteinate and copper proteinate), which can support good overall nutrient absorption.
Considerations
- Primary carbohydrates and some protein come from corn, wheat middlings, wheat, and soybean meal, which may not be ideal for cats that do better on more animal-heavy formulas.
- Contains chicken and fish, both common cat allergens, so it’s not a good choice for cats with known sensitivities to these proteins.
- Includes wheat and soy, which can be problematic for a small subset of cats with specific grain or soy allergies.
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
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
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
Wheat Middling
Wheat middlings are a milling by-product commonly used in dry pet foods as a source of digestible carbohydrate, fiber and modest plant protein that also helps with kibble texture, binding and supplies B-vitamins and some minerals. They can be a cost-effective fiber/energy ingredient but may increase stool volume, contain gluten (problematic for dogs with wheat sensitivity), have variable nutritional quality, and are of limited value for obligate carnivores like cats, so inclusion levels and storage (to prevent mold/mycotoxins) should be considered.
04
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.
05
Wheat
Wheat is a common cereal grain used in pet foods as a source of digestible carbohydrates, some plant-based protein, B vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and it also helps with kibble texture and binding. It provides energy and fiber for many dogs but can cause food allergies or gluten sensitivities in a minority of pets and is generally less ideal as a primary ingredient for obligate carnivores like cats, so pets with known grain or wheat sensitivities should avoid it and calorie intake should be monitored to prevent weight gain.
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
Sportmix provides affordable, performance-oriented pet nutrition for active dogs and cats. The brand targets value-conscious consumers seeking reliable formulas for sporting and working animals.
Visit SportmixManufacturer
Midwestern Pet Foods manufactures its products in company-owned facilities located in Monmouth, Illinois; Evansville, Indiana; Chickasha, Oklahoma; and Waverly, New York. The company oversees production and quality control internally, using established safety and testing protocols. It has been subject to FDA oversight and recall processes, most notably in 2020–2021.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Sportmix Original Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Sportmix ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Sportmix. 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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