Published Oct 19, 2025
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Looking for an affordable dry cat food brand you can trust? Goodlands offers a limited selection of US-made dry cat food products formulated with 100% traceable ingredients. Learn more about this brand and see what our test cats thought of it in this detailed review.
The Cats.com Standard—Rating Goodlands on What Matters
We’ve analyzed Goodlands and graded it according to the Cats.com standard, evaluating the brand on species-appropriateness, ingredient quality, product variety, price, customer experience, and recall history. Here’s how it rates in each of these six key areas.
Ratings
- Species-Appropriateness – 6/10
- Ingredient Quality – 7/10
- Product Variety – 4/10
- Price – 9/10
- Customer Experience – 8/10
- Recall History – 9/10
Overall Score: 7.2/10
We give Goodlands a 43 out of 60 rating or a B grade.
Why Trust Cats.com
I’ve spent countless hours researching cat food brands and testing their products with the help of my cats, Biscuit and Munchkin. Over the years, we’ve tested products across the cost spectrum and have come to the conclusion that a low price doesn’t have to mean low quality.
Curious to see how Goodlands, a cat food brand known for its affordability, stacked up against the dozens of other brands my cats and I have tried, we decided to put it to the test. I purchased all three of Goodlands’ dry cat food formulas and enlisted my cats’ help with some in-house testing. While my cats offered their opinions on aroma, flavor, and general appeal, I made observations about products’ nutrient composition, ingredients lists, and species appropriateness.
In addition to doing my own testing, I spent a few hours researching the history of the Goodlands brand and its practices. I also read customer reviews to get a feel for what other customers think of the brand, and to identify potential concerns to look out for during my own testing. Keep reading for my final assessment of this cat food brand.
About Goodlands
Goodlands is a small pet food brand that was founded in 2024. It was created by Rhodes Pet Science, a New Zealand-based pet care company under the ZURU Group. Rhodes Pet Science is the name behind several other pet food brands, including NOOD and Bonkers.
Developed with the high expectations of Millennial and Gen Z pet parents in mind, Goodlands prioritizes transparency. Using Smart Trace Technology, Goodlands offers its customers the ability to trace every ingredient to its original source—all the way down to the country and state. All it takes is a simple scan of the QR code on the front of the bag.
Though developed in New Zealand, Goodlands pet food recently made its way into the United States through a partnership with Walmart. The food is sold exclusively through the retailer’s website and in Walmart stores across the country, giving modern pet parents access to an affordable option that doesn’t require compromise on ingredient quality.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
While Rhodes Pet Science is still based in Auckland, New Zealand, Goodlands pet food sold in the United States is manufactured in the US. According to the information on the package, Goodlands pet food is made with both locally sourced and imported ingredients. Customers can find specific sourcing information on the brand’s website or by scanning the QR code on the pet food bag.
Beyond these few details, Goodlands doesn’t provide much information about where or how its products are made. According to the brand’s website, Goodlands’ goal is to “prioritize safety and quality in crafting pet food products and treats… providing only the very best goodness for your pet.” The brand states its products are formulated by animal nutritionists, but I wasn’t able to find any specific details.
Has Goodlands Cat Food Been Recalled?
Since its launch in 2024, Goodlands has not had any cat food products recalled. This is no surprise, given Goodlands’ stated commitment to quality, safety, and transparency.
That being said, our highest rankings are reserved for companies with a longer track record of backing up their claims with action. We’ll be happy to increase Goodlands’ score to our highest ranking for Recall History once the brand has a few more years under its belt.
What Kinds of Cat Food Does Goodlands Offer?
Goodlands offers a small selection of dry pet food products for dogs and cats. The cat food lineup includes three recipes—one marketed for kittens and two adult cat recipes. All three are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for cats in all life stages.
All three of Goodlands’ cat food formulas rely heavily on chicken-based ingredients with additional protein from soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and dried peas. The manufacturer likely uses the same base formula for all three recipes, making minor tweaks to the nutrient content of the kitten recipe and swapping chicken muscle meat for salmon in another recipe.
Goodlands currently offers the following dry cat food recipes:
- Kitten Formula for Optimal Support
- Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
- Salmon & Vegetables Recipe
Like other cat food brands in its price range, Goodlands products are very carbohydrate-heavy. Where the brand has a leg up on the competition is in its inclusion of animal protein as the first ingredient, its use of animal-sourced fats, and the traceability of its ingredients. Customers can scan the QR code on the bag or visit the Goodlands website to find out where specific ingredients in the food come from.
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
To test Goodlands cat food, I ordered all three dry cat food recipes available at the time. My order arrived quickly in standard packaging from Walmart.com. The cat food itself was packaged in flat-bottomed bags with resealable tops that were easy to tear open.
All three formulas came in small, disc-shaped kibbles that were easy for my cats to eat. I did notice that one of the bags contained a few larger pieces—like a teaspoon-sized amount of kibbles pressed and dried together. If you have a small kitten or an older cat with dental concerns, it may be worth double-checking the food and removing any of these bigger chunks you might find.
Goodlands Cat Food—Top 3 Recipes Reviewed
| Product Name | Food Type | Primary Protein | Calories Per Ounce | Price | Our Grade |
| Kitten Formula for Optimal Support | Dry | Chicken | 100 | $0.16 per ounce | C |
| Chicken & Vegetables Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food | Dry | Chicken | 100 | $0.16 per ounce | C |
| Salmon & Vegetables Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food | Dry | Salmon | 100 | $0.16 per ounce | C |
#1 Goodlands Kitten Formula for Optimal Support Dry Cat Food
Formulated to meet the needs of growing kittens, this dry kitten food features chicken muscle meat and chicken meal as the two main ingredients. Chicken fat is the main source of added fat, supplemented with fish oil (a good source of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA). It also contains a few nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables plus whole grains like brown rice.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Measured as dry matter, this dry food recipe contains 38.6% protein and 13.6% fat. Because it’s marketed for kittens, I would have liked to see these numbers a little higher and for the recipe to be more calorically dense as a whole. Like both of Goodlands’ adult cat food formulas, it contains about 100 calories per ounce which is a little lower than the average dry cat food.
This recipe has a lot going for it in terms of the use of animal-sourced proteins and fats. I appreciate the inclusion of probiotics as well. That being said, the carbohydrate content is very high—much of which comes from starchy, processed grains that offer limited nutritional value to obligate carnivores like your cat.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Ground Corn, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Peas, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Monocalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Threonine, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Blueberry, Cranberry, Kale, Spinach, Apple, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Dried Peas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Features animal-sourced protein as the top two ingredients
- Contains fish oil as a source of DHA for kitten eye and brain development
- Supplemented with probiotics to support gut health and digestion
- Affordably priced under $0.20 per pound
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- Relies heavily on starchy grains and plant proteins
- High carbohydrate content
#2 Goodlands Chicken & Vegetables Recipe Dry Cat Food
Like the previous formula, Goodlands Chicken & Vegetables recipe features chicken muscle meat and chicken meal as the top two ingredients. In fact, the ingredients list is nearly identical to the kitten recipe, aside from some minor changes to the order of ingredients. The macronutrient composition is the same.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains a little under 39% protein and 14% fat. Because it’s marketed for adult cats, however, I wasn’t concerned about the fat content this time. It’s paired with the same caloric density (100 calories per ounce), however, so this recipe might be a more appropriate choice for cats watching their weight than those who struggle to maintain healthy body condition.
Again, I like the inclusion of probiotics and appreciate that they’re paired with prebiotic fibers to promote gut health and regular digestion. My cats didn’t seem to notice a difference between this recipe and the kitten formula—they enjoyed both.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Ground Corn, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Peas, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Monocalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Threonine, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Blueberry, Cranberry, Kale, Spinach, Apple, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Dried Peas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Enriched with prebiotic fiber and probiotics for gut health
- Small, disc-shaped kibbles are easy for cats to eat
- Affordably priced under $0.20 per pound
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- Relies heavily on starchy grains
- High carbohydrate content
#3 Goodlands Salmon & Vegetables Recipe Dry Cat Food
Featuring salmon as the first ingredient, this Salmon & Vegetables Recipe is otherwise very similar to the previous two formulas. It still contains chicken meal and the same assortment of starches, whole grains, vegetables, and dried peas. It’s also enriched with prebiotic fiber and probiotics to support gut health and strong immunity.
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
The guaranteed analysis for this recipe lists the same macronutrient ratio as the other two formulas, as well. The only nutritional difference I noticed was a slightly higher level of omega-3 fatty acids in this recipe, probably due to the inclusion of salmon versus chicken (though this recipe doesn’t contain added fish oil). This recipe has a minimum omega-3 fatty acid content of 0.5% (as fed) versus 0.3% for the Chicken & Vegetables recipe.
One of my cats, Munchkin, is a sucker for salmon, so I wasn’t surprised that she seemed a little more interested in this recipe than the other two. I didn’t notice any significant differences in appearance or aroma among the three recipes, but her senses are stronger than mine.
Ingredients
Salmon, Chicken Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Ground Corn, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Dried Peas, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Monocalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Inulin, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Blueberry, Cranberry, Kale, Spinach, Apple, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Salmon, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Dried Peas
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Features fresh salmon as the first ingredient
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Made with 100% traceable ingredients
- Affordably priced under $0.20 per pound
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- Relies heavily on starchy grains and plant proteins
- High carbohydrate content
What Do Customers Think of Goodlands Cat Food?
For the most part, Goodlands cat food has a positive reputation among pet parents. It’s a common sentiment that the quality of the ingredients is high and the price reasonable. Many of the customers who gave the product a poor rating did so because their cat just didn’t like it.
Positive Reviews
Satisfied customers frequently comment on the quality and affordability of Goodlands cat food. Many customers say it’s an improvement over grocery store brands without being significantly more expensive. Several customers said the food was a hit with their picky eaters and others mentioned it was well tolerated by cats with sensitive stomachs.
“My cats like this dry food more than any other brand I’ve tried. Having products made with natural ingredients is important to me and I’m glad that there is a healthy, yet affordable option so that they can get the nutrients they need.” – Anonymous reviewing Goodlands Chicken & Vegetables Recipe on Walmart.com, September 24, 2025
“This product saved my cat’s gut health. He has had stomach issues for a year. His feces was orange and mushy. I though he had gastro issues. I started him on a probiotic but he it did not improve his issues. This is the only product that has helped my baby.” – Lizzie reviewing Goodlands Salmon & Vegetables Recipe on Walmart.com, July 9, 2025
Negative Reviews
The most common complaints about Goodlands pet food have to do with availability. Numerous negative reviews mention customers having difficulty finding their preferred recipe in stock. A few customers disliked the smell of the food and some cats simply weren’t interested in trying it.
“This was my second bag of this cat food. The first time the cat ate it with no problem but this time neither one of my cats would eat this food.” – Tilly reviewing Goodlands Kitten Formula on Walmart.com, August 18, 2025
“My local stores are not carrying it! Why I wonder?? It was there for a month and it disappeared! Please remember that not everyone can order online.” – Renee reviewing Goodlands Chicken & Vegetables Recipe on Walmart.com, September 11, 2025
How Much Does Goodlands Cat Food Cost?
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Goodlands dry cat food is sold in small bags (3.15 or 7 pounds) and the cost per pound is the same for all three recipes. A 3.15-pound bag costs $8.98, which averages to $2.81 per pound or about $0.18 per ounce. The larger 7-pound bag costs $17.98, which averages to $2.57 per pound or about $0.16 per ounce.
With an average per-ounce price under $0.20, Goodlands is considered an affordable cat food brand. It’s similarly priced to other grocery- and pet store-exclusive brands like Petco’s WholeHearted and Aldi’s Heart to Tail premium cat food.
Because all three of Goodlands’ cat food products have similar caloric density, your daily feeding costs will just depend on how much your cat eats. Using the average calorie requirements of a 10-pound cat (about 200 calories), the estimated daily cost to feed Goodlands cat food is about $0.35.
Where is Goodlands Cat Food Sold?
While you can view detailed product information for Goodlands pet foods on the brand’s website, there’s no option to purchase them. Goodlands is a Walmart-exclusive brand, so the only place you can purchase its products is in Walmart stores or online at Walmart.com.
If you want to find out what recipes are in stock at a nearby store, you can use the Store Locator on the Goodlands website. The store locator allows you to search by state or country, or you can plug in your zip code and narrow your search results from 5–100 kilometers.
Overall, Is Goodlands a Good Choice?
If you’re looking for an affordable cat food brand that doesn’t rely on animal by-products or artificial additives, Goodlands might be worth trying. Every recipe features animal protein as the first ingredient and the primary sources of added fat are animal-based as well.
Because the brand only offers dry cat food, the carbohydrate content of Goodlands products is understandably high, but it comes from a mix of whole grains and nutrient-dense veggies with some starchy, less nutritious grains. Based on customer reviews, however, the food appears to be well-tolerated and the inclusion of probiotics may help sidestep potential issues with digestibility.
Goodlands might not be the right choice for your cat if they’re sensitive or allergic to chicken, as all three recipes contain chicken meal. The food is also less calorie-dense than many dry foods on the market, so you might need to feed your cat a little more than you’re used to if they struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
Similar Brands
Looking for other cat food brands similar to Goodlands? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
