1st Choice Sterilised Chicken, 2.4 kg is a super-premium dry food for spayed females and neutered males from 1 year of age, from the Canadian brand 1st Choice. The manufacturer calls it a dietetic food: it's high in protein, low in fat, grain-free and designed to help prevent urinary stones. The main ingredient is chicken. It contains no by-products, chemical colourants, preservatives or flavour enhancers.
Why neutered cats need special food
After neutering, sex hormone levels drop: the cat becomes calmer and burns less energy but still eats eagerly. The result is quick weight gain, and with it a higher risk of urinary stones. So food for neutered cats should be less calorie-dense, satisfying and support the right urine acidity. More on choosing one in food for neutered cats: how to choose.
What the manufacturer claims
Weight control. A high-protein, low-fat formula helps maintain muscle without extra fat. The grain-free base with plenty of chicken and tapioca is easily digested and helps the cat feel full sooner. Pineapple extract with the enzyme bromelain has been added. Urinary support. The food has increased levels of the essential amino acids DL-methionine and lysine and a balanced magnesium level — magnesium being the main component of struvite stones — and supports slightly acidic urine. Digestion and odour. Ginger reduces gas, and yucca schidigera extract binds ammonia to reduce litter tray odour.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | spayed and neutered cats from 1 year |
| Main ingredient | chicken |
| Grains | none; contains tapioca |
| Energy | 3540 kcal/kg (1 cup of 85 g — 337 kcal) |
| Amount for a 5 kg cat | about 65 g a day |
| Pack | 2.4 kg |
Pros
- Made for neutered cats. High protein, low fat, weight control.
- Grain-free. Chicken and tapioca instead of grain.
- Urinary support. DL-methionine, lysine and balanced magnesium.
- Less litter odour. Yucca schidigera binds ammonia.
- No by-products or chemicals. No colourants, preservatives or flavour enhancers.
- Economical. A 5 kg cat needs only about 65 g a day.
Cons
- No full ingredient list on the product page. Key ingredients are named, but not the full list or analysis.
- Chicken is the main protein. Not for cats allergic to chicken.
- Bromelain isn't magic. Weight is still managed by the right portion and play.
- A strict ration. 65 g looks small — without scales it's easy to overfeed.
How to feed
The manufacturer's guideline is about 65 g a day for a 5 kg cat; check the exact amount in the table on the bag. The portion is small, so don't measure by eye: weighing it is easy with, for example, a scale scoop. Split the daily amount into 2–4 meals so small portions feel more manageable. Switch foods gradually over 7–10 days. Always provide fresh water: drinking enough is key to preventing urinary problems — see how much water a cat should drink.
Weight and health after neutering
Food is only half the job. A neutered cat needs active play every day, and treats should count towards the daily allowance. Weigh your cat once a month: if the weight creeps up, cut the portion by 10%. For recovery and diet after surgery see caring for a cat after spaying, and on stone prevention see urinary stones in cats.
Who it suits
Spayed and neutered cats from 1 year that tend to gain weight, and cats with sensitive digestion that do better without grains. More foods are in the dry cat food section.
Verdict
1st Choice Sterilised Chicken is a grain-free food for neutered cats focused on protein, satiety and urinary health: chicken, tapioca, ginger, yucca and balanced magnesium. It's economical to feed. The product page lacks the full ingredient list, so check the bag if your cat has allergies, and weigh the portions.
FAQ
From what age can it be fed?
Spayed and neutered cats from 1 year.
How much should a 5 kg cat get?
About 65 g a day, according to the manufacturer.
Does it contain grains?
No, the formula is grain-free; besides chicken it contains tapioca.
Does it help with urinary stones?
It's designed for prevention: balanced magnesium, DL-methionine and slightly acidic urine. Treating stones is a matter for the vet.
How many calories does it have?
3540 kcal/kg; one cup (85 g) has 337 kcal.
Why is there pineapple in it?
Pineapple extract contains the enzyme bromelain, added by the manufacturer for weight control.
Is it suitable for cats allergic to chicken?
No, chicken is the main ingredient.
