Scrumbles Cat Food vs Supermarket Brands | Tried & Tested with Our Cats

Key Takeaways

• High meat content: 75% chicken in dry food makes Scrumbles genuinely protein-rich
• Digestive game-changer: Added probiotics and slippery elm really do help with gut health and reduce litter tray smells
• Small kibble wins: Perfect size for fussy eaters and easy to crunch
• Premium pricing: More expensive than supermarket brands but ingredients justify the cost
• Kitten-friendly: Safe for cats from 8 weeks, with specific kitten formula available

When it comes to our cats, only the best will do, and I’m always on the lookout for food that’s healthy, natural, and (most importantly) gets the paws-up from my fussy felines. So when we were sent a bag of Scrumbles dry cat food to try out, I was genuinely excited, and couldn’t wait to write up this Scrumbles Cat Food Review.

My two cats, Diego (our ginger cat) and Daphne (our little grey cat), are complete opposites when it comes to personality, but both have high standards when it comes to what’s in their bowls, both wet and dry. Diego’s a slightly neurotic ginger who loves his food, while queen Daphne prefers to eat little and often, and loves a treat. What they both have in common though is their love of dry cat food and cat biscuits, and seem to get through our usual brands like a kid troughing through sweets.

Here’s what happened when we put Scrumbles dry cat food to the test, plus some of the things you might want to know if you’re considering switching to this UK-made cat food brand.

Update January 2026: We have now been feeding Scrumbles to Diego and Daphne for over six months. Everything in this review still stands, and both cats continue to thrive on it. I have updated a few sections with our longer-term observations. 

What Actually Is Scrumbles?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me give you the background. Scrumbles is a UK-based pet food brand founded by a husband-and-wife team who wanted better options for their pets with sensitive stomachs. You know how it is when your cat has an upset tummy and you’re desperately Googling solutions at 2am? That’s exactly where these founders started.

Their range includes cat and dog food made with natural, gut-friendly ingredients, and their packaging is fully recyclable (which I absolutely love). They’re also a certified B Corporation, which means they meet high standards for environmental and social responsibility. Plus, they donate a portion of their profits to animal charities. So this is all looking pretty good so far when it comes to these cat biscuits, isn’t it?

The Ingredients: What’s Actually In It?

Let me tell you what properly impressed me about Scrumbles. The ingredient list is refreshingly short and readable. None of that mystery meat nonsense you see on some brands where you need a chemistry degree to understand what your cat’s actually eating.

Here’s what makes Scrumbles stand out:

High-quality, human-grade meat or fish as the number one ingredient (and it’s considered a high protein cat food with around 39-40% crude protein)

The dry food we tested had about 75% chicken, which is genuinely impressive. For comparison, many supermarket brands barely hit 30-35% meat content, and that’s often including “meat derivatives” which could be, well, anything really.

No nasties: No added sugars, no artificial colours, no artificial flavours, and no grains. Just proper, recognisable ingredients.

Gut-friendly additions: They add probiotics and slippery elm, which are brilliant for digestive health. More on that later because this is where things got really interesting with our two.

Natural and hypoallergenic: Free from common allergens like wheat, gluten, and soy, which is brilliant if your cat has sensitivities.

We were sent the Scrumbles Chicken Dry Cat Food, which is one of their most popular recipes and suitable for adult cats. Our cats are 5 and nearly 2, so right in the target age range.

The first thing I noticed was the packaging. It’s compact, fully recyclable, and resealable, which is ideal for preventing stale biscuits. You’ll have to excuse the state of the bag in my original photos – I was away and my husband got a bit scissor-happy with the opening!

Scrumbles vs Supermarket Cat Food: Quick Comparison

Here is a side-by-side look at how Scrumbles stacks up against typical supermarket own-brand dry cat food:

Feature	Scrumbles Dry Food	Supermarket Own Brand
Meat content	75% chicken	30-35% meat and derivatives
First ingredient	Chicken	Cereals
Grains and fillers	None	Yes – cereals and vegetable extracts
Artificial additives	None	Often includes colourants
Probiotics for gut health	Yes	No
Price per kg	Approx GBP 7.60	Approx GBP 3.00
Feeding amount needed	Less (more nutrient dense)	More

The price difference is real, but so is the quality gap. Keep reading for the full breakdown of what we found. 

Scrumbles vs Tesco Own Brand: The Real Comparison

Right, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or should I say, the cat food aisle at Tesco?

I know what you’re thinking because I thought it too: “This sounds great, Becky, but how does it actually compare to what I’m buying now?” Most of us have grabbed a bag of Tesco own brand dried cat food at some point because it’s convenient and, let’s be honest, significantly cheaper.

Here’s the thing though. When you actually look at what you’re getting for your money, the comparison is quite eye-opening.

The Ingredient Breakdown

Tesco Adult Dry Cat Food (the standard chicken variety):

• Around 30-35% meat and animal derivatives (only 4% chicken in specific kibbles)
• First ingredient listed? Cereals. Not meat.
• Contains vegetable protein extracts (basically filler)
• Added colourants

Scrumbles Chicken Dry Cat Food:

• 75% chicken (!!!)
• First ingredient? Actual chicken.
• No cereals, no grains, no fillers
• Natural ingredients only

Can you see the difference? It’s like comparing a Greggs sausage roll to a Waitrose one. Both technically do the job, but the quality is worlds apart.

What About The Price?

I’m not going to pretend Scrumbles is cheap. It’s definitely more expensive than supermarket own brands. A 2.5kg bag of Scrumbles costs around £19 (works out to about £7.60 per kg), while Tesco’s 3kg bag is around £9 (£3 per kg).

So yes, you’re paying more than double. But here’s what changed my mind about whether it’s worth it:

1. You feed less because it’s more nutritionally dense. The feeding guidelines for Scrumbles are lower than for cereal-based foods.
2. Better digestion means less waste (literally). Their poos are smaller and less, um, pungent.
3. Fewer vet bills potentially. Better nutrition now could mean fewer health issues later.
4. They actually eat it. I’ve wasted so much money on cheap food that my cats turn their noses up at. What’s the point of saving money if half the bag goes in the bin?

When you break it down like that, the price difference doesn’t seem quite so scary, does it?

The Honest User Reviews

I’ve been reading through tons of reviews from other cat owners, and the Tesco own brand gets seriously mixed feedback. Loads of people report their cats refusing to eat it, or worse, being sick after eating it. There are multiple reviews mentioning a strange chemical or ammonia-like smell.

Scrumbles, on the other hand, has a much more positive track record, with most complaints focusing on the price rather than the quality. That tells you something, doesn’t it?

The Taste Test: What My Cats Actually Thought

Right, the moment of truth. Because all the fancy ingredients in the world don’t matter if your cat takes one sniff and walks away with their tail in the air, do they?

The biscuits themselves are small and uniform in shape, which makes them really easy to chew. This was brilliant for Daphne, who’s a tiny princess and prefers her food in bite-sized pieces. No struggling with massive chunks that she then spits out dramatically on the kitchen floor.

Diego took to Scrumbles instantly. He chomped his way through his portion like it was a treat. Honestly, I’ve never seen him so enthusiastic about dry food. He was literally doing that excited little dance cats do when they know dinner’s coming.

Daphne was more reserved (as always), but she finished her bowl, which for her is basically a five-star review. She’s the sort of cat who’ll eat three biscuits, wander off, come back ten minutes later for two more, repeat. But she kept coming back to the Scrumbles bowl, which is her seal of approval.

The Smell Test

Can we talk about the smell for a second? Because this is where Scrumbles really surprised me. When you open the bag, it actually smells like proper roast chicken. Not that weird synthetic biscuity smell you get with some brands. Just… chicken. Diego was beside himself when I opened it, proper meowing and rubbing around my legs like I was preparing a Sunday roast.

The Gut Health Benefits: Do They Actually Work?

This is the big claim with Scrumbles, isn’t it? The whole gut-friendly angle with added probiotics and slippery elm. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. Probiotics for cats? Sounds a bit gimmicky, doesn’t it?

But here’s what actually happened after about two weeks of feeding Scrumbles:

The litter tray situation improved dramatically. I’m not being funny, but this is genuinely one of the best bits. Their poos became more formed, more regular, and significantly less smelly. As someone who has to deal with two litter trays in our not-exactly-massive South East London flat, this was genuinely life-changing.

Less hairballs for Daphne, who’s long-haired and prone to yakking them up on the carpet at the most inconvenient moments (usually right before guests arrive, obviously).

Shinier coats within about three weeks. Diego’s ginger fur looked properly glossy, and Daphne’s fluff was noticeably softer.

More energy, particularly for Diego, who’s getting on a bit. He was zooming around like a kitten again, which was lovely to see, even if it did mean more 3am parkour sessions across our bed.

The science behind it makes sense too. Cats have quite sensitive digestive systems, and the probiotics (good bacteria) help maintain a healthy gut environment. The slippery elm is a natural ingredient that soothes the digestive tract. Together, they’re genuinely effective at supporting digestive health.

Can Kittens Eat Scrumbles?

Absolutely! This is such an important question because loads of people ask me about it.

All Scrumbles recipes are suitable for cats from 8 weeks onwards, which means they’re safe for kittens. However, they do make a specific kitten formula that’s even better for growing furballs because it has everything little ones need.

Scrumbles Kitten Food vs Adult Food

The Scrumbles Chicken Dry Kitten Food is specially formulated with:

• Higher protein content (around 40%) for muscle development
• Added DHA for brain and eye development
• Extra calories for those crazy energy levels kittens have
• Small kibble size that’s easy for tiny mouths

If you’ve got a kitten, I’d definitely recommend getting the specific kitten formula rather than the adult version. The nutritional needs are quite different during that crucial growth period from 8 weeks to about 12 months.

That said, if you’ve got both adult cats and kittens in your household (been there, done that, got the scratched furniture), the adult Scrumbles food won’t harm your kitten. It’s just not optimized for their specific needs. My approach when we had that situation was to feed the kitten food to everyone – the adults certainly didn’t mind the extra protein!

Making The Switch For Kittens

When transitioning any kitten to new food, take it slowly. Mix a little bit of Scrumbles with their current food, gradually increasing the Scrumbles proportion over 7-10 days. This gives their tiny tummies time to adjust and prevents any upset.

One thing I love about Scrumbles for kittens is that the ingredients are so natural and digestible. When you’re raising a kitten, you want to give them the best possible start, don’t you? Good nutrition now sets them up for a healthy life.

The Not-So-Perfect Bits

Right, because this is an honest review, let me tell you what isn’t brilliant about Scrumbles.

The price. I’ve mentioned it already, but it bears repeating. This is premium cat food with a premium price tag. If you’re on a tight budget or have multiple cats, it can add up quickly. A 2.5kg bag costs around £19, which for us lasts about 3-4 weeks with two cats. That’s roughly £80 a month just on dry food.

Limited flavour variety in the dry food range. They do chicken, and chicken with salmon. That’s it. If your cat needs more variety or has an allergy to chicken, you’re a bit stuck.

The kibble size, while perfect for my two, might be too small for some cats. If your cat likes to really crunch their food for dental benefits, these tiny biscuits might not provide quite enough of that teeth-cleaning action.

Availability. While you can buy it from major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Pets at Home, and Amazon, it’s not always in stock. We’ve had a couple of times where we’ve had to switch retailers to find it.

Some cats don’t take to it. I’ve read reviews from people whose cats absolutely refused to eat it. Every cat is different, and while mine loved it, yours might not. That’s just the risk with any food switch, isn’t it?

The postbiotics in some formulas don’t suit every cat. I’ve seen a few reports of cats developing digestive issues (ironically, given the gut-friendly claims). It seems to be quite rare, but worth noting if your cat suddenly has runny tummy after switching.

Who Should Try Scrumbles Cat Food

After feeding Scrumbles to Diego and Daphne for several weeks, I have got a pretty clear sense of which cats and owners will get the most out of it.

Scrumbles is a great choice if:

• Your cat has a sensitive stomach or recurring digestive issues
• You have a fussy eater who turns their nose up at other brands
• You want high-quality, natural ingredients without the commitment of raw feeding
• You are looking for food suitable for both adult cats and kittens
• You care about sustainability and want to support a B Corp certified brand
• Your cat is getting older and could benefit from extra nutritional support

It might not be the best fit if:

• You are on a tight budget, especially with multiple cats
• Your cat has a chicken allergy (limited flavour options in dry food)
• Your current food is working perfectly and you do not want to risk disruption
• You prefer a wider variety of dry food flavours to rotate through

Honestly, if your cat falls into the first group, it is worth trying at least one bag. The smaller 750g size is perfect for testing without too much commitment. 

Is Scrumbles Cat Food Good for Cats?

If you’re wondering, “Is Scrumbles actually good for cats?” the short answer is yes – especially if you’re looking for a nutritionally balanced dry cat food with gut-friendly ingredients. It’s packed with protein, doesn’t contain any unnecessary fillers, and supports your cat’s overall health with taurine, omega oils, and probiotics.

Plus, it’s suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances, thanks to its simple ingredient list and absence of grains, dairy, and common irritants. Grey cats especially are known for having more sensitive stomachs (that’s the ‘blue’ breeding in many of them), and Daphne had a prolonged bout of tummy trouble when she was young, that she had to be treated at the vet for. So using something that you know is good for their gut is reassuring.

Scrumbles Wet Food: Worth Trying?

We focused mainly on the dry food, but we did try their wet food pouches as well, and honestly? Mixed results.

The wet food comes in pate and gravy varieties (they used to do pouches but have changed formats a few times). The ingredient quality is just as good as the dry food, with high meat content and the same gut-friendly additions.

Diego absolutely wolfed down the chicken pate. Daphne was less impressed – she found the texture a bit too dense and preferred her usual wet food. The gravy pouches went down better with both of them, probably because the chunks were in that lovely meaty sauce that cats go mad for.

If you’re going to try Scrumbles wet food, I’d recommend the gravy varieties over the pate, especially if you have a fussy cat. The pate is quite firm and some cats find it too dry.

Where To Buy Scrumbles Cat Food

You’ve got loads of options for buying Scrumbles, which is handy:

Directly from their website – Often has the best deals, plus you can set up a subscription and save 15%. Free delivery over £30.

Amazon – Super convenient if you’ve got Prime. Prices vary but often competitive. Check current prices on Amazon here

Pets at Home – Good if you want to see it in person first or need it immediately.

Major supermarkets – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose stock it, though not always every variety.

Independent pet shops – Worth checking your local one, supporting small businesses and all that.

Top Money-Saving Tips

Because I’m nothing if not a bargain hunter, here are my tips for making Scrumbles more affordable:

1. Subscribe and save on their website for 15% off every order
2. Buy the bigger bags – the 2.5kg bag works out cheaper per kilo than the 750g one
3. Watch for Amazon deals – I’ve seen it discounted during Prime Day and Black Friday
4. Mix with a cheaper food – Some people do 50/50 Scrumbles with a good quality supermarket brand to make it last longer
5. Use it as a topper – If the price is too much for full meals, use it as a supplement to another food

Making The Switch: How To Transition Your Cat

If you’re thinking of trying Scrumbles (and honestly, after all this, I think you should), here’s how to do it properly.

Week 1: Mix 25% Scrumbles with 75% current food Week 2: Go to 50/50
Week 3: 75% Scrumbles, 25% old food Week 4: 100% Scrumbles

Some cats transition faster than this, especially greedy guts like Diego who’d eat cardboard if you put it in his bowl. But the gradual approach helps prevent upset tummies and means your cat has time to adjust to the new taste and texture.

Watch out for any signs of digestive upset during the transition – loose stools, vomiting, or loss of appetite. If any of these happen, slow down the transition or stop altogether and chat to your vet.

The Sustainability Factor

Can we talk about the environmental side for a second? Because this actually matters to me, even if it doesn’t directly affect whether your cat likes the food.

Scrumbles genuinely walks the walk when it comes to sustainability:

• B Corporation certified – They meet rigorous standards for environmental and social performance
• Made in the UK and Ireland – Lower food miles, supporting local manufacturing
• Recyclable packaging – The bags can go in your recycling bin
• Responsibly sourced ingredients – Free-range British and Irish meat
• 1% for the Planet member – They donate to environmental causes
• Carbon-conscious manufacturing – They work with the University of Bath to minimize their carbon footprint

Is this going to change your cat’s life? Probably not. But it’s nice to know you’re supporting a company that actually gives a toss about the planet, isn’t it?

Republic of Cats vs Scrumbles Dry Food: Which One’s Better?

If you’re torn between Republic of Cats and Scrumbles dry food, here’s a quick head-to-head comparison based on what really matters, based on ingredients, nutrition, convenience, and, of course, feline approval:

Feature	Scrumbles Dry Food	Republic of Cats Dry Food (“Ministry of Crunch”)
Main Protein Source	60% chicken (or other meats depending on flavour) – high protein cat food	50–60% meat or fish (varies by recipe – salmon, chicken, turkey) – a high protein cat food
Added Probiotics	Yes – gut-friendly probiotics included in all dry recipes	No – probiotics are not listed as a feature
Artificial Additives	None – no added sugar, salt, colours, or preservatives	None – also free from nasties
Tailored Nutrition	One-size-fits-all adult, senior, or kitten options	Yes – tailored meal plans based on your cat’s age, weight, and preferences
Feeding Method	Buy-as-you-go (online or in pet stores)	Subscription only (monthly delivery)
Eco Credentials	Fully recyclable packaging, B Corp certified, UK made	Not B Corp, but UK made and supports eco-packaging
Taste Test – Diego & Daphne	Both approved, especially Diego	Not tested yet – might be a future trial!
Price Point	Around £7.99–£17.99 depending on bag size	Subscription pricing – around £20–£30/month depending on your cat’s needs

My Final Verdict on Scrumbles Cat Food

After six weeks of feeding Scrumbles to Diego and Daphne, here’s what I genuinely think:

This is brilliant quality cat food. The ingredients are top-notch, the digestive benefits are real (not just marketing hype), and most cats seem to love the taste. The small kibble size is genuinely thoughtful design, and the sustainability credentials are impressive.

The price is the only real stumbling block. If money’s tight, it might not be realistic to feed Scrumbles every day. But honestly? Even using it as a occasional treat or mixing it with a cheaper food would give your cat some nutritional benefits.

It’s especially worth trying if:

• Your cat has digestive issues or a sensitive stomach
• You’ve got a fussy eater who turns their nose up at other foods
• You want high-quality, natural ingredients without the faff of raw feeding
• You care about environmental impact and supporting ethical companies
• Your cat is getting older and needs extra nutritional support

Maybe give it a miss if:

• You’re on a very tight budget and have multiple cats to feed
• Your cat has allergies to chicken
• Your cat is doing brilliantly on their current food and you don’t want to rock the boat
• You want more flavor variety in dry food options

For me and my two? We’re sticking with Scrumbles. The improvement in Diego’s coat and energy, and Daphne’s digestive health, is worth the extra cost. Plus, they actually finish their meals now, which means less wasted food and less guilt about buying something they won’t eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scrumbles cat food suitable for senior cats?

Yes! The adult formula is perfect for senior cats. The high protein content helps maintain muscle mass, which is crucial as cats age. The digestive support from probiotics and slippery elm is especially beneficial for older cats who often have more sensitive tummies. The small kibble size is also easier for older cats to chew if they have any dental issues.

Can I feed Scrumbles to kittens and adult cats together?

You can, but it’s not ideal. If you’ve got a multi-age household, your best bet is to feed the kitten formula to everyone. Adult cats will be absolutely fine eating kitten food (might even benefit from the extra protein and calories), whereas kittens won’t get quite the right nutrition from adult food. Alternatively, feed them separately, though I know that’s easier said than done with cats!

How long does a bag of Scrumbles cat food last?

It depends on how many cats you have and their size. For my two average-sized cats, a 2.5kg bag lasts about 3-4 weeks. A single cat household might stretch it to 6-8 weeks. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the packet though, as overfeeding (even healthy food) can lead to weight gain.

Does Scrumbles help with hairballs?

While Scrumbles doesn’t specifically market itself as a hairball control food, many owners (myself included) have noticed a reduction in hairballs. The high-quality protein and healthy fats contribute to better coat condition, which means less shedding and less fur being ingested. The digestive support also helps everything move through the system more efficiently.

What if my cat doesn’t like Scrumbles?

Start with the smallest bag (750g) to test if your cat will even eat it. If they refuse it completely after a week of gradual introduction, it’s just not meant to be. Some cats are ridiculously fussy (I see you, Daphne). You could try mixing it with a bit of wet food or some tasty toppers to make it more appealing, but don’t force it. A cat that won’t eat isn’t a happy cat.

Is Scrumbles better than other premium brands like Orijen or Applaws?

That’s a tough one because they’re all quality brands with different formulations. Scrumbles focuses heavily on digestive health with the added probiotics and slippery elm, which sets it apart. Orijen has higher protein content but is also more expensive. Applaws is similarly priced but doesn’t have the gut-friendly additions. Honestly, it comes down to your cat’s individual needs and what they’ll actually eat.

Is Scrumbles worth the money compared to supermarket cat food?

It depends on your priorities. Scrumbles costs roughly double the price of supermarket own brands per kilo. However, the 75 percent meat content versus 30 to 35 percent in budget brands means you are feeding less per meal. Many owners also report fewer vet visits for digestive issues. If your cat has a sensitive stomach or you want genuinely high-quality ingredients, the cost often balances out. If budget is tight, mixing Scrumbles with a cheaper brand can give you some benefits without the full price tag.

How long does it take to see results from Scrumbles cat food?

Most owners notice improvements within two to three weeks. We saw better litter tray results within the first fortnight, and shinier coats after about three weeks. Energy levels picked up around the same time. Every cat is different though, so give it at least a month before deciding if it is working for yours. 

Our Final Thoughts on Scrumbles Cat Food?

After six months of feeding Scrumbles to Diego and Daphne, I can confidently say it has been worth the switch. The quality is genuinely there in the ingredients, the digestive benefits are real and noticeable, and both cats are healthier for it.

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it perfect? No – I would love more dry food flavour options, and the price means it is not realistic for everyone. But if you can stretch the budget, or even use it as part of your cat’s diet a few times a week, you will likely see the difference.

Diego still hoovers it up like it is the best thing that has ever happened to him. Daphne remains characteristically reserved but finishes every bowl, which is high praise from our little diva. The improved coat condition, better digestion, and less smelly litter trays have made it a permanent fixture in our house.

If you are on the fence, grab the small bag and see what your cat thinks. Worst case, you are out a tenner. Best case, you have found their new favourite food. 

Have you tried Scrumbles cat food? I’d love to know what you thought! Drop a comment below!

Thanks to Scrumbles for sending us this tasty cat food! All views and opinions in this Scrumbles Cat Food Review are my own (and that of Diego and Daphne!)

Enjoyed this Scrumbles Cat Food Review? See more of my pet-related posts here and my review posts here!