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[Published: May 14, 2026 | Last updated: May 14, 2026] | 8 min read

TL;DR

• Reflex Plus Sterilised Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a super-premium dry kibble made specifically for sterilised (neutered/spayed), overweight, and inactive adult cats aged 12 months and older (Reflex, 2026).
• Hydrolyzed chicken protein is the first ingredient, which means animal protein leads the formula by weight before cooking.
• The macronutrient profile sits at approximately 34% crude protein, 12% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 33% estimated carbohydrates - well-suited for weight management after sterilisation (Cat Food Central, 2026).
• Key functional additives include XOS (Xylo-oligosaccharides) prebiotics, L-carnitine, psyllium husk fiber, flaxseed, Yucca schidigera, and DL-methionine - each targeting a specific post-sterilisation health concern.
• The formula contains BHA (E320) and BHT (E321) as synthetic preservatives, which some cat owners prefer to avoid when comparing options.

What Is Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken Cat Food?

Reflex Plus Sterilised Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete and balanced formula with essential nutrients designed to help maintain weight after sterilisation and support overall body functions. It is produced by Lider Petfood, a Turkish pet food manufacturer, and is sold across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The formula is positioned as super-premium dry cat food for sterilised, overweight, and inactive cats aged over 12 months. After sterilisation, a cat's caloric needs drop by roughly 20-30% while the risk of weight gain increases significantly - this food is designed to account for that shift with controlled fat levels and added metabolic support ingredients.

Full Ingredient List and What Each Ingredient Does

The complete ingredient list is: hydrolyzed chicken protein, corn, rice, chicken fat, psyllium husks fibre, sugar cane fibre, liver aroma, vitamins and minerals, DL-methionine, brewer's yeast, flaxseed, xylo-oligosaccharides, salt, L-carnitine, Yucca schidigera, and preservatives/antioxidants (E320 and E321).

Here is what each significant ingredient actually contributes:

Hydrolyzed chicken protein is the lead ingredient. Hydrolysis breaks chicken protein into smaller peptide chains, which are easier for cats to digest and absorb. It is a high-quality, named animal protein source - a clear positive for this formula.

Corn and rice are the primary carbohydrate sources. Cats are obligate carnivores and have limited ability to digest large amounts of starch, but both corn and rice are standard energy sources in dry kibble formulations. They are less controversial here than in some budget foods because they appear after the protein source rather than ahead of it.

Chicken fat is a concentrated energy source and a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). It also improves palatability. The amount is controlled - at 12% crude fat - which is appropriate for a sterilised-cat formula targeting weight management.

Psyllium husk fibre and sugar cane fibre work together to slow gastric emptying and create a feeling of fullness. This is a deliberate design choice for cats that tend to overeat after sterilisation. Psyllium also supports stool consistency and colon health.

DL-methionine is an amino acid added specifically to support urinary tract health. 90% of the protein content in this formula is obtained from animal ingredients, but DL-methionine is included as a targeted supplement because sterilised cats have a higher risk of struvite crystal formation in the urinary tract.

Flaxseed (also called linseed) is a plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA - alpha-linolenic acid). Cats convert ALA to the longer-chain Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) at a very low rate, so flaxseed provides some Omega-3 benefit but is less effective than fish oil for this purpose.

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) is a prebiotic fibre derived from corn cobs. XOS enters the large intestine without modification and is used primarily by beneficial digestive bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, reducing negative fermentations that cause energy loss, bloating, and other digestive issues.

L-carnitine is an amino acid compound that assists the body in transporting fatty acids into cells for energy production. It is included to support fat metabolism in cats that are less active following sterilisation.

Yucca schidigera is a plant extract included to reduce the ammonia content of urine and faeces, which directly reduces litter box odour.

E320 (BHA) and E321 (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants used to preserve the fat in the formula. Both are approved for use in pet food within EU and international regulations, but some cat owners and nutritionists prefer natural preservatives such as mixed tocopherols. This is the one ingredient flag worth noting when comparing this product against competitors at a similar price point.

Macronutrient Profile: Protein, Fat, Fibre, and Carbohydrates

The analytical constituents for Reflex Plus Sterilised Adult with Chicken are approximately 34% crude protein, 12% crude fat, 4% crude fibre, 33% estimated carbohydrates, and a metabolisable energy of 3,587 kcal/kg (Cat Food Central, 2026).

Nutrient	Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken	Typical Sterilised Cat Food	Cat's Minimum Daily Need (NRC)
Crude Protein	34%	30-36%	26% (dry matter)
Crude Fat	12%	10-14%	9% (dry matter)
Crude Fibre	4%	3-5%	No set minimum
Carbohydrates (est.)	~33%	~30-40%	No set requirement
Energy (kcal/kg)	3,587	3,400-3,700	Varies by weight

Sources: Cat Food Central 2026; National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Cats

The protein level at 34% is solid for a sterilised-cat formula. Maintaining high protein while reducing fat is the correct nutritional approach post-sterilisation - it preserves lean muscle mass while reducing calorie density. The carbohydrate level at ~33% is moderate and within the typical range for dry kibble, though lower than budget alternatives that lead with grains.

Vitamin and Mineral Profile

The vitamin profile includes Vitamin A (18,000 IU/kg), Vitamin D3 (1,500 IU/kg), Vitamin E (200 mg/kg), Vitamin C (200 mg/kg), Vitamin B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin K3, and choline. The mineral profile covers iron, iodine, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium.

One nutrient absence is worth noting: taurine. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats - unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesise adequate amounts from other amino acids and must get it from food. The published ingredient list does not include taurine as a named additive. Some regional versions of this product do list taurine; buyers should check the specific bag's label to confirm whether it is present in the purchased formulation. If taurine is absent, supplementation or rotation with a taurine-containing food is worth discussing with your vet.

Why Sterilised Cats Need a Different Formula

A cat's metabolism changes meaningfully after sterilisation. Oestrogen and testosterone both play a role in regulating hunger and fat storage. Once those hormones drop, the cat's calorie requirement falls but appetite often stays the same or increases.

Feeding a standard adult formula to a sterilised cat means overfeeding calories at every meal. Over months and years, this leads to weight gain, which increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems, and fatty liver disease in cats. A sterilised-specific formula like this one addresses that with three concrete adjustments: lower fat content, higher fibre to create satiety, and added L-carnitine to support fat metabolism.

Daily ration can vary based on ambient temperature, the cat's indoor or outdoor lifestyle, temperament, and activity level. Reflex recommends weighing food portions to maintain ideal body weight rather than estimating by eye.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken

• Feeding it to unsterilised cats: This formula is calorie-controlled for inactive cats. An active, unsterilised cat - especially a growing or pregnant cat - will not get enough energy from this formula. Use the standard adult or kitten line for those life stages.

• Ignoring portion control despite using a "light" formula: Many cat owners assume a sterilised or weight-management food can be fed freely. It cannot. Overfeeding any food - including calorie-reduced formulas - still causes weight gain. Weigh portions using the feeding guide on the bag adjusted for your cat's current body weight.

• Not providing fresh water alongside dry kibble: All dry cat food has low moisture content - typically around 8-10%. Cats have a naturally low thirst drive and tend to get most of their hydration from prey in the wild. Without enough water intake, dry-food-only diets raise the risk of urinary crystals and kidney stress. Keep a full, clean water bowl available at all times, and consider a pet fountain to encourage drinking.

• Switching food too quickly: Rapid food changes cause digestive upset in most cats. Transition from the old food to this one gradually by mixing small amounts of both over the course of one week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken Cat Food

What is Reflex Plus Sterilised Adult Cat Food with Chicken?

It is a complete and balanced super-premium dry cat food formula made specifically for sterilised cats, featuring a nutritional profile tailored to the weight management and metabolic needs of cats after the sterilisation procedure. It is suitable for all adult cat breeds aged 12 months and older that have been neutered or spayed.

What is the first ingredient in Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken?

Hydrolyzed chicken protein is the first ingredient by weight. This means animal-source protein leads the formula - a positive marker when evaluating cat food quality. Corn and rice follow as the primary carbohydrate sources (Reflex / Pro Feeds, 2026).

Does Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken contain taurine?

The ingredient list published on the official Reflex website and on third-party retailers does not include taurine as a named additive in the chicken sterilised formula. Some regional versions may differ. Check the label of the specific bag you purchase. If taurine is absent, speak with your vet about whether supplementation or food rotation is appropriate for your cat.

What are E320 and E321 in cat food?

E320 is BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and E321 is BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Both are synthetic antioxidants used to prevent fat in pet food from going rancid. They are approved for use in pet food across the EU, UK, and many other markets. Some owners prefer foods preserved with natural alternatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E). If this is a concern, it is worth comparing options at a similar price point.

Is Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken grain-free?

No. The formula contains corn and rice as carbohydrate sources. If your cat has a grain intolerance or your vet has recommended a grain-free diet, this product is not appropriate. Look for a grain-free sterilised formula instead.

What does XOS (Xylo-oligosaccharides) do in cat food?

XOS is a prebiotic derived from corn cobs that passes through to the large intestine without modification, where it feeds beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. This supports healthy digestion and reduces bloating and energy loss from negative gut fermentation. It is not the same as standard beet pulp prebiotics and is considered a more selective prebiotic because it primarily supports the most beneficial bacterial strains.

How much should I feed my sterilised cat with this food?

Portion size depends on your cat's current body weight, activity level, and whether it is indoors or outdoors. Reflex recommends weighing portions daily according to the chart on the bag rather than estimating, and adjusting based on the cat's visual appearance, appetite, and stool quality. A typical indoor sterilised cat of 4 kg at low activity will need less than an outdoor cat of the same weight.

Key Takeaways

• Reflex Plus Sterilised Chicken leads with hydrolyzed chicken protein and delivers 34% crude protein, 12% fat, and ~33% carbohydrates - a well-balanced macronutrient profile for weight management after sterilisation.
• Functional additives including XOS prebiotics, L-carnitine, psyllium husk, DL-methionine, and Yucca schidigera address the specific health risks that sterilised cats face: weight gain, digestive disruption, urinary crystal formation, and odour.
• The formula contains BHA (E320) and BHT (E321) as synthetic preservatives. These are legally approved but worth noting if you prefer naturally preserved foods.
• Taurine - an essential nutrient for cats - is not listed as a named additive in the published ingredient list. Verify the label of your specific purchase and consult your vet if it is absent.
• Always pair dry kibble with unrestricted access to fresh water, weigh portions using the feeding guide, and transition over one week when switching from another food.