I've tried cheaper brands and my cats (Bengals with sensitive stomachs) often end up getting sick. They do well on this cat food - they vomit less, their coats are shiny and they are generally in better health. I did try downgrading their food for a while to save money but it was not worth the vet bills that ensued. I have decided that it's better to feed them quality food and pay the little bit extra. The only complaint I have is that for some silly reason,  it is cheaper to buy twelve of these 12.5 oz cans than it is to buy a case of twenty-four of the 5.5 oz cans of the same exact stuff. I normally would feed two 5.5 oz cans a day....so I am paying less money to feed them 12.5 oz a day in the large cans vs. 11 oz of the same exact stuff packaged in two of the smaller cans. In essence, I am paying less and getting more food by purchasing the larger can. That said, I don't like having a can standing open all day (even refrigerated) and  would rather feed them two fresh 5.5 oz cans a day - so would be happy to see the cost of the 5.5 oz cans come down to match the cost of the larger cans.