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Mackerel

138 foods contain this ingredient

Protein Fish allergen group

This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.

About Mackerel

Mackerel is an oily marine fish added to pet food to supply animal protein and natural EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.

Mackerel is a fatty fish commonly used in pet foods as a high‑quality animal protein and a rich source of omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), often added for flavor, palatability and healthy fats. Its omega‑3s support skin and coat condition, immune and joint health in dogs and cats, but owners should be aware of potential heavy‑metal accumulation, food sensitivities, and higher fat or sodium in some preparations, so choose properly processed, deboned sources from reputable suppliers.

Related ingredients

Saba Mackerel Broth Mackerel Oil
Derived from
whole fish or fish meal from mackerel species
Primary role
protein and omega-3 fatty acid source

Why it's used

As a fatty fish, mackerel concentrates EPA and DHA without needing added fish oil, while its strong aroma also boosts palatability in wet foods and treats. Smaller, shorter-lived species such as Atlantic or Pacific chub mackerel are generally preferred by formulators over large predatory mackerel species.

Common concerns

  • Mercury and heavy metals Large predatory mackerel species (such as king or Spanish mackerel) accumulate more mercury and other heavy metals than smaller, shorter-lived mackerel species, and neither AAFCO nor the NRC has set a specific upper limit for mercury in pet food.
  • Histamine formation As an oily fish, mackerel can develop histamine (scombrotoxin) if it is not chilled quickly after catch, since the bacterial enzymes that produce histamine work fastest at warmer temperatures and the compound cannot be removed later by cooking or freezing.
  • Fish allergy Fish is one of the more commonly reported food allergens in dogs and cats, so mackerel-based diets are sometimes avoided or introduced cautiously in pets with a known fish sensitivity.

Also relevant

Formulators generally favor smaller mackerel species and controlled sourcing partly to limit the contaminant and spoilage concerns described above.

3 sources cited

Common Questions

What category is Mackerel?

Mackerel is categorized as a protein ingredient in the KibbleLab database.

Is Mackerel part of an allergen group?

Yes. Mackerel is grouped under the Fish allergen group in the KibbleLab database.

Which foods contain Mackerel?

138 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Mackerel, including Acana, Almo Nature, Applaws.

Foods with Mackerel

Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.

Acana
Freshwater Fish Blend Dry Dog Food
8.2
Acana
Highest Protein Wild Atlantic Recipe Dry Dog Food
8.7
Almo Nature
Classic Complete Tuna Recipe With Mackerel Wet Cat Food
8.2
Almo Nature
Complete HQS Mackerel Recipe With Pumpkin In Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.9
Almo Nature
Complete HQS Mackerel Recipe With Sea Bream In Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.6
Almo Nature
Complete HQS Mackerel Recipe With Sweet Potatoes In Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.0
Almo Nature
Complete HQS Tilapia and Mackerel Recipe in Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.5
Almo Nature
Golden Age Tuna Recipe With Ocean Fish In Gravy Wet Cat Food
9.2
Almo Nature
Mousse HQS Mackerel and Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
8.0
Almo Nature
Natural HQS Mackerel in Broth Wet Cat Food
8.0
Almo Nature
Natural HQS Ocean Fish In Broth Supplement
6.7
Almo Nature
Supportive Formulas HQS Digestive Support Mackerel Recipe With Spinach in Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.9
Almo Nature
Supportive Formulas HQS Skin & Coat Mackerel Recipe in Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.1
Almo Nature
Whitefish With Mackerel In Broth Kitten Wet Food
8.0
Applaws
Mackerel Filet Treat
8.0
Applaws
Mackerel & Sardine in Broth Cat Food Topper
6.7
Applaws
Mackerel & Sardine in Broth Wet Cat Food
8.0
Applaws
Ocean Fish in Broth Wet Cat Food
8.0
Applaws
Ocean Fish Recipe In Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.7
Applaws
Sardine & Mackerel Recipe in Broth Cat Food Topper
6.7
Applaws
Tuna Fillet & Mackerel in Gravy Topper
8.0
Applaws
Tuna Fillet & Mackerel Pâté Recipe In Broth
8.0
Applaws
Tuna Fillet With Mackerel Mousse Wet Cat Food
8.3
Authority
Healthy Aging Senior Ocean Fish Pate Wet Cat Food
9.2

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