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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 Canidae, Cat Person, Cats in the Kitchen.

Foods with Mackerel

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

Canidae
Pure Grain-Free Tuna, Chicken & Mackerel Wet Cat Food
8.1
Cat Person
Mackerel & Salmon Mousse Treat
8.0
Cat Person
Salmon & Mackerel Pate Wet Cat Food
8.9
Cat Person
Salmon & Mackerel Shreds in Broth Wet Cat Food
8.0
Cats in the Kitchen
Chick Magnet Chicken & Mackerel Wet Cat Food
8.6
Cats in the Kitchen
Kitten Gone Wild Wild Salmon Recipe Au Jus Wet Cat Food
8.6
Cats in the Kitchen
Kitty Gone Wild Wet Cat Food
8.6
Cats in the Kitchen
La Isla Bonita Mackerel and Shrimp Recipe Au Jus Wet Cat Food
8.6
Cats in the Kitchen
Mack, Jack and Sam Wet Cat Food
8.6
Dave's Pet Food
Naturally Healthy Grain Free Grilled Tuna & Mackerel Dinner in Gravy Wet Cat Food
7.7
Dogs in the Kitchen
Goldie Lox Wet Dog Food
9.0
Dogs in the Kitchen
Goldie Lox Wet Dog Food
9.0
Dogs in the Kitchen
Lamburgini Wet Dog Food
8.3
Dogs in the Kitchen
Lamburgini Wet Dog Food
8.8
Dogs in the Kitchen
The Double Dip Wet Dog Food
9.0
Dogs in the Kitchen
The Double Dip Wet Dog Food
9.0
Dr. Marty
Nature's Blend Essential Wellness Premium Origin Freeze-Dried Dog Food
8.3
Earthborn Holistic
Catalina Catch Mackerel Dinner With Shrimp in Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.0
Earthborn Holistic
Monterey Medley Skipjack Tuna & Mackerel Dinner in Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.1
Essence
Ocean & Freshwater Dry Cat Food
8.7
Fancy Feast
Flaked Tuna & Mackerel Feast Wet Cat Food
7.6
Fera Pets
Fish Oil Supplement
9.3
Fussie Cat
Fine Dining Mousse Mackerel With Pumpkin Entrée in Gravy Wet Cat Food
8.3
Fussie Cat
Fine Dining Mousse Oceanfish With Pumpkin Entrée In Gravy
8.7

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