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Adult Chicken With Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food
Applaws

Adult Chicken With Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food

Verified Jun 14, 2026

Cat · Dry Adult All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food for adult cats, using chicken as the primary protein source with added salmon and salmon meal. Peas, lentils, and chickpeas supply most of the carbohydrates, while chicken fat and flaxseed contribute essential fatty acids. It’s designed as a complete and balanced everyday diet for healthy adult cats, including those with somewhat sensitive digestion.

Over-the-counter AAFCO No recalls
Official product page
KibbleLab Score
7.8 out of 10

Nutritionally, this is a solid grain-free dry option for healthy adult cats who do well on chicken- and fish-based diets. The protein and fat levels are appropriate for most adult cats, and the first ingredients are animal-based. Because it relies heavily on peas, lentils, and chickpeas, it’s best suited to cats without known issues on legume-rich diets and who don’t have chicken or fish allergies.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Ingredient composition Quality, beneficial additions, absence of artificial colors/flavors
Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber evaluated for stated life stage and food type
AAFCO compliance Complete and balanced certification; feeding trials valued higher
Health considerations Sensitivity profile, DCM risk, processing method
9.0 – 10 Top Pick
8.0 – 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 – 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 – 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6 Not Recommended

KibbleLab may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through a link. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.


At a Glance

Health Benefits
Allergy Support Digestive Health Sensitive Stomach
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken and chicken meal are main ingredients, giving good-quality animal protein for adult cats.
  • Protein and fat levels are appropriate for most healthy adult cats on a dry diet.
  • Added salmon and salmon meal increase the variety of animal protein and supply marine omega-3s.
  • Clearly labeled as complete and balanced for adult maintenance, so it can be used as a sole diet.

Considerations

  • This is a grain-free, legume-heavy recipe with peas, lentils, and chickpeas high on the list, which some owners may wish to limit.
  • Chicken and fish are common allergens, so this would not be suitable for cats with known sensitivities to those proteins.
  • Grain-free formulas are not automatically better; cats who do well with grains do not need to avoid them.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Peas, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chickpeas, Salmon Meal, Salmon, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid), Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract.

Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.

Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.

Top 5 Ingredients Explained

01
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
02
Pea
Pea is a plant-based ingredient used in pet foods as a source of protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and micronutrients (often included as whole peas, pea flour, or pea protein concentrate) to boost protein content and improve texture. While peas can provide digestible carbohydrates, fiber, and some plant protein useful especially for dogs, they are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and — when overused, particularly in concentrated forms or as a major component of grain‑free diets — have been scrutinized for a possible association with canine dilated cardiomyopathy and can contribute to nutrient imbalances or excess calories, so balanced formulation and compliance with AAFCO nutritional profiles are important.
03
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
04
Lentil
Lentils are a plant-based source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and micronutrients (notably folate and iron) commonly used in pet foods to add bulk, promote satiety and help moderate post-meal blood sugar. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs when properly processed and balanced with animal-derived amino acids, but lentil protein is less digestible and incomplete for obligate carnivores like cats; high legume inclusion can also increase gas or digestive upset and has been discussed in the context of diet-associated heart concerns in dogs, so lentils should be used in nutritionally complete, vetted formulations.
05
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.

Nutritional Breakdown

How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
36.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
14.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
4.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3825
kcal / Kg
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Kibble
Food type Dry

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Applaws Chicken with Salmon Dry food contains nothing more than the ingredients listed and is a complete and balanced pet food for adult cats.

Brand

Applaws

Applaws is a premium pet food brand focusing on natural ingredients and simple recipes for cats and dogs. It is known for its high meat content, transparent labeling, and grain-free offerings targeted at health-conscious pet owners seeking minimally processed food options.

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Price tier $$$$

Manufacturer

Company name MPM Products
Parent company Partners Group
Founded 2002
Headquarters Manchester, United Kingdom
Manufacturing type Co Packer
Manufacturing country Thailand
Manufacturing oversight

MPM Products works with audited co-manufacturers that comply with international pet food safety standards such as HACCP and GMP. Their manufacturing partners are located primarily in Thailand and the UK, and they ensure ingredient traceability and quality through third-party certification and oversight.

Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.

Recall History

No recalls on record

Applaws Adult Chicken With Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

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KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.8 /10 Grade B
Adult Chicken With Salmon Recipe Dry Cat Food
Applaws · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Applaws ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Applaws. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.

How does KibbleLab rate foods?

Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.

Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?

No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.

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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.

KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.

Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.