Skip to content

6,000+ pet foods rated. Your best match, free in 30 seconds.

Back
Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Food
Applaws

Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Food

Verified Jun 14, 2026

Cat · Dry Kitten All Breed Sizes

This is a high-protein, grain-free dry food formulated specifically for growing kittens. It uses chicken and chicken meal as the main protein sources, with peas, lentils, and chickpeas providing additional plant protein and carbohydrates. The recipe also includes added omega-3s from fish oil and flaxseed, plus taurine and a full vitamin–mineral mix to support healthy growth.

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

Nutritionally, this is a solid dry food choice for growing kittens, with a good protein level and chicken as the primary animal source. It is complete and balanced for growth and includes DHA and taurine, which are especially important for kittens. The reliance on multiple legumes high in the ingredient list and the presence of common allergens like chicken and egg are the main nutritional considerations.

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 Probiotic Support
Diet & Compliance
Limited Ingredient
Suitable For
Kitten All Breed Sizes
Does this food work for your pet?
We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.
Check for my pet

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Chicken and chicken meal lead the ingredient list, giving kittens good-quality animal protein for growth.
  • The 37% protein and 16% fat are appropriate levels for most healthy, active kittens.
  • Includes DHA from fish oil and added taurine, which are important nutrients for kitten brain, eye, and heart development.
  • Formulated to be complete and balanced for kitten growth according to AAFCO-style standards.

Considerations

  • Peas, lentils, and chickpeas are all high in the list, so a noticeable portion of the protein comes from plant sources.
  • Multiple legumes in a dry diet may not be ideal for cats that do better on more animal-heavy formulas.
  • Contains chicken and egg, so it will not suit kittens with allergies to these common proteins.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Lentils, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Eggs, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Menhaden Fish Oil (Source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, 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
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.
03
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.
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
Chickpea
Chickpeas are a legume commonly used in pet foods as a plant-based protein, source of digestible carbohydrates, and supply of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps with stool quality and satiety. They can be a useful ingredient for dogs but are not a complete protein for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause gas or digestive upset if underprocessed; additionally, high inclusion of legumes in some grain‑free diets has been discussed as a potential factor in canine dilated cardiomyopathy so diets should be balanced and any concerns discussed with your veterinarian.

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)
37.00%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
16.00%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
3.50%
Low High
Moisture (max)
10.00%
Low High
3977
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 Kitten
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 Growth (puppy/kitten)
Applaws Chicken Recipe dry kitten food contains nothing more than the ingredients listed and is a complete and balanced pet food for kittens.

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.

Visit Applaws
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 Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Food has no recalls since 2014.

Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily

Unlock More

Sign up for the full picture

Ingredient Check

We'll check every ingredient against your pet's profile.

Get started

Feeding Calculator

Personalized portion sizes based on your pet's weight, age, and activity level.

Get started

Side-by-Side Comparison

Compare this food with alternatives to find the best fit.

Get started

Share this food
KibbleLab food report
SOLID PICK.
7.8 /10 Grade B
Kitten Chicken Recipe Dry Food
Applaws · kibblelab.com

Post your cat's report card and challenge friends to check their food.


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.

What does YOUR pet eat?
Look up any dog or cat food. Free, takes 30 seconds, no sign-up.
Check a Food

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.